Online Accountants - And why you shouldn't use them!

Tax is complicated, even HMRC's expenses guide is over 100 pages, so it's no wonder having your own dedicated is so important. 

A recent survey of SJD clients revealed 100% found it vitally important to have their own dedicated accountant, which is pretty obvious if you think about it - How can you possibly deliver a quality accountancy service purely online? 

Beware of the online accountant!

As a contractor, you may think that completing your accounts through a cheap online scheme is the most efficient and cost effective way forward. There are some very inexpensive deals out there that can look tempting!

Online accountants tend to offer a web based piece of software where you, the contractor, will need to fill out and update your accounting details. In terms of service, you’re usually only offered email support and possibly live chat on their website, this is obviously to keep costs down as much as possible.

However, this doesn’t usually make for a very personal service. Imagine you’ve got some problems with your accounts – you’re not sure which expenses to claim and need to chat to someone or, even better, talk things through face to face. You try emailing them but you don’t hear anything back. You try the live chat on their website but the responses you get don’t quite clear up the issue. You finally try calling but get through to an automated machine.

Paying a little bit less a month isn’t sounding so appealing now…

Don’t get us wrong, online services for certain things work really well, as: buying books, dvd’s, ordering your shopping etc but when it comes to professional services we’re just not sure. Tax is complicated and chatting things over with your own dedicated accountant or meeting is sometimes the only way to truly answer your questions and also reassure you that your tax affairs are being managed by a professional.

With a fixed fee personal accountant at SJD all clients get:

  • Free face-to-face meetings with your own SJD Accountant - Tax is complicated which is why we offer everyone free face to face meetings in any city in the UK.
  • Unlimited access to your own dedicated personal SJD Accountant. No call centres, no outsourcing, no press one for this or two for that. Telephone, e-mail or meet your own dedicated accountant face to face.
  • Advice on how to maxmise your earnings through tax planning.
  • Money back service guarantee. All your telephone calls and e-mails will be answered the same day or we will refund your monthly fee's.
  • Someone you trust to take care of your accounts with no worries about unpaid taxes
  • Specialised tax advice for your industry
  • Outstanding reputation. We have won more awards for customer service and accountancy excellence than any other firm in our market.

All of the above for a low cost all inclusive monthly package which includes completion of accounts, payroll bureau, dividends and corporation tax computations, personal taxation, free bookkeeping software, unlimited access to your accountant and all company returns. Our fixed monthly fee of £110 plus VAT is one of the lowest prices in the market!

The term ‘you get what you pay for’ couldn’t be truer. So if you’re a contractor looking for a personalised service with someone you can trust make sure you opt for a personal not an online accountant.

Special update: If you're thinking of subscribing to specialist online bookkeeping software you might like to read our new guides to 'online accounting software' and 'Contract Accounting Software', we're sure you'll find it most interesting.

If you’re interested in the savings you could make to maximise your earnings, have a look at some of these pages

Pay less tax – advice on how contractors can pay less tax
Limited vs Umbrella take home pay, the real story – how much do you really take home
Going limited – why it’s so much more tax efficient
Take home pay calculator – the net pay you could make through a limited company
Expenses – which expenses can you claim?
Finding contractor work – struggling to find work? Here are some handy hints to help you on your way

Appoint SJD Accountancy and never worry about your tax affairs again!

If you have any question about contracting or would like any further advice please call our New Client Services helpdesk on 0500 152500 / 01442 275789 or e-mail jaime.thorpe@sjdaccountancy.com. 

SJD Accountancy

SJD Accountancy is the UK's largest specialist provider of fixed fee, limited company accountancy services to contractors and freelancers. We've been acting for clients across the UK since 1992 and have more than 11,000 already.

We are the only national specialist firm of accountants with offices in all major UK cities, so you’ll never be far from your accountant. SJD also has more qualified staff than any other firm in our market, with qualifications from the following major tax and accountancy bodies - ATII, ATT, ACCA, CA, ACA, FCCA, ACMA. 

You’ll also be pleased to know that we have won more awards for customer service and accounting excellence than any other firm in our market including: Accountancy Age Awards, deemed PCG Accredited Accountants, Best Accountant for Contractors three years running, Best Companies Awards to name just a few. 

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