From £22/mo

Accountants built for small businesses

GoForma's ACCA and AAT qualified accountants support sole traders, limited companies, freelancers, and startups across the UK: annual accounts, VAT, payroll, Corporation Tax, and self-assessment. Get a bespoke quote and dedicated accountant support at a transparent fixed monthly fee.

Get a bespoke quote
  • 4.9 4.9 out of 5 stars. from 65 Google reviews
  • 4,000+ Free consultations booked
  • 7,000+ Tax returns filed
Small Business Accountants | Affordable UK Accounting | GoForma - GoForma Services | UK Accountants & Tax Advisors
Talk to a real accountant
Regulated · authorised · partner-tier

Real credentials, verifiable on every register

Trusted by UK contractors, freelancers and limited-company directors since 2020.

Who we work with

Small Business Accountants for every situation

From single-contract IT consultants to growing limited-company directors — pick the situation that fits and you'll get a qualified small business accounting who actually knows it inside out.

Professional and Office-Based Businesses

What we cover

Professional and Office-Based Businesses

Recruitment agencies, marketing and PR agencies, legal and financial consultancies, architecture practices, and training and coaching businesses.

  • Recruitment agencies
  • Marketing and PR agencies
  • Legal and financial consultancies
  • Architecture practices
  • Training and coaching businesses

Professional and Office-Based Businesses

Recruitment agencies, marketing and PR agencies, legal and financial consultancies, architecture practices, and training and coaching businesses.

E-Commerce and Online Sellers

What we cover

E-Commerce and Online Sellers

Online businesses selling through their own websites or marketplaces who need help with VAT thresholds, stock accounting, and multi-channel revenue.

  • Shopify and WooCommerce stores
  • Amazon and eBay sellers
  • Etsy and Etsy sellers
  • Subscription boxes and digital products
  • Dropshipping businesses

E-Commerce and Online Sellers

Online businesses selling through their own websites or marketplaces who need help with VAT thresholds, stock accounting, and multi-channel revenue.

Creative and Media Businesses

What we cover

Creative and Media Businesses

Small creative businesses juggling project-based income, client retainers, and subcontractor costs.

  • Design studios and photographers
  • Web development agencies
  • Content and video production
  • Event planning businesses
  • Copywriters and content agencies

Creative and Media Businesses

Small creative businesses juggling project-based income, client retainers, and subcontractor costs.

Health, Wellness and Care Businesses

What we cover

Health, Wellness and Care Businesses

Small businesses in healthcare and wellness managing private client income, room rentals, and practitioner payroll.

  • Dental practices
  • Gyms and personal trainers
  • Care agencies
  • Pharmacies
  • Veterinary practices

Health, Wellness and Care Businesses

Small businesses in healthcare and wellness managing private client income, room rentals, and practitioner payroll.

Retail, Hospitality and Food Businesses

What we cover

Retail, Hospitality and Food Businesses

Small business owners in retail and hospitality who need accounting support with VAT, payroll, and bookkeeping.

  • Shops and boutiques
  • Cafes, restaurants, and pubs
  • Salons and beauty businesses
  • Hotels and B&Bs

Retail, Hospitality and Food Businesses

Small business owners in retail and hospitality who need accounting support with VAT, payroll, and bookkeeping.

Trade and Construction Businesses

What we cover

Trade and Construction Businesses

Small trade businesses managing subcontractors, CIS deductions, and job-by-job profitability.

  • Electricians and plumbers
  • General builders and joiners
  • Groundworkers and landscapers
  • CIS contractors

Trade and Construction Businesses

Small trade businesses managing subcontractors, CIS deductions, and job-by-job profitability.

What's included

Small Business Accountants: everything you actually get

Not just the filings — the dedicated accountant, the contract guidance, the software, and the structure that makes small business accounting actually work for you.

Dedicated small business accountant

Your own named UK accountant who knows your business, your industry and your numbers. Hospitality, retail, professional services, trades — talk to the same person every time, not whoever picks up. Phone, email or WhatsApp, fixed monthly fee, no surprise bills for asking a question.

Bookkeeping included monthly

We do the bookkeeping every month — categorising transactions, reconciling your bank, chasing missing receipts, posting payroll journals. You see clean, accurate management figures month-end, not a year-end pile of guesswork. Most small businesses save 6–10 hours a month they were spending on Excel and shoeboxes.

VAT, PAYE and Corporation Tax — done

We prepare and file your VAT returns, run your monthly payroll (RTI submissions, payslips, P60s), and submit your Corporation Tax return. All HMRC deadlines tracked and met — you never get a penalty letter from HMRC because we filed something late.

