How does the modern tax adviser keep up to date? Join the debate


Throughout 2008 AccountingWEB are seeking to build up a 360 view of the modern tax adviser and how they run their business. Phase one looks at how advisers use and acquire information, and how much of that information is understood by their clients. The aim is to find out if there are gaps in how this information is disseminated.

We've teamed up with HMRC - a key provider of information to agents - to put together the following short survey.

It shouldn't take more than a few minutes to complete, and all responses will be provided on a completely anonymous basis. So, add your voice to the debate and give us your views.

Please only complete this survey if you advise your clients on tax matters

How many clients do you have *
What type of clients do you primarily advise *
     Other  
What type of tax advice do you offer *
self assessment
corporate tax returns
VAT
payroll
audit
Other 

and what forms the bulk of your work *  
What size is your firm (employees) *
How many partners does your firm have *
What are your professional qualifications *
chartered accountant
management accountant
no formal qualifications
Other 
Are you a member of any professional bodies or networks
ICAEW/ICAS
ACCA
CIOT/ATT
AAT
Chamber of Commerce (please specify) 
Local business forums (please specify)
ICAI
IPP
CIPFA
CIMA
Other 
Where are you based *
What communications on tax have you seen in the last 12 months
Do you get information about tax from any of the following
ICAEW/ICAS
ACCA
CIOT/ATT
AAT
Chamber of Commerce (please specify)
Local business forums (please specify)
ICAI
IPP
CIPFA
CIMA
Other 
What media do you use to get information on tax *
internet/email
telephone/helpline
printed information
How satisfied are you that you have the information you need on tax (1 is least satisfied and 4 is most satisfied) *
How well informed are you on changes to the tax environment (where 1 is not very well informed and 4 is extremely well informed)
How often do you review guidance on tax
     Other  
Who do you ask, or where do you look, if you have a query about a tax issue - select up to three options in order of preference (enter 1, 2 and 3 where 1 is your top preference)
Internet search engine
Professional body
Local business network
HMRC
colleague (qualified)
friend
printed reference
online blog/forum
Other
Now thinking about all the places where you can find advice and guidance on tax, which 3 do you find most useful and reliable (most reliable at the top)
1.
2.
3.
On average how involved are you with the day to day tax matters of your clients’ businesses (where 1 is not very involved and 4 is very involved)
How often do you speak with your clients about tax matters
     Other  
Have you got a feel for how many of your clients struggle with keeping on top of tax regulations
What would help you provide a better service to your clients