Switching FAQ

How to change accountants

Switching is far easier than most people expect. You notify your current accountant, your new one handles the clearance and records, and you authorise them with HMRC. Here is the whole process.

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The short answer

You can switch any time, and it is mostly handled for you

You are free to change accountants whenever you like, you do not have to wait for your year-end, and you do not have to give a reason.

Once you have chosen a new accountant, the two firms handle the professional clearance and handover between them. Your part is a short note to your current accountant and authorising the new one with HMRC. Most of it happens in the background.

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Good to know

There is no tie-in to the calendar. You can move accountants mid-year.

A common moment to switch is right after a set of accounts or a tax return is filed, but it is not required.

Step by step

Changing accountants in four steps

1. Choose your new accountant

Agree the services, fees and start date with your new accountant before you do anything else. There is no need to tell your old one until this is in place.

2. Notify your current accountant

A short email is enough. You do not need to give a reason. Ask them to expect a professional clearance request from your new accountant.

3. Professional clearance & handover

Your new accountant writes to your old one for professional clearance and your records (the disengagement). This is standard practice and the two firms handle it between them.

4. Authorise with HMRC

You authorise your new accountant as your tax agent with HMRC so they can file on your behalf. Then your handover is complete.

Questions

Changing accountants, your questions answered

How do I change accountants?

Four simple steps: choose and engage your new accountant; send a short note to your current one; let your new accountant request professional clearance and your records; and authorise the new accountant with HMRC. The two firms do most of the work between them, so it is far less effort than people expect.

Is it difficult to change accountants?

No. It is one of the most common things accountants do, and the process is well established. You notify your current provider, your new accountant requests clearance and your paperwork, and you authorise the new firm with HMRC. Most of it happens in the background.

Do I have to tell my old accountant why I am leaving?

No. You are free to switch at any time and you do not owe an explanation. A brief, polite note that you are moving on is all that is needed. Ending on good terms simply makes the handover smoother.

Can I change accountants mid-year?

Yes. You do not have to wait for your year-end or for a tax deadline. You can switch at any point. A natural moment is after a set of accounts or a tax return has been filed, but it is not a requirement.

What is a professional clearance letter?

It is a standard letter your new accountant sends to your old one, asking whether there is any professional reason they should not act for you, and requesting your records and information. It is routine and is how a clean handover happens between firms.

Will changing accountants cost me anything?

Switching itself is usually free. Your old accountant should pass over your records as part of normal handover. Occasionally there may be an outstanding fee for work already done, which you would settle as normal. Your new accountant will confirm their own fee before you start.

What are the signs I should change accountant?

Common reasons people switch: slow or hard to reach, only ever do the bare minimum at year-end, surprise or rising fees, no proactive tax advice, or still working on paper while you want cloud software. If your accountant is holding your business back rather than helping it, it is worth moving.

Authorising a tax agent: GOV.UK, authorise an agent for HMRC.

Thinking of switching? We will do the heavy lifting.

Tell us who you are with now and what is not working. We handle the clearance and handover, and get you set up on a clear fixed fee.

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