Changing accountants is simpler than you think
Most people stay with an accountant they are unhappy with because they expect the switch to be difficult. It is not. You contact us, and we take the process from there.
AccountsHelp handles the full process of switching from another accountancy firm, including the professional clearance request and the transfer of records, and provides a free catching-up service to bring accounting and tax affairs up to date as an introductory offer.
- Anyone paying for calls and emails on top of an annual fee
- Clients who only hear from their accountant at the year end
- Companies that have fallen behind on filings
- Anyone who wants a fixed monthly fee instead of an unpredictable bill
You do not need to have a difficult conversation with your current firm, and you do not need to collect the paperwork yourself. We write for professional clearance, request your records, and take over the filing calendar. As an introductory offer we will bring your accounting and tax affairs up to date free of charge.
- A switch handled entirely by us, including professional clearance
- Free catching-up work to bring your affairs up to date
- A fixed monthly fee from the day you join
What it costs
All-inclusive fixed fees, agreed before any work starts. There are no hidden charges at the year end.
Switching service
For anyone moving from another firm
Included when you join us
What's included
- Professional clearance letter to your existing accountant
- Request and review of your records and prior year files
- Free catching-up service to bring your affairs up to date
- Registration as your agent with HMRC and Companies House
- A fixed monthly fee from the day you join
The free catching-up service is an introductory offer and is subject to the scope of work being agreed with you in advance.
What happens when you get in touch
Contact us and we will confirm the package and fee at a free consultation. We then write to your existing accountant for professional clearance and your records. Once those arrive we review where things stand, deal with anything outstanding, and take over the filing calendar. You do not have to chase anyone.
Common questions
How do I change accountants?
Contact us first. We write to your current accountant for professional clearance and to request your records, register as your agent with HMRC, and take over the filing calendar. You do not need to notify your existing accountant yourself, and you do not need to collect the paperwork.
What is professional clearance?
It is the standard letter a new accountant sends to the outgoing firm asking whether there is any professional reason not to accept the appointment, and requesting the handover information. It is routine and expected, and it is not a complaint about the other firm.
Can my current accountant refuse to release my records?
They must hand over your own books and records. A firm may exercise a lien over documents they have prepared where fees remain unpaid, so it is worth settling any outstanding invoice. In practice most handovers proceed without difficulty.
Can I switch part way through the year?
Yes. You can move at any point. Many clients switch mid-year because a deadline was missed or a bill was larger than expected. We pick up from wherever things stand.
Does the switch cost anything?
No. We do not charge for handling the switch, and as an introductory offer we will bring your accounting and tax affairs up to date at no charge. The scope of that catching-up work is agreed with you in advance.
What if I have fallen behind on my filings?
Tell us how far behind you are. Late filings are recoverable, and the sooner they are dealt with the smaller the penalty exposure. Bringing overdue affairs up to date is exactly what the free catching-up service is for.
Contact us for a free, no obligation consultation
We will review your circumstances together, identify the accounting and tax services you actually need, and quote a fixed fee before any work starts.
Other services
Small limited companies and start-ups →
Starting a new business or running an existing one brings a filing calendar that does not forgive late entries.
From £60 per monthSole traders and partnerships →
A dental practice, a car mechanic, a repair shop, an off licence, a plumber or a freelance writer. Whatever the trade, the books are your responsibility.
From £20 per monthSelf Assessment and landlord accounts →
HMRC requires a Self Assessment return if you are a director, shareholder, sole trader, receive untaxed income, or pay tax at the higher rate.
From £125 per year