Short answer
An accountant for developers handles the contractor questions: whether to use a limited company, how IR35 and the off payroll rules apply to your engagements, the most efficient salary and dividend mix, and what you can actually claim.
Tech and SaaS accountants
Accountant for developers UK
Accountants for UK software developers and contractors: limited company setup, IR35, salary and dividends, expenses and fixed fee annual compliance.
Short answer
An accountant for developers handles the contractor questions: whether to use a limited company, how IR35 and the off payroll rules apply to your engagements, the most efficient salary and dividend mix, and what you can actually claim.
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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An accountant for developers handles the contractor questions: whether to use a limited company, how IR35 and the off payroll rules apply to your engagements, the most efficient salary and dividend mix, and what you can actually claim.
01
Company, umbrella or sole trader
02
IR35 in practice
03
Pay and expenses
Company, umbrella or sole trader
For outside IR35 contract work, a limited company is usually the most efficient route. Inside IR35 engagements with medium or large clients are taxed largely as employment anyway, which removes much of the advantage. Umbrella is simplest but costs the most in take home. We model your actual contracts.
IR35 in practice
For work with medium and large private sector clients and the public sector, the client determines status and issues a determination. With small clients, the responsibility stays with your company. Substitution, control and mutuality of obligation remain the key tests, and the written contract must match how you actually work.
Pay and expenses
A salary around the National Insurance thresholds plus dividends remains the common shape, with employer pension contributions often the best remaining relief. Home office, equipment, professional subscriptions, training that maintains existing skills, and travel to temporary workplaces are the usual claims.
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.
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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.”
Frequently asked
Accountant for developers UK: questions directors ask
Can I claim my laptop?
Yes, where it is for business use, either as a capital allowance claim or full expensing depending on the item.
What if a contract is inside IR35?
The fee is taxed largely as employment income. Running a company can still make sense if you also have outside work.
How much do you charge contractors?
From £110 plus VAT a month for a single director company including accounts, CT600, payroll and Self Assessment.
Which metrics should management accounts show for accountant for developers uk?
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.
How should deferred income and revenue recognition work for accountant for developers uk?
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.
What records are needed for accountant for developers uk?
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.
How much does help with accountant for developers uk cost?
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.
Can you take over accountant for developers uk from another accountant?
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.
Can accountant for developers uk be handled online?
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.
Which accounting software works best for accountant for developers uk?
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.
Included approach
Organised, explained, on schedule.
Clear scopeDeadline visibilityHuman support