Switching accountant, step by step
Changing accountants is simpler than most people expect. You tell us, we handle the handover with your current accountant and HMRC, and your tax keeps moving while it happens.
ACCA qualified accountants with over 20 years in practice
Why people change accountants
Some want quicker answers, or to send everything from their phone instead of waiting for an appointment. Others need someone who knows CIS, or who can add payroll and VAT as the business grows. Whatever the reason, you do not need to explain it to your old accountant.
How switching works
Tell us you want to switch
Get a quote or book a free call. Once you are happy, we agree a start date with you.
We contact your current accountant
We ask for professional clearance, a short check that there is no professional reason we should not act, and for the records we need to carry on.
You authorise us with HMRC
You must authorise an agent before they can deal with HMRC for you, and we tell you exactly how.
We take it from there
HMRC then writes to us about your Self Assessment, apart from tax bills and refunds, which still come to you.
What we need from you
Your details
Your Unique Taxpayer Reference and, for a company, the company number.
Your last return or accounts
So we can see where things were left.
Your current accountant's name
We do the asking from there.
Anything from HMRC
Recent letters, as photos from your phone.
Timing around deadlines
You can switch at any time of year. Close to the 31/1 online deadline, we agree with you and your old accountant who files which return, so nothing falls between the two and there is no gap in cover.
What we can take on
The tax rules on this page come from GOV.UK and HMRC guidance. Last checked .
Questions about switching accountant
Do I have to tell my old accountant myself?
You can, but you do not have to. We contact them for professional clearance and the handover once you have asked us to act.
Will HMRC letters come to you?
Once you have authorised us, HMRC sends your Self Assessment letters to us, apart from tax bills and refunds.
Can I switch in the middle of the tax year?
Yes. We pick up from wherever your last accountant stopped and agree with you which returns we file.
What if my old accountant does not reply?
We follow up, and we can usually rebuild what we need from your bank records and HMRC's own information, so the work keeps moving.
Is my deadline at risk if I switch in January?
Not if we agree early who files the return. The online deadline is 31/1, so talk to us as soon as you decide.
Ready to switch?
Tell us about your business and we will send you a quote. Or book a free call and ask us how the handover works.