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The fine arts and antiques sector presents distinctive financial challenges that require specialised knowledge and cultural sensitivity. At Prager Metis, we understand that galleries, dealers, collectors, and cultural institutions need more than conventional accounting services. Our fine arts and antiques team combines deep sector expertise with sophisticated financial strategies to help passionate professionals and collectors navigate the complex intersection of art, commerce, and legacy planning. We recognise that the fine arts and antiques world operates within unique valuation frameworks, authentication processes, and market dynamics where provenance, cultural significance, and market timing significantly impact financial outcomes.
Our experienced professionals have worked extensively with galleries ranging from boutique specialists to major auction houses, individual collectors building significant portfolios, and charitable institutions preserving cultural heritage, giving us comprehensive insights into the financial patterns and regulatory requirements that define success in this sophisticated marketplace.
Cutting-edge methodologies and best practices perfected through years of experience
Agile and adaptable approach, ensuring seamless integration with your existing systems and processes
Elite cadre of cross-functional specialists spanning multiple disciplines
Customized solutions meticulously crafted to align with your unique organizational goals and challenges
We provide comprehensive financial solutions designed specifically for the cultural sector's unique needs. Our services combine essential compliance requirements with strategic guidance that supports your collecting ambitions, commercial objectives, and legacy planning goals, helping you make informed decisions while maintaining full regulatory compliance and positioning your assets for optimal tax efficiency, succession planning, or institutional gifting opportunities.
Our proactive approach means we're not just responding to your needs—we're anticipating them and helping you stay ahead of challenges while capitalising on opportunities. Ready to accelerate your success? Contact our UK team today to discover how our comprehensive services can support your growth ambitions and help you achieve your business goals.
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OUR SERVICES
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ISO 27001
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The leading global alliance of independent professional services firms addressing their clients' local and cross-border needs.
GGI Global
Prager Metis stays ahead of the curve by being a valuable member of organizations that bolster our reputation, network, and reach. Our active involvement in professional associations and industry groups allows us to collaborate with peers, share best practices, and contribute to the advancement of the accounting and tax profession.
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Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales - This global affiliation gives our clients access to expert resources across 190 countries.
ICAEW
To support your international tax planning and compliance needs, we provide access to a comprehensive suite of valuable resources. Our extensive library includes whitepapers and articles on international tax topics, ensuring you stay informed about the latest developments and trends. Additionally, we offer tax calendars and deadlines, keeping you ahead of critical filing dates and obligations.
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Prager Metis pays homage to the past 100 years, how we came to be, and where we’re going. From company culture and client service to innovation and growth, we are looking forward to the next hundred years.
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Prager Metis Celebrates 100 Years!
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RESOURCES
Elevate your business with the comprehensive suite of resources available from Prager Metis. Gain valuable insights into emerging industry trends, access cutting-edge analytical tools, and leverage robust planning frameworks – all designed to empower you with the knowledge and capabilities needed to navigate complex challenges and capitalize on new opportunities.
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mEET OUR TEAM
At Prager Metis, our people are the heart of our organization. We attract and retain the industry's top talent – seasoned professionals who bring a wealth of specialized expertise and a passion for delivering exceptional client service. Our team is composed of trusted advisors, innovative problem-solvers, and dedicated leaders who are committed to your success. Get to know the Prager Metis experts who will guide you on your path to growth and achievement.
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OUR COMMUNITY
As a responsible corporate citizen, Prager Metis is deeply committed to making a positive impact on the communities in which we operate. Through strategic partnerships and employee-driven initiatives, we support a diverse array of charitable causes, educational programs, and community-enriching projects that align with our values and enable us to be a force for good.
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OUR AFFILIATES
Prager Metis has cultivated an extensive network of strategic affiliate partnerships with leading professional service providers, industry specialists, and technology vendors. By collaborating with these best-in-class organizations, we expand our capabilities, enhance our service offerings, and deliver more comprehensive solutions to meet the evolving needs of our clients.
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careers at pm
At Prager Metis, we cultivate a culture of excellence where your unique talents and drive for success are valued. Our commitment to the highest standards of competence, professionalism and client service sets us apart - empowering our team is the key to achieving goals.
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At Prager Metis, we understand that your organisation requires more than just number-crunching and static reports. Our seasoned team of advisory experts offer a comprehensive suite of services tailored to enhance your future performance and achieve your strategic objectives.
Whether you are seeking an independent external review, guidance on optimising your business management processes, input on developing a new organisational strategy, or authoritative expert testimony for critical hearings and trials, Prager Metis is here to support you.
