How much does an accountant cost in Stoke-on-Trent?

Our fees are competitive and tailored to your needs. Book-keeping starts from £50/month for small businesses. Personal tax returns from £150. Contact us for a free, no-obligation quote specific to your requirements.

What services do you offer?

We offer comprehensive accounting services including book-keeping, payroll management, company formation, VAT returns, and personal tax returns. We serve individuals, sole traders, and limited companies across Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire.

Do I need an accountant for my small business?

While not legally required, an accountant can save you time and money by ensuring accurate records, maximising tax efficiency, and keeping you compliant with HMRC. Many small business owners find that professional accounting support pays for itself through tax savings and peace of mind.

What does AAT Licensed mean?

AAT stands for Association of Accounting Technicians. Being AAT Licensed means we are professionally qualified, regulated, and supervised by the AAT. This ensures we maintain high professional standards, have appropriate insurance, and follow strict ethical guidelines. Our licence number is 1002751.

My accountant retired or passed away - what should I do?

First, gather all your financial records and documents. Contact us and we can help you transition smoothly - we regularly assist clients in this situation. We will review your current position, ensure all filings are up to date, and establish a clear path forward for your accounting needs.

How do I find a good accountant near me?

Look for qualified accountants with professional body membership (like AAT), check reviews, and ensure they have experience with your type of business. We serve all areas of Stoke-on-Trent including Hanley, Burslem, Tunstall, Stoke, Fenton, and Longton, plus surrounding areas like Newcastle-under-Lyme and Stafford.

What is the deadline for self-assessment tax returns?

For paper returns, the deadline is 31st October following the end of the tax year. For online returns, it is 31st January. The tax year runs from 6th April to 5th April. We recommend submitting early to avoid last-minute stress and identify any tax owed in advance.

Can you help with company formation?

Yes, we handle the complete company formation process including registration with Companies House, setting up your company structure, advising on share allocation, and ensuring you are registered for the appropriate taxes. We also provide ongoing support once your company is established.

What records do I need to keep for HMRC?

You must keep records of all business income and expenses, bank statements, invoices, receipts, and payroll records. For self-employed individuals, keep records for at least 5 years after the 31st January submission deadline. For limited companies, records must be kept for 6 years from the end of the financial year.

When do I need to register for VAT?

You must register for VAT if your taxable turnover exceeds £90,000 in any 12-month period (as of 2024). You can also register voluntarily if below this threshold. We can help you determine the best time to register and manage your VAT returns.

What is Making Tax Digital?

Making Tax Digital (MTD) is an HMRC initiative requiring businesses to keep digital records and submit tax returns using compatible software. MTD for VAT is already mandatory for VAT-registered businesses. MTD for Income Tax Self Assessment will become mandatory from April 2026 for self-employed individuals and landlords with income over £50,000.

Should I be a sole trader or limited company?

The best structure depends on your circumstances. Sole traders have simpler administration but unlimited liability. Limited companies offer liability protection and potential tax efficiencies at higher income levels, but have more compliance requirements. We can analyse your situation and recommend the most tax-efficient structure.

How much can I earn before paying tax in 2024/25?

The personal allowance for 2024/25 is £12,570. You pay no income tax on earnings up to this amount. The basic rate (20%) applies from £12,571 to £50,270, higher rate (40%) from £50,271 to £125,140, and additional rate (45%) above £125,140.

What expenses can I claim as a sole trader?

Allowable expenses include office costs, travel expenses, clothing (uniforms only), staff costs, stock and materials, financial costs, premises costs, and professional fees. The key rule is expenses must be wholly and exclusively for business purposes. We can help maximise your legitimate expense claims.

Do I need an accountant if I only have a side hustle?

If you earn over £1,000 from self-employment, you must register with HMRC and file a tax return. An accountant can help ensure you claim all allowable expenses, stay compliant, and avoid penalties. For simple affairs, our basic tax return service is cost-effective and gives you peace of mind.

What are the penalties for late tax returns?

Late self-assessment returns incur an immediate £100 penalty, rising to £10 per day after 3 months (up to £900), then further penalties of 5% of tax due at 6 and 12 months. Late payment also incurs interest and penalties. We help clients avoid these by ensuring timely submissions.

Bookkeeping Tips for Small Businesses in Stoke-on-Trent

Why Good Bookkeeping Matters

Poor bookkeeping costs small businesses in three ways:

1. Missed tax deductions - If you cannot prove an expense, you cannot claim it

2. HMRC penalties - Inadequate records can lead to fines and estimated tax bills

3. Poor decisions - Without accurate numbers, you are guessing

Good bookkeeping is not about perfection. It is about having a system that works.

Essential Bookkeeping Habits

1. Separate Business and Personal

Open a dedicated business bank account. This is the single most important thing you can do for your bookkeeping.

Why it matters:

Makes tax calculations simpler
Creates a clear audit trail
Looks more professional
Easier to track business performance

2. Record Transactions Weekly

Do not let receipts pile up. Set aside 30 minutes each week to:

Log sales and income
Record expenses
Reconcile your bank account
File receipts

Pro tip: Friday afternoon or Monday morning works well for most business owners.

3. Use Cloud Accounting Software

Paper ledgers and spreadsheets still work, but cloud software like Xero, QuickBooks, or FreeAgent makes everything easier:

Bank feeds import transactions automatically
Invoices can be created and tracked
Reports are generated instantly
Your accountant can access records directly

4. Keep Every Receipt

HMRC requires you to keep records for at least 5 years after the tax year they relate to.

