We understand affordability is a big part of appointing a tax adviser, especially for the first time when you don’t know what the cost will be. We are happy to go through the services you require and the associated costs so you can make the choice that’s best for you and your budget. We are happy to provide the level of service that suits you, whether that be an annual phone call for ad hoc tax advice or a full accountancy services with all the bells and whistles.

In terms of fees we offer two routes – by the hour or a fixed fee. Whilst many clients are comfortable with a ‘pay as you go service’ others, wherever possible, prefer to have an annual fixed fee, paid monthly, determined before the work is undertaken.

Of course you can have a go at preparing your own accounts and tax returns but that might not be a good use of your valuable time and you may not be aware of allowable deductions and claims that are routine for a professional adviser. We will be able to explain these and advise on the best route for you where there are options available. With the benefit of expert advice and help you will be safe in the knowledge that your taxes are being done properly, reduce the risk of HMRC enquiry and avoid costly mistakes associated with having a go yourself.

If you are in business, appointing a professional adviser for the first time is the beginning of long term investment in your business. We aim to add value to your business, that’s why at the outset we will get to know you and your business, explain the things you might not have been aware of and if needed help you to put things right whether that be a tax mistake or changing business vehicle from sole-trader to company. Along our business journey together we will help and explain the tax system and point out planning opportunities. At the end of your business journey we will help you plan your exit tax efficiently and this will be especially valuable where you have built up complex tax affairs but don’t know or understand the options available to you.

Having experts on hand to advise and help you will free up your valuable time to concentrate on developing your business in to a success.

There can be no substitute for having a tax professional act on your behalf. However, as bizarre as it may seem, even with an increasingly sophisticated tax system and regulations, legally anyone can call themselves as an ‘adviser’ even with no qualifications, no relevant experience or limited skills.

With ever more sophisticated branding and websites it can be difficult to differentiate between a good and poor adviser. As part of recent a consultation aimed at raising standards in tax advice, HMRC commissioned research uncovered areas of concern including misleading advertising and lack of transparency about services provided. It reports that some agent practices are arguably misleading, either actively or by omission including trading names that taxpayers may associate with HMRC or using the colour scheme associated with HMRC or logos associated with government more widely. A separate consultation highlighted poor practice among agents claiming to be specialising in making claims for reliefs such as Research & Development.

Often choosing an adviser is cost driven with little or no consideration for skill and experience. HMRC research found that taxpayers’ agent choices are based on a range of reasons including the opportunity to receive a repayment without needing to put much effort in, having financial worries or pressures which encourage them to seek out opportunities for financial reimbursements, hearing of colleagues or friends and family who successfully used an agent and the perception that the agent is skilled and capable.

Whilst there will be many factors to consider before appointing an adviser including cost, location, resources, responsiveness and personality, you should always check that any adviser is a member of a professional tax or accountancy body and that an adviser is suitably skilled and experienced. Joseph Lawrence never undertakes work that we are not suitably experienced and qualified to do. Joseph Lawrence employs both CTA and ATT advisers. The CTA (Chartered Tax Adviser) is one of the most respected tax qualifications in the world. Globally recognised, it’s ideal for taxation professionals who wish to deepen their understanding of the sector and advance their careers. The ATT (Association of Taxation Technicians) is the leading body for those providing UK tax compliance services. Membership for CTA and ATT is attained by examination and practical experience so being qualified equips you with the skills and the knowledge to successfully navigate a complex tax system and provide clients with the best possible advice.

So what are the key differences between a CTA or ATT member and an unqualified tax adviser:

CTA and ATT members

• Following years of training and experience we are equipped with the skills and the knowledge to successfully navigate an increasingly sophisticated tax system. We bring so much more to the table than just bookkeeping and filling in a tax return.
• Our professional bodies requires us to adhere to Member Rules, meaning you can have total confidence in our professionalism. If you are unhappy with our work, you have recourse with a professional body who’ll investigate our professional conduct.
• We are part of a 20,000 strong qualified community and receive technical updates, meaning we are keeping up to date with the latest tax changes that you may need to know about.
• We are required to complete continuing professional development (CPD) each year. CPD is the mandatory requirement to maintain and develop skills and competencies necessary to carry out professional and technical duties competently throughout our working life.
• We are registered with a professional body and hold professional indemnity insurance, meaning you are protected against work we perform that harms you or your business.

Unqualified Tax Advisers

• Hold no taxation qualifications, so there are no guarantees about their taxation knowledge and quality of work. They are unlikely to be able to offer the full range of services and expertise a Chartered Tax Adviser or Taxation Technician can.
• Are not required to adhere to a set of professional rules so you have no avenue of complaint if you are unhappy with their professional conduct.
• Are not part of a qualified community so are likely to receive technical updates, meaning they may not be keeping up to date with the latest tax changes that you may need to know about.
• Are not obliged to keep their knowledge up to date, meaning they may not have the skills and competencies necessary to carry out professional and technical duties competently, leaving your tax returns open to question.
• Are not registered with a professional body and may not hold professional indemnity insurance, meaning you are not protected or insured against any work they do that harms you or your business.

Ydw. Mae Chris Thomas yn gallu siarad Cymraeg.

Yes. We are required to follow high ethical and professional standards and also demonstrate that we are keeping our professional knowledge and skills up to date by undertaking Continuing Professional Development (CPD).

Yes. We can do the whole lot, including bookkeeping, payroll, VAT returns and year end compliance. Alternatively, we are happy to provide a bespoke service.

Yes and it’s free!