First Tier Tribunal (Tax) Appeals — What You Need to Know?

A First Tier Tribunal (Tax) is not a formal court and will only deal with your application in case you’re challenging a refusal on the basis of benefit or tax credit office decision. The Tribunal is completely independent of the Tax Credit and Benefits offices that make the decision to reject your initial application.

The First Tier Tribunal provides a slightly more informal local hearing for those appealing for benefits and tax credits and has less complicated procedures. The hearing is usually overseen by a Tribunal judge and a few members. The judges for the tribunals are legally qualified and the members are usually trained volunteers.

Here’s all you need to know about the steps of the Tribunal process:

Step 1 – Appeal Form:

The first step is filling out the online appeal form, asking for a hearing. After the Tribunal receives the form, they send the applicant or their representative a confirmation which contains information such as the contact details of the Tribunal, a unique appeal number, the information they have and require regarding the appeal, and an inquiry form that needs to be filled and sent within 2 weeks by the applicant.

Step 2 – Response from the Benefit or Tax Credit Office:

A response to the applicant’s appeal will be sent by the Benefit and Tax Credit office to the Tribunal as well as the applicant. It will include:

• copies of the completed forms,
• copies of all the information and documented evidence they received from the applicant,
• an explanation of their decision including reference to the UK law it was based on.

Step 3 – Applicant’s Response:

Once the applicant receives all the papers, they need to go through them carefully and inform the Tribunal right away in case of any mistake or discrepancy. After the inquiry form has been completed and submitted the applicant will be given the option of an oral hearing or a paper hearing.

Appeals with oral hearings have a better chance of winning and the cost of transport is covered by the Tribunal or Appeals Service. You need to mention in the inquiry form in case you’ve authorised someone else to represent you at the hearing beforehand.

Step 4 – The Appeal Hearing:

The Tribunal will give the applicant at least a four weeks’ notice before the hearing date and will try to arrange it as soon as possible. In case the applicant is unable to attend, they must inform the Tribunal immediately for a new date to be set. In case the applicant has arrived at a settlement with the Benefit or Tax Credit office, they can withdraw their appeal at any stage before the actual hearing.

Step 5 – Possible Outcome:

After the hearing, the applicant will receive notice regarding the decision of the Tribunal. The Benefit and Tax Credit office will be asked to make any changes according to the decision of the Tribunal. A letter will be sent to the applicant confirming the changes that have been made to the application. If the Tribunal decides to reject the applicant’s appeal, they will be informed by a letter as well.

It is entirely possible to appeal against the decision made by the Tribunal if they are wrong on the basis of UK law. However, you’ll need specialist advice from top immigration solicitors to challenge a decision made by the Tribunal. There are also strict time limits for appealing a tribunal decision so you’ll need to seek out professional assistance as soon as possible.

Hiring an expert immigration solicitor greatly reduces the risk of refusal of your appeal. Wembley Solicitors are one of the best UK immigration experts in Middlesex, London. Contact us today for any assistance with your UK immigration appeals and visa applications.