What Is a Startup Accountant?
A startup accountant specialises in helping new and early-stage businesses manage their UK financial and tax responsibilities. A good startup accountant understands the challenges founders face, including limited cash flow, fast growth, fundraising, and the need to make the right decisions from the start.
Startup accountants use digital tools and cloud accounting software, offer flexible pricing for early-stage businesses, and give proactive advice throughout the year, not just at year-end.
Startup Accounting Services
- Company formation and business setup
- PAYE, VAT, and Corporation Tax registrations
- Annual accounts and Corporation Tax returns filing
- Director salary and dividend planning
- Director Self Assessment
- VAT returns under Making Tax Digital
- Bookkeeping and FreeAgent cloud accounting software
- Confirmation statements and Companies House filings
SEIS and EIS for UK Startups
SEIS (Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme) allows very early-stage companies to raise up to £250,000 from investors who receive 50% income tax relief. EIS (Enterprise Investment Scheme) is for slightly more established companies, with investors receiving 30% income tax relief on up to £1 million a year (£2 million if the extra is in knowledge-intensive companies).
Companies can ask HMRC for advance assurance that a share issue is likely to qualify before raising investment. It is not a legal requirement, but many investors expect it. Talk to your accountant early if you plan to raise under either scheme.
R&D Tax Credits for Startups
Your startup may qualify for R&D tax relief if it carries out work that aims to advance knowledge or capability in science or technology and faces genuine technical uncertainty. This applies to developing software, creating new products, building new processes, or working with novel materials. You do not need to be a tech company.
Claims are made through your company's Corporation Tax return, and HMRC requires additional information about the project and costs to be submitted before you claim. Your accountant can talk you through whether your work is likely to qualify.
Fixed Pricing, No Hidden Fees
All GoForma packages are priced clearly with no hidden extras and no long-term contracts. Get an instant online quote to see the right package for your startup.