Year-end accounts and Companies House filings

Statutory annual accounts prepared to FRS 102 / FRS 105 standard, signed off, and filed with Companies House and HMRC. Your confirmation statement (CS01) is filed annually too — the whole compliance year wrapped up cleanly, every time.

FreeAgent or Xero — included free

We're a FreeAgent Platinum Partner and a Xero Silver Partner — choose either. Live cloud books mean you can see cash flow, debtors and profit at a glance from your phone. We review your records weekly and flag anything that needs your attention before it becomes a problem.

Tax planning, not just tax filing

Anyone can file a return after the fact. We sit down with you each year — before year-end — and look at salary vs dividend, pension contributions, capital allowances and timing of purchases, so the tax bill that lands is the smallest one HMRC will accept. That's the part most accountants don't do.

FROM £22/MO · 60-SECOND QUOTE

Get your bespoke small business accountants quote

Answer a few quick questions and we'll match you to the right package — with a price tailored to your business. Takes about 60 seconds.

Month-to-month, cancel any time 30-day money-back guarantee 30 days' notice
How we compare

GoForma vs the alternatives

Feature GoFormaHigh street accountantsBudget online services
Dedicated named accountant
FreeAgent software included Varies
WhatsApp and live chat
Monthly rolling contract Usually annual
Money-back guarantee 30 daysVaries
Proactive tax planning
Instant online quote
How to Get Started with GoForma Small Business Accounting

From a 20-minute call to fully looked after

From your first consultation to your accounts being fully set up and running, here is exactly what happens when you sign up.

01

Book Your Free Consultation

Book a 20-minute call with a specialist small business accountant to get advice on company setup, switching accountants, taxes, and more.

Free consultation No commitment, no pitch 20 MIN
Tue 13 May
09:30 10:00 10:30
Wed 14 May
11:00 14:30
02

Quick Online Sign Up

Select a fixed fee plan that suits your income level and service requirements. Complete onboarding in your dashboard.

Pick a fixed-fee plan
Confirm business details
ID + AML verification
Sign engagement letter
Welcome to your dashboard
03

Seamless Setup

Our team handles limited company registration or sole trader setup, HMRC registrations, and authorisation with your previous accountant if switching.

Sign letter
We contact them
Records moved
You're live
04

Software and Banking

Your accounting software is set up for you, with guidance on linking bank accounts, invoicing, and paying yourself.

Revenue
£42.8k
Expenses
£9.2k
CT due
£6.4k
05

Stay Ahead of Filing Deadlines

Get proactive deadline reminders and our expert accountants will manage bookkeeping, tax filings, payroll, and statutory submissions.

Quick one — am I OK to expense the home office bills?
Yes, on the simplified rate. I'll add £26/mo to your return automatically.
Replied in 4 minutes
06

Ongoing Expert Support

Once you are onboard, you receive regular advice from experienced professionals who keep your accounts accurate and compliant throughout the year.

Self Assessment
Corporation Tax
VAT returns
PAYE / payroll
Year-end accounts
Confirmation statement
Rated 4.9/5 from 65 Google reviews

What UK small businesses say after switching

Real reviews from real GoForma clients. Names match those on our verified Google profile.

★★★★★

I wholeheartedly recommend GoForma. From initial set up of my company, to numerous tax-related queries, to finalising the close-down of my Ltd company when I retired — they have been fantastic throughout.

Verified
★★★★★

Bookkeeping, payroll and VAT all done monthly — I now actually know my numbers. They flagged a cash-flow squeeze coming three months out and helped me restructure supplier terms. Saved the business honestly.

Verified
★★★★★

Switched five staff onto their payroll service and the monthly admin time dropped from a full afternoon to about 15 minutes. P11Ds, P60s, RTI submissions — all handled, on time, every time.

Verified
★★★★★

Tax-planning meeting saved us about £4k this year — pension contributions, capital allowances, timing of equipment purchases. Most small-business accountants just file your return after the fact. These guys actually plan.

