MP's call to prosecute tax avoidance advisers 'disingenuous' - deVere

clock

Calls for professionals, including financial advisers, lawyers and accountants, who advise on tax avoidance to be prosecuted have been branded "flawed" and "disingenuous" by deVere Group.

The suggestion to prosecute advisers was part of a series of amendments to the Finance Bill tabled by MP for Dover Charlie Elphicke. The amendments would make it illegal to advise clients to actively avoid paying tax.   Elphicke, an ex-tax lawyer, told The Times on Monday: “You shouldn’t just go after the client, you should go after the person who advises them.” Nigel Green, founder and chief executive of deVere Group, said: “For someone who had a career as a tax lawyer, it seems bizarre that Mr Elphicke appears unaware of the differences between tax avoidance, which is perfectly legal an...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Tax Planning

Government confirms standalone death-in-service benefits exempt from IHT changes

Government confirms standalone death-in-service benefits exempt from IHT changes

'The draft clause was nonsensical'

Jaskeet Briah
clock 17 March 2026 • 3 min read
Tax changes cause increase in client worry

Tax changes cause increase in client worry

More than half now more worried about tax now than a year ago

Isabel Baxter
clock 10 March 2026 • 2 min read
Lords committee calls on government to rethink IHT reforms

Lords committee calls on government to rethink IHT reforms

Warns IHT on pensions will place ‘huge burden’ on personal reps

Isabel Baxter
clock 28 January 2026 • 6 min read