FAQs

1. What services do you provide?

We deliver a full range of accounting and financial services including bookkeeping, Self Assessment tax returns, VAT compliance, corporation tax, payroll management, financial reporting, audit & assurance, business advisory, company formation, and management accounting support.

2. Do I need an accountant?

No, it’s not mandatory—but working with a qualified accountant saves time, ensures compliance, minimises tax risk, supports planning, and helps grow your business.

3. What’s the difference between bookkeeping and accounting?

Bookkeeping involves daily transaction recording, while accounting builds on that data to prepare financial statements, reports, and file tax returns.

4. What will you need from me?

We typically require your UTR (Unique Taxpayer Reference), National Insurance number, records of income (sales, dividends, property, etc.), expenses, pension contributions, and information on capital gains or foreign income.

5. What are the main deadlines?

• Self Assessment online filing and payment: 31 January after the tax year

• Paper return deadline: 31 October

• Second payment on account: 31 July

• Company accounts due to Companies House: 9 months after year-end

• Corporation tax payment: 9 months and one day after year-end

6. When must I register for VAT?

If your taxable turnover exceeds around £90,000 within a rolling 12‑month period, VAT registration is mandatory. Voluntary registration is also possible if you wish to reclaim VAT or enhance business credibility.

7. Which VAT accounting scheme should I use?

We help choose the best scheme based on turnover, industry, and cash flow: options include standard (accrual), cash accounting, flat‑rate, annual accounting, and margin schemes.

8. What payroll services do you offer?

We manage monthly payroll processing, RTI/PAYE submissions, auto‑enrolment pension compliance, payslips, year‑end filings, and employer support.

9. Who needs an audit?

Small companies meeting at least two thresholds—turnover below £15 m, assets under £7.5 m, 50 or fewer employees—are exempt from audit unless required by contract or trading requirements. But audits may still be chosen for added assurance.

10. What are the benefits of an audit?

An audit provides independent assurance on your accounts, builds credibility with investors and lenders, identifies internal issues, and may be advisable even when not legally required.

11. Why choose advisory and tax planning services?

We deliver proactive support on tax reliefs (e.g. R&D, capital allowances), company structure, growth planning, and cash‑flow modelling—helping future‑proof your business.

12. How do you support Making Tax Digital?

We use HMRC‑approved cloud‑based platforms such as Xero, QuickBooks, Sage, and FreeAgent to ensure compliance for VAT and future tax filings.

13. What do your fees cost?

Costs vary by service, complexity, and business size. Services may be charged as fixed packages (for tax return, VAT, bookkeeping, etc.) or tailored hourly/project rates. Typical fees start around £150‑£250 or more depending on scope.

14. Can I switch from my current accountant?

Absolutely. We handle the full transition—liaising with your previous accountant, transferring records, notifying HMRC and Companies House—ensuring a seamless switch.

15. What qualifications and standards do you have?

Our team includes professionals accredited by bodies such as ACCA, ICAEW, or AAT. Audit services are carried out by registered auditors holding practising certificates.

16. How quickly can you turn around monthly work?

For bookkeeping, tax returns, or VAT—typical turnaround is about 7 working days from receiving complete information, though urgent projects can be expedited.