Hiring and Sponsoring Taxation experts (SOC Code 2423)

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If your organisation needs to hire a Taxation Expert from overseas, understanding the UK's skilled worker sponsorship rules for SOC Code 2423 is essential. This guide covers what the role involves, the eligibility requirements, salary thresholds, and how to sponsor a worker compliantly under the Skilled Worker visa route.

For related support, explore Annaizu’s sponsorship compliance software, mock audit inspection readiness and mock audit preparation.

Key Takeaways

Essential Points for Employers

• Taxation Experts fall under SOC Code 2423 and are eligible for sponsorship under the UK Skilled Worker visa route.
• Employers must hold a valid sponsor licence before they can issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
• The role must meet the minimum salary threshold set by the Home Office for SOC 2423.
• Taxation Experts are responsible for tax liability assessment, compliance, and representing clients in tax disputes.
• Staying current with tax law changes is a core requirement of the role and must be reflected in the job description.

What Is SOC Code 2423?

Overview of the Role

SOC Code 2423 covers Taxation Experts - professionals who advise individuals and organisations on tax planning, compliance, and liability. These roles require specialist knowledge of both personal and corporate taxation frameworks.

Core Duties of a Taxation Expert

• Analysing financial accounts to identify tax exposure and opportunities.
• Assessing tax liabilities for individuals and companies under current legislation.
• Advising clients on how to structure transactions to minimise tax risk.
• Representing clients in disputes with HMRC or other tax authorities.
• Monitoring and interpreting changes in UK and international tax law.
• Preparing and submitting tax returns, including corporation tax, VAT, and self-assessment.
• Providing guidance on issues relating to personal taxation, including income tax and capital gains tax.

Skilled Worker Visa Eligibility for SOC 2423

Sponsorship Requirements

To sponsor a Taxation Expert under the Skilled Worker route, your organisation must hold a valid sponsor licence issued by the Home Office. If you do not already have a licence, you will need to apply before you can proceed with any overseas recruitment.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Once you have a licence, you must assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to the worker you intend to hire. The CoS confirms the job role, salary, and sponsorship details the Home Office will use to assess the visa application.

Skill and Salary Thresholds

• SOC 2423 is classified at RQF Level 6, meaning the role qualifies under the Skilled Worker route.
• The general minimum salary threshold for new entrants and experienced workers under this code must be met - employers should check the current going rate published by the Home Office for SOC 2423.
• Salaries must not fall below the highest of: the general threshold, the going rate for the occupation, or the National Minimum Wage.

How to Sponsor a Taxation Expert

Step-by-Step Process

1. Confirm your organisation holds a valid Skilled Worker sponsor licence or apply for one through the Home Office.
2. Carry out a genuine vacancy assessment to ensure the role meets the requirements for SOC 2423.
3. Advertise the role if required - check whether a Resident Labour Market Test applies to your situation.
4. Select your overseas candidate and confirm they meet the English language requirement.
5. Assign a Certificate of Sponsorship via the Sponsor Management System (SMS).
6. The worker applies for their Skilled Worker visa using the CoS reference number.
7. Once granted, carry out right to work checks before the employee starts work.

English Language Requirement

Applicants for a Skilled Worker visa under SOC 2423 must demonstrate English language ability at B1 level or above. This can be evidenced through an approved test, a degree taught in English, or nationality from a majority English-speaking country.

Ongoing Sponsor Compliance Duties

What Employers Must Do After Sponsoring

Holding a sponsor licence comes with continuous obligations. Failure to meet these duties can result in licence suspension or revocation by the Home Office.

• Report changes to a sponsored worker's circumstances via the SMS within required timeframes.
• Maintain accurate records of each sponsored employee, including contact details and right to work documents.
• Carry out right to work checks at the point of hire and at visa renewal.
• Notify the Home Office if a sponsored worker does not turn up for their first day or leaves the role.
• Ensure the salary paid continues to meet the threshold for the duration of sponsorship.

Writing a Job Description for a Taxation Expert

What to Include

The job description must accurately reflect the duties associated with SOC 2423. The Home Office may scrutinise the role to confirm it is genuine and skilled. A strong job description for a Taxation Expert should include:

• Specific responsibilities around tax analysis, liability assessment, and compliance.
• Details of any specialisms, such as corporate tax, international tax, or VAT advisory work.
• Required qualifications, such as ACA, ACCA, ATT, or CTA membership.
• Reference to the need to stay current with changes to UK tax legislation and HMRC guidance.
• Details of client-facing duties, including dispute representation where applicable.

Qualifications and Professional Memberships

Recognised Credentials for SOC 2423

Taxation Experts are typically qualified professionals. When assessing candidates, employers should look for the following credentials:

• Chartered Tax Adviser (CTA) qualification from the Chartered Institute of Taxation (CIOT).
• Association of Taxation Technicians (ATT) qualification for technician-level roles.
• ACA or ACCA qualification with a specialism in tax.
• Relevant degree-level education in accountancy, finance, or law.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is SOC Code 2423?

SOC Code 2423 refers to Taxation Experts - professionals who advise on tax planning, assess tax liabilities, prepare returns, and represent clients in disputes with HMRC or other tax authorities.

Can I sponsor a Taxation Expert on a Skilled Worker visa?

Yes. SOC 2423 is an eligible occupation under the Skilled Worker visa route. You must hold a valid sponsor licence and assign a Certificate of Sponsorship to the worker before they can apply.

What salary do I need to pay a sponsored Taxation Expert?

You must pay at least the higher of the general Skilled Worker threshold or the going rate set by the Home Office for SOC 2423. Employers should check the latest published rates on gov.uk before assigning a CoS.

Do I need to advertise the role before sponsoring?

The formal Resident Labour Market Test was abolished, but you should still be able to demonstrate the role is genuine and that the recruitment process was conducted fairly. The Home Office may ask for evidence during a compliance visit.

What happens if a sponsored Taxation Expert leaves their role?

You must report the worker's departure to the Home Office via the Sponsor Management System within ten working days. Failure to report changes is a compliance breach that can affect your sponsor licence.

Can a Taxation Expert switch to a different employer while on a Skilled Worker visa?

Yes, but the new employer must also be a licensed sponsor and must assign a new Certificate of Sponsorship. The worker will typically need to make a change of employment application before starting the new role.

Conclusion

Sponsoring a Taxation Expert under SOC Code 2423 is a straightforward process when you have the right systems in place. Annaizu helps UK employers manage sponsor licence duties, Certificate of Sponsorship assignments, right to work checks, and ongoing compliance - all in one place, so you can focus on hiring the talent your organisation needs.