Sometimes finding topical issues to talk about can be hard, especially when we are waiting for the Budget to arrive, and so this is more of a BTS of my week as a Tax Adviser, commencing 15 September 2025…
With just a week until my ‘summer’ holiday, my diary has been filled with meetings and work to get done before I disappear. This started with a client meeting on Monday to discuss the upcoming Making Tax Digital (MTD) regime.
My client had only recently heard about this, following our processing of her 2025 Tax Return. She has recently inherited rental properties, and so 2025 was the first year of rental income, and so she is caught straight away from April 2026. We had a pleasant time discussing the process, what she needs to do, and how no one understands why HMRC has introduced quarterly filing.
Tuesday began with a retirement breakfast for a long-standing associate. His knowledge and passion will be deeply missed, and this sentiment was echoed by the 100 professionals gathered in the room.
Back to the office for our regular partner get-together over lunch to discuss topical issues in the firm and with clients. It is important that we have time to meet up. With busy portfolios, we can all be caught up in the day-to-day and not give ourselves time to check in.
Wednesday started with another breakfast, but this time our regular professional networking event, held at Lexden Wood Golf Course in Colchester. This is an informal gathering of around 40 professionals, which allows us the opportunity to network and often chat about mutual clients. My table had an interesting chat about Christmas Parties, the good, the bad, and the hilarious memories.
I was straight back to the office for 2 new client meetings and 2 new client calls. This resulted in 9 new clients for the day. My administrator isn’t looking forward to processing all that paperwork. It does, however, show that individuals still need professional assistance.
The first is moving over because their tax adviser, of many years, is retiring. Possibly because of MTD (see above). The second is because their adviser had sold out to a firm a long way away, and so they want to move more locally. One call was a returning client, who had used us for Capital Gains Tax support with the online 60-day residential property disposal process last year. She has sold another property, with 3 other family members. Finally, I spoke with an introduction from another accountant, who often sends work our way. These show that building a network and providing good service pays off.
Thursday, before I left to see a client and collect their tax return information, I spent 3 hours with the ATT Technical Steering Group discussing all things tax. This committee meets regularly and includes tax advisers from all around the country, alongside ATT (our professional body) technical officers. It was a very interesting meeting and showed that we all have similar issues and questions. This group helps the ATT to focus its discussions with HMRC and provides feedback to both sides.
Today, Friday, well that sees me sitting at my desk, writing this article, and hopefully getting some work done before the weekend. This should include writing to HMRC in follow-up to our level 2 compliant (this has been running for over 12 months now); updating a report for a client who is portioning assets; providing calculations to a client who wishes to gift property; reviewing tax returns prepared by the team; and keeping an eye on our trust and estate registrations.
A quick BTS shows what a diverse week it has been, and I am lucky to have fallen into this field of expertise, which allows that breadth of knowledge to be learned and applied as a Tax Adviser.
Only one week until my holidays!
The views expressed in this article are the personal views of the Author and other professionals may express different views. They may not be the views of Lambert Chapman LLP. The material in the article cannot and should not be considered as exhaustive. Professional advice should be sought in connection with any of the issues contained in the article and the implementation of any actions.