Online Accounting from Easy Accountancy

Tax is complicated, even HMRC's expenses guide is over 100 pages, so it's no wonder why so many small business owners have historically looked to accountants to help guide them through the UK tax system. However, recently a number of automated systems have popped up as an alternative to the typical accountant dedicated accountant solution.  

Online accounting systems essentially take an offline bookkeeping spreadsheet and place it online plus add in a few extra bits like tax deadline alerts, invoicing, end of year accounts submission and some even link up to your bank accounts. All of which sounds quite handy and for some will be. But does it replace the need for a dedicated accountant, who knows you, your business and your business goals?  

It will really be up to the individual business owner to decide if the system being online is of benefit however as most entries will require the business owner to refer to paperwork it’s likely they’ll be completing the bookkeeping software at a desk rather than on the train.

Obviously online systems providers just like the banks realise great cost savings by not employing many accountants and in the case of the banking industry bank tellers in high streets. Costs for online services should therefore generally lower than typical high street accountants.

Small business particularly sole traders and the self employed are often reluctant to contact accountants due to a fear of being charged high fees for receiving advice and many just use an accountancy to prepare their accounts or submit their tax returns and for those looking for such low touch and no advice type services they could benefit from a simple online accountancy service, however it’s worth shopping around as a many accountants are happy to do the above for less than the cost of paying a monthly subscription fee for an online accountant service.

For those looking for ongoing personal advice there really isn’t a substitute for having your own personal dedicated accountant especially one that provides the service for an all inclusive fix fee so you know from the very beginning there will be no nasty surprises or hidden bills.

Imagine you’ve got some problems with your accounts – you’re not sure which expenses to claim and need to chat to someone. You try emailing them but you don’t hear anything back. You try the live chat on their website but the responses you get don’t quite clear up the issue. You finally try calling but get through to an automated machine, or you’re told you have to book a phone appointment which could be in a few days time.

Online services for certain things work really well, as: buying books, DVD’s, ordering your shopping etc but when it comes to professional services we’re just not sure. Tax is complicated and chatting things over with your own dedicated accountant  is sometimes the only way to truly answer your questions and also reassure you that your tax affairs are being managed by a professional.

Rather than an annual fee and unknown extra charges throughout the year, With Easy Accountancy

If you’ve just started out as a freelancer or run a small business, you’ll definitely need a small accountant and there are plenty of options out there! However, most accountants will charge you every time you get in touch with them; for every phone call, email or meeting.

We don’t want our clients to be scared to contact us and potentially lose out on valuable tax saving advice. It's even more important when you first start out as you really need to set your business up in the best way possible. As a start up you’ll probably have loads of questions and will really appreciate the fact you can call your accountant as many times as you like without the fear of racking up large bills.