Start with your questions
You might need help keeping records up to date, understanding your profit, preparing accounts or planning for a tax bill. Writing down the two or three questions you most want answered is the quickest way to agree the right scope of work.
Gather the basics
- Recent bank statements and a summary of income and spending
- Sales invoices, purchase receipts and details of money owed to or by you
- Your last accounts and tax returns, if you have them
- Whether you are VAT registered or employ anyone
- Any deadlines or letters from HMRC or Companies House
- A short outline of your business, property or personal circumstances
Keep sensitive details out of web forms
A website enquiry form is for an initial description of what you need. Do not include bank details, passwords, your National Insurance number or tax references. Once work is agreed, you will be told how to share documents securely.
How long to keep records
- Sole traders and landlords: at least five years after the 31 January submission deadline for the tax year.
- Limited companies: six years from the end of the financial year the records relate to, longer in some cases.
- VAT records: at least six years.
Ready to talk? Start an enquiry.
Sources
- Business records if you’re self-employed: how long to keep them
- Running a limited company: company and accounting records
- Record keeping for VAT (VAT Notice 700/21)
This article is general guidance and not advice for your circumstances.
