What Documents Do I Need to Bring to My Accountant?

Turning up to your accountant well prepared saves time, and time is money when someone is charging for it. You don't need to be perfectly organised, but a few key things make the job quicker and cheaper. Here's what's worth gathering before you go.

Your income records

Start with proof of what's come in: sales invoices, takings, and any other income the business has earned over the year. If you use accounting software, that's mostly there already. If you don't, a clear summary of your turnover with the bank statements to back it up is the next best thing. The clearer this is, the less time gets spent reconstructing it.

Your expenses and receipts

Next, the money going out: purchase invoices, receipts, and records of business costs. Don't bin anything just because it seems small, as the little allowable expenses add up. Bank and card statements help here too, especially for spotting costs you'd otherwise forget. A shoebox is fine if that's what you've got, but a tidy folder or app is better.

The official paperwork

Bring the formal bits: your Unique Taxpayer Reference, any letters from HMRC, details of PAYE if you have staff, VAT records if you're registered, and last year's accounts if you're switching accountants. These let your accountant file correctly and pick up exactly where things left off.

Anything that's changed

Finally, flag anything new. A house move, a new vehicle, taking on staff, a loan, a big purchase, or a change in how you're set up all affect your tax. Mention them even if you're not sure they matter, because it's the things people don't think to say that cause problems later.

If you'd like a simple checklist tailored to your business, just ask. We're always happy to tell clients around Garforth and Leeds exactly what to bring so the first meeting is quick and painless.