Do you need an accountant as a sole trader or landlord?

You don't legally need an accountant to file a tax return. Plenty of people do it themselves. But an accountant can save you time, mistakes and sometimes tax, especially when things get more complicated.

Signs it's worth getting help

• You're joining Making Tax Digital and need quarterly updates.
• You're thinking about becoming a limited company.
• You have several income sources, or rental properties with mortgages.
• You're close to the VAT registration threshold.
• You've received a letter from HMRC you're not sure about.

Accountant or bookkeeper?

A bookkeeper keeps your day-to-day records in order. An accountant prepares accounts and tax returns and can advise you. Many small businesses use both, and some firms do both.

What to check before you hire

• Their qualifications and professional body, for example ICAEW, ACCA, CIOT, ATT, AAT or ICB. You can check most of these on the body's public register.
• That they're supervised for anti-money laundering. Every accountancy firm must be.
• That they have professional indemnity insurance.
• Whether they work with clients like you, and which software they use.
• Their fees, what's included, and whether it's a fixed monthly price.

We're building a directory of accountants and bookkeepers who specialise in situations like yours, with published prices and verified reviews.