Question 1

What services does London Accountant offer?

Accepted Answer

We offer a comprehensive range of accounting and financial services including tax planning and advisory, self-assessment tax returns, corporation tax, bookkeeping, payroll management, VAT returns, company formation, cloud accounting setup, and business advisory. We serve freelancers, sole traders, SMEs, landlords, and limited company directors across London and the UK.

Question 2

Are you regulated and insured?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We are regulated by ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) and hold professional indemnity insurance. All our accountants hold recognised qualifications including ACCA and AAT. You can verify our credentials directly with ACCA at any time.

Question 3

Do I need to be based in London to use your services?

Accepted Answer

While we are based in central London, we work with clients across the UK and internationally. Thanks to cloud accounting platforms and video calls, we provide the same high-quality service regardless of your location. Many of our clients have never visited our office — everything is handled digitally.

Question 4

How do I switch from my current accountant?

Accepted Answer

Switching is straightforward and we handle the entire process for you. We contact your previous accountant on your behalf to arrange professional clearance and the transfer of records. There is minimal paperwork on your end and we ensure zero disruption to your business operations.

Question 5

What industries do you specialise in?

Accepted Answer

We have deep expertise across a range of sectors including technology and startups, construction (CIS), property and landlords, healthcare professionals, e-commerce businesses, creative industries, hospitality, and professional services. Our specialist knowledge means we understand the unique challenges and opportunities within your industry.

Question 6

How can I get in touch with my accountant?

Accepted Answer

Every client is assigned a dedicated accountant whom you can reach by phone, email, or video call during business hours. We pride ourselves on fast response times — most queries are answered within a few hours. We also offer a client portal where you can upload documents and track progress on your accounts.

Question 7

Can you help if I'm behind on my tax returns?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. We regularly help clients who have fallen behind with their filings. We will get your records up to date, file outstanding returns, and communicate with HMRC on your behalf to minimise any penalties. The sooner you get in touch, the better the outcome we can achieve.

Question 8

When is the Self Assessment tax return deadline?

Accepted Answer

The deadline for online Self Assessment tax returns is 31 January following the end of the tax year (which runs from 6 April to 5 April). For example, the 2025/26 tax year return must be filed by 31 January 2027. Paper returns have an earlier deadline of 31 October. We recommend filing early to avoid last-minute stress and to plan for any tax liability.

Question 9

Do I need to register for VAT?

Accepted Answer

You must register for VAT if your taxable turnover exceeds the VAT registration threshold, which is currently £90,000 (2025/26). However, voluntary registration can sometimes be beneficial — for example, if most of your clients are VAT-registered businesses. We can advise you on whether registration makes sense for your situation.

Question 10

What is Making Tax Digital (MTD) and does it affect me?

Accepted Answer

Making Tax Digital is HMRC's programme to digitise the UK tax system. MTD for VAT is already mandatory for VAT-registered businesses, and MTD for Income Tax Self Assessment (MTD ITSA) is being rolled out from April 2026 for self-employed individuals and landlords with income over £50,000. We help clients transition to MTD-compliant software and ensure full compliance.

Question 11

Can you help with HMRC investigations or enquiries?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our team has extensive experience handling HMRC enquiries, compliance checks, and investigations. We will manage all communication with HMRC, prepare the necessary documentation, and represent you throughout the process. Early professional representation typically leads to significantly better outcomes.

Question 12

How can I legally reduce my tax bill?

Accepted Answer

There are many legitimate strategies to reduce your tax liability, including making full use of personal allowances, pension contributions, capital allowances, R&D tax credits, salary and dividend planning for directors, and timing the recognition of income and expenses. During our free consultation, we review your situation and identify the opportunities that apply to you.

Question 13

What does your bookkeeping service include?

Accepted Answer

Our bookkeeping service includes bank reconciliation, categorisation of all income and expenses, supplier and customer invoice management, credit card and cash transaction recording, monthly management reports, and VAT return preparation. We use cloud accounting software so you always have real-time visibility of your financial position.

Question 14

How often should I update my bookkeeping?

Accepted Answer

We recommend monthly bookkeeping at a minimum to keep your records accurate and up to date. This ensures you always have a clear picture of your cash flow, makes tax filing straightforward, and helps you make informed business decisions. For busier businesses, we can provide weekly or even daily bookkeeping support.

Question 15

Do you handle payroll and pensions auto-enrolment?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We provide a full payroll service including calculating pay and deductions, issuing payslips, filing Real Time Information (RTI) submissions to HMRC, managing statutory payments (SSP, SMP, SPP), year-end P60s and P11Ds, and administering workplace pensions auto-enrolment. We ensure you remain compliant with all employer obligations.

