Just about any “accountant” is capable of preparing a set of accounts, a tax return, a VAT return and wages records (although we’ve met some who aren’t!). But is that all you get from your accountant ? – and what is more important, is that all you want to get? There are a few different types of accountants to choose from. We thought we would give you a few details on them and let you know which type we are. All accountants can do the work, but that doesn’t mean they are all the same. This is usually your brother-in-law’s friend’s cousin or the bloke from down the pub. The bloke from down the pub knows everything about everything and his advice is free, so that’s great isn’t it ? Just remember that you’re the one signing the tax return, and you’re the one who will be paying the additional tax, interest and penalties when H.M.R.C. start to ask questions. The pub expert will have no professional training, no professional indemnity insurance and no experience of dealing with the tax authorities.
