WCoTA: Investing in tax education

As many readers will know, the Worshipful Company of Tax Advisers (WCoTA) has two charities, both of which fund tax education. In the charities’ financial year to 30 June, 53% of their total income was used to fund tax-related education.

Helping students to qualify

The Tax Advisers’ Benevolent Fund (TABF) is committed to the furtherance of tax education. The Fund gives means-tested grants and bursaries to students of the ATT and the CIOT who are studying for professional exams, including the ATT, CTA, DITT and ADIT qualifications. Income supporting this work comes from donations made by members of WCoTA, grants from CIOT and ATT, and income derived from the charities’ investments.

If a prospective candidate is unable to obtain financial support from an employer and cannot afford the cost, they can apply to the TABF for financial support. In the case of ATT and CTA qualifications, the TABF will fund registration fees, course fees and exam fees following an assessment of the candidate’s personal financial circumstances, undertaken by our Almoner. Generally, funding is provided on a module-by-module basis. Mentoring is also offered, as we want to see our candidates succeed.

One candidate we supported in 2025 illustrates the difference this can make. This applicant came to the UK as a refugee from a war-torn country, having practised as an accountant in their home country. As part of establishing a life in the UK, they decided to study for the ATT exams. While studying, they secured unpaid work at a small practice to gain experience.

The applicant sat exams in November 2025 and the practice offered them a tax apprenticeship in January 2026. Our funding of the ATT course fees was transformative. Alongside the financial support, the applicant also received pro bono mentoring. Their experience demonstrates that giving time can be every bit as valuable as giving money.

Inspiring future tax professionals

Both the TABF and the Tax Advisers’ Charitable Trust (TACT) promote the study of the administration and practice of taxation. This includes helping young people to recognise the many career opportunities available in tax.

For several years, in partnership with CIOT and ATT, the Company and its charities have run a stand at the London Careers Fair to showcase tax as a career. We have connected with thousands of primary and secondary school children across London, using interactive exercises and tax related mementos to introduce them to the profession.

The first week of March was particularly busy this year, as it was Careers Week and we also attended Swanlea School’s career fair on 5 March 2026. We were brilliantly supported by Stephen Pinhey of ATT, who was also representing CIOT.

For the third year running, we also supported the Future Professionals Summer School run by City St George’s, University of London, in July. The free programme, which aims to develop students’ skills, offered an insight into many professions, including tax.

We have been developing a relationship with City St. George’s for several years because of its focus on business and encouragement of young people to consider careers in the professions. We now sponsor one of the Business Schools’ academic prizes focusing on taxation.

Finally, I am delighted to report that we have recently entered into a five-year affiliation agreement with the London Scouts. This fits extremely well with TACT’s policies, focusing on children and providing them with skills and opportunities to benefit their communities and enrich their futures. In particular, we have agreed a taxation syllabus that teaches Cubs and Scouts about taxation and enables them to earn a tax badge.

As ever, if you are interested in fellowship with other tax professionals and being involved in charitable works, such as tax education, please come and join us. Giving back to the next generation of professionals is extremely rewarding.

Lorraine Parkin, Chair
Charities’ Committee, Worshipful Company of Tax Advisers
www.taxadvisers.org.uk