Our unparalleled industry insight and technical expertise allow us to provide the calibre of advanced advisory services that are only possible with true leaders in their fields.
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YOUR WORLD. WORTH MORE.
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GET IN TOUCH WITH OUR
TEAM OF EXPERTs
EMAIL US | REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL
London office
New York office
info@pragermetis.com
+1 212-643-0099
14 Penn Plaza, Suite 1800, New York, NY 10122
New York office
ukenquiries@pragermetis.com
+44 (0)20 7632 1400
5A Bear Lane, Southwark, London, SE1 0UH
London office
PRAGER METIS
OFFICE LOCATIONS
offices
OUR industry expertise
YOUR WORLD. WORTH MORE.
FINE ARTS &
ANTIQUES
London office
New York office
info@pragermetis.com
+1 212-643-0099
14 Penn Plaza, Suite 1800, New York, NY 10122
New York office
ukenquiries@pragermetis.com
+44 (0)20 7632 1400
5A Bear Lane, Southwark, London, SE1 0UH
London office
PRAGER METIS
OFFICE LOCATIONS
offices
ASSURANCE SERVICES
Business valuations
Capital Gains Planning
Payroll Processing
Succession Planning
TAX RETURN SERVICES
Gifting and Estate Planning
VAT and Duty Advice
DAVID W. BEECH
Director
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Our People
CONTACT OUR EXPERTS
Assurance Services - AUDIT, REVIEW AND COMPILATIONS
Professional audit, review, and compilation services tailored for galleries, auction houses, and cultural institutions. We provide comprehensive financial statement preparation incorporating specialised accounting treatments for inventory valuation, consignment arrangements, and authentication contingencies. Our services include internal control assessments for high-value collections, insurance compliance verification, and due diligence.
Business Valuations SERVICES
Expert valuations for galleries, dealerships, and collection portfolios using specialised methodologies incorporating market comparables, auction records, and cultural significance factors. Reports consider provenance authentication, market liquidity, and sector-specific risk factors. Valuations support insurance requirements, partnership disputes, divorce proceedings, charitable donations, and estate planning.
Capital Gains Planning
Strategic tax planning for art transactions incorporating chattel exemptions, business asset disposal relief, and timing strategies. We analyse holding structures, succession implications, and international treaties affecting cross-border transactions. Planning encompasses rollover relief opportunities, incorporation strategies for dealers, and coordination with inheritance tax planning.
Gifting and Estate Planning
Comprehensive succession planning incorporating cultural gift schemes, museum donations, and acceptance in lieu arrangements. We design strategies using annual exemptions, potentially exempt transfers, and heritage property reliefs. Planning includes charitable remainder trusts, private family foundations, and international structures for cross-border collections.
Payroll Processing
Specialised payroll services for galleries, auction houses, and cultural institutions managing complex employment arrangements including commission structures and international staff. We handle PAYE operations, National Insurance calculations, and pension auto-enrolment compliance. Services include settlement agreements for high-value transactions and P11D reporting.
VAT and Duty Advice
Expert guidance on complex VAT treatments including margin schemes, import VAT deferral, and temporary admission procedures. We advise on artists' resale rights, auctioneers' VAT obligations, and cross-border transaction structuring. Services encompass customs duty planning, ATA carnet procedures, and cultural goods licensing.
Succession Planning
Strategic planning for collection transitions incorporating generation-skipping structures, family limited partnerships, and charitable lead trusts. We design solutions balancing family legacy preservation with tax efficiency, including conditional gifts, retained life interests, and museum loan arrangements. Planning addresses curatorial continuity, collection integrity maintenance, and coordination with institutions for preservation strategies.
Tax Return Preparation and compliance
Comprehensive tax services covering personal and corporate obligations specific to the arts sector. We handle artist income taxation, gallery corporation tax optimisation, and collector capital gains strategies. Services include R&D relief claims for conservation technology, cultural sponsorship tax benefits, and international tax coordination for global collecting activities with specialist knowledge of tax treaties affecting cultural property transfers.
ARVINDER MATHARU
Partner
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Our People
PM RESOURCES AND ONLINE CALCULATORS
INDUSTRY INSIGHTS AND NEWS UPDATES
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careers and insights
RESOURCES
Access essential business insights and practical tools through our comprehensive resource centre at Prager Metis. If you are seeking career opportunities, requiring sophisticated calculators for financial modelling, or looking to expand your professional knowledge - discover everything you need to navigate complex business challenges and achieve successful outcomes.
Our team combines deep industry expertise with advanced digital solutions to deliver valuable market intelligence, technical updates, and analytical tools that drive informed decision-making.
