When appointing an accountant or tax adviser, it is important to proceed with care. It is possible for individuals to offer accounting and tax advisory services without holding formal qualifications or relevant experience. A business trading under the title “Accountancy & Bookkeeping” does not, in itself, guarantee professional training or specialist expertise.
We are a full-service tax brokerage, supporting individuals and businesses of all sizes with compliant, specialist tax advice across all areas of taxation. Speak to us today to discuss your requirements.
Professionally qualified advisers will have completed appropriate training and examinations, are regulated by their professional body, and are required to maintain their knowledge and skills through ongoing continuing professional development. They must also hold Professional Indemnity Insurance (PII), which is essential as it provides protection against financial loss arising from fraud, negligence, or professional error. You should avoid engaging any adviser who does not hold adequate Professional Indemnity Insurance.
Do Not Rely on Reviews Alone
Online reviews should be treated with caution. Platforms such as Google Reviews and Trustpilot do not always provide a complete or reliable picture. Some firms offer incentives in exchange for reviews, which is against the platform terms of use, but this does not stop a lot of businesses. Some businesses will also ask friends and family to leave reviews, which is also against the terms of use for platforms. Reviews can be helpful as part of your research, but they should never be relied upon in isolation.
Research the Adviser Thoroughly
Carrying out due diligence on any adviser you are considering is essential. This may require a little more time, but it is well worth the effort. For example, you can review publicly available information on Companies House to understand how long the firm has been trading, who the directors are, and whether there have been any previous insolvencies or notable issues. Where appropriate, you may also wish to check for any court proceedings or regulatory actions.
Consider the Adviser’s Reputation and Credentials
In our experience, you are more likely to make a sound choice if you consider the following:
- Do they have a strong reputation, and have they been recommended by someone you trust who could have also used them?
- Are they members of a recognised professional body that requires Professional Indemnity Insurance and operates a formal complaints procedure? (Such as CIOT or ATT)
- Do they demonstrate an understanding of businesses of your size and within your sector?
- Do they have proven expertise in the specific areas of tax advice you require?
Ensure They Are a Specialist
Tax is a highly complex and specialist area. The term “tax adviser” is broad and does not necessarily mean that an individual has expertise in all areas of tax. An adviser may specialise in international tax, for example, but have limited experience in VAT or capital allowances. It is important to establish exactly which areas of tax they specialise in and whether that aligns with your needs.
You should also confirm that the adviser is registered for Online Access with HMRC, enabling them to manage your tax affairs digitally where required.
Professional Bodies to Look For
Tax advisers may be members of the following professional bodies:
Many accountants are also qualified to provide tax advice. The leading accountancy bodies include:
- ACA or FCA – Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW)
- ACCA or FCCA – Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)
There are also recognised institutes in Scotland (such as the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland, ICAS), Ireland (Chartered Accountants Ireland), and a range of other national and international bodies representing accountants, solicitors, and bookkeepers.
Most professional bodies operate formal disciplinary procedures, require members to complete ongoing learning and professional development, and mandate appropriate Professional Indemnity Insurance to protect clients in the event of error or misconduct.
Making Contact and Initial Meetings
Professional institutes can provide lists of advisers in your area. While they do not make recommendations, they can supply contact details for current members.
Before beginning your search, it is important to determine your specific needs. Are you seeking help with personal tax matters, or do you require advice on corporate tax planning, property taxation, or a specialist area? Understanding this upfront will help you identify advisers with the relevant expertise.
Once you have a shortlist, arrange meetings with potential advisers. An initial meeting provides an opportunity to discuss your requirements, ask questions, and assess whether the adviser is a good fit. Pay close attention to how clearly they communicate and whether they demonstrate both competence and transparency. It is also sensible to confirm in advance whether the first meeting is free of charge.
Read the Terms Carefully
Always read all documentation thoroughly before signing anything. You should never feel pressured to proceed if you are unsure. A reputable adviser will allow you sufficient time to review terms and will be happy to explain any points that are unclear.
Fees and Ongoing Engagement
Establish how fees are calculated and when they will be payable. Request an estimate and clarify what services are included, as additional work such as VAT returns or payroll is often charged separately. You may be able to reduce costs by completing certain tasks yourself or by using compatible accounting software, this should be discussed at the outset.
Once appointed, you should receive a formal engagement letter clearly setting out the scope of services and terms of the relationship. It is important to keep your adviser informed of any changes in your business or personal circumstances and to seek advice in advance when making significant decisions, such as selling a business or disposing of major assets.
We are a full-service tax brokerage, supporting individuals and businesses of all sizes with compliant, specialist tax advice across all areas of taxation. Speak to us today to discuss your requirements.