Frequently Asked Questions

An accountant can help with bookkeeping, preparing annual accounts, tax returns, payroll, VAT, and compliance with Companies House and HMRC. They can also advise on tax planning, cashflow, and business structure so you stay organised and compliant.

Keep records of sales and income, purchases and expenses, bank statements, receipts, invoices, and supporting documents. HMRC typically requires records to be kept for at least five years for Self Assessment and six years for many business and company records.

You usually need to file if you are self-employed, a company director, a landlord receiving rental income, or have other income not fully taxed at source. HMRC may also require you to file if your income is over certain thresholds or if you have been sent a notice to file.

Corporation tax is a tax on the profits of limited companies and some other organisations. It is paid to HMRC. The rate and rules depend on the level of profits and the financial year. Returns and payments have specific deadlines linked to your accounting period.

For limited companies, accounts are generally due at Companies House 9 months after the end of the accounting period. You may have a later deadline for sending accounts to HMRC with your corporation tax return. Deadlines can differ for the first year or other circumstances.

A confirmation statement is an annual filing with Companies House that confirms your company’s registered details (directors, address, shareholders, etc.) are up to date. It must be filed at least once every 12 months.

Yes. An accountant can run payroll, produce payslips, submit RTI to HMRC, and handle pension reporting. This helps you stay compliant with PAYE and avoid penalties.

VAT returns are usually submitted quarterly (every 3 months), though some businesses submit monthly or annually. The return and any VAT due must be sent to HMRC within 1 month and 7 days after the end of the period.