Accountant UK
Looking for an accountant in the UK? Our online UK accountants help limited companies, small businesses, individuals and overseas directors with accounts and tax.
UK Accountants for UK Registered Companies with Overseas Directors
Looking for an accountant in the UK without being restricted by location?
The Online Accountants provides professional online accounting and tax services to UK Limited Companies throughout the United Kingdom. We also help directors living overseas who own or manage UK-registered limited companies and need a straightforward way to deal with their British accounting and filing requirements.
Everything can be handled online, from providing your accounting records to approving your completed accounts.
Whether you run a limited company, work for yourself, own a property business or simply need help with a UK tax return, you can receive professional UK accounting support without needing to visit an accountant's office.
UK accountant. Online service. Fixed prices. Nationwide and international support.
What Is a UK Accountant?
A UK accountant helps businesses and individuals manage their accounting, financial reporting and UK tax obligations.
For a business, this can include preparing annual accounts, calculating taxable profits, preparing Corporation Tax returns, dealing with bookkeeping records and helping the business understand its financial position.
For individuals, an accountant may prepare Self Assessment tax returns, calculate taxable income and gains, and provide advice on UK taxation.
A good accountant should do more than simply submit figures. They should help you understand what needs to be filed, when it needs to be filed, what tax may be payable and whether there are legitimate opportunities to organise your affairs more efficiently.
The Online Accountants delivers these services remotely, making professional UK accounting accessible whether you are in London, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Cardiff, Exeter or thousands of miles outside the UK.
Looking for an Accountant in the UK?
Finding an accountant used to mean looking for an accountancy practice near your home or business.
That is no longer necessary.
Modern accounting software, electronic filing, secure document transfer, email and online communication mean that many accounting services can now be provided remotely.
An online UK accountant can prepare accounts and tax returns using exactly the same underlying financial information without requiring you to travel to an office.
This means your choice of accountant can be based on expertise, service, communication and price rather than postcode.
At The Online Accountants, our service is designed around this principle.
You provide the information we need electronically. We prepare the required accounts or tax return, raise any questions with you, explain the important figures and submit the relevant documents electronically where authorised to do so.
Who Do Our UK Accountants Help?
We provide online accounting services for a broad range of UK businesses and taxpayers.
Limited Companies
Running a limited company brings accounting and reporting responsibilities that are separate from your personal finances.
We can help with:
Annual statutory company accounts
Corporation Tax calculations
CT600 Company Tax Returns
Companies House accounts filing
HMRC filing
Bookkeeping reviews
Director and shareholder matters
Salary and dividend considerations
Director's loan accounts
Tax planning
Company accounting queries
Our fixed-price company accounts service is particularly suitable for owner-managed businesses that want their year-end compliance dealt with efficiently without paying for unnecessary extras.
Small Businesses
Small business owners often need an accountant who understands that accounting is only one part of running a business.
We aim to make the process straightforward.
Instead of overwhelming clients with accounting terminology, we explain what information is required, what the figures mean and what needs to happen next.
Our online approach is suitable for established businesses as well as newer companies looking for their first accountant.
Self-Employed and Sole Traders
If you work for yourself, we can help prepare your business accounts and Self Assessment tax return.
This may include reviewing your income and expenses, calculating business profit, identifying relevant allowable costs and preparing the information required for HMRC.
Partnerships
Partnership accounting can involve both the partnership itself and the individual tax positions of the partners.
We can prepare partnership accounts and the associated Partnership Tax Return and help ensure the figures are correctly allocated between the partners.
Limited Liability Partnerships
An LLP combines characteristics of a partnership with separate legal reporting obligations.
We can assist with LLP accounts, Companies House requirements and relevant tax reporting.
Landlords and Property Businesses
Property taxation can become complicated, particularly where someone owns several properties or operates through a limited company.
We assist individual landlords and property companies with accounting, tax returns and year-end compliance.
Contractors and Consultants
We work with contractors, consultants and other professional service businesses that want an accountant who understands limited companies, remuneration, expenses and the tax issues associated with operating through a company.
Individuals
You do not need to own a business to use an accountant.
We can also help individuals who need to submit a Self Assessment tax return or deal with more complicated UK tax matters.
What Can an Accountant Do for You?
The precise role of your accountant depends on your circumstances.
