Tax planning advisory
Understand the tax consequence before the decision, not after it
We work through the tax consequences of a decision while it can still be shaped — how a transaction is structured, how an entity is organised, when something happens — and document the basis for the position taken.
The tax consequence of a decision, understood while the decision is still open.
Consider it while it is open.
The decision → the options → the documented position
The problem
What we typically find on day one
- Tax is consulted after the transaction is committed, when the options have closed.
- A position was taken years ago and the reasoning behind it was never written down.
- Structure grew by accident — entities added for one reason, now carrying consequences nobody intended.
- Planning and compliance are handled separately, so the return does not reflect the position that was agreed.
Scope of work
- Tax consequences of a proposed transaction or business decision.
- Entity and group structure reviewed for the consequences it creates.
- Timing and sequencing where that materially changes the outcome.
- Treatment of specific items where the position is genuinely open.
- Documenting the basis for a position at the time it is taken.
How we work on it
- Establish the commercial objective first — tax follows the decision, not the other way round.
- Set out the options with their consequences, rather than a single recommendation.
- Identify which positions are settled and which carry genuine uncertainty, and say so.
- Coordinate licensed review where the position warrants a professional opinion.
- Hand the agreed position to compliance, so the return reflects it.
Where this fits
- Businesses about to restructure, raise funds or make an acquisition.
- Groups whose structure has grown without anyone reviewing the whole.
- Organisations wanting the reasoning behind existing positions documented before it is needed.
5th Quadrant provides analysis, planning support and documentation. Formal tax opinions, prescribed certifications and representation before any authority are provided by an independently engaged licensed professional, coordinated through 5th Quadrant.
Practical outputs
What you receive
- A written note on the options and their consequences.
- The basis for the position taken, recorded at the time.
- Supporting workings, retained with the decision.
- A clear statement of which areas carry uncertainty.
- Handover to compliance so the filing matches the position.
Ask us for our Pre-Decision Tax Checklist when you get in touch.
Evidence
Evidence, not assertion
Anonymised sample deliverables and case studies for this service are in preparation. Ask us for examples relevant to your industry, and we will take you through our review controls, reporting frequency and the roles accountable for each.
Frequently asked questions
How is this different from tax compliance?
Compliance reports what has already happened. Planning considers a decision while it can still be shaped. The two connect at the point where an agreed position has to be reflected in a return — which is why we hand one to the other rather than running them separately.
Will you tell us what the tax will be?
We will tell you how a decision is likely to be treated and what drives the difference between the options. We do not publish rates or thresholds on this site, because they change and a stale figure is worse than none.
Does 5th Quadrant issue tax opinions?
No. Where a position warrants a formal opinion, it is given by an independently engaged licensed professional. We prepare the analysis and the supporting documentation, and coordinate that review.
Do you represent us before the tax authorities?
No. Formal representation is handled by an independently engaged licensed professional. Our work is the analysis, the documentation and the preparation behind it.
When is the right time to involve you?
Before the decision is committed. Once a transaction is executed the options have usually closed, and what remains is reporting it correctly.
The connected picture