Switching accountants: what actually happens
Moving to a new accountant is simpler than most people expect. Here is the process step by step, and what you need to do.
Business owners often put up with an accountant they are unhappy with because they assume switching will be awkward or disruptive. In practice the process is well established, and most of it happens between the two firms without you being involved.
Step by step
- You tell us you would like to move. We send you a short engagement letter setting out what we will do and the fee, and ask for identification so we can complete the checks every accountancy firm must carry out.
- We write to your current accountant. This is called a professional clearance letter. It asks whether there is any reason we should not act for you and requests copies of your records: the last set of accounts, tax computations, the trial balance and any other working papers.
- Your previous accountant hands over your records. The records belong to you, and accountants are expected to co-operate with a handover. The one common snag is outstanding fees, which some firms will want settled before they release papers.
- We register with HMRC and Companies House. We ask HMRC to recognise us as your agent for each tax, and you give us your Companies House authentication code if you have a company. From then on, correspondence comes to us.
- We set up your calendar. Every filing date and payment date is diarised, and we tell you what we need from you and when.
When is the best time to switch?
Any time. Just after your year end is the tidiest, because one firm prepares one complete year. Switching mid-year is also perfectly normal; we simply pick up the records to date. If a deadline is close, tell us, and we will prioritise it.
What we need from you
- Your last set of accounts and tax return, if you have them to hand (if not, we get them from your old accountant)
- Your Unique Taxpayer Reference and, for companies, the company number and authentication code
- Access to your bookkeeping software or bank feeds
- Photo identification and proof of address for our anti-money-laundering checks
Do I need to give notice?
Check your engagement letter with your current accountant. Most do not require a notice period, but some fixed-fee arrangements run for a set term. We will read it with you if you are unsure.
If you are thinking about moving, get in touch for a quote. There is no obligation, and nothing happens until you say so.
This article is a general guide based on the rules as we understand them at the date of publication. It is not advice for your specific circumstances. Please speak to us before acting on anything in it.
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Thinking of switching accountant? It is easier than you think.
Tell us a little about your business and we will come back to you within one working day with how we can help and what it will cost. Or speak directly to Craig, our senior partner, on 07949 534119.