The Worshipful Company of Tax Advisers

ADVANCEMENT IN THE WORSHIPFUL COMPANY OF TAX ADVISERS

All Freemen of the Company are encouraged to become Liverymen.

First, they must obtain their Freedom of the City of London.

OBTAINING FREEDOM OF THE CITY OF LONDON

All Freemen are entitled to apply for Freedom of the City. While many of the ancient privileges enjoyed by City Freemen since the 13th century have lapsed, holding the Freedom of the City remains much sought after – and is a prerequisite for becoming a Liveryman. Comprehensive instructions, and the online application form, are here:
Freedom Application Form

The Freedom Ceremony

Three times a year, in March, September and December, the Master and other senior officers of the Company join Freemen of the Company, who have been approved by the Court of Aldermen for Freedom of the City, at one of the City’s Freedom Admission Ceremonies at the Guildhall. These ‘Company Group’ ceremonies are especially popular amongst Freemen wishing to advance to become Liverymen of the Company – which can be accomplished on the same day (as described below).

Freemen of the Company are quite at liberty to obtain their Freedom of the City at one of the other Freedom Admission Ceremonies held regularly throughout the year (rather than joining a Company Group ceremony).

Whether conducted individually, or as part of a Company Group, those obtaining their Freedom of the City may be accompanied by guests, who may then also observe advancement to Livery at Court later that day (as appropriate). Freemen are also encouraged to notify whoever sponsored their initial membership of the Company; they may wish to attend and support.

Once a Freeman of the Company has obtained Freedom of the City, they can advance to become a Liveryman of the Company. There is no minimum qualifying period as a Freeman of the Company before seeking either Freedom of the City or Livery of the Company.

BECOMING A LIVERYMAN OF THE COMPANY

A Freeman of the Company may apply to become a Liveryman of the Company from the moment they have been informed of the date on which the Court of Aldermen will consider their application for Freedom of the City. They need not wait for the granting of Freedom of the City itself before applying for Livery. The Livery Application Form, duly completed, should be sent to [email protected]

Those approved to become a Liveryman of the Company are required to attend a Court meeting for their advancement. Those obtaining their Freedom of the City at a Group Ceremony (as above), may advance to Livery on the same day; City Freedom occurs in the morning, and Court meets in the afternoon. Liverymen may be advanced at Court in June but there is no preceding Group Ceremony, as Court meets in the morning.

Fines and Donations

The fine payable on advancement to the Livery is indicated in the Members Area

Reflecting the Company’s charitable ethos, members undertake to donate to one or both of our charities: the Tax Advisers’ Benevolent Fund (TABF) and the Tax Advisers’ Charitable Trust (TACT), ideally by way of a standing order.

It is recognised that members’ ability to contribute will vary. While there is no prescribed level of donation, a sum (prior to Gift Aid) equivalent to your Quarterage each year is a suggested guide, and £250.00 is a suggested minimum.