For a typical owner-managed UK limited company, your accountant may prepare statutory accounts from the company's accounting records, calculate Corporation Tax, prepare the Company's Tax Return and arrange electronic filing with Companies House and HMRC.
They may also review the bookkeeping records for obvious problems, consider director remuneration, identify unusual balances and explain how much tax is payable.
For a sole trader, the focus may instead be on calculating business profit and preparing a Self Assessment return.
The important point is that accounting should not simply be an annual administrative exercise.
Accurate accounts give you a clearer picture of how your business is actually performing.
Online Accountant UK – Does Location Matter?
For many accounting services, location no longer matters.
If your records can be supplied electronically and your accountant can communicate with you remotely, there may be little practical benefit in choosing a firm simply because its office happens to be nearby.
This is particularly true for:
Limited company annual accounts
Corporation Tax returns
Self Assessment
Partnership accounts
LLP accounts
Bookkeeping
Tax calculations
General accounting advice
An online accountant can therefore be nearby wherever you happen to be.
For clients who move house, relocate their business or even move overseas, the relationship with their accountant can continue without interruption.
Online UK Accountant vs Traditional Local Accountant
Both online and traditional accountants can provide excellent professional services. The better option depends upon how you prefer to work.
A traditional local accountant may be appropriate if regular face-to-face meetings are important to you or your affairs require substantial physical paperwork.
An online UK accountant may be more convenient if you prefer digital communication, transparent pricing and the ability to deal with everything remotely.
For many small companies and straightforward businesses, there is increasingly little reason for accounting to depend upon physical location.
| Feature | Online UK Accountant | Traditional Local Accountant |
|---|---|---|
| UK-wide service | ✓ Yes | Usually locally focused |
| Overseas directors | ✓ Easily supported remotely | Depends on practice |
| Office visits required | ✓ No | May be required |
| Digital document exchange | ✓ Standard process | Varies |
| Choice restricted by location | ✓ No | Often |
| Company accounts | ✓ Yes | Yes |
| Corporation Tax returns | ✓ Yes | Yes |
| Suitable when moving overseas | ✓ Yes | Depends on practice |
Why Businesses Choose an Online UK Accountant
Convenience
Send your accounting information electronically rather than arranging office appointments.
UK-Wide Service
You can choose your accountant based on the service you want rather than how close their office is.
Straightforward Communication
Questions can usually be dealt with by email or other remote communication without waiting for a meeting.
Digital Records
Modern businesses increasingly use cloud bookkeeping software, electronic bank statements, digital invoices and electronic receipts. Online accounting fits naturally with the way these businesses already operate.
Transparent Pricing
Fixed-price services can make it easier to understand the cost before work begins.
Continuity
If you relocate elsewhere in Britain—or overseas—you do not necessarily need to change accountant.
UK Limited Company Accounts
Every UK limited company has accounting responsibilities.
Annual statutory accounts are prepared from the company's financial records and normally contain information including a balance sheet, profit and loss information and supporting notes appropriate to the company's reporting requirements.
The company's accounts and Corporation Tax reporting are related but they are not the same thing.
Companies House and HMRC have separate functions and deadlines, which is why having an accountant deal with both can make the year-end process considerably easier.
At The Online Accountants, we can prepare compliant statutory accounts and the associated Corporation Tax return from your accounting information and arrange the appropriate electronic submissions.
What Information Does a UK Accountant Need?
The information required depends upon the business, but for company accounts it commonly includes:
Business bank statements
Bookkeeping records
Sales information
Purchase and expense records
Payroll information
VAT records where applicable
Details of assets purchased or sold
Loan balances
Finance agreements
Director's loan transactions
Dividend information
Previous accounts where relevant
If your bookkeeping is maintained using software such as Xero, QuickBooks, Sage or FreeAgent, much of the necessary information may already be available digitally.
Do not worry if you are unsure what is required.
Part of an accountant's job is to identify the information needed to complete the work.
Accountant UK for Non-UK Residents and Overseas Directors
Do You Own a UK Company but Live Outside the United Kingdom?
You do not have to be sitting in Britain to use a British accountant.
The Online Accountants can work remotely with directors of UK-registered limited companies living around the world.
This is particularly useful if you established a British company but subsequently moved overseas, or if you deliberately formed a UK company while already resident in another country.