Verified

Frequently asked questions

How much does a small business accountant cost in the UK?
GoForma's fees depend on your business structure and the services you need. Packages start from £22 per month for sole traders and £28 per month for limited companies. Packages with a dedicated accountant and all filings included start from £44 per month for sole traders and £88 per month for limited companies. Use our instant quote tool to get your bespoke price in seconds.
Do I need an accountant for my small business?
You are not legally required to hire an accountant, but the vast majority of small business owners benefit significantly from professional accounting support. An accountant saves time, reduces tax legally, and helps you avoid costly errors or missed deadlines.
Can I switch from my current accountant to GoForma?
Yes, switching to GoForma is simple. We handle the entire handover process, including contacting your current accountant and transferring your records.
Can GoForma help me choose between sole trader and limited company?
Yes. Choosing the right business structure is one of the most common questions GoForma accountants address. Limited company status tends to become more tax-efficient when your profits exceed approximately £30,000 to £35,000 per year.
Can a small business accountant reduce my tax bill?
Yes. A qualified accountant can reduce your tax legally by claiming allowable expenses, advising on salary and dividends, selecting the right VAT scheme, and ensuring you use all available reliefs including capital allowances and pension contributions.
What is the difference between a small business accountant and a bookkeeper?
A bookkeeper records day-to-day financial transactions. A small business accountant provides a higher level of service: they prepare statutory accounts and tax returns, provide tax planning advice, and represent you with HMRC. At GoForma, both services are included in your monthly fee.
What accounting software does GoForma use?
GoForma uses FreeAgent as its primary accounting software platform. FreeAgent is fully MTD-compatible for both VAT and Income Tax, and is included in all packages at no extra cost. GoForma also supports Xero and QuickBooks for clients who prefer those platforms.
What is Making Tax Digital and does it affect my small business?
Making Tax Digital (MTD) is HMRC's initiative to move UK tax administration to a fully digital system. MTD for VAT applies to all VAT-registered businesses. MTD for Income Tax Self Assessment applies from April 2026 to self-employed individuals with income over £50,000. GoForma sets every client up on MTD-compatible software from day one.
Can startups get support from GoForma?
Yes. From choosing the right structure to setting up accounts and managing tax, GoForma gives new business owners practical guidance from day one so you start trading on the right footing.
Does GoForma offer accounting services outside London?
Yes. GoForma serves clients across the whole of the UK including Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, and Cardiff. Our cloud accounting, video calls, and fast online support mean you get the same expert service wherever your business is located.
Can I speak to a real accountant at GoForma?
Yes. Every GoForma client is assigned a named, qualified accountant as their dedicated point of contact. GoForma does not use automated chatbots or call centres.
What do I need to give my accountant for small business tax returns?
For small business tax returns, you will need to share records such as income, expenses, bank statements, invoices, and receipts. FreeAgent makes this straightforward with automated bank feeds and receipt scanning.

Affordable Accounting for Small Businesses

GoForma's fixed-fee accounting packages are designed for small businesses. We provide expert bookkeeping, VAT handling, and tax compliance at transparent, predictable prices.

What's Included

  • Monthly bookkeeping and reconciliation
  • VAT return preparation
  • Annual statutory accounts
  • Tax return filing
  • Payroll administration
Meet GoForma

Real people, real qualifications, a real address

Your accounting matters too much to be handed off to an offshore team you'll never meet. Every GoForma client gets a named, UK-qualified accountant, with a London office and a phone number that picks up.

Meet our ACCA & AAT qualified accountants Credentials & partnerships
ACCA & AAT qualified accountants
Every accountant is professionally qualified by the ACCA or AAT — the UK's two leading professional accounting bodies, both regulated for public practice.
Verify on ACCA register
FreeAgent Platinum Partner
Top-tier partnership with FreeAgent. Bundled software (worth £330/yr) included on every plan, with priority support from the FreeAgent team.
Find us on FreeAgent
HMRC-recognised tax agent
Authorised by HMRC to file Corporation Tax, Self Assessment, VAT, PAYE and CIS returns directly with HMRC on your behalf — agent reference held on file.
Companies House (no. 13046739)
ICO data protection registered
Registered with the UK Information Commissioner's Office (ICO). Your financial data is handled to GDPR standards, end-to-end encrypted in transit and at rest.
Verify on ICO register
Key terms, plain English

Quick definitions for small business accountants

IR35

UK off-payroll working rules. They decide whether a contractor working through a limited company is genuinely in business or is a 'disguised employee' for tax purposes.

Read the official HMRC / gov.uk guidance
Corporation Tax CT

The tax a UK limited company pays on its taxable profits — currently between 19% and 25% of profit depending on profit level. Filed annually via a CT600 return.

Read the official HMRC / gov.uk guidance
Self Assessment SA

The annual personal tax return that a limited-company director files for their own income — typically dividends, salary and other personal income. Deadline: 31 January.

Read the official HMRC / gov.uk guidance
Making Tax Digital MTD

HMRC's programme that requires VAT-registered and self-employed taxpayers to keep digital records and file via approved software like FreeAgent.

Read the official HMRC / gov.uk guidance
Confirmation Statement

An annual filing to Companies House confirming the company's directors, shareholders and registered office. Separate from CT and SA — but every limited company has to file one.

Read the official HMRC / gov.uk guidance
Construction Industry Scheme CIS

A set of HMRC rules for the construction sector where contractors deduct money from subcontractor payments at source and pass it to HMRC as advance tax.

Read the official HMRC / gov.uk guidance