Tax planning can be complicated. Getting an experienced personal tax planning accountant to manage your financial affairs gives you peace of mind that everything is taken care of optimally and correctly. But how do you choose which personal tax planning accountants in London are right for you?
What to look for in a good personal tax planning accountants
How do you start to find the best personal tax planning accountants in London? After all, there are hundreds, if not, thousands of accountants across the capital. Which one is right for you?
Here are some questions to consider when choosing your personal tax accountant.
Qualifications
Is your accountant qualified and are they a member of a recognised institute such as the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales (ICAEW)? It’s easy to get things wrong, so ensure you choose an accountant with relevant qualifications.
Tax planning experience
How much experience do they have in tax planning? Qualifications are all very well but on their own, it’s not enough. Your personal tax accountant must also be experienced in dealing with live cases. Knowledge and lived experience are not the same thing.
Specific expertise in the area of tax you require
Does the tax planning accountant have the right level of expertise in the area of tax that you are especially interested in. Not all accountants manage inheritance tax planning so if that’s what you are after, you may need to shop around a bit more.
Continuing professional development
Does the accountant undertake regular professional development? The world of personal taxation is constantly changing. It’s too easy for knowledge to become obsolete. The last thing you need is for your personal tax planning to be based on outmoded information.
Reputation and social proof
What do previous clients say about them? Great personal tax planning accountants will be able to show you client testimonials demonstrating the value working with them can bring. When you are choosing your accountant, ask for social proof examples.
Insurance
Is the accountant properly insured? All accountants should carry professional indemnity insurance to mitigate any issues with the tax advice they give. Ask for proof of their current insurance policy as part of your due diligence.
Meet the accountant at their office
Are you able to get a meeting with them at their office easily? If not, this could be a red flag for your future interactions. Personal tax planning is a very intimate service so you should feel that you are able to easily access your accountant. Start as you mean to go on.
Understanding fees
Is the accountant open about their fee structure? It’s a good idea to discuss possible fees for your personal tax planning work. Ask for an estimate and a list of what’s included. For example, do they offer a fixed monthly fee or will you be charged by the hour or for each letter or phone call. Establish this at the outset to avoid issues later.
What tax matters can you get assistance with?
This will vary between different tax accountants. In London, there are often larger firms than elsewhere, so you are more like to find tax planning accountants who can deal with all areas of taxation. The range of service could include:
- Tax computations
- Completion and submission of tax returns
- Managing the HMRC relationship
- Personal tax planning
- Pension planning
- Capital Gains Tax (CGT) planning
- UK expats
- Trusts and executorships
- Residence rules
- Domicile status
- Holiday lettings
- Inheritance Tax and Estate planning
- Property investment
- Non-resident landlords
- Divorce tax planning
If you aren’t sure exactly what you need, most accountants will offer a free initial chat to discuss your circumstances.
How to find the best tax planning accountants in London
There are a few ways to find a great accountant for your tax planning needs:
- Ask family, friends or business colleagues for recommendations. Getting the views of others who have used the accountant is the best way to get an unbiased view of the service.
- Check with professional bodies that regulate qualified accountants to make sure that your accountant is properly qualified.
- Check review on Google, Trustpilot and other sites to see what other people say about the service.
Green & Peter – for personal tax planning you can trust
The Green & Peter team supports many individuals with personal tax planning across London and the UK. Avoid the stress of unexpected tax bills by working with us to understand your tax affairs better. Don’t put off your tax planning a moment longer – call us today on 0208 446 8100.
