Carl Bayley BSc FCA

Carl Bayley is the author of over twenty ‘Plain English’ tax guides designed specifically for the layperson and the non-specialist. His particular speciality is his ability to take the weird, complex and inexplicable world of taxation and set it out in the kind of clear, straightforward language taxpayers themselves can understand. Carl takes the same approach when speaking on taxation, a role he frequently undertakes with great enthusiasm, including his highly acclaimed annual ‘Budget Breakfast’ for the Institute of Chartered Accountants. He has spoken on taxation on radio and television, including the BBC’s ‘It’s Your Money’ programme and BBC Radio 2’s Jeremy Vine Show.

Carl began his career as a Chartered Accountant in 1983 with one of the ‘Big 4’ accountancy firms. After qualifying as a double prize-winner, he immediately began specialising in taxation. He worked for several major international firms until beginning the new millennium by launching his own practice, through which he provided advice on a wide variety of taxation issues; especially property taxation, inheritance tax, and tax planning for small and medium-sized businesses, for twenty years, before deciding to focus on his favourite role as author and presenter.

Carl is a past Chairman of the Tax Faculty of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales; President of ICAEW Scotland; and member of the ICAEW Board. In 2023, he stepped down after almost twenty years on the Institute’s governing Council. He co-organised the annual Practical Tax Conference from its inception in 2002.

Aside from his tax books, Carl is an avid creative writer and has just published his first novel, Trinity of Souls. When he isn’t working, he takes on the equally taxing challenges of hill walking and horse riding: his Munro tally is now 106 and, while he remains a novice rider, his progress is cantering along nicely. Carl lives in the Scottish Borders, where he enjoys spending time with his partner, Linda.