Fees, packages & switching
Switching accountants involves appointing a new firm, giving professional clearance permission, and handing over records. It can usually happen at any time.
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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QuickBooks PartnerCertified ProAdvisor100+ yearsCombined team experienceFully insuredUp to £2m indemnityChanging accountants involves telling your existing accountant, giving the new firm permission to request professional clearance, and handing over records such as accounting software access, tax reference numbers and prior year accounts. It can be done at any point in the year, not only at year end.
The professional clearance process
What to gather and when to switch
Changing accountants involves telling your existing accountant, giving the new firm permission to request professional clearance, and handing over records such as accounting software access, tax reference numbers and prior year accounts. It can be done at any point in the year, not only at year end.
Once you appoint a new accountant, they write to your previous accountant requesting professional clearance, essentially asking whether there is any professional reason they should not act for you, and asking for handover information such as working papers and outstanding compliance matters.
Your previous accountant is expected to respond promptly, though they can withhold information if fees are outstanding, which is why it helps to settle any final invoice before or alongside the request. This process is standard and does not require the current accountant's agreement to the switch itself.
Useful handover items include the last filed accounts and tax returns, access to accounting software, your Corporation Tax and VAT reference numbers, PAYE references if you run payroll, and Companies House authentication details.
You can switch at any time of year, though many businesses choose a point just after a year end or filing deadline to keep a clean break between accountants for that period. There is no need to wait for the calendar year to end.
Rates, thresholds and deadlines quoted here reflect the 2026/27 UK position and current Companies House and HMRC guidance. Check GOV.UK, or ask us, before relying on them for your own company.
Local help
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
No, you are free to change accountants whenever you choose; professional clearance is a courtesy exchange, not a veto.
Outstanding fees can be a reason records are withheld until settled, so it is worth resolving these early in the process.
A well-managed handover should avoid missed deadlines, provided the switch happens with enough notice before the next filing is due.
Keep bank statements, sales and platform reports, purchase invoices, payroll records, VAT workings, finance agreements and Companies House correspondence. We confirm the exact list at onboarding and identify gaps before a filing deadline becomes urgent.
The fee depends on transaction volume, record quality, VAT and payroll requirements, historic catch-up and the level of reporting needed. We agree a fixed scope and price before technical work starts, with published packages available on our fees page.
Yes. We request professional clearance, collect the prior records and authorities, check the next Companies House and HMRC deadlines, and give you one clear handover list. The process is normally completed remotely.
Yes. We work through secure cloud records, scheduled reviews and digital approvals, while keeping a named team available by phone, video call and email. Clients can also visit our Morden office by appointment.
We regularly work with Xero, QuickBooks, FreeAgent, Sage and connected sales or expense apps. The right setup depends on transaction volume, integrations and the reports you need, not simply the software brand.
The relevant calendar may include annual accounts, Corporation Tax payment and return dates, confirmation statements, VAT returns, payroll submissions and Self Assessment. We map the dates from your company year end and registrations.
No. This page explains general UK rules and common accounting treatment. Your facts, contracts and wider tax position must be reviewed before you rely on a conclusion.
Included approach
Check the current rules
Deadlines, thresholds and filing rules change. GOV.UK and Companies House publish the current statutory position; advice should then be applied to your company’s circumstances.
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Pick a time that suits you and a qualified accountant will call you about your company, deadlines and fees.
Appointments run monday to friday, 9:00am to 5:30pm. Your confirmation is emailed straight away.
