Limited Company Accountants
Limited Company Accountants
Expert online accounting and tax support for UK limited company directors. From annual accounts and Corporation Tax to understanding your profits, salary and dividends, we make managing your company finances simpler.
One-off year-end accounts filing from £349 + VAT for qualifying companies. Additional services quoted separately.
Statutory accounts, Corporation Tax calculation and CT600 filing.
The essential explanation
What Does a Limited Company Accountant Do?
A limited company accountant helps a UK company meet its financial reporting and tax obligations while supporting its directors with informed business decisions. Their work can include preparing statutory accounts, calculating Corporation Tax, submitting the CT600 Company Tax Return, reviewing bookkeeping records and advising on how directors take money from the company.
Unlike sole traders, limited companies are separate legal entities. Company money is not automatically the director's personal money. This distinction affects how profits are taxed, how dividends are paid, which expenses can be claimed and what must be reported to Companies House and HMRC.
At The Online Accountants, we specialise in owner-managed limited companies. We combine qualified professional expertise with an efficient online service, so you can work with an accountant from anywhere in the UK.
Our expertise
Accounting Services for UK Limited Companies
From your first company accounts to established trading operations, the right accounting support depends on your company's activities and the responsibilities you want to outsource.
Annual Company Accounts
Preparation of statutory financial statements under the applicable UK accounting standards, including FRS 105 or FRS 102 where appropriate.
Explore accounts filing →Corporation Tax & CT600
Corporation Tax computations, relevant tax adjustments, reliefs and Company Tax Return preparation and submission.
Understand company tax →Director Salary & Dividends
Understand the interaction between salary, dividends, National Insurance and the company's available profits.
Explore director salaries →Bookkeeping & VAT
Support with accurate records, reconciliations, VAT responsibilities and suitable digital accounting processes.
VAT registration guide →Tax Planning & Expenses
Identify legitimate tax reliefs and review the treatment of business expenditure, director transactions and company assets.
Tax-deductible expenses →Specialist Company Support
Accounting considerations for contractors, consultants, property companies, online businesses and owner-managed SMEs.
SME accounting support →A key distinction for directors
Your Company's Money Is Not Your Personal Money
One of the most important responsibilities of a limited company accountant is helping directors distinguish between company profits and personal income.
A profitable company does not automatically mean that its director can withdraw all the money in its bank account.
- Salary is normally processed through payroll and may attract PAYE and National Insurance.
- Dividends generally require sufficient distributable profits and proper documentation.
- Director's loans must be recorded and may create additional tax consequences.
- Corporation Tax, VAT and other liabilities should be considered before extracting cash.
Illustrative only. Salary is itself a company expense; dividends are not. The diagram is not a tax calculation or prescribed payment order.
Find the right support
What Accounting Support Does Your Company Need?
Choose the situation closest to yours. Each option explains the typical accounting priorities and directs you to a relevant service or guide.
Starting a New Limited Company
Your first priorities include registering for Corporation Tax when required, maintaining proper records, understanding director payments and preparing for your first accounts deadline. Early decisions about bookkeeping and payroll can prevent problems later.
Read our business start-up guide →Running an Established Company
Review the quality of your bookkeeping, your Corporation Tax position, VAT and payroll requirements, director's loan balances and the financial information needed to make business decisions. Consider whether you need year-end filing only or continuing accounting advice.
Explore limited company tax →Preparing and Filing Annual Accounts
If your bookkeeping is substantially complete, a fixed-price year-end service may be suitable. We prepare the relevant statutory accounts, calculate Corporation Tax and handle the agreed Companies House and HMRC filings following approval.
Check our fixed-price filing packages →Switching Your Limited Company Accountant
Check upcoming deadlines, outstanding submissions and whether your bookkeeping records are up to date. Your new accountant may request professional clearance, prior-year accounts, tax computations and other records from your previous adviser, subject to the relevant procedures.
Compare our accountancy fees →Choosing the right service
Year-End Accounts or an Ongoing Accountant?
Not every limited company needs the same level of support. The distinction matters when comparing accounting fees.
Year-End Accounts Service
Typically suited to directors who maintain their own bookkeeping and need professional assistance with annual statutory accounts and Corporation Tax reporting.
- Annual accounts preparation
- Corporation Tax computation
- CT600 submission
- Companies House accounts filing
- Review of supplied records
Ongoing Accountancy Support
More suitable where the company needs regular advice, frequent transactions, bookkeeping assistance or additional reporting throughout the year.
- Periodic bookkeeping support
- VAT returns where applicable
- Payroll and director remuneration advice
- Management information
- Regular tax and business planning
Ongoing services are not automatically included within our one-off year-end accounts filing prices. Scope and fees should be agreed before work begins.
