In this edition of our “Meet the Expert” series, we catch up with Corporate Tax Manager, Dan Trace, who shares his experience, some of the tax planning advice he offers clients, and how he spends his time outside of the office.

Tell us about your experience

I began my career at Milsted Langdon in 2011, starting in the Bristol Personal Tax team while studying for my AAT qualification.

Since then, I have also gained my ATT and CTA qualifications and progressed through the Tax team.

After several years advising Personal Tax clients on self-assessment tax returns and a wide variety of tax planning matters, I moved into the Corporate Tax team based in Taunton.

Now as a Manager, I work with a mixed portfolio of owner-managed businesses and individuals.

My day-to-day work covers a broad range of advisory projects, from business restructuring and R&D claims to share schemes (including EMI schemes), exit planning and other corporate and personal tax matters.

I particularly enjoy meeting clients face to face and helping them navigate their tax planning in a way that supports their long-term goals.

What one key piece of advice would you share?

When looking at tax planning opportunities, it is always important to keep the bigger picture in mind.

There may be many tax-efficient ways to structure your affairs, but the final approach should never be led by tax alone. It needs to make sense commercially and personally and support your broader aims.

Outside of work, what do you enjoy doing?

I am usually on the go, either out exploring new places on day trips or taking the dog for a walk.

I am also a big football and Formula One fan, so I like to keep up with those when I have time.