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 start from £44 per month for sole traders and £88 per month for limited companies. Prices exclude VAT. Use our quote tool to get your free bespoke price.
Do I need an accountant for my small business?
You are not legally required to hire an accountant, but many small business owners use one. An accountant can save you time, make sure you claim the expenses and reliefs you are entitled to, and help 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. On 2026/27 rates, a limited company that pays out all its profit leaves you with less take-home pay than a sole trader on the same profit, so the decision usually turns on limited liability and flexibility: keeping profit in the company, timing dividends, and employer pension contributions.
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, FreeAgent is included for keeping your books, and your accountant prepares the accounts and tax returns your package covers.
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.
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 has applied since 6 April 2026 to sole traders and landlords with qualifying income over £50,000, falling to £30,000 from April 2027 and £20,000 from April 2028. Every GoForma package includes FreeAgent, which is MTD-compatible software.
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. We work online by phone, video, email and WhatsApp, so you get the same service wherever your business is located.
Can I speak to a real accountant at GoForma?
Yes. Our accountants are ACCA and AAT qualified. Packages from Start upwards include a dedicated personal accountant, and Lite packages include two accountant discussions a year.
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.
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