Find a Qualified Accountant in the UK.

A Chartered Accountant holds the ACA qualification from ICAEW or the CA qualification from ICAS. A Certified Accountant holds the ACCA qualification. Both are globally respected qualifications. In practice, ACA accountants are common in larger audit and advisory firms, while ACCA accountants are widely used in SME accounting and commercial finance. Both can prepare statutory accounts and file corporation tax returns.

For most UK businesses below the statutory audit threshold (turnover under £10.2m, balance sheet under £5.1m, fewer than 50 employees), an ACCA accountant can handle all statutory accounts, CT600, VAT, and payroll needs. A Chartered Accountant with an audit licence becomes necessary specifically when a statutory audit is required, or for complex group consolidations and corporate transactions.

A company is audit-exempt if it meets at least two of: annual turnover not more than £10.2 million, balance sheet not more than £5.1 million, and not more than 50 employees. If your company exceeds these thresholds, a statutory audit by a registered auditor is legally required.

A small business accountant prepares year-end accounts in statutory format, files the corporation tax return (CT600), manages payroll and RTI submissions, handles VAT returns, advises on director salary and dividend planning, and ensures MTD compliance. They also identify allowable expenses you may have missed and flag upcoming liabilities.

A bookkeeper manages day-to-day transaction recording — invoicing, bank reconciliation, expenses, and software maintenance. An accountant takes that data and prepares statutory accounts, files tax returns, provides financial analysis, and advises on tax planning. The two roles complement each other and working with both typically reduces overall costs.

HMRC-approved MTD-compatible platforms include Xero, QuickBooks, Sage, FreeAgent, and KashFlow, among others. HMRC maintains a current list on GOV.UK. A bookkeeper in our network can advise on the most appropriate platform for your business size and sector, and handle the setup and ongoing management.

As a general guide, annual fees for a straightforward small limited company (accounts, CT600, basic payroll) typically range from £800 to £2,500 per year. Sole trader self assessment returns range from £300 to £800. Fees vary by location, complexity, and the specific services required. Most professionals in our network offer a free initial consultation and fixed-fee packages.

Real Time Information (RTI) requires employers to report payroll data — including pay, tax, and NICs — to HMRC on or before each payment date. A bookkeeper or accountant typically manages RTI submissions. Late or missed RTI submissions attract HMRC penalties of £100 to £400 per month depending on employee numbers.

MTD for Income Tax Self Assessment became mandatory from 6 April 2026 for self-employed individuals and landlords with qualifying gross income above £50,000. The threshold reduces to £30,000 in April 2027 and £20,000 in April 2028. MTD ITSA requires digital records and quarterly submissions to HMRC using compatible software, plus an annual Final Declaration. A Sole Trader Accountant or Bookkeeper in our network can manage compliance end-to-end.

Sole traders can deduct expenses incurred wholly and exclusively for the business. Common allowable deductions include office costs, travel (not ordinary commuting), professional fees, tools and equipment, marketing, professional subscriptions, and a proportion of home costs if working from home. A Sole Trader Accountant will identify all eligible deductions to minimise your tax bill.

Private limited companies must file accounts at Companies House within 9 months of the end of their financial year. Companies House imposes automatic late filing penalties starting at £150 for accounts up to one month late, rising to £1,500 for accounts more than six months late. An accountant manages these deadlines as part of a standard annual accounts service.

CIS (Construction Industry Scheme) contractors have tax deducted at source by their contractor clients — 20% for registered subcontractors, 30% for unregistered. Because deductions do not account for allowable business expenses, many CIS subcontractors overpay tax during the year. A CIS rebate is claimed through the self assessment process and can be substantial. A Sole Trader and Freelancer Accountant in our network specialises in maximising CIS rebates.