Stephen Fennell

Stephen Fennell

Stephen joined Independent Tax in April 2024 as VAT Partner.

His appointment signals the beginning of a VAT Advisory service line within the firm, where Stephen will lead a team of experienced and capable colleagues, who can advise businesses and individuals on VAT related matters.

Stephen is ideally qualified for the role having worked for HMRC for 28 years, initially at ports and airports, before he undertook VAT inspections on small businesses and worked on investigations.

After 4 years conducting VAT inspections, Stephen was promoted into the large trader environment within HMRC, where he had day to day responsibility for overseeing some of the UK’s biggest companies across the chemical, construction and retail sectors.

His work in the retail sector brought him to the attention of one of the largest supermarkets in the UK and he left HMRC to become Morrisons Group Indirect Tax Manager, at a time when they were acquiring an equally large competitor.

After successfully merging the two massive VAT operations, Stephen left to start his own VAT consultancy business, where he advised clients including numerous accountants.

Stephen has also undertaken separate contract work with an international ladies fashion chain and an international law firm.

After 17 years running his own VAT practice, Stephen has joined Independent Tax to share his vast knowledge with clients and to provide sensible, practical advice.

Away from work, Stephen is a keen Leeds United fan and sports in general, like boxing and horse racing. He loves relaxing walking his dog through the countryside or socialising with his family and friends. He has settled in easily working alongside Richard Morley, given their shared love of Led Zeppelin!