This page contains information relevant to those studying for the FTA qualification.
The FTA introduced an examination-based entry requirement from June 2006. There are details of the syllabus below and the first examination was held in March 2007 and over 80% of students sitting the exams have achieved the required pass mark of 50%.
Exams are held twice annually with the next exam scheduled for 20th September 2010 and this will be based on tax law up to and including Finance Act 2009.
The examination consists of one paper covering a range of tax issues. A pilot paper and study materials are available now and there are also two mock exam papers and answers available on this website for registered students.
Below you will find information about FTA examinations and the syllabus. If you can’t find the information you need on this page, you can contact us using the enquiry form below.
SYLLABUS
The FTA syllabus covers UK tax liabilities for resident individuals and businesses in respect of:
- Income tax (IT);
- National Insurance Contributions (NICs);
- Corporation tax (CT);
- Capital Gains Tax (CGT); and
- Value Added Tax (VAT);
taking into account statutory time limits for claims, returns and payment dates.
Candidates will need to show that they have an understanding of the above and of the working and structure of HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC); the tax appeals’ processes and procedure; and appropriate ways of dealing with HMRC and other relevant statutory authorities.
Students should be able to:
- prepare a computation of tax-adjusted profit/loss for trades and professions;
- calculate an individual’s taxable employment income;
- prepare computations of NIC liabilities;
- prepare computations of property and investment income;
- prepare computations of the chargeable gains arising on disposals by both individuals and companies;
- prepare personal income tax and CGT computations;
- prepare corporation tax computations;
- complete basic value added tax calculations;
- identify the due dates for submission of returns, claims and the payment of tax liabilities; and
- deal with HM Revenue & Customs and with clients in an appropriate manner.
An example of the full syllabus can be downloaded below.
Download the Syllabus*
EXAMS
The FTA examination will consist of one three-hour written paper. It will be mainly computational and will comprise:
- One question divided into a number of short sub-questions, dealing with all areas of the syllabus.
- Four other questions dealing with IT, NIC, CT, CGT and VAT. These questions will be mainly computational, although some answers may require a very brief discussion of a specified point.
All questions are compulsory (i.e. five questions must be attempted). The total marks for the paper will be 100, divided approximately evenly between the 5 questions.
The 2010 examinations will be held on 22nd March and 20th September, 2010. There are examination centres around the UK that, under normal circumstances, should result in a journey time of less than one hour.
The fee for the examination is £125, payable with the
application the closing date for which is 31st January for the March 2010 exam.
MOCK EXAMS
We have posted two mock exams and answers on the website in the Member's Area.
STUDY MATERIALS
The study materials and pilot paper are published and available now in association with the leading training provider, BPP. The cost, payable direct to BPP, is £50
and you can
order the manual online.
For details about these materials or any other BPP products, please call BPP Learning Media - customer services team on 0845 0751 100 (within the UK), or +44 (0)20 8740 2211 (from overseas) or send an email to learningmedia@bpp.com and you should request the FTA Study Text 10 which is listed under Learning Materials - Tax.
Alternatively, you can write to:
BPP Learning Media,
Aldine House,
Aldine Place
London W12 8AW
Tel: 020 8740 2222
Fax 020 8740 1184
APPLICATION PROCESS SUMMARY
1. Download the Student Application* which should be completed and returned to the FTA along with a
cheque payable to FTA for £60 (The joining fee of £15 and first year's
subscription of £45).
2. Purchase the FTA Manual which costs £50 and is available
direct from from BPP (call 0845 0751 100)
3. Download the
Exam
Registration Form* and send it along with a cheque payable
to FTA for £125. Please watch this page for revised dates for exams and relevant closing dates for entry.
ENQUIRY FORM
Please complete all fields marked *
*Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader - click here to download.
