Finding an Accountant for Freelancer

bpk101

Hi —

I'd like to look into the cost of having an accountant help me annulay with my tax returns and other bits and pieces.

I am a freelance designer, self employed with various direct clients as well as occasional contracts taken through agencies. It's a pretty small operation (for now!) and i haven't got a huge budget for this.

I've had no issue filing my own returns before but it would be nice to have the input of an accountant as my business grows to help and advise on other financial tips and opportunities, and make sure all my paperwork etc is in good shape once a year.

How does one start looking though, is there a governing body i should contact first?

Thanks

MacMickster

The term "accountant" covers a wide variety of levels of service. Some do little more than add up the invoices and receipts that you give them (I'm sure that you could easily do the same yourself) and charge you £500 for the privilege. Others will give basic advice about making best use of your tax allowances, pension contributions etc, as well as preparing accounts and filing your tax returns for you.

I'd suggest that you do a bit of research, talk to friends with businesses and to prospective accountants. A good accountant can help your business to succeed, whereas a bad accountant could leave you facing la large tax bill and penalties that could potentially destroy a business.