Tax advisers
A tax adviser can be a member of the Chartered Institute of Taxation or the Association of Taxation Technicians. They will have received formal training in taxation matters and can use the letters ATII or ATT after their name. Tax advisers can also be qualified accountants who have undertaken formal training. They will be a member of one of the accounting bodies and will have the letters ACA, FCA, CA, ACCA or FCCA after their name.
However, anybody can become a tax adviser: there is no statutory authority which governs tax advice. You should always request information about a tax adviser's background and experience before instructing them to deal with your tax affairs.
Appropriately qualified people to consider include:
- former tax inspectors, or
- people who have passed the Chartered Institute of Taxation or Association of Taxation Technicians examinations. These individuals can use the letters ATII, FTII or ATT after their name.
A qualified tax adviser will be able to:
- prepare your tax return, calculate your liability and deal with any HM Revenue & Customs enquiries,
- prepare accounts for sole traders and partnerships,
- give tax-planning advice, and
- give advice for specialist areas of taxation that have complex legislation.
Tax advisers will charge per hour or a pre-arranged flat fee.