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If your tax affairs become too complex for you to handle, they may be best left to experts. How to find tax advisor may be challenging, though, as anyone in the UK, or anywhere, can call themselves tax agents without qualification or experience. This guide will help you on how to choose a tax advisor wisely. After all, even if you have an agent, you remain responsible for your taxes.
Why You Need a Tax Advisor
Before searching about how do I find a tax advisor UK, be sure to check you are incapable this time of handling your tax affairs. HMRC gives a clear guide about who can use personal tax, business tax, and claim refunds without the need of agents.
There are many ways your tax situation can get too complicated for you to handle alone, such as:
- It is your first time off the Pay as You Earn taxation, hence, are not sure about how to pay income tax through self-assessment.
- You moved abroad and went back to the UK, dealing with capital gains tax and other taxes you suddenly must pay.
- You face personal tax or business audit notice from HMRC.
- You need tax efficient strategies (e.g., right salary-dividend combination, etc.).
- You need tax advice after getting a divorce or separation.
- You want to plan your estate or curb your UK inheritance tax.
The rule of thumb is that if you are not confident settling it, even if you have filed a tax return several times before, you will need tax consultants on your side.
Pro-Tip: If you think hiring a tax advisor is expensive, use alternative means such as seeking help from HMRC’s free helpline, families or friends registered as trusted helpers, tax charities, or Citizens Advice.
What to Look for in a Tax Advisor UK
Here is how to find a tax advisor in UK:
- Digital Presence
Start your search by evaluating the digital presence of potential advisors. A reputable tax advisor will have an informative and professional website, active social media channels, and a solid online presence.
Check online reviews on platforms like Trustpilot, Google Reviews, or even their Facebook page to gauge client satisfaction and reliability. Look for patterns in feedback—consistently positive reviews on their approachability, responsiveness, and expertise are good signs.
- Experience
Not all tax advisors are the same. What sets them apart is their experience, particularly in your sector or specific tax needs. Ensure the advisor has substantial experience handling cases like yours, whether related to business taxes, personal finances, or specific industries.
- Services
A comprehensive service offering is essential, especially if your tax needs extend beyond simple returns. The best advisors do not only meet your current requirements but also scale their services as your financial or business situation evolves, so that you do not need to switch advisors as your needs evolve.
- Charge
Some advisors offer an initial free consultation, which you can use to gauge their approach without financial commitment. If you want to proceed, read their terms and conditions carefully, enquire how and when payments are expected, what is included in their service package, and any additional charges that may apply to avoid future surprises.
- Professional Indemnity Insurance
Having professional indemnity insurance indicates the advisor upholds accountability and professional standards, protecting you in case of negligence or errors on their part. Members of professional bodies usually have this insurance with a clear complaints’ procedure.
- HMRC Agent Authorisation
Confirm that your advisor is registered and adheres to HMRC’s agent standards, ensuring they are up to date with the latest regulations and capable of handling your tax matters through HMRC’s digital tax system.
- Professional Qualifications
One major step on how to find a tax advisor UK is to check whether your advisor holds relevant qualifications or memberships with recognised accountancy or tax bodies (see more below). These organisations also provide directories for qualified advisors.
Tax Professional Bodies in UK
Professional organisations in the UK ensure that their members undergo rigorous training, adhere to professional standards, and prioritise continuous professional development. The major institutions include:
- Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)
- Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW)
- Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT)
- Association of Taxation Technicians (ATT)
- Chartered Institute of Taxation (CIOT)
- Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS)
- Chartered Accountants Ireland (CAI)
FAQs on UK Tax Advisors
A tax advisor and an accountant can be the same, as many tax advisors start as accountants and then specialize, but it is important to verify their qualifications to avoid unqualified individuals falsely claiming these titles.
The cost of a tax advisor in the UK varies widely based on their experience, qualifications, and the complexity of your situation. Some offer flat-rate fees, whilst others start low then gradually increase.
Yes, accountants in the UK can provide financial advice related to business planning, financial strategy, legal structures, bookkeeping, tax efficiency, but their primary focus is on ensuring accuracy and tax compliance, unlike financial advisers who focus on helping you grow your business and achieve financial goals.
Any business expenses wholly and exclusively used for the business can be included in the allowable business deductions. Read our guide about tax-deductible financial advisor fees for more information.
Why Our Tax Advisors at Legend Financial
Reaching out to the professional bodies is one of the best ways on how to find tax advisor. They can help you connect with vetted professionals who are well-equipped to handle your tax needs. You can find Legend Financial and Tax Advisers in the ACCA list. For over twelve years, we have successfully helped hundreds of individual taxpayers and businesses settle their tax affairs, from planning to claiming refunds. Get a free initial enquiry with our tax advisors today!
