Tensions are rising among former Halliwells partners after a decision was made to limit the number of ex-partners eligible to seek a tax rebate from HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC).

Former members of the defunct firm are in negotiations with HMRC about the taxable profits and losses of Halliwells during the financial year ending 30 April 2010 and for the period up to its collapse on 20 July that year. Some partners are seeking to offset the law firm's losses against tax either owed or paid on their earnings.

However, a letter sent out by former managing partner Jonathan Brown at the end of last month on the advice of accountants states that only those partners who were at the firm on 1 May 2010 will be eligible for terminal loss relief. This has frustrated some who left Halliwells before this point and believe they should be eligible.

It is understood the cut-off was introduced because accounts being prepared for the period ending 19 July 2010 are expected to show the firm making a profit in 2009-10, with losses only starting on 1 May.

The news comes as the latest report from administrator BDO shows that Halliwells owes unsecured creditors more than £190m. To date, BDO has received claims worth £191.5m from unsecured creditors.

Landlord and lease creditors account for £182.2m of claims received to date, with HMRC the next largest creditor, with some £4.3m owed in taxes and £1.1m in value-added tax.

The debt figure is significantly higher than the £14.1m originally thought to be owed to unsecured creditors. At that point, HMRC was identified as the largest of the non-preferential creditors.