About SOS Tax Advisors
I came into tax quite by accident after obtaining a degree in Human Biology I was not sure what direction to go. After a year of work experience my brother, an accountant he suggested a career in tax. I got a job with a small local firm in Reading - it was much easier in the 1980's but I was not sure I would enjoy it. However, I worked for the then president of the Institute of Chartered Tax Advisors which was both demanding and also highly technical. The work was interesting, but it was the relief on clients faces when you explained what they needed to do that gave me fulfilment and this is something I still enjoy.
I now choose to specialise in personal tax and the tagline for SOS Tax advisors is Keeping tax simple. I have spent long enough in working in tax and accountancy fields to know that many find the whole area very confusing, and when it comes to form filling it is a scary prospect. Being able to demystify your taxes and set out the rules both clearly and comprehensively is my aim. I am of course the specialist so you don't need to know all the rules, but if you are confident in my explanations and understand what you are doing and why that will give you comfort. In this regard I enjoy all areas of tax but especially property related issues and the associated income tax and capital gains tax rules. I assist on tax to a property investment specialist who has an ever growing portfolio of investors. It seems like almost every week I manage to reduce the capital gains tax charge on rental property for my clients.
Having worked in tax for many years I started in a small local firm where I studied for my membership exams for the Institute of Taxation, qualifying in 1986. I was the junior so had a hand in all areas of tax. From there I spent the next 17 years at PWC working on senior executives of multinational companies I also deal with many of these still. I am able to help them with their remuneration package as well as share options, again making it simple for them to understand the different schemes and revenue rules, and complete tax planning accordingly.
After a 2 year break while my children were small I then spent the last 15 years working with small and medium sized businesses, and have enjoyed the business structuring and associated tax planning that this involves. I now still work with these entrepreneurs, but with my network of accountants who can complete the correct statutory accounts required.
Working for myself allows me to spend more time on my family as well as extra long walks with my dog.
My main aim is to always be available for my clients whatever their needs are and even if they just want to call for a friendly catch up (there is never a charge for a chat).