Why change your accountant
Your accountant should offer more than basic annual compliance. The right adviser understands your circumstances, communicates clearly, keeps accurate records, meets deadlines and gives practical guidance when your position changes. You may consider changing if you want:
Clearer communication
Prompt replies, straightforward answers and regular updates on your accounts.
Proactive tax support
Practical tax planning and timely advice to manage liabilities and spot opportunities.
Transparent, fair fees
Clear, competitive pricing with no unnecessary surprises.
Support as you grow
Support that adapts as your business expands or faces new compliance requirements.
Specialist tax expertise
Help with VAT, PAYE, payroll, Corporation Tax, Self Assessment and Making Tax Digital.
A reliable new accountant
Your existing accountant has retired, closed their practice or can’t provide what you need.
Better financial reporting
Accurate bookkeeping, modern software, organised digital records and clearer reports.
Professional HMRC support
Experienced help with HMRC correspondence, compliance checks, penalties and repayment claims.
Simple, clear advice
Plain-English explanations of your accounts, taxes, responsibilities and options.
Responsive personal service
An accessible team that understands your business and is there when you need answers.
Better financial organisation
Structured management of records, filing deadlines, tax payments and documentation.
Business structure support
Guidance on forming a limited company, restructuring or choosing a better structure for growth.
Why choose us
- Highly competitive, transparent pricing
- Free professional website
- Free business email accounts
- Support when you need it
- Simple switching process
- Direct accountant access
- Secure data management
- Proactive deadline management
- Support tailored to you
- Straightforward communication
- Organised financial records
Authorise us as your HMRC agent
Before we can deal with HMRC on your behalf, you must appoint and authorise us using the correct HMRC procedure. Depending on the tax service, this may be through Online Agent Authorisation, a digital handshake, your Personal or Business Tax Account, form 64-8 where applicable, written authority for a limited matter, or COMP1a for certain compliance checks.
You must approve the authorisation yourself. Never share your Government Gateway username, password or HMRC sign-in details with an accountant or agent. A new authorisation normally replaces the previous authority for that tax service, though some former authorisations may need to be removed separately.
Documents required for the changeover
The documents you need depend on your tax affairs, business structure and the services being transferred.
Personal and tax details
Full legal company or individual name, date of birth, residential address, National Insurance number, contact number and email, Self Assessment UTR, company UTR, VAT registration number, PAYE reference, company registration number, partnership or trust details, and details of tax residence.
Accounts and financial records
Previous accounts and financial statements, management accounts, trial balances and general ledgers, bank statements and reconciliations, sales and purchase records, fixed-asset registers, capital-allowance schedules, stock records, loan and finance agreements, director loan account records, dividend records, and loss-relief claims and tax elections.
Tax and compliance records
Latest Self Assessment return, Corporation Tax returns and computations, VAT returns and workings, PAYE and payroll records, CIS records, tax-payment confirmations, HMRC statements of account, payments on account, time-to-pay arrangements, repayment claims, penalty notices and appeals, unpaid liabilities, and upcoming deadlines.
HMRC correspondence
HMRC letters and notices, notices to file, tax calculations, VAT, PAYE, Corporation Tax and Self Assessment correspondence, information requests, compliance-check letters, enquiry notices, penalty and appeal correspondence, response deadlines, and documents already submitted.
Digital and software records
Accounting software details, bookkeeping access, VAT and MTD software connections, and payroll software information.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
Will changing accountants affect my tax deadlines?
No. Changing accountants does not extend HMRC filing or payment deadlines. You remain responsible for meeting them.
Do I need to notify my previous accountant?
We recommend notifying your previous accountant and requesting the records needed for the handover. HMRC authorisation is separate from your commercial relationship with them.
Will the new authorisation automatically remove my previous accountant?
A new authorisation normally replaces the previous agent for the relevant tax service. Check each service and remove the former agent separately where required.
Can I change accountants during the tax year?
Yes. Outstanding work, responsibilities, deadlines, records and submitted returns are reviewed during the handover.
Does one HMRC authorisation cover every tax?
No. Authorisation is generally specific to each tax service. Separate authority may be needed for VAT, PAYE, Corporation Tax, Self Assessment, MTD or other services.
Are all listed documents mandatory?
No. Requirements depend on the services being transferred. The list is a practical guide, and HMRC may request additional information.
Can I continue using my Business Tax Account?
Yes. You can keep using it and view your tax services after appointing an agent.
Can an agent submit tax returns for me?
An authorised agent may prepare and submit returns within the authority granted. You remain responsible for providing complete, accurate information and should review each return before submission.
Can an agent use my Government Gateway login?
No. Never share your Government Gateway password or HMRC sign-in details. Use the official HMRC authorisation process.
What happens if I have an open HMRC enquiry?
We identify it during the handover. Separate or temporary authorisation may be needed before we can deal with HMRC on it.
Can you help with HMRC payments?
We can help you review liabilities, deadlines and payment procedures. HMRC liabilities should be paid through the official HMRC Business Tax Account portal.
What happens after the transfer?
We confirm in writing the authorised tax services, outstanding work, required documents, next deadlines and the start date for regular support.