Online Accountants.
Real Expertise.
Less Hassle.
Professional online accountants for UK limited companies, sole traders and business owners. Get your accounts and tax returns handled by ACCA qualified accountants, without routine office visits.
We combine experienced UK accountants, convenient digital working and clear fixed-price services. You deal with real professionals, not just accounting software.
What Is an Online Accountant?
An online accountant is a professional accountant who provides accounting and tax services remotely. Instead of routinely visiting an office, clients exchange records digitally, communicate by telephone or email, approve documents electronically and arrange relevant tax and accounts filings online.
At The Online Accountants, we combine this convenience with the expertise of ACCA qualified accountants. We help UK companies, self-employed people and individual taxpayers meet their reporting obligations and understand their financial position.
Online accounting changes how you access professional support, not the importance of getting the accounting and tax treatment right. Our approach is to make the process simpler while keeping a real accountant involved.
Accounting and Tax Services for UK Businesses
From preparing company accounts to completing individual tax returns, choose the professional support that fits your needs.
Limited Company Accounts
Annual statutory accounts, Corporation Tax calculations, CT600 returns and electronic filing with the relevant authorities.
Explore company accounts →Self-Employed Accounts
Year-end accounts and tax support for sole traders, freelancers and people running their own businesses.
Self-employed services →Partnership Accounts
Accounts preparation and partnership tax reporting for businesses operated by two or more partners.
Partnership services →LLP Accounts
Statutory accounts and partnership tax compliance support for limited liability partnerships.
LLP accounting →Self Assessment
Professional preparation and filing of personal tax returns, including relevant business and investment income.
Self Assessment service →Cloud Accounting Support
Accountant-led support using records from Xero, QuickBooks, Sage, FreeAgent and other suitable digital systems.
Learn about Xero →Why Choose The Online Accountants?
Your accounting records are more than numbers to enter into a system. They determine what your business reports, what tax may be payable and which deadlines need attention.
We believe an effective online service combines digital efficiency with professional judgement and clear communication.
- Qualified expertise: ACCA qualified accountants.
- Personal contact: communicate with a real accountant.
- Transparent pricing: know the agreed scope and fee.
- UK tax knowledge: accounts and tax compliance support.
- Convenient delivery: no routine office appointments.
- Practical explanations: advice in understandable language.
Who Can Benefit From Online Accountancy?
Online accountancy can work well for anyone comfortable managing records and communicating electronically. It is particularly useful when you want to choose an accountant for their expertise rather than their postcode.
Owner-Managed Companies
Directors and shareholders seeking annual accounts, Corporation Tax support and practical business guidance.
SME accountants →Contractors and Consultants
Independent professionals managing company accounts, business expenses and tax obligations.
Contractor accountants →Property Businesses
Landlords and property company owners needing accounting and tax compliance support.
Property accounting →Start-ups
New businesses choosing a structure, organising records and understanding their initial tax responsibilities.
Starting a business →Professional Practices
Businesses requiring accounting support that reflects the nature of their professional work.
Solicitor accountants →Individual Taxpayers
Individuals who need help understanding income, completing returns or dealing with HMRC requirements.
Personal tax returns →Online Accountants vs Traditional Accountants
Both online and high-street accountants can provide professional services. The main distinction is how you communicate, exchange records and manage the work.
| Feature | Online Accountants | Traditional Accountants |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Choose a firm anywhere in the UK | Often chosen for local access |
| Communication | Telephone, email and digital channels | Office meetings and remote communication |
| Accounting records | Primarily electronic records | Electronic or paper records |
| Document approval | Usually electronic | Electronic or paper |
| Fees | Often service-based or fixed | Fixed or hourly, depending on firm |
| Professional standards | Depend on the accountant and firm | Depend on the accountant and firm |
These are typical differences, not universal rules. Many traditional firms also provide fully digital services.
Which is better? If regular face-to-face meetings are important, a local accountant may be preferable. If you value remote access and convenient digital processes, an online accountant may be a better fit.
How Does Our Online Accounting Service Work?
You retain control of your business and approve the relevant documents. We handle the agreed professional accounting work.
Choose Your Service
Tell us what you need and establish the agreed scope, information required and price.
Provide Your Records
Share the relevant bookkeeping information digitally using an agreed method.