Question 16

Can you process payroll for the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS)?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. We have extensive experience with CIS and handle subcontractor verification, monthly CIS returns to HMRC, correct deduction calculations, and year-end CIS reporting. We work with both contractors and subcontractors to ensure everything is filed accurately and on time.

Question 17

What records do I need to keep for my business?

Accepted Answer

You should keep records of all income and sales, purchase invoices and receipts, bank and credit card statements, payroll records, VAT records (if VAT-registered), mileage logs for business travel, and any contracts or agreements. HMRC requires you to keep records for at least six years. We can help you set up efficient systems to make record-keeping effortless.

Question 18

Can you prepare management accounts?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We prepare monthly or quarterly management accounts that include profit and loss statements, balance sheets, cash flow reports, and key performance indicators. These reports give you a clear understanding of how your business is performing and help you plan ahead with confidence.

Question 19

How much do your accounting services cost?

Accepted Answer

We offer fixed monthly fees based on your business size and complexity, so you always know exactly what you are paying. There are no hidden charges or hourly billing surprises. Our packages start from as little as £75 per month for sole traders and freelancers. We provide a clear, detailed quote after understanding your needs during the free consultation.

Question 20

Do you offer a free consultation?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We offer a free, no-obligation consultation where we discuss your business needs, review your current financial setup, and explain how we can help. This can be held in person at our London office, over video call, or by phone — whichever suits you best. There is no pressure and no commitment required.

Question 21

Are there any setup fees or hidden charges?

Accepted Answer

No. We do not charge setup fees for standard engagements. Your monthly fee covers everything we agree upon during onboarding. If additional services are needed, we always discuss and agree on the cost in advance. We believe in complete transparency when it comes to our fees.

Question 22

What is the process for becoming a client?

Accepted Answer

Getting started is simple: (1) Book a free consultation via our website or phone. (2) We discuss your needs and provide a tailored quote. (3) Once you are happy, we send a simple engagement letter. (4) We handle the transfer from your previous accountant if applicable. (5) Your dedicated accountant is assigned and we begin working together. Most clients are fully onboarded within one to two weeks.

Question 23

Can I change my package or cancel at any time?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our agreements are flexible with no long-term lock-in contracts. You can upgrade or downgrade your package as your business needs change. If you wish to cancel, we simply require one month's notice. We are confident in the value we provide, so we do not need to tie clients into lengthy commitments.

Question 24

Do you offer packages for startups and new businesses?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We have tailored startup packages that include company formation, registered office services, initial accounting setup, VAT registration (if needed), and ongoing monthly bookkeeping and accounts. We also provide strategic advice to help new businesses structure themselves tax-efficiently from day one.

Question 25

What accounting software do you use?

Accepted Answer

We are certified partners with Xero, QuickBooks, and Sage — the UK's leading cloud accounting platforms. We also work with FreeAgent, which is popular with freelancers and sole traders. We recommend the best solution based on your business type and needs, and handle the complete setup, data migration, and training.

Question 26

Can you help me migrate from spreadsheets or desktop software?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. We regularly help clients transition from spreadsheets, desktop software like Sage 50, or even paper-based records to modern cloud accounting platforms. We handle the data migration, ensure historical records are preserved, and train you and your team on the new system so the transition is smooth and stress-free.

Question 27

Is cloud accounting secure?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Leading cloud accounting platforms like Xero and QuickBooks use bank-level encryption, two-factor authentication, and regular security audits to protect your data. Your information is backed up automatically in multiple data centres, which is actually more secure than keeping records on a single computer or in filing cabinets.

Question 28

Will I be able to access my accounts in real time?

Accepted Answer

Yes, that is one of the key benefits of cloud accounting. You can log in from any device — computer, tablet, or smartphone — and see your financial position in real time. You can view profit and loss, outstanding invoices, bank balances, and more, anytime and from anywhere. This gives you much greater control over your business finances.

Question 29

Do you provide training on accounting software?

Accepted Answer

Yes. As part of our onboarding process, we provide thorough training on your chosen accounting platform. This covers raising invoices, recording expenses, bank feeds, and running basic reports. We also offer ongoing support, so if you ever get stuck, your dedicated accountant is just a call or email away.

Question 30

Can cloud accounting integrate with my other business tools?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Platforms like Xero and QuickBooks integrate with hundreds of business tools including payment processors (Stripe, GoCardless), e-commerce platforms (Shopify, Amazon), CRM systems, inventory management, and receipt scanning apps. We can advise on the best integrations for your business and help set them up.

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