What should I ask them?

Initial questions could be:

• What services do you provide?
• How much do you charge, and are there hidden costs? Are you paid hourly, by flat fee or commission?
• What experience do you have with people in my circumstances?
• How much money can you save me?

Ask the Professionals

JOHN JEPPS LLP
Institute of Tax
Institute of Chartered Accountants
Society of Trusts and Estate Practitioners

What services do you offer?

• We are a specialist firm that deals with taxes, trusts and wills. We are available either directly to the client, or can be approached by a client's lawyer to provide specialist advice.

What do you charge for your services?

• We tend to offer quotes in advance for work, depending on the complexity of the job in question. We don't often charge hourly rates, but if we were to, the managers would charge around £120-£150 for their time, and partners would charge around £250. This is around average for the profession, as we must also cover costs of professional education, ensuring we stay ahead of developing legislation, to give the clients the best possible service.

How much can you save people?

• Of course this depends on their circumstances; but it is possible to save them the 40% CGT on their property or the 4% Stamp Duty: so potentially the savings are significant.