Can you switch at any time?
Yes. You do not need to wait for your year end, and your current accountant cannot stop you moving. The smoothest time is shortly after a set of accounts or a tax return has been filed, because there is a clean point to hand over from, but any time works. Check your current engagement letter for a notice period, which is usually short.
What happens when you switch
- 1. A free conversation and a fixed quote. We look at your company, what has been filed and what is coming up, and agree one monthly fee before anything changes.
- 2. You tell your current accountant. A short, polite email is all it takes. We can give you wording if you would like it.
- 3. Professional clearance. We write to your previous accountant to ask whether there is any professional reason we should not act, and to request the handover information: your last accounts and tax returns, payroll records and anything in progress. This is standard practice between accountants and keeps nothing from falling through the gaps.
- 4. HMRC authorisation. We ask HMRC to authorise us as your agent for Corporation Tax, PAYE, VAT and your own Self Assessment through HMRC's online agent services. For some taxes HMRC posts an authorisation code to the company or to you, which you simply pass on to us.
- 5. Your books. If you already use Xero, you add us as your adviser and your records stay exactly where they are. If you use spreadsheets or other software, we move you onto Xero as part of the switch.
- 6. A deadline calendar. Before we finish, we write down every date that now applies to your company and to you, so nothing is missed in the changeover.
What you will need
- Your company number and your company's Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR), plus your personal UTR.
- Access to your HMRC online account, so you can approve our agent requests. You never need to share your password.
- Your VAT number and PAYE reference, if you have them.
- Access to your bookkeeping records, and copies of your last accounts and Corporation Tax return if you have them to hand. If not, we request them from your previous accountant.
How long it takes
Most switches are complete within two to four weeks. The part that takes longest is usually waiting for HMRC authorisation codes to arrive in the post. None of this pauses your company: we make sure any deadline falling during the handover is covered by one of us.
What it costs
We do not charge extra to take you on; the handover is part of our service. Your previous accountant may still be owed for work they have already done, which is fair. The one thing to agree clearly is who files which return, so that the same year's accounts are not prepared, and paid for, twice.
Common questions
Do I need my current accountant's permission to switch?
No. You can change accountant whenever you choose. Your new accountant contacts the old one for a professional clearance letter and handover information, which is standard practice and does not need their agreement to your move.
Will switching accountant cause any missed deadlines?
It should not. As part of the switch we list every deadline that applies to your company and agree with your previous accountant who is responsible for anything falling during the handover.
How long does it take to switch accountant?
Usually two to four weeks from your decision. The longest part is typically waiting for HMRC authorisation codes, which arrive by post.
Do I have to change bookkeeping software?
Not if you already use Xero: you simply add us as your adviser. If you use spreadsheets or other software, we move you onto Xero as part of the switch.
Is there a charge to switch to SJE Capital?
No. Taking you on is part of our service. Your previous accountant may still invoice you for work they have already completed.