There are a number of benefits for you, as a tax adviser or accountant when you join the FTA.

REGULATION

Without doubt there will be official regulation for tax advisers in the not too distant future, and you will need to belong to a recognised body that will offer that regulation and support. The FTA will endeavour to ensure that it is a recognised body in order to give its members the right to practice in tax in the UK.

PRACTICE STANDARDS

Practitioners with limited experience will often look for a source of general support and advice in the day to day running of their practice. The FTA can provide this. We have a Code of Practice to which all Members are required to adhere. We also have standard forms and engagement letters which we can supply to members on request.

PREFERENTIAL TERMS

The FTA negotiates, on behalf of members, discounted prices for software and professional indemnity cover. Further schemes, including legal expenses cover are being arranged that will benefit not only members, but their clients too.

TRAINING/CPD

All FTA Members (i.e. Associates and Fellows) are required to maintain currency of legislation and practices as they apply to Tax Advisers and must provide proof of their Continuing Professional Development* (CPD) throughout the term of their membership. Renewal of membership is conditional upon achieving a minimum of 25 points in the preceding 12 months.

The FTA has negotiated a full CPD update and training course that is available to members - for further details please click here, or you can view an example/excerpt online now - click on one of these links for a five minute presentation - Broadband version or Dial-up version.

QUALIFICATION

On acceptance of a full membership application (see below for the entry level Affiliate status), you will be entitled to add the Federation's letters after your name to signify to clients and the public that you belong to a professional body. The value of this is often underestimated - clients are looking for professional advice and want to know that there is a line of accountability and an organisation that they can refer to in the event of a dispute.

JOINING

Before deciding to join, please read through the next pages. The route to Fellow membership is open to all and you will normally progress by joining as an Affiliate and then following the exam route to qualify for Associate membership (see the Student pages). After three years Associate membership upgrading to Fellow membership is possible - for details of the upgrade requirements see apply for upgrading.

Fuller details of Affiliate and Associate/Fellow membership benefits are to be found on the 'Joining' page together with a downloadable application form.  However you should read the Rules for Membership and Professional Conduct before proceeding with a formal application.