Whether your tax affairs are straight-forward or complex, tax advisers can act and liaise with HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC), on your behalf.
Doing your homework, however, when it comes to choosing the right one for you, is imperative. In particular, you should bear in mind that it is possible for someone to establish a business offering tax advisory and accountancy services, even with no professional qualifications to speak of.
When it comes to finding the right tax agent to support and advise you, consider the following:
Qualifications and professional standards
A good place to start is to ascertain whether or not the tax adviser in question has the relevant professional qualifications (Chartered Tax Adviser (CTA), or Association of Taxation Technicians (ATT)), and experience that is matched to your requirements.
Many tax advisers are members of governing bodies, the Institute of Chartered Accountants England & Wales (ICAEW) for example, which offer continuous training and professional development, and hold their members to account in respect of professional standards.
Online presence and reputation
A firm’s website and online presence can give you an insight into how established they are, how they operate, the approach they take to working with their clients, their reputation, who makes up the wider team and what their specialisms are.
When it comes to professional services, such as tax advisory and accounting, you might also consider asking someone you trust for their recommendations.
Transparency about services and fees
Beyond tax compliance and advice, consider whether support in other areas is available i.e., payroll, audit, bookkeeping or business advice.
It can be beneficial to have access to the full range of tax and accountancy services under one roof, and the support of a wider team of professionals.
A letter of engagement will typically outline what services and support you have requested and set expectations on both sides.
As for fees, preparation and submission of a straight-forward self-assessment tax return may be covered by an annual fixed fee. However, should you have more complex affairs, or need more involved tax advisory and planning, fees are likely to reflect this and may depend on how much of the agents time you require.
An adviser should be willing to provide you with an estimated cost, and be happy to explain what it covers.
Meeting your tax adviser
Do not underestimate the importance of meeting an adviser, in-person or on-screen. This can be help both parties to build rapport, to perceive what one another expects and to verify identities.
Proactive, professional tax services support from George Hay
Our tax advisers have the relevant professional qualifications and years of experience necessary to support you, with a range of tax and accounting services.
George Hay are members of the ICAEW, adhering to strict professional standards and undertaking regular training to stay abreast of industry developments and changes to tax legislation.
We are proud of our reputation, and of the proactive approach we take to supporting the individuals and businesses who choose to engage us, and we place importance on always being approachable and visible.
To find out more about the ways in which we could support you and your business with our tax and accounting services, or to arrange a free initial consultation with one of our tax advisers in Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, or Hertfordshire, contact us today.
