Tax Qualifications

More and more, employers are looking to recruit people who have practical industry experience combined with taxation qualifications. Having the right qualifications for tax allows you to apply to a wider selection of vacancies, makes you a more valuable asset to your employer and adds variety to your working life.

Although studying will mean sacrificing some of your leisure time, this is a long-term investment in your career and will show potential employers that you are committed to progressing.

Which course to take?

Assessing which course is appropriate for you and when to study is difficult and will depend on what is motivating you. Whether you are just starting your career in a new profession and need a specialist tax qualification, or you want to broaden your current skills, or even if you want to specialise in another field, outlined below is a brief overview of the many accounting qualifications that are available and where to go for further information.

Ensure you have the right support

Before signing up to any course, take a moment to consider your current employer and their attitude to your studying. Will they support you financially in your studies? Will they allow you time off? Are you working in an environment conducive to learning where you can experience all areas of the business? 

If you would like some further information on tax qualifications, our consultants are always available to discuss your career options and which are the best qualifications for you.

ATT - Association of Tax Technicians

CIOT - The Chartered Institute of Taxation




Association of Tax Technicians - www.att.org.uk

The Association of Taxation Technicians was established with sponsorship from the Institute of Taxation, to recognise the increasing demand for tax services and requirements for an accountancy qualification specifically for those working in tax departments in industry, commerce and the public sector, as well as professional practices. The Association has over 8,200 members, affiliates and registered students.

Membership will entitle you to the right to associate yourself with the association and use of their badge and initials. You will receive Tax Adviser magazine on monthly basis and annotated copies of Tax acts. In addition you will also be given access to a number of conferences and activities run by the institute as well as various discounts, among other benefits.

After seven months you will be eligible to take the examinations, though the association recommends a period of twelve. Over this period you are recommended to study using the structured course guide provided. Taking part in a correspondence course or evening classes is also highly recommended.

Two three hour papers make up the final exams.

Paper 1

The first paper covers aspects of Income Tax and Capital Gains Tax. You will also be required to demonstrate basic knowledge of Inheritance Tax, including an awareness of implications of lifetime gifts for individuals as donors or donees.

Paper 2

Paper 2 covers the main taxes involving businesses, requiring an understanding of the different legal forms through which businesses are conducted. You will also have to consider how this affects their tax liabilities. The paper will cover business taxes including income tax on business profits and capital gains tax on the assets of the business. Value added tax and national insurance contributions are also within the syllabus.

 
 
CIOT – The Chartered Institute of Taxation - www.tax.org.uk
 
The Chartered Institute of Taxation is the recognised professional body for taxation in the UK, their members all hold 'Chartered Tax Advisor’ status. Tested by way of both an examination and your practical experience, you will be able to give advice on matters of taxation using the designatory initials CTA, FTII and ATII upon qualification.
 
The Institute deals with all aspects of direct and indirect taxation. They are also the UK member of the Confédération Fiscale Européenne, which is the umbrella term for the body of taxation advisers throughout Europe.
 
Membership will entitle you to the right to associate yourself with the CIOT and use of their badge and initials. You will receive Tax Adviser magazine on monthly basis and annotated copies of Tax acts. In addition you will also be given access to a number of conferences and activities run by the institute as well as various discounts, among other benefits.
 
The Chartered Tax Adviser (CTA) examinations are in May and November every year. You will also need to be able to demonstrate three year’s recent experience of working in Tax.
 
Eligibility to sit the exams is dependent on your having been registered as a candidate for six months, whilst it is recommended that you a period of one year’s study is undertaken before sitting exams.
 
The course is made up of four papers:
 
Paper 1 – General Taxation
 
This paper contains 45 questions on a number of taxation topics, including Income Tax, Capital Gains Tax, Corporation Tax, National Insurance Contributions, VAT and Stamp Duty. This is followed by either 15 more questions on various taxation topics or 15 questions on indirect taxation.
 
Paper 2 – Option Paper
 
You will be required to demonstrate a more specialist knowledge of issues in this paper. Choosing one of the four topics as your area, the options are:
 
Paper IIA – General Practice
Paper IIB – Taxation of Individuals, Trusts and Estates
Paper IIC – Companies
Paper IID – Indirect Taxation
 
Paper 3 – Interaction of Taxes
 
This paper will call upon your knowledge of taxation matters as they arise in particular situations and will require knowledge of more than one tax.
 
Areas covered will include general practice, individuals, trusts and estates and larger companies and two will be set primarily on indirect tax.
 
Paper 4 – Tax Administration, Professional Responsibilities and Ethics
 
Part A covers Professional Responsibilities and Ethics, whilst Part B covers Tax Administration.
 
Questions here will relate to either general practice tax administration or indirect tax administration.