For paper receipts:

Photograph them immediately (thermal receipts fade)
Use an app like Receipt Bank or Hubdoc
Store originals in monthly folders

For digital receipts:

Create a dedicated email folder
Download and organise monthly

5. Understand What You Can Claim

Common allowable expenses for small businesses:

6. Reconcile Monthly

At month-end, check that your records match your bank statement. This catches:

Missing transactions
Duplicate entries
Errors in amounts
Unexplained payments

7. Plan for Tax

Do not wait until January to think about tax. Throughout the year:

Set aside 25-30% of profits for tax
Keep a running estimate of your tax bill
Understand payment on account rules

Common Bookkeeping Mistakes

Mixing personal and business: Even one personal purchase on a business card creates confusion.

Not recording cash: All income must be recorded, even cash payments.

Throwing away receipts: "It was only a small amount" adds up.

Waiting until year-end: Catching up on 12 months of records is painful and error-prone.

Not backing up: Cloud software does this automatically; spreadsheets need manual backups.

When to Get Help

Consider professional bookkeeping if:

You are spending more than 5 hours a month on admin
Your records are frequently behind
You have been penalised by HMRC for record-keeping issues
Your business is growing and becoming more complex

Local Bookkeeping Support

At Stoke Accounting Services, we help small businesses across Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire keep their books in order. Our bookkeeping services start from £50/month and include:

Bank reconciliation
Invoice processing
Expense tracking
Monthly reports
Cloud software support

Why Good Bookkeeping Matters

Poor bookkeeping costs small businesses in three ways:

1. Missed tax deductions - If you cannot prove an expense, you cannot claim it

2. HMRC penalties - Inadequate records can lead to fines and estimated tax bills

3. Poor decisions - Without accurate numbers, you are guessing

Good bookkeeping is not about perfection. It is about having a system that works.

Essential Bookkeeping Habits

1. Separate Business and Personal

Open a dedicated business bank account. This is the single most important thing you can do for your bookkeeping.

Why it matters:

Makes tax calculations simpler
Creates a clear audit trail
Looks more professional
Easier to track business performance

2. Record Transactions Weekly

Do not let receipts pile up. Set aside 30 minutes each week to:

Log sales and income
Record expenses
Reconcile your bank account
File receipts

Pro tip: Friday afternoon or Monday morning works well for most business owners.

3. Use Cloud Accounting Software

Paper ledgers and spreadsheets still work, but cloud software like Xero, QuickBooks, or FreeAgent makes everything easier:

Bank feeds import transactions automatically
Invoices can be created and tracked
Reports are generated instantly
Your accountant can access records directly

4. Keep Every Receipt

HMRC requires you to keep records for at least 5 years after the tax year they relate to.

For paper receipts:

Photograph them immediately (thermal receipts fade)
Use an app like Receipt Bank or Hubdoc
Store originals in monthly folders

For digital receipts:

Create a dedicated email folder
Download and organise monthly

5. Understand What You Can Claim

Common allowable expenses for small businesses:

6. Reconcile Monthly

At month-end, check that your records match your bank statement. This catches:

Missing transactions
Duplicate entries
Errors in amounts
Unexplained payments

7. Plan for Tax

Do not wait until January to think about tax. Throughout the year:

Set aside 25-30% of profits for tax
Keep a running estimate of your tax bill
Understand payment on account rules

Common Bookkeeping Mistakes

Mixing personal and business: Even one personal purchase on a business card creates confusion.

Not recording cash: All income must be recorded, even cash payments.

Throwing away receipts: "It was only a small amount" adds up.

Waiting until year-end: Catching up on 12 months of records is painful and error-prone.

Not backing up: Cloud software does this automatically; spreadsheets need manual backups.

When to Get Help

Consider professional bookkeeping if:

You are spending more than 5 hours a month on admin
Your records are frequently behind
You have been penalised by HMRC for record-keeping issues
Your business is growing and becoming more complex

Local Bookkeeping Support

At Stoke Accounting Services, we help small businesses across Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire keep their books in order. Our bookkeeping services start from £50/month and include:

Bank reconciliation
Invoice processing
Expense tracking
Monthly reports
Cloud software support

Office costs	Stationery, phone, internet
Travel	Mileage, parking, public transport
Professional	Accountant, insurance, subscriptions
Marketing	Website, advertising, business cards
Stock	Materials, goods for resale
Equipment	Tools, computers, furniture

Office costs	Stationery, phone, internet
Travel	Mileage, parking, public transport
Professional	Accountant, insurance, subscriptions
Marketing	Website, advertising, business cards
Stock	Materials, goods for resale
Equipment	Tools, computers, furniture

Bookkeeping Tips for Small Businesses in Stoke-on-Trent

Why Good Bookkeeping Matters

Essential Bookkeeping Habits

1. Separate Business and Personal

2. Record Transactions Weekly

3. Use Cloud Accounting Software

4. Keep Every Receipt

5. Understand What You Can Claim

6. Reconcile Monthly

7. Plan for Tax

Common Bookkeeping Mistakes

When to Get Help

Local Bookkeeping Support

Related Services

Need Help With Your Accounts?

Bookkeeping Tips for Small Businesses in Stoke-on-Trent

Why Good Bookkeeping Matters

Essential Bookkeeping Habits

1. Separate Business and Personal

2. Record Transactions Weekly

3. Use Cloud Accounting Software

4. Keep Every Receipt

5. Understand What You Can Claim

6. Reconcile Monthly

7. Plan for Tax

Common Bookkeeping Mistakes

When to Get Help

Local Bookkeeping Support

Related Services

Need Help With Your Accounts?