Finding an Accountant or Tax Adviser

Accountants may prepare accounts, payroll or tax returns, while tax advisers may specialise in particular taxes. Ask whether the person regularly handles circumstances like yours and exactly what they will do.

The words accountant and tax adviser can be used more broadly than protected professional designations. Titles such as ICAEW Chartered Accountant, ACCA member, ICAS Chartered Accountant, Chartered Accountants Ireland member, Chartered Tax Adviser and Taxation Technician should be checked on the relevant official directory.

• Search the person and firm on the professional body's current register.
• Check the status, practising details and any specialist authorisation needed for the work.
• Ask who supervises anti-money-laundering compliance and whether professional indemnity insurance applies.
• Contact the professional body through its official website if names, addresses or membership details do not match.

These checks apply throughout the UK. ICAS is the Scottish chartered accountancy body; Chartered Accountants Ireland includes members and firms serving Northern Ireland. Other bodies operate UK-wide.

Get a written engagement letter before work starts. It should name the client and adviser, describe the work and deadlines, explain each person's responsibilities, identify who will deal with HMRC, and say how either side can end the arrangement.

Ask for the charging method, likely total, VAT, filing or software costs, payment dates and charges for extra work. A low initial quote may not include meetings, bookkeeping, HMRC enquiries or correcting old records.

Tell the adviser about conflicts of interest, including if they already act for a business partner, employer, relative or the other side of a transaction.

A legitimate adviser may need identity, address, income, business and source-of-funds information. Ask why each document is needed, how it will be sent securely, who can see it and when it will be deleted or returned.

Explain communication or accessibility needs early. You can ask for plain-English explanations, larger text, an interpreter, an accessible meeting place or communication through an authorised person.

Keep copies of returns and calculations. You remain responsible for your tax affairs even when an agent deals with HMRC, so read documents before approving submission.

HMRC's guidance says you can claim many refunds directly without an agent. If using a repayment agent, read the contract, fee and authority carefully, and check where HMRC will send the refund.

• Do not share an HMRC sign-in password or one-time security code.
• Be cautious about guaranteed refunds, secret tax schemes, pressure to sign immediately or fees hidden in a percentage of the refund.
• Check unexpected HMRC messages on GOV.UK rather than following their links.
• Never approve a return containing figures or claims you do not understand.

Complain to the adviser or firm in writing first. Include the engagement letter, dates, documents and the outcome you want. If they belong to a professional body, use that body's complaints process and check its time limit. A professional body may consider standards or conduct, but it may not decide every fee dispute or award every loss claimed.

For an HMRC service or decision, use HMRC's own complaint or appeal route. Free tax help may be available from HMRC, Citizens Advice, TaxAid or Tax Help for Older People, depending on the issue and eligibility.

Our Letter Support can help organise a complaint, but Sixpence Support UK does not provide tax, accounting or legal advice.

UK tax is mainly administered by HMRC, but business law, property taxes and court routes can differ across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Use an adviser experienced in the relevant nation and tax, and check their stated professional title with the body that awards it.

This page is general UK information, not tax, legal or financial advice. Check current official guidance and obtain advice suited to your circumstances before making important decisions.