Short answer: Limited companies have separate filing, tax and record-keeping responsibilities from their directors. An accountant can help with annual accounts, Corporation Tax, director payroll, dividends, VAT and Companies House deadlines, but you should still understand the scope of the service.
Core work to clarify in the quote
- Statutory accounts and Corporation Tax return.
- Companies House confirmation statement reminders.
- Director payroll, dividends and personal tax coordination.
- VAT returns, bookkeeping and software support if relevant.
Director questions to discuss
- How salary and dividends are documented and reported.
- What records are needed for expenses paid personally.
- How director loan account movements are tracked.
- When personal Self Assessment may also be needed.
Signs you need more than year-end filing
- Payroll, VAT, stock, ecommerce sales or overseas customers.
- Multiple directors or shareholders.
- Cash flow, funding, growth or profit extraction questions.
- Messy bookkeeping or software that has not been reconciled.
What to send before an accountant quotes
Send a short summary of your business type, turnover band, deadlines, software, current record quality and the decision you are trying to make. This helps the accountant quote for the real work rather than a vague label.
Official guidance referenced
Use these links to check current rules, thresholds and deadlines.
Related detailed guides
FAQs
Can Accountancy Ally prepare company accounts
Accountancy Ally helps you prepare the right questions before speaking to a company accountant.
What should a company accountant explain clearly
Scope, deadlines, fees, who does the bookkeeping, software access and what advice is included.
Do directors need separate tax help
Often they may need personal tax considerations alongside company accounts, depending on their income.
Keep this current
Tax rules and thresholds can change. Check the linked official guidance and speak to an accountant before making important decisions.