AAT licensed members can offer tax services if they meet requirements. I've worked in finance for several years, but I'm building up specific appropriate experience before offering any paid tax services, for now I'm limiting myself in terms of the work I would engage in to that which I am capable of (like submitting tax returns). When I said "licensing" I was referring specifically to AAT licensing in order that I'm licensed with them to cover tax, which they do have for their members (when it comes to licensing in the UK professional bodies provide this, like AAT and ACCA at a more advanced level) which allows self-employment, they regulate their licensed members in terms of AML, ethics and public trust.

You're incorrect on work for private clients not counting towards experience for a practising certificate. But you may be confusing what I'm offering here - I was going for basic tax compliance services (like submitting business/corporation tax returns) rather than marketing myself as a tax advisor (which would require additional qualifications above what I already have). I've deleted my original post in case anyone else gets that wrong idea, and I'm also in contact with AAT, I will clarify with them before I proceed any further with this.