Answers
Do I need an accountant for my startup?, Not legally, but directors are personally responsible for accurate records and on-time filings. The early structural decisions, share issues, SEIS eligibility, R&D evidence, cost far more to fix than to get right.
What does an accountant do for a startup in the UK?, Formation and registrations, bookkeeping and payroll, VAT, year-end accounts and the CT600, plus reliefs like R&D, SEIS/EIS and EMI, and management reporting once you need it.
How much should a startup pay for accounting?, An early-stage trading company typically pays a low-hundreds monthly fixed fee, rising with payroll, VAT and advisory scope. Project work such as R&D or EMI is quoted separately.
When is our first filing due?, First accounts are due 21 months from incorporation, then nine months from each period end. The CT600 is due twelve months after the period end, and the tax nine months and one day after it.
Should we be a limited company at all?, Once profits are consistent, you are reinvesting, or customers and investors expect it. Below roughly £30,000 to £40,000 of profit the tax saving is often outweighed by admin.
Can you take over from our current accountant?, Yes. We handle professional clearance, HMRC agent authorisation and handover, and confirm in writing who completes the current year end.