While beginning as a limited company contractor, the most significant advisor that you are likely to come with in contracting career is an accountant. Some steps must be undertaken before selecting a contractor accountant for business. Let us now have a look at things that are worth a consideration here:
-
Make sure to hire only the specialist contractor accountants. Only firms who are well versed with the workings of contractor business will understand the way in which contractors work. Specialists are adept at understanding how these payment cycles work as well as features of specific tax legislation like IR35, Agency Workers Regulations and Managed Service Companies.
-
Check out on the amount charged by IT contractors accountants. Most accountants ask for a monthly amount that covers different aspects of accounting. Fees tend to vary depending upon providers.
-
Check out whether there are any set up fee. You may be charged a setup fee to include costs associated with registering your company as well as some initial administration work.
-
Make sure if the concerned organization is recognized by a professional body.
-
See whether your IT contractors accountants offer online facility. Online contractor accountancy is growing in popularity rapidly and thus, it is vital to ascertain whether your accountant is web enabled. See if they provide online access 24×7 or you can just submit paperwork and expenses online.
-
See whether your accountants are aware of tax rules that may affect the industry. Most accountants, especially ones from renowned agencies like True Dynamic are aware of these rules. Most important of these is IR35 or Intermediaries Legislation. There is actually a huge difference in the take home pay between ones who are caught by IR35 rules and ones who are not.
-
You may be more comfortable with handling a firm of a particular size. Check out on the size of the organization and if you will be comfortable of using it.
-
You can also check out on the experience level of the organization as well as the number of clients that it has handled. Ask if you can talk to existing clients or have a look at the testimonials.
While you hire an accountant, you may not always be certain of their ability unless you begin working with him or her as a client. However, if you take a few precautions beforehand, you are sure to have a better experience.