garry - it is just so tricky being clear on these kinds of forums!
What I was trying to say was that Arthur Young stopped being called that when they merged with Ernst & Whinney in 1989.
Consequently Malcolm - I believe - would have left Arthur Young in or around 1988 or 1989 so I thought he was long-retired because I had not heard of him for a long while. If I am wrong on these thoughts (and they are only that) then of course I apologise.
In the UK as a whole in the 1980 less than one-third of the population had a college degree (the UK now has approximately two-thirds going on to university so has become more like America in that sense).
The Big Six or Big Eight accounting firms that existed at the end of the 1980s had growing expatriate tax departments of which Arthur Young's - at approximately 50 professional staff was the largest (bigger in numbers than Peat Marwick Mitchell, now KPMG, or Arthur Andersen, now defunct). However the professional staff in the expatriate tax divisions at these firms were generally speaking no better or worse in qualifications than the UK population as a whole.
Anyone appointing a tax adviser should check the professional credentials as this a key pointer because with the exception of Oregon, California [and Germany], there are no licensing requirements for tax professionals.
A few notes:
US Attorneys and Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) are credentialed to prepare US tax returns. They are licensed by the state in which they practice and are well versed in US tax law. They may have little knowledge outside their home state.
Enrolled Agents (EAs) must pass an IRS exam to earn their designation. They are federally authorized tax practitioners who are able to represent taxpayers in all states. EAs are the only tax preparer required to exhibit proficiency to the IRS before practicing. There are many such individuals in the UK including many of us who contribute frequently to this Forum.
Paid Preparers in California must complete a 60-hour course in federal and state tax law and obtain a $5000 bond in order to register with the California Tax Education Council (CTEC). Once registered, they become a CTEC Registered Tax Preparer and are required to complete 20 hours of annual continuing education and maintain their bond. They may have little knowledge outside that state.
Paid Preparers in Oregon must be at least 18 years of age, have a high school degree or equivalent, complete 80 hours of income tax law education, and pass a tax preparer examination. Oregon also requires 30 annual continuing education hours. They may also have little knowledge outside their home state.
Large US Commercial Chains of Tax Preparers: Please be careful when turning to them. It has been reported in recent years that major chains make the majority of errors on tax returns. Ask about how they train their tax preparer, the quality of service you’ll receive, and any guarantees they offer on their work. If you live outside of the US also find out how familiar they are with double tax treaties.
Unlicensed Tax Preparers: If you choose this route many people would suggest you are increasing your risk because of increased chance of additional taxes, interest, fines and penalties associated with incorrect or incomplete tax returns plus the fact that unlicenced
preparers would not be required to follow the professional code of any professional body.
UK Chartered Tax Advisers/Chartered Accountants/Certified Chartered Accountants: All must pass tough professional examinations and keep rigourous continuing education as well as follow clear ethical guidelines. Again, many of us who contribute to this Forum fall in this category. However just as in the US, many advisers will specialise, so you will want to ask if the adviser you choose is familiar with your kind of issues.
I typically recommend a combination of US and UK qualifications plus experience because that seems to suggest that the adviser will quickly be able to see the big picture and be able to offer creative solutions. I also always say to ask for credentials - however the bottom line is that tax professionals are in a people business; your adviser may not be the first one you speak with, it may be the second or third etc, because it has to be someone you feel is on your wavelength.
