Hiring a tax advisor is a smart move for your financial health, but it’s important to ensure you’re getting the proactive, strategic service you deserve. A great tax professional does more than just fill out forms; they become a trusted partner in your financial life.
To get the most out of your relationship and ensure your advisor is truly working in your best interest, always come prepared. Here are the five essential questions you should ask.
1. “Based on my situation, what specific tax-saving opportunities should we be discussing?”
Why you should ask this: This is a proactive question that shifts the conversation from simple compliance to strategic planning. A good advisor will already be thinking this way. Their answer will show you if they are looking ahead for deductions, reliefs, and allowances you may not know exist—from claiming for work-from-home expenses to leveraging pension tax relief or structuring your investments tax-efficiently.
- Listen for: Specific, actionable ideas tailored to your job, business, or investments, not just generic advice.
2. “How will you keep me compliant and informed about changing tax laws?”
Why you should ask this: Tax laws are constantly evolving. An advisor who isn’t on top of these changes can’t effectively protect you or save you money. This question helps you understand their commitment to ongoing education and how they will communicate vital updates that could affect your financial decisions.
- Listen for: A clear process. This might include annual review meetings, regular newsletters, or proactive alerts when a new law impacts your situation.
3. “What is your fee structure, and what exactly is included?”
Why you should ask this: Transparency is key to a good professional relationship. Avoid any advisor who is vague about costs. Understanding their fees—whether they charge a fixed fee, an hourly rate, or a percentage-based fee—prevents unexpected invoices and ensures you both have the same expectations about the scope of work.
- Listen for: A clear, written breakdown of fees and the services included (e.g., tax return preparation, correspondence with HMRC, annual planning meeting). Don’t be afraid to ask, “Could there be any additional charges?”
4. “What information and documents do you need from me, and when?”
Why you should ask this: A smooth tax process is a collaborative one. This question demonstrates that the advisor has an organised system and values your time. Their answer will give you a clear checklist to work from, reducing last-minute scrambles and ensuring your return is accurate and filed on time.
- Listen for: A specific list or a welcome pack that outlines required documents. A great advisor, like the team at Tax Advisors UK, will often provide clients with a customised checklist to make organisation simple.
5. “How can we work together to make my tax situation more efficient next year and beyond?”
Why you should ask this: This is the ultimate forward-looking question. It separates a reactive form-filler from a true strategic partner. The answer should focus on long-term planning, such as income shifting, inheritance tax planning, investment strategies, and making better financial decisions throughout the year to minimise your future tax liability.
- Listen for: Ideas that extend beyond the current tax year. They should be interested in your future goals—buying a property, expanding your business, or planning for retirement—and how tax planning can help you achieve them.
Your Advisor Should Be Your Most Trusted Financial Partner
Asking these questions isn’t just about vetting your advisor; it’s about starting a productive, transparent dialogue. You have a right to understand the process, the costs, and the strategy behind your tax affairs.
At Tax Advisors UK, we welcome these questions and believe they are the foundation of a successful partnership. Our goal is to provide clear answers and a comprehensive strategy that gives you confidence and control over your financial future.
Ready for a tax advisory relationship that puts you first? Contact us today to start the conversation.
