It’s not your fault. It really isn’t. Tax is simply a topic just like anything else. Why then would it be any easier or harder to get to the bottom of!?
No matter what your area of expertise you will likely read the press, watch the TV, read a blog and pick fault with a decent proportion of it. Even something that we’ve been doing for generations like planting potatoes will generate heated discussion about method and best advice.
If you had never planted a potato you’d probably try to absorb a lot of knowledge by watching videos, reading guides and absorbing the knowledge of those that went before you. You’d very likely grow a decent batch of potatoes. To be fair they’re quite easy. Also the way to grow a potato doesn’t change much and hasn’t;t really changed forever.
Fast moving topics though can easily catch you out. Watch a video from before a change or read an old article and your chances of success reduce dramatically. Also in fast moving topics more people seem to be willing to contribute even when they have no history or expertise in an area.
In case you’re wondering tax is a fast moving topic. If the works of Dan Deidre and Tax Policy Associates have taught us anything it’s that making sure you get tax advice from tax advisors is a key step in your decision making.
The Chartered Institute of Taxation is the de facto list of tax advisors in the UK so take time to make sure your source of information is on their list!
HMRC are consulting again about protecting the term tax advisor so it may be easier down the line to be sure but for now literally anyone can say they are a tax advisor. Take care out there!