Your numbers,
in good hands.
Self assessment, bookkeeping, company accounts, VAT and payroll, handled by a local accountant who explains things in plain English.
What to expect
from your pro.
Whether you are a sole trader with a shoebox of receipts, a landlord with a first tax return, or a small limited company that has outgrown spreadsheets, a good accountant saves you time and worry. They keep your records in order, prepare returns for HMRC and Companies House, and tell you what is coming up before it becomes urgent.
On AYS you enter your postcode and see accountants who cover your area. Describe what you need, how your business is set up, roughly how many transactions you have and which software you use, if any. Local accountants send you a quote, and you choose the one that fits. Quotes are free and there is no obligation.
In the UK, anyone can call themselves an accountant. Chartered and certified accountants are members of professional bodies such as ICAEW, ICAS or ACCA, which set standards for their members. Accountancy firms must also be supervised for anti-money laundering, either by their professional body or by HMRC. It is fair to ask any accountant which body they belong to and who supervises them.
Common jobs
we cover.
Not on the list? Describe it and ask for free quotes.
Self assessment tax returns
Preparing and filing your personal tax return, for sole traders, landlords, company directors and people with other income.
Bookkeeping
Keeping sales, expenses and bank transactions up to date, in software or from your paper records.
Limited company accounts
Year end accounts for Companies House and the company tax return for HMRC, prepared from your records.
VAT returns
Working out what you owe or can reclaim, and filing VAT returns using compatible software.
Payroll
Running payslips, reporting pay to HMRC, and handling starters, leavers and workplace pension details.
Setting up a business
Advice on sole trader or limited company, registering with HMRC and choosing bookkeeping software.
Rental income
Working out allowable expenses for a rental property and reporting rental income on your tax return.
Catching up on late records
Sorting out months of missing bookkeeping or overdue returns, and explaining what to do next.
Quotes first,
then you decide.
Describe the job
Add your postcode, a few lines about the job and photos if they help.
Get free quotes
Local pros who cover your area send a price. There is no obligation to accept.
Pick one and book
Choose the quote that suits you, pick a time and pay securely through AYS.
How the price
is worked out
Accountancy work is quoted, because every set of records is different. Describe what you need and local accountants send a price, either for a single job or a monthly fee. What changes the price: the type of business, how many transactions you have, how organised your records are, which software you use, whether you are VAT registered, how many employees are on payroll, and how quickly the work is needed. Quotes are free and you are not obliged to accept one.
How to get
ready
- Gather bank statements, invoices, receipts and any previous returns or accounts.
- Have your Unique Taxpayer Reference, company number or VAT number to hand, if you have them.
- Note which bookkeeping software you use, or say if you keep records on paper or spreadsheets.
- Write down any letters or reminders you have had from HMRC or Companies House.
- Be ready to show photo ID, as accountants must check who their clients are.
Choosing the right pro
Every accountant on AYS passes a photo ID check and a review by our team before they can take bookings. Accountants can upload proof of professional body membership, insurance and qualifications, which our team reviews. As the title accountant is not protected, look for membership of a body such as ICAEW, ICAS or ACCA, and ask who supervises them for anti-money laundering.
Is accountant a protected title in the UK?
No. Anyone can call themselves an accountant. Titles such as chartered accountant or chartered certified accountant are controlled by the professional bodies, such as ICAEW, ICAS and ACCA, which set rules and standards for their members. If qualifications matter to you, ask which body the accountant belongs to and check their membership.
Why does an accountant need to check my ID?
Accountancy businesses must follow the money laundering regulations and be supervised, either by a professional body or by HMRC. As part of this they have to confirm who their clients are, so they will usually ask for photo ID and may ask for proof of address before they start. It is a normal step and a sign they follow the rules.
Do I need an accountant for self assessment?
No, you can file your own tax return with HMRC. Many people use an accountant because they have several types of income, rental property, business expenses or simply want the peace of mind that it is done correctly. An accountant can also tell you what records to keep for next year.
When is my tax return due?
HMRC sets deadlines for self assessment, company tax and VAT, and they depend on your situation, such as whether you file online or how your company year is set up. Late returns can bring penalties. Check your dates on GOV.UK or in your HMRC account, and give your accountant plenty of time before them.
Can an accountant help if I am behind on my returns?
Yes, catching up is a common request. An accountant can work through missing records, prepare overdue returns and explain any penalties or interest. The sooner you start, the easier it usually is. Say in your request how far behind you are and what records you still have.
Do I have to visit the accountant's office?
Not usually. Many accountants work with clients online, using shared folders and bookkeeping software, and meet by video call. Others are happy to visit or meet locally to collect paperwork. Say in your request how you prefer to work, and the accountant will explain how they handle documents securely.
Accountants
near you.
AYS opens area by area. Pick your city for local tips, or check your postcode at the top of this page.
Read before
you book.
Often booked
together.
Do you offer accountants?
Get booked for it.
Join AYS as a pro. Choose the postcodes you cover, set your prices and take bookings from local customers.