Federation of Tax Advisers
The Federation of Tax Advisers (FTA) is a professional body concerned with UK taxation issues and is limited by guarantee in the United Kingdom (UK).
Its purpose is to encourage the study of taxation and to promote best practice in the administration of taxation in the UK. The FTA regulates professional tax advisers on a voluntary basis.
The FTA campaigns for a fairer and less complex tax system. It also provides a qualification and regulatory structure for its members.
The IFA provides members with tools to operate as tax advisers providing compliance and planning expertise to SMEs and entrepreneurs.
History
The FTA was established in 1997. On 3 June 2009 it became a part of the IFA Group through a merger with the Institute of Financial Accountants and is now the tax faculty of said organisation.
Qualifications
The FTA offers the following qualifications:
- Associate Member (AFTA)
- Fellow Member (FFTA)
Membership at the grade of Associate (AFTA) or Fellow (FFTA) means you can refer to yourself as an IFA Tax Adviser.
Practice certificate
Members at Associate or Fellow level may apply for and be granted an IFA tax practicing certificate subject to meeting the eligibility criteria. However, this certificate will only allow you to be supervised for taxation work. If you provide services to the public that are not covered by your tax practicing certificate, such as accountancy, this may affect your membership and supervision with the IFA.
For an IFA member to apply for a tax practising certificate they must meet the following criteria.
- Be a current member of good standing at either Associate or Fellow level.
- Must have been working in the UK for at least two years in an appropriate tax role.
- Must be practising in the UK offering taxation services to the public.
- Must comply with the IFA's continuing professional development (CPD) requirements.
- Must have professional indemnity insurance cover.
- Must be supervised under Money Laundering Regulations 2007.
- Must provide evidence of having achieved a UK taxation qualification equivalent to the IFA taxation qualification.
- Must provide evidence of having completed an ethics assessment.