STEP Advanced Certificate in UK Tax for International Clients

What does this qualification cover?

• Domicile
• Residence of individuals
• Residence of trusts
• Company residence
• Income tax - individuals
• Capital gains tax (CGT) - individuals
• The remittance basis
• Remittances - client scenarios
• Inheritance tax
• Inheritance tax and trusts
• Offshore trusts – income tax
• Offshore trusts – CGT offshore holding companies
• The UK family home General Anti-Abuse Rule

Download

• Syllabus (PDF)

How is it delivered?

The course is delivered online and will be assessed by way of a five-hour open-book written examination, based on a pre-seen case study which is released 48 hours ahead of the examination. The questions will be drawn from across the syllabus and candidates must achieve 50% in order to pass the Advanced Certificate. 

Participants will study via our online learning platform and will have access to a wide range of resources and support, including:

• Downloadable, soft-copy course materials.
• Module-by-module self-assessment – test your understanding of one module before moving on to the next.
• Guidance on preparing for the case study assessment.
• Three Virtual Classrooms.

How long will it take to complete?

It is recommended that four-six hours per week of study should be undertaken for a minimum period of five months. The certificate will take between five to six months from enrolling to taking the examination.

There are currently two Diploma options available to you when you study this Advanced Certificate:

1. STEP Diploma in Tax and Estate Planning - England and Wales

This Diploma is awarded on completion of the following four Advanced Certificates:

• Advanced Certificate in Administration of Estates (E&W)
• Advanced Certificate in Administration of Trusts (E&W)
• Advanced Certificate in Taxation of Trusts and Estates (E&W)
• Advanced Certificate in UK Tax for International Clients

2. STEP Diploma in Tax and Estate Planning – Scotland

This Diploma is awarded on completion of the following four Advanced Certificates:

• Advanced Certificate in Trusts: Law and Practice (Scotland)
• Advanced Certificate in Trust and Executry Accounting (Scotland)
• Advanced Certificate in UK Tax for International Clients
• Advanced Certificate in Wills and Executries: Law and Practice (Scotland)

How will this course benefit me?

As a result of successfully completing the course you will be able to:

• describe accurately the concept of domicile
• give guidance on a client's residence status
• identify where trusts and companies are resident
• discuss the details of income, capital gains and inheritance taxes and their relevance and application to the international client
• demonstrate to international clients how they can benefit from the “remittance basis”
• identify both “elephant traps” and wealth preservation opportunities in dealing with international client tax planning
• explain the potential benefits and pitfalls of offshore trusts and offshore holding companies for the international client and advise them upon the income, capital gains and inheritance tax consequences

How will this benefit my employer?

Completing the Advanced Certificate will enable you to:

• Represent your client’s interests effectively and offer accurate and compliant tax advice
• Apply tax law for the practical benefit of international clients
• Respond quickly to client tax planning needs
• Demonstrate your firm’s commitment to quality client service
• Offer your clients a more holistic and informed wealth management service

As part of the STEP Qualifications and Membership Framework (QMF), you will need to have 60 Entry Level credits to enrol on to this Advanced Certificate. Entry Level credits can be gained through completion of Entry Level Certificates and/or accreditation of prior certificated or experiential learning.

This course provides 30 Diploma Level credits. Find out more about how many credits you need to reach Full STEP membership

Who would find this qualification useful?

For lawyers, accountants, tax advisors and those in financial services who need a more detailed understanding of their UK-connected international clients’ tax position. Studying this Advanced Certificate is an ideal way to gain an understanding of the changes to residence rules and other changes introduced by the 2013 Finance Act.

This course is aimed at TEPs (Full Members of STEP) or senior non-TEP professionals working in the private client field. Applicants are advised that they should have, as a minimum, a sound grasp of both the basic tax rules as they apply to UK clients and basic trust law.

What are the entry requirements?

Admission to Advanced Certificates depends on meeting the Entry Level requirements, outlined in the Qualifications and Membership Framework.

For information on the next available course dates and locations, please visit the CLTI website.

Find out more information on enrolment

For enquiries on course enrolment please contact CLTI at cltinternational@centlaw.com or +44(0)121 362 7733. For any other queries regarding professional development please email STEP at pd@step.org.