Your physical distance from Britain does not remove the company's UK reporting responsibilities.
If you operate a company incorporated in the UK, it may still need annual statutory accounts prepared and filed with Companies House and a Company Tax Return submitted to HMRC, subject to its circumstances.
An online UK accountant provides a practical way of managing those requirements from abroad.
UK Company Accounts for Overseas Directors
Imagine that you live in Spain, France, Germany, the United States, Canada, Australia, Dubai or Singapore but are a director of a company registered in England and Wales.
You should not need to fly to Britain simply to get the company's annual accounts prepared.
The process can normally be handled remotely.
You provide the company's accounting information electronically.
We review the records and request any additional information needed.
The statutory accounts and Corporation Tax calculations are prepared.
You review the completed figures remotely.
Once everything has been approved and the necessary authority is in place, the relevant filings can be submitted electronically.
That makes an online accountant particularly suitable for internationally based directors.
UK Accountant for Non-Resident Company Directors
Searching from outside Britain can produce confusing results because there are two different situations that sound similar.
A UK company with an overseas director is not the same thing as an overseas company operating in the UK.
For example, a company incorporated in England and Wales remains a UK-registered company even if its director lives in Australia.
By contrast, an Australian incorporated company establishing operations in Britain is an overseas company operating in the UK.
Different rules can apply.
If you contact us, tell us where the company is incorporated and where its directors are resident. This helps establish exactly what accounting service is required.
UK Accountant for Directors Living in Europe
European residents can own and operate UK companies, and we can provide accounting support remotely.
This may be relevant to directors living in:
France, Spain, Portugal, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland and other European countries.
The important distinction is between the tax and reporting obligations of the UK company and the personal tax position of its director.
Having a UK company does not automatically mean that every international tax question is dealt with solely under UK rules.
Where directors live or work abroad, local tax residence, permanent establishment, double-taxation and company management issues can sometimes require specialist cross-border advice.
We will never pretend that a purely UK accounting answer resolves a foreign tax issue where advice in another jurisdiction may also be required.
UK Accountant for Directors in the USA and Canada
Directors based in the United States and Canada can also use an online UK accountant to deal with the British accounting requirements of a UK company.
Documents can be exchanged electronically and questions answered remotely, making geographical distance much less important.
However, a director's personal US or Canadian tax position is separate from preparing their British company's statutory accounts.
Where appropriate, overseas directors should obtain local professional advice concerning their obligations in their country of residence.
UK Accountant for Directors in Australia and New Zealand
The same principle applies to directors based in Australia and New Zealand.
If the business itself is a UK-registered company, its British statutory reporting requirements can normally be handled remotely by a UK accountant.
Working across time zones does not prevent the accounting records, year-end questions, approval process and filing arrangements from being dealt with electronically.
UK Accountant for Directors in Dubai, UAE and the Middle East
The UK is widely used by internationally based entrepreneurs, including directors living in Dubai, the UAE and elsewhere in the Middle East.
If you have a British registered limited company but live overseas, our online service can provide a straightforward route for preparing the company's UK annual accounts and Corporation Tax return.
Again, the company's British obligations should be considered separately from any tax obligations arising in the country where the director lives or where the business is actually managed.
Can a Foreigner Own a UK Limited Company?
A person does not generally have to be a UK citizen or UK resident simply to become a director or shareholder of a UK private limited company, although company formation and ongoing compliance requirements still apply.
This makes British companies attractive to entrepreneurs throughout the world.
However, forming the company is only the beginning.
Once established, directors need to understand the company's ongoing responsibilities, which can include:
Maintaining appropriate accounting records
Preparing annual accounts
Filing accounts with Companies House
Submitting a Company Tax Return where required
Paying Corporation Tax when due
Filing confirmation statements
Maintaining accurate company information
Meeting relevant Companies House identity verification requirements
An online UK accountant can take much of the accounting administration out of this process.
Can I File UK Company Accounts From Abroad?
Yes. Living overseas does not normally prevent the accounts of a UK company from being prepared and filed electronically.
You can provide records to your accountant digitally and approve the completed accounts remotely.
This is one of the strongest reasons for choosing an online accounting firm if you are an overseas director.
You receive access to UK accounting expertise without needing a UK office meeting.
Do I Need to Visit the UK?
