VAT poser

My firm is facing similar pro bono problems to those of Simon Owens clients (see [2001] Gazette, 5 April, 16).

A number of my partners did their bit by becoming directors of local health trusts for a nominal fee.Customs & Excise now wants its share by saying that the fee is part of the firms turnover and thus subject to VAT.

We are in the process of appealing.I would be glad to hear from any other firm that has had similar experiences.Douglas Cotton, senior partner, Birketts, Ipswich