Contractors can be found in a wide range of careers, ranging including builders and consultants each of which provides an exclusive service to their clients. If you’ve made the decision to pursue a contractor career, then selecting the most qualified and experienced Contractor Accountant is the next step.
But how can you make sure that the Contractor accountant you choose is suitable for you? And can help your efforts to make your business successful?
There are many contractor accountants available and it’s a highly competitive talent, but not all accountants for contractors are the same. So, what we can do to select the ideal contractor accountant?
How does a Contractor Accountant Help You?
Before you look into how to select an accountant for contractors who specialize Learn what a contractor accountant can do to assist you. The top Contractor accountant will handle your tax-related paperwork and assist you in ensuring you get the most tax savings.
Additionally, the top contractor’s accountants in London walk the client through the UK’s complicated rules, like IR35 to assist you with your work and not worry about what might be the outcome should HMRC would decide to probe you. There are a variety of core duties that your contractor’s accountant will complete for you. They will include:
- Set up and run the payroll of your business.
- Forming your limited company.
- Inscribing your company for VAT and filing your VAT tax returns.
- Help you file your Confirmation Statements.
- The Annual Accounts for your business, then filing these for filing with Companies House and HMRC.
- The ongoing process of completing documentation related to contracts.
- Offering tax planning guidance as well as retirement plans.
- Make your personal tax return.
- Professional references are required for example, in the event that you wish to apply for a mortgage.
The above tasks are just an overview. There are many other smaller jobs that an experienced Contractor Accountant will help you.
Are they Specialists in the Contractor Market?
If you are looking for the most reliable accountant, it may appear that there are more accountants across the UK than contractors! But, if accountants do not have a specialization in the contractor market, you’re likely to be paying higher than the market rate for low-quality service.
A general practitioner or high-street accountant will have to handle various types of clients which results in less experience dealing working with private Limited Companies. A contractor accountant who is dedicated is one who has extensive, specialized experience dealing with clients like you, and will provide the most effective guidance.
Are they Comfortable With Tech?
Your accountant’s role in making the financial portion of your contracting experience as easy as is possible We can claim the same for the tech they provide you.
Always ask them what cloud-based accounting software or online portal they are using and if they can offer a demonstration.
So, you can become familiar with the system before you decide if it’s the best option for you.
Most accountants are acquainted with accounting programs like QuickBooks, and Xero. But their levels of experience can be different. Make sure you ask regarding this.
How Much do Your Specialist Contractor Accountant Charge?
This can be a huge difference according to your needs, anticipate paying as low as PS70 each month and PS150 or more per month. It’s contingent upon the value that your accountant can bring and the complicated your work is.
You must know what level of guidance you need so that you can decide which accountant and which program will provide the most value for money. Make sure to ask about hidden fees and don’t hesitate to inquire about the service. Also, you should check out the contents of the package. At at a minimum, you must be expecting to find:
- Bookkeeping
- The preparation and the submission of annual accounts
- Preparation and submission of the company’s tax return
- Personal self-assessment tax return
- The preparation and filing of VAT tax returns
- Payroll
- Processing of correspondence from Companies House and HMRC
- Certain contact hours to have questions answered and receive advice and help in your tax issues
It’s a good idea to look over whether the bundle includes everything you need But don’t think it’s all about cost. Most important is to work with a person you feel familiar with and who can give you sound tips.
Do they Have Reputation You Can Trust?
Accountants might have a beautiful logo, the most impressive website, and affiliations with professional organizations however this doesn’t mean that they have an excellent reputation.
Reviews on Trustpilot, Google reviews and comparison sites are a good starting point to start checking the details.
However, it’s difficult to distinguish authentic reviews from false ones. Certain reviews might have been paid to write. They could also be written by individuals who have a desire to slash.
Reviewers should be taking the reviews you read with a pinch of salt.
The best way to go about it is to talk to at least three accountants and ask for suggestions.
You can make it your own or utilize a professional service such as Experlu that can offer you three complimentary and no-obligation quotes from accountants.
Ask your fellow contractors for advice or consult professional groups like LinkedIn. It is more likely that you will receive an honest opinion and reliable advice.
Final Thought
The points mentioned above are only a few of them, you’ll need to find credentials, professional certifications as well as professional indemnity insurance they carry and their responsiveness. In the end, hiring a Contractor Accountant can seem like a significant cost, particularly when you’re just beginning your journey in the world of contracting. If you make the right choice and make the tax savings, and also by staying up-to-date with the HMRC rules.