David Stebbings

I aim to be flexible in listening to the specifics of each case and providing advice which complies with the tax legislation but also meets the specific personal or commercial objectives of each individual.  Because Eaves and Co are a small firm it means I can provide a personal service and therefore listen to your individual needs.

Because, as a firm, we do not provide any accountancy services we can focus on keeping up-to-date with the ever changing tax landscape but the existing relationship with the accountant can be maintained and improved.

Available services – I am available for ad-hoc enquiries, particularly to accountants under the ICAEW Referral Scheme. We can also assist with bigger one-off projects such as business restructuring, employee share schemes, MBOs, incorporations etc.

Recent successes / examples of my work

Capital gains tax planning – I identified a planning opportunity in relation to private residence relief for a husband and wife enabling a property which was not qualifying for relief to be fully covered by relief on disposal saving a significant amount of CGT

HMRC enquiries – I took over a case in which HMRC were seeking bankruptcy of the client. We got the bankruptcy order dismissed and worked with the taxpayer and HMRC to bring the taxpayer’s affairs up-to-date. Overall the tax liability was much lower than that with HMRC were seeking and through co-operation with HMRC we also obtained a substantial reduction to penalties.

Employee share scheme – I put in place an EMI scheme for key staff of a growing business which tied the employees in and enabled them to participate in the company. Due to the structure adopted we did this in a very tax efficient manner, with the existing shareholders extracting cash from the business at a low tax rate as well as a Corporation Tax deduction for the company.

Family company succession planning – We assisted a company pass shares to the next generation in order to carry on management of the company. Through the structure adopted we were provide the parents with tax efficient payments funded through on-going business profits.

How I work with you – On hearing from you I generally like to arrange a phone call so we can talk through your particular requirements, I am then happy to work in a way which suits you best whether this is through a face-to-face meeting, or continuing to communicate through email, phone calls and letters.

When working with accountants we are happy to work with you in your preferred manner, whether this is providing advice to you or engaging directly with your client and keeping you in the loop.

Fees – My hourly rate is set at £275 plus VAT, however in most cases we are happy to agree fixed fees on a proportionate basis.

My background/experience – I have been with Eaves and Co for over 12 years and during that time have specialised in providing tax planning advice to individuals and SMEs as well as advising other accountants on more complex tax issues thus freeing them up to focus on their core business.

I am a Chartered Tax Advisor as a member of the Chartered Institute of Taxation. This requires that I keep up-to-date with the latest tax developments as well as ensuring that I am well positioned to advise on most aspects of UK taxation.

Away from tax – I enjoy spending time at home with my family and have a 4 year old daughter and a baby son. I enjoy playing and watching football as well as continuing my interest in literature having studied this at university. I am also a keen home-brewer when I get the time.