Accountants, are they worth it?

[Greedo]

Never had one at first as things were pretty simple if you've half a brain. As time went on and the business grew I got one and he's been great. saves so much money for me and hassle

 

[colly]

I do my own returns but then my tax affairs are a simple matter.

I did use an accountant when I first went self employed and after paying him for a few years and admittedly not paying much tax I happened to notice a payment for a pension contribution. Seeing as how I had stopped the payment due to lack of funds I rang asked if it was a mistake.

The blasé answer was ''Oh no, they expect to stuff like that so don't worry about it ''

So I looked through the accounts from the previous years and found that all he was doing was having a quick scan through the profit and loss then adding a percentage onto the previous years amounts so it all ''kind of balanced''

Challenging him about it just got the response ''well you don't pay much tax do you so what are you worried about''

Apart from the fact I was paying him 300 quid for about 20 mins work it would be ME that carried the can if the taxman came calling.

F***ing plonker.

The problem is he was recommended to me by my bank manager so a recommendation is no guarantee.

This was 25 or so years ago and I would only use an accountant if my financial affairs became complicated.

Of course I'm sure all CC members who are accountants are absolutely spiffing chaps and would not dream of doing anything untoward.

 

[Lardyboy]

Yes they are, if you can find a decent one.

 

[Ian H]

As with all services, ask what they charge, and ask friends/acquaintances for recommendations. I've been with my accountant for nearly twenty years, but I still always ask what he's going to charge me. Mind you, we spend a lot of time talking about cycling.

 

[Saddle bum]

"Accountants should be on tap, not on top". By an Engineer.