NFU Scotland members will be able to take advantage of exclusive tax and business advice following a new agreement between the Union and well known Scottish firm, Johnston Carmichael.

The agreement with the Scotland-wide firm of chartered accountants and business advisers will operate with immediate effect.  Johnston and Carmichael will run NFU Scotland’s dedicated Tax and Business helpline (0800 023 2368) as well as providing revised written information for NFUS members on recurring tax and accountancy issues, such as capital allowances and inheritance tax.

Specialist agricultural staff at Johnston Carmichael will attend the Union’s legal and technical committee in order to help inform NFUS policy, and the firm’s staff have also offered to come to NFUS branch meetings to talk about issues of concern to farmers and crofters.

NFUS Finance Director, Colin Gordon said:

“NFU Scotland are pleased to announce that with immediate effect Johnston Carmichael will be operating our Tax and Business helpline.

“The company will be familiar to many of our members as they have 13 offices up and down Scotland. Where possible calls to the helpline will be directed to the office closest to the caller.

“Johnston Carmichael’s Director of Tax, Alex Docherty and her specialist agricultural team will provide tailored and specialised support to our members in the increasingly complicated area of personal and business tax legislation.

“As well as working closely with the teams at NFUS Head Office, Alex will be invited to the Union’s Legal and Technical Committee meetings to give professional and up to date advice and guidance.  Our Business Guide updates, available to all members, will also be revised by Johnston Carmichael’s team of specialists to ensure they are up to date.

“We are sure this new partnership with Johnston Carmichael will bring rewards for all parties and we look forward to working with them.”

Robin Dandie, Head of Agriculture at Johnston Carmichael said:

“We are delighted to provide a business and tax advice helpline to NFUS. Scotland’s farming community is of great importance to the economy, and we have been looking after the needs of this sector for over 75 years.
 
“Our in-depth understanding of the issues affecting farming businesses, along with our highly experienced agricultural team, makes us well placed to provide valuable support and advice to NFUS members throughout Scotland.”

NOTES TO EDITORS

 For a photo of Robin Dandie or Colin Gordon, please call Sarah Anderson on 0131 472 4108 or email sarah.anderson@nfus.org.uk.

 The Johnston Carmichael Tax & Business Advice Line will operate with immediate effect between 9am-5pm Monday to Friday (excluding statutory holidays).

 NFUS members can call 0800 023 2368 or email nfus@jcca.co.uk for 20 minutes’ free advice.

 Enquirers should provide brief background information and their NFUS membership number.

 While Johnston Carmichael will ensure that the information given to callers is accurate and up to date, it is for guidance only and should not be used as a substitute for professional advice.

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