How Often Should I Meet With My Accountant?

Some people see their accountant once a year and that's plenty. Others benefit from a chat every quarter. There's no single right answer, but meeting too rarely is a more common mistake than meeting too often. Here's a sensible way to think about it.

The bare minimum

At the very least, you'll want a proper sit-down once a year around your accounts and tax return. That's the moment to check the numbers, agree what you owe, and make sure nothing has been missed. If you only do one meeting, make it a good one and come prepared, because a rushed annual review leaves money and ideas on the table.

Why quarterly often makes sense

For a growing business, every few months tends to work better. A quick quarterly check keeps your tax bill from being a nasty surprise, catches problems while they're small, and gives you time to act on advice before year end. With Making Tax Digital pushing more businesses towards regular updates anyway, a quarterly rhythm is becoming the natural pattern rather than a luxury.

Meet before big decisions

Beyond the regular schedule, the most valuable meetings are the unplanned ones before a big move. Taking on staff, buying equipment, changing how you're set up, or approaching the VAT threshold all have tax consequences that are easier to handle in advance. A ten-minute call before you commit can save a lot of money and bother later.

It should suit you, not us

The right frequency depends on how complex your business is and how confident you feel between meetings. Some clients like regular contact, others prefer to be left alone until they need us. A good accountant fits around how you like to work rather than forcing you into a fixed schedule. If you're never quite sure what's going on with your numbers, that's a sign to meet more often.

If you feel out of touch with your own figures, let's fix that. We're happy to find a rhythm that works for you, whether you're in Garforth, Leeds or somewhere in between.