Should I use an accountant?

Accountants can help self-employed people make financial decisions, keeping their new business on track and satisfying the requirements of the Inland Revenue. They can help with:

• Starting up - talking to an accountant when you decide to become self-employed will help you evaluate your business idea, and learn about raising finance and minimising taxes.
• Proper record keeping is a legal requirement for the sole trader; there is a fine of up to £3k if you don't. Accountants can help you get value from your records to paint a picture of what has happened with your business, what is happening now and what might happen in the future.
• Bank managers are impressed by the output from good accounting systems.
• For further information visit the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales' web site www.icaew.co.uk.
  

You can use this website to find:

• Accountants
• Chartered Accountants
• Forensic accountants
• Certified Accounts
• Management Accountants
• Tax Accountants