The Worshipful Company of Tax Advisers

HOW TO JOIN THE WORSHIPFUL COMPANY OF TAX ADVISERS

Everyone who is or has been engaged in or with the practice, study, teaching, or administration of taxation is welcome to apply to join the Company. Those approved for membership become ‘Freemen of the Company’.

BECOMING A FREEMAN OF THE COMPANY

Those wishing to join the Company should satisfy the eligibility requirements above, make a declaration of allegiance, and acknowledge a number of financial commitments detailed below. Membership of any Livery Company is generally considered a long-term commitment and, for many, life-long.

Applications are made using the Membership Application Form. This should be returned, with an accompanying GDPR Consent Form, to: [email protected].

Applicants are asked to nominate a sponsor (an existing member of the Company who can provide a reference). Those without a sponsor may request one. Applicants are encouraged to attend a Company event or participate in a Company activity before submitting their application, though this is not always feasible or strictly necessary.

Applications may be submitted at any time. Those submitted by the 15th of January, March, June, or October in any year will be considered for approval by the Court (Board) at their meetings in March, June, September, and December of the same year. The intervening period allows for preliminary consideration by the Membership Committee, at one of its periodic meetings.

Those approved to become Freemen of the Company attend a Court meeting for their admission (though, in exceptional cases, this may be done virtually at the discretion of the Court).

Financial Commitments

The financial commitments associated with membership are as follows (as at July 2024):

On Entry

On admission as a Freeman of the Company, those who are resident and working in the UK pay a one-off entry fee (known as a 'Fine'):

· Under 30 years of age (at the time of admission) - £240

· Under 35 - £290

· Under 40 - £340

· Under 45 - £390

· Over 45 - £440

Those who are resident and working outside the UK, of any age, pay a reduced one-off fee: £200

Fines on admission may be paid in quarterly instalments, by arrangement with the Honorary Treasurer.

Ongoing Commitments

Members pay an annual membership fee (known as 'Quarterage') at a rate set annually by the Court. The fee is payable in July each year, ideally by direct debit:

· Quarterage: £400

Members under the age of 40, and members resident and working outside the UK, may pay a reduced rate: £200

As Quarterage covers a full year, new members pay pro rata based on the date of their admission. An individual joining the Company in September pays 9/12 of the full year’s rate.

Charitable Donations

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.

ADVANCEMENT

All Freemen of the Company are encouraged to become Liverymen, having first obtained their Freedom of the City of London. See How to Advance to Livery