Professional Preparation
We review the records and prepare the accounts, calculations or returns covered by your service.
Approve and Submit
You review the documents before applicable electronic submissions are made.
How Much Does an Online Accountant Cost?
The cost depends on your business, its records and the work required. We publish fixed prices for defined services so you can assess the cost before instructing us.
Limited company annual accounts and Corporation Tax filing for businesses within our Small service band.
View Company Accounts Prices →What Is Included?
The advertised starting price applies to qualifying companies. Additional or specialist work may require a separate quotation.
Compare all our accounting fees →How to Choose the Right Online Accountant
The cheapest advertised fee does not always represent the best value. Before appointing an accountant, establish exactly what you will receive and who will be responsible for the work.
- Check the accountant's professional qualifications.
- Ask what is included and excluded from the fee.
- Understand who will answer your questions.
- Confirm how your records will be exchanged.
- Check whether HMRC and Companies House filing is included.
- Establish whether bookkeeping is your responsibility.
- Ask about additional fees for unusual or complex work.
Online Accounting Software Is Not the Same as an Accountant
Bookkeeping software helps record transactions, reconcile bank accounts and organise financial data. It does not automatically replace professional judgement about accounting standards, tax treatment and reporting obligations.
The best arrangement is often a combination: good digital records supported by an experienced accountant.
Learn about Making Tax Digital →Can You Switch to an Online Accountant?
Yes. You can normally change accountants even if your previous accounts were prepared by another firm.
With your authority, the incoming accountant can request relevant information from your previous accountant through the usual professional clearance and handover process.
It is sensible to check upcoming filing deadlines, outstanding work and any information that still needs to be supplied before changing.
Discuss Changing Accountants →A Smooth Handover
Online Accountants: Your Questions Answered
Useful answers to common questions about working with an online accountant in the UK.
Are online accountants qualified?
Not every provider has the same qualifications. Check the credentials of the individual or firm. The Online Accountants provides services through ACCA qualified accountants.
Can online accountants file limited company accounts?
Yes. An appropriately engaged accountant can prepare statutory accounts, obtain the necessary approval and arrange filing with Companies House. Corporation Tax returns can also be prepared and submitted to HMRC where included in the agreed service.
Do I need bookkeeping software?
Not necessarily. Depending on your circumstances, suitable spreadsheets or other organised electronic records may be sufficient. Some businesses must use compatible software for applicable Making Tax Digital obligations.
Can an online accountant reduce my tax bill?
An accountant can help identify legitimate reliefs, allowances and tax treatments relevant to your circumstances. Tax savings are not guaranteed and depend on the facts and applicable legislation.
Can I use an online accountant outside my local area?
Yes. You can work with a UK accountant remotely without being based in the same town. Our services are available to clients throughout the UK.
Are online accountants cheaper than traditional accountants?
They can be, but this is not always the case. Prices depend on the services, complexity and level of support. Compare what is included rather than relying only on the headline fee.
Are online accountants safe to use?
A reputable online accountant should have appropriate procedures for protecting client information, confirming identity and managing professional responsibilities. Ask how records are transferred and stored, and check the firm's credentials before sharing sensitive information.
Will I still be responsible for my tax returns?
Yes. Appointing an accountant does not remove your legal responsibilities as a taxpayer or company director. Your accountant can help prepare and submit returns within the agreed engagement.
Can I speak to a real accountant?
Yes. Our service is accountant-led rather than purely automated. Communication and support are provided according to the service you engage us for.
How quickly can company accounts be prepared?
Our standard company accounts service typically aims for a turnaround of 7–14 days once complete, suitable records and the necessary information have been received. Timing depends on complexity, workload and any outstanding queries.
About The Online Accountants
The Online Accountants is a UK accountancy firm serving businesses and individuals nationwide. We specialise in practical accounting and tax services delivered remotely, with professional expertise and clear service pricing.
The Online Accountants is a trading name of Parkinson (UK) Limited, registered in England and Wales. Our office is based in Exeter, Devon, while our accounting services are available throughout the United Kingdom.
Registered office/contact address: The Gallery, Kings Wharf, The Quay, Exeter, Devon, EX2 4AN.
VAT registration number: 866086100. Data protection registration number: Z9436556.
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