For routine online accounting work, generally not.
The entire accounting process can usually be completed remotely.
That can include providing records, answering accounting questions, reviewing draft figures and approving accounts.
If another service requires additional verification or documentation, we will explain what is needed.
A UK Accountant Wherever You Are in the World
Our location-independent service is designed to make UK accounting accessible internationally.
Whether you are searching for:
UK accountant from USA
UK accountant for non-resident director
UK accountant for overseas company director
UK company accountant from Dubai
UK accountant from Spain
British accountant for UK limited company
UK company accounts filing from abroad
online UK accountant for overseas directors
the underlying requirement is often the same:
You have financial or company obligations in Britain and want a UK accountant who can deal with them without requiring you to be physically present in the country.
That is exactly where online accounting becomes particularly useful.
| Where the Director Lives | UK Company? | Can Accounting Be Handled Online? | Typical UK Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | Yes | ✓ Yes | Accounts & UK tax compliance |
| Europe | Yes | ✓ Yes | UK statutory accounts & Corporation Tax |
| USA / Canada | Yes | ✓ Yes | UK statutory accounts & Corporation Tax |
| Dubai / UAE | Yes | ✓ Yes | UK statutory accounts & Corporation Tax |
| Australia / New Zealand | Yes | ✓ Yes | UK statutory accounts & Corporation Tax |
| Elsewhere worldwide | Yes | ✓ Usually | Depends on company circumstances |
Important: The director's country of residence may create separate personal or corporate tax obligations outside the UK. Local professional advice may therefore also be required.
Important International Tax Considerations
Operating a UK company while living overseas can create questions beyond ordinary company accounts.
Depending upon the circumstances, these can include:
Personal tax residence
Double-taxation agreements
Where the company is managed and controlled
Permanent establishment issues
Salary paid to an overseas director
Dividends received by a non-UK resident
VAT on international transactions
Overseas employees
Foreign business operations
Transfer pricing
Local reporting requirements
These matters should not be ignored.
Preparing a UK company's accounts does not automatically determine the director's personal tax position in another country.
Where specialist overseas tax advice is necessary, it may be appropriate to obtain advice from a suitably qualified adviser in that jurisdiction alongside your UK accountant.
Switching to The Online Accountants
Changing accountants is usually much easier than people expect.
If another accountant currently deals with your affairs, the necessary accounting information can normally be transferred as part of the professional handover process.
You do not need to remain with an accountant simply because they prepared last year's accounts.
Businesses change accountants for many reasons, including price, communication, service, specialist requirements or simply wanting a more convenient online relationship.
What Makes a Good UK Accountant?
Price matters, but it should not be the only consideration.
Before choosing an accountant, consider whether you understand exactly what is included in the service.
A good accounting service should provide clarity over:
The work being undertaken
The information required from you
The price
Important deadlines
Who is responsible for filing
What happens when additional work is required
How you can contact your accountant
How your financial information is handled
You should also feel comfortable asking questions.
Accounting terminology can be technical, but the explanation you receive from your accountant should not have to be.
Accountant or Accounting Software?
Accounting software and accountants perform different jobs.
Software is excellent at recording and organising financial transactions. It can import bank feeds, create invoices, record expenses and produce reports.
But software does not necessarily understand the commercial circumstances behind a transaction.
An accountant can review the information, consider its accounting and tax treatment, identify inconsistencies and use professional judgement when preparing accounts and returns.
For many businesses, the best solution is therefore not accountant versus software.
It is accountant plus software.
Do I Need an Accountant?
Not every UK business or taxpayer is legally required to appoint an accountant.
That does not mean preparing everything yourself is necessarily the best use of your time.
An accountant can be particularly valuable when:
You operate through a limited company
Your business is growing
You are VAT registered
You employ people
You receive dividends
You have a director's loan account
Your bookkeeping has become complicated
You have several sources of income
You own investment property
You are unsure what expenses can be claimed
You are approaching filing deadlines
You live overseas but operate a UK company
The question is often not simply, "Can I do this myself?"
A better question is, "Is doing this myself the best use of my time and is the risk of getting it wrong worth taking?"
When Should I Contact an Accountant?
Ideally, before a deadline becomes urgent.
Early involvement gives your accountant time to review the records, identify missing information and resolve questions properly.
