Fraudulent letter from solicitor?

thorsoak

The solicitor says "But then the last paragraph of the letter:
"Strictly speaking this payment forms part of the estate. However, and I feel sure you will agree with me here, I would prefer not to re-open matters with the Capital Taxes Office at this point which would involve paying 40% of the total value of the cheque."

I read it that the SOLICITOR does not wish to re-open matters with the CTO - because it will also incur additional charges which you wife would have to pay. Your wife has been reminded that the CTO should be notified and that 40% tax will be due.

I read it that the solicitor has put the responsibility on to your wife - not fraud!

Primrose

I would very feel uncomfortable cashing that cheque and living in a situation which I know is dishonest and could be tantamound to committing fraud. I would also be very uncomfortable deal with a solicitor who, on the face of it, looks as if they are presenting you with an opportunity to get away without paying tax due, and in the process, could possibly be exposing you to a criminal prosecution later on.
Send the cheque back, ask them if they are implying that you could avoid paying tax which is due, and ask them to contact HMRC and sort the matter out. And then never deal with them again. Nobody likes paying tax, especially these days when we have seen so many people in public life defrauding the system, but that's no excuse for the rest of us to copy their low standards.

zygurat789

Are the solicitors not acting merely as agents? In which case all the consequences, fines penalties etc will fall on your head, not the solicitors. You may be able to claim from the solicitor, but you'll be fighting him on his own area of expertese and YOU will still have the black mark against your name on official records.
Discuss all the courses of action and consequences with the solicitor, reasonably and politely before you take any descision

Sowilo_2

Cash cheque, shred letter and deny all knowledge of it should the matter arise. I bet the solicitor hasn't kept a copy.