Tech and SaaS accountants
Accountants for UK app developers: App Store and Google Play payouts, in app purchase VAT, subscriptions, R&D relief and company filings on a fixed fee.
Short answer
An app developer accountant reconciles Apple and Google payouts net of their commission, applies the VAT treatment for in app purchases where the store often acts as the supplier, and recognises subscription revenue across the period sold.
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 indemnityAn app developer accountant reconciles Apple and Google payouts net of their commission, applies the VAT treatment for in app purchases where the store often acts as the supplier, and recognises subscription revenue across the period sold.
Store payouts are net of a lot
Who accounts for VAT on in app purchases
Development spend and R&D
An app developer accountant reconciles Apple and Google payouts net of their commission, applies the VAT treatment for in app purchases where the store often acts as the supplier, and recognises subscription revenue across the period sold.
Apple and Google deduct commission, currency conversion and in some territories the local tax they have collected. The payout is therefore not your revenue. We rebuild gross revenue, commission and taxes so your accounts show the true top line and the true platform cost.
For consumer in app purchases the store is generally treated as the supplier to the end user and handles local VAT or sales tax, with your supply being to the store. That materially changes what goes on your VAT return. Direct web sales outside the store follow different rules again.
Routine app building is not R&D. Solving genuine technical problems, for example novel performance work or new algorithms, can be. We test the claim honestly, because an unsupported claim is now far more likely to be challenged than it was a few years ago.
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
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
Usually your supply is to the store and it handles end user VAT, but the treatment depends on the territory and the arrangement.
Recognise revenue over the subscription term and hold the remainder as deferred income.
Yes, and they may also be qualifying expenditure if the project meets the R&D tests.
Useful reporting commonly includes recurring revenue, gross margin, burn, runway, headcount cost, customer acquisition efficiency and cash collection. The exact set should match the company’s model and the decisions founders and investors make each month.
Cash received in advance is not automatically revenue on day one. The accounting treatment follows what has been delivered under the contract, with the undelivered balance carried forward and reconciled to billing data.
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.
Google reviews
“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.”
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Pick a time that suits you and a qualified accountant will call you about your company, deadlines and fees.
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