Accountants in Queen's Corner

If your last Self Assessment bill was over £1,000, HMRC usually asks for next year's tax in advance — half on 31 January, half on 31 July. It's the number-one cause of "why is my bill double?" calls, and it's manageable: if your income has dropped, the payments can be reduced with a claim.

Limited companies in CIS reclaim differently to sole traders — through payroll or the company tax return rather than Self Assessment. Plenty of construction companies sit on refundable deductions without realising; a quick review of the CIS position often pays for itself immediately.

If you're a sole trader or landlord anywhere near the £50,000 income mark, Making Tax Digital will change your filing rhythm from 2026: four digital updates a year plus a final declaration. Clients who move their records to software early find the transition a non-event.

The expenses rule is "wholly and exclusively" for the trade — which covers more than most people claim (proportionate home-working costs, business mileage, software subscriptions) and less than some hope (client entertaining, everyday clothing). Knowing the line is where the savings live.

Compare accountants on the things that bite later: is the fee fixed and written down, what exactly is included, who does the work, how fast do they answer in January. Proximity to Queen's Corner stopped being the differentiator the day filings went electronic.

Inside-IR35 and outside-IR35 engagements need different setups — sometimes umbrella, sometimes the company, sometimes both across a year. Contractors who plan this per-engagement keep more and worry less.

Some businesses register for VAT before they must — reclaiming input VAT can be worth it if your customers are VAT-registered themselves. Others should stay below deliberately. It's a real decision with real numbers, not a formality.

People stay with the wrong accountant for years because switching feels disruptive. In practice the profession has a standard handover process — clearance letters, copies of prior returns and working papers — and the new firm drives it, not you.