Stockport accountancy expands into probate services

An accountancy firm in Greater Manchester has expanded to provide new probate services.

Hallidays Accountants, which is based in Stockport, has been granted a license that allows it to deal with its clients’ estates and offer support for their families after they die.

The firm, which is located in Kings Reach Business Park and already provides capital gains tax, inheritance tax and estate-planning services, is among the first accountants in the UK to make the move into probate services.

In the UK, accountants have only been permitted to apply for a license since August 2014, when The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) was granted regulatory powers over the service.

To gain a probate license, applicants have to meet a set of criteria defined by the ICAEW and must also carry professional indemnity insurance.

With its new offering, Hallidays will be able to take over the role of executor if required.