Short answer
In the UK there is no CPA designation. The equivalent is a chartered or chartered certified accountant, regulated by bodies such as ICAEW, ACCA or AAT. For UK companies and UK tax, a UK regulated accountant is what you need.
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CPA for small business in the UK
Looking for a CPA for your small business in the UK? The UK equivalent is a chartered or certified accountant. Here is what to look for and what it costs.
Short answer
In the UK there is no CPA designation. The equivalent is a chartered or chartered certified accountant, regulated by bodies such as ICAEW, ACCA or AAT. For UK companies and UK tax, a UK regulated accountant is what you need.
Written and reviewed by Waqas Sagar Member of ICAEW, Fellow of ACCA, Fellow of AAT, a double graduate and entrepreneur at heart, helping startups grow and serving thousands of businesses nationwide with an excellent team. Published by LimitedCompany.Accountants, 12 London Road, Morden, London SM4 5BQ. Reviewed 12 September 2026 against 2026/27 UK rates and current Companies House and HMRC guidance.
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In the UK there is no CPA designation. The equivalent is a chartered or chartered certified accountant, regulated by bodies such as ICAEW, ACCA or AAT. For UK companies and UK tax, a UK regulated accountant is what you need.
01
CPA versus UK qualifications
02
When you genuinely need a US CPA
03
What a UK accountant does for a small business
04
Choosing one near you
CPA versus UK qualifications
CPA is a United States licence. UK practices are regulated through ICAEW, ACCA, AAT and similar bodies, and it is those memberships that evidence training, ethical standards and professional indemnity cover for UK work. Our practice principal is a member of ICAEW and a fellow member of both ACCA and AAT.
When you genuinely need a US CPA
If you have US filing obligations, for example a US entity, US source income or US citizenship, you need a US qualified adviser for those returns. We work alongside US advisers rather than claiming to file US returns ourselves.
What a UK accountant does for a small business
Statutory accounts, Corporation Tax or Self Assessment, VAT, payroll, bookkeeping and owner tax planning, along with Companies House filings that have no direct US equivalent.
Choosing one near you
Before you act
Rates, thresholds and deadlines quoted here reflect the current UK position and current HMRC and Companies House guidance. Check GOV.UK, or ask us, before relying on them for your own business.
Local help
Talk to a limited company accountant near you
We work with company directors across London and Surrey from our office at 12 London Road, Morden, London SM4 5BQ. Pick your area, or send the form below and we will call you back.
Frequently asked
CPA for small business in the UK: questions directors ask
Is a CPA the same as a chartered accountant?
No. CPA is a US licence; the UK equivalents are chartered and chartered certified accountants regulated by ICAEW, ACCA and similar bodies.
Can a UK accountant file my US tax return?
Not unless separately qualified for US filings. We coordinate with a US adviser where you have US obligations.
Do I need a qualified accountant in the UK?
Anyone can call themselves an accountant in the UK, which is exactly why checking regulated membership matters.
How much does one cost?
Our published packages are £89, £169 and £289 plus VAT monthly, depending on scope.
Do you work with US owners of UK companies?
Yes, including non resident directors of UK limited companies.
Can you take over from my current accountant?
Yes. We request professional clearance, collect the accounting and tax records, review every approaching deadline and manage the handover so no filing is missed.
Can everything be handled online?
Yes. Records, questions, approvals and meetings can all be handled securely online. Clients near London can also meet us at 12 London Road, Morden by appointment.
Do you only work with London businesses?
No. We act for businesses across the UK online, and work locally with owners in London, Morden, Croydon, Sutton, Wimbledon, Mitcham and Surrey.
Is basic tax advice included?
Routine day-to-day questions are included. Technical calculations, written advice, planning projects, HMRC disputes and specialist claims are scoped and agreed before any work starts.
How quickly can I get a fixed fee quote?
Use the short online quote form with your turnover, VAT, payroll and bookkeeping position. We can normally confirm scope and a fixed monthly fee the same working day.
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What Our Clients Say
“Accotax have been our accountants for many years now. We maintained them because of their professionalism. In the last couple of years I have been working with Imran, who has been very professional and helpful in guiding us through the whole process, explaining and clarifying every aspect of it. Very prompt in responding to questions and patient with us even when we seem to be slow.”
“We worked with a few different accountants before finally settling with Accotax, and we're really glad we did. They take the time to understand how our business works and what our needs are. Anum, who looks after our account on a day-to-day basis, including reconciling invoices and preparing the annual accounts, is amazing, professional, efficient, and follows the processes we have put in place together. Accotax has made our accounting experience much smoother and easier. We see them as a long-term partner as our business continues to grow. I would 100% recommend them.”
“I've been working with Accotax since January 2024, and their support has grown alongside my business needs. My personal allocated manager, Umer, provides tailored services for both of my companies, adapting as I expand and ensuring everything runs smoothly. They are responsive, knowledgeable, and always clear in their communication. Their help with accounts, VAT, payrolls, pensions and compliance gives me real confidence and peace of mind.”
Included approach
Organised, explained, on schedule.
Clear scopeDeadline visibilityHuman support