Director compliance checklist
Important Limited Company Accounting Deadlines
Company accounts, Corporation Tax payment and Corporation Tax returns are separate obligations. Missing one deadline does not necessarily mean another has also passed.
| Requirement | Typical Deadline | Responsible Authority |
|---|---|---|
| First annual accounts | Normally 21 months after incorporation | Companies House |
| Subsequent annual accounts | Normally 9 months after the financial year end | Companies House |
| Corporation Tax payment | Normally 9 months and 1 day after the tax accounting period ends | HMRC |
| CT600 Company Tax Return | Normally 12 months after the tax accounting period ends | HMRC |
| Confirmation statement | Normally within 14 days after the end of the review period | Companies House |
These are general rules for private limited companies. First accounting periods, large-company tax payment rules, extensions and special circumstances may change the applicable deadlines.
Transparent professional fees
How Much Do Limited Company Accountants Cost?
Accountancy costs depend on the volume and quality of records, the complexity of transactions and the services included. A straightforward annual accounts filing engagement will generally cost less than comprehensive monthly bookkeeping, payroll, VAT and advisory support.
Our published one-off year-end accounts filing fees start from £349 + VAT. These are our own service pricing bands, not the statutory definitions of small, medium or large companies.
The bands above show standard upper limits for each service tier. Where turnover and assets fall into different tiers, the higher applicable tier is normally required. Complex cases may need a bespoke quote. VAT, payroll, extensive bookkeeping and other additional services are separately agreed.
Check your package with our company accounts price calculator →
Our online process
How Working With Our Accountants Works
Choose Your Service
Tell us about your company and select the accounting services you need.
Complete Onboarding
We complete the necessary engagement, identification and authorisation procedures.
Share Your Records
Supply your bookkeeping records and supporting documents digitally.
Review & Approve
We prepare the agreed work and submit the relevant filings after approval.
Who we help
Accountants for Different Types of Limited Company
Limited companies can share similar filing obligations while having very different tax and accounting considerations.
Owner-Managed Businesses
Accounts, Corporation Tax and practical support for companies controlled by working directors and shareholders.
Contractors & Consultants
Support with professional service company accounts, director payments and relevant IR35 considerations.
Contractor accountants →Property Companies & SPVs
Accounting for property rental income, financing costs, company assets and property-related transactions.
SPV company guide →Online & eCommerce Companies
Considerations for digital sales, payment processors, marketplace transactions and VAT records.
Newly Incorporated Companies
First-year accounts, Corporation Tax registration, bookkeeping setup and director responsibilities.
Overseas-Based Directors
UK company accounts and tax compliance for directors living outside the UK, with cross-border issues reviewed separately.
Frequently asked questions
Limited Company Accountants: Your Questions Answered
Does a limited company legally need an accountant?
No. UK law does not generally require a limited company to appoint an accountant simply because it is incorporated. However, directors remain legally responsible for ensuring that accounting records, annual accounts and tax submissions are accurate and completed on time. Professional assistance can help manage these responsibilities.
How much does a limited company accountant charge?
Fees vary with the work required. Our fixed-price annual accounts and Corporation Tax filing service starts at £349 + VAT for qualifying companies. Bookkeeping, VAT, payroll and ongoing advisory services may involve additional charges.
Can I use an online accountant for my limited company?
Yes. UK company accounting services can normally be delivered remotely. Your accountant can receive digital records, prepare accounts, communicate electronically and submit authorised filings online. You do not need an accountant in the same town as your business.
What does an accountant need to prepare company accounts?
Common requirements include bookkeeping records, bank and credit card balances, sales and expense information, payroll records, fixed asset details, loans, dividend information and previous-year accounts. The exact requirements depend on your company's circumstances.
Can a limited company accountant help reduce Corporation Tax?
An accountant can identify legitimate deductions, reliefs and accounting treatments relevant to the company. Potential areas include allowable expenditure, capital allowances, employer pension contributions and the timing of qualifying transactions. Any saving depends on the facts and current legislation.
Can I pay myself dividends instead of salary?
Directors who are shareholders may receive dividends where the company has sufficient distributable profits and the payments are properly authorised and documented. Dividends and salaries have different tax consequences. The most suitable combination depends on the company's finances and the director's personal circumstances.
Do dormant limited companies need an accountant?
A dormant company may not need extensive accounting support, but it will normally still have Companies House accounts and confirmation statement obligations. HMRC requirements depend on its Corporation Tax status and any notices issued. Professional assistance is optional but can be useful.
Is a limited company accountant different from a bookkeeper?
A bookkeeper generally records and reconciles day-to-day transactions. An accountant may use those records to prepare statutory accounts, calculate tax, assess accounting treatments and provide financial advice. Some accountancy firms offer both services.
Can I change my limited company accountant?
Yes. You can appoint a new accountant. The transition typically involves engagement procedures, professional clearance where appropriate, transfer of relevant records and confirmation of outstanding deadlines. It is sensible to check whether any filings are imminent before switching.
Are Companies House accounts and a CT600 the same thing?
No. Companies House annual accounts report the company's financial position and performance under the relevant accounting requirements. A CT600 is a Company Tax Return submitted to HMRC, normally accompanied by accounts and tax computations. They are related but separate obligations.
Professional support for your company
Looking for a Limited Company Accountant?
Whether you need help preparing your first annual accounts, filing Corporation Tax or reviewing your company's wider accounting requirements, our UK online accountants can help you understand the next steps.
View Fixed-Price Company Accounts →