Ask who does the work
You want a named person, not a rotating inbox. Ask who prepares the return, who reviews it, and how you reach them in January.
Ask what the fee actually covers
Year-end accounts, confirmation statement, payroll, VAT, a director’s tax return — these are often separate. A cheap “accounts” quote that excludes Self Assessment is not cheap.
Ask about software and MTD
If you are VAT registered or in MTD for Income Tax, the accountant should already have a digital workflow. “Email us a spreadsheet in January” is not a plan for 2026.
Ask what happens when something is awkward
Late records, a director’s loan, a property sale, IR35. You need someone who will say so clearly. That is the standard we set on the about page: accurate, reliable, personal.
Book a discovery call — thirty minutes, no pitch deck.
This article is general information for UK readers, not personal tax advice. Rules change. Check GOV.UK or speak to us before you file.