Michael Lewis

Office Location

United Kingdom

Short Biography

Michael has over 26 years of experience in advising on US and UK private client tax issues. He leads the 50 strong HNW group within the US/UK Cross Border team at EY as well as overseeing EY’s private client marketing strategy. He provides advice across a broad spectrum of areas including: US and UK interaction on personal income, capital and social security taxes, US gift and estate taxes, UK inheritance tax, and tax-efficient charitable planning. He also has a keen interest in the taxation regarding divorce cases. Michael is a qualified Chartered Tax Adviser (CTA) and a US Enrolled Agent (EA). Michael won Accountant of the Year in Citywealth’s Magic Circle 2021 Awards and was shortlisted by Spears for Accountant of the year in 2023. He holds a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Politics from University of Warwick.

What is your favorite restaurant to take a client or colleague to?

Vivat Bacchus – consistently good quality for a reasonable price

What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?

Always question 'why' something is as if you can understand what the law is trying to achieve you will develop much more quickly - make the time to research tax topics which you come across as part of your work even if not required for that project.

What was your first job?

Mending/renovating super-market trolleys! These were bought from and sold back to the supermarkets with a massive mark up. Summer work for a specialist firm with a niche but highly profitable business- a lesson to be learned is that there a business opportunity everywhere!

What is the book you recommend to everyone?

Hyperion by Dan Simmons - similar in structure to The Canterbury tales but sci-fi! Modern sci fi classic crossing many genres

What changes do you expect to see in your practice over the next year?

The focus for the coming year is going to be on planning for a future change of government. I expect there to be great interest from clients in exploring the potential to relocate to other overseas jurisdictions.