However, if your filing deadline is approaching, contact us as soon as possible.
We can explain what information is required and whether we are able to complete the work within the available timeframe.
Why Choose The Online Accountants?
The Online Accountants combines professional UK accounting support with the convenience of a service designed to operate online.
Our approach is built around several simple principles.
Straightforward communication
Accounting should be understandable. We explain things in plain English wherever possible.
Fixed-price services
For many of our services, you know the price before proceeding.
Online convenience
Provide information remotely without unnecessary office appointments.
UK-wide availability
We work with clients throughout the country.
International accessibility
Directors of UK companies can work with us even when they live abroad.
Practical accounting experience
Our experience covers limited companies, sole traders, partnerships, LLPs, landlords, contractors and individual taxpayers.
No unnecessary complexity
Our objective is to get the accounting work completed accurately and efficiently while making the process as straightforward as possible for you.
Accountant UK – Frequently Asked Questions
What does a UK accountant do?
A UK accountant can prepare business accounts and tax returns, calculate taxable profits, assist with bookkeeping and provide accounting and tax advice. For limited companies, this commonly includes statutory accounts and Corporation Tax reporting.
Can an accountant work with clients anywhere in the UK?
Yes. Many accounting services can now be delivered completely online, meaning your accountant does not necessarily need to be located near your home or business.
Can a UK accountant file my company accounts?
An accountant can prepare your company's statutory accounts and arrange their submission to Companies House when authorised to do so. They can also prepare the associated Company Tax Return for HMRC where required.
Do I legally need an accountant for a UK limited company?
Companies are not generally required simply by virtue of being a limited company to appoint an accountant, although directors remain responsible for ensuring that the company's accounting and reporting obligations are met. Certain companies may require an audit depending upon their circumstances.
Can I use a UK accountant if I live overseas?
Yes. An overseas resident who owns or manages a UK company can use a UK accountant remotely. Records and documents can normally be exchanged electronically.
Can a non-UK resident be a director of a UK company?
UK residence is not generally required simply to become a director of a UK private limited company. Other company formation, address, identity verification and compliance requirements can nevertheless apply.
I live abroad. Does my UK company still need annual accounts?
A UK-registered company generally remains subject to its UK company reporting requirements regardless of where its director happens to live. The precise requirements depend upon the company's circumstances.
Can you file UK company accounts if I live in another country?
Yes, subject to having the information and authority required. Our online accounting process means directors can provide records and approve work remotely.
Do I have to come to the UK to sign my company accounts?
Routine accounting processes can generally be dealt with electronically, so overseas directors will not normally need to travel to Britain simply for their company's year-end accounting work.
Can you advise on tax in my country of residence?
Our core expertise concerns UK accounting and taxation. If your circumstances require tax advice concerning another country's laws, you may also need an appropriately qualified adviser in that jurisdiction.
Is an online accountant cheaper than a traditional accountant?
Online firms can have lower administrative and office overheads, but prices vary considerably between accountants. The important comparison is the total price and exactly what the service includes.
Is online accounting secure?
A reputable online accountant should have appropriate processes for handling confidential financial and personal information. Clients should also take sensible precautions when transmitting sensitive documents and maintaining access to bookkeeping systems.
Which accounting software can I use?
Businesses commonly use packages such as Xero, QuickBooks, Sage and FreeAgent. The appropriate software depends upon the size and requirements of the business.
Can I change accountants?
Yes. You are generally free to appoint a different accountant. Your new accountant can normally request the appropriate information from your previous adviser as part of the handover process.
How much does a UK accountant cost?
Accounting fees vary according to the service required, business size, quality of the accounting records and complexity involved. Fixed-price services can make the cost easier to understand because the agreed work and fee are established before you proceed.
Need a UK Accountant?
Whether you are around the corner or on the other side of the world, dealing with UK accounting should not need to be complicated.
The Online Accountants provides straightforward online accounting services for limited companies, small businesses, self-employed people, partnerships, LLPs, landlords and individuals throughout the UK.
And if you are a director living overseas?
That is not a problem.
If your company is registered in the UK, you can send us your accounting information electronically and we can help you deal with its British accounting and tax filing requirements remotely.
UK accounting without the geographical restrictions of a traditional accountancy practice.
Get started with The Online Accountants today.