VAT registration and accountant situation

[platforminc]

Hi All

I have got an accountant that I want to use, but since my contract starts at the end of this month, I want to start using him start of September, so was wondering whether its a good idea to start doing things like VAT registration by myself. I am new to this, although the forum has helped a lot as I always come here to read before lifting a finger.

My problem is that since my contract is really kicking off later this month/next month, I don't want to start off with the services of an accountant so soon after all I'm not earning from the service he provides yet. What is the wise thing to do fellow forum members ?

Should I tell him that, help with the form filling and VAT registration but service/payment receipt will officially start in September ?

Also with accountants, does one have to sign a long term contract with them or is it purely pay as you go/monthly basis ?
Thanks in advance.

[Sockpuppet]

Are you serious? Go and get an accountant then you might stand a chance of not screwing something up.

[JamJarST]

What are you going to do when you are on the bench? Terminate his services because you are not billing anyone?

[redgiant]

Hi All

I have got an accountant that I want to use, but since my contract starts at the end of this month, I want to start using him start of September, so was wondering whether its a good idea to start doing things like VAT registration by myself. I am new to this, although the forum has helped a lot as I always come here to read before lifting a finger.

My problem is that since my contract is really kicking off later this month/next month, I don't want to start off with the services of an accountant so soon after all I'm not earning from the service he provides yet. What is the wise thing to do fellow forum members ?

Should I tell him that, help with the form filling and VAT registration but service/payment receipt will officially start in September ?

Also with accountants, does one have to sign a long term contract with them or is it purely pay as you go/monthly basis ?
Thanks in advance.

I had a similar situation when I started so timed getting an accountant to when I had a signed contract on the table, which was three weeks before contract start. It doesn't take long for the accountant to become fully setup - about two weeks but check with them first as they may have a delay in processing.

The majority of the work is getting the nessisary forms filled in and sent off to your company bank account instituation (to allow them to view you company bank account statements) and HMRC (agent authorisation to act on your behalf - for VAT returns etc. and VAT registration) and getting direct debits setup for paying them.

I'm in a annual contract with my accountant but there may be other per month deals which will end up costing you more from what I have seen.

[platforminc]

I had a similar situation when I started so timed getting an accountant to when I had a signed contract on the table, which was three weeks before contract start. It doesn't take long for the accountant to become fully setup - about two weeks but check with them first as they may have a delay in processing.

The majority of the work is getting the nessisary forms filled in and sent off to your company bank account instituation (to allow them to view you company bank account statements) and HMRC (agent authorisation to act on your behalf - for VAT returns etc. and VAT registration) and getting direct debits setup for paying them.

I'm in a annual contract with my accountant but there may be other per month deals which will end up costing you more from what I have seen.

Appointment booked with accountant.
Thanks.

[Nixon Williams]

I'm in a annual contract with my accountant but there may be other per month deals which will end up costing you more from what I have seen.

We do not tie our clients into a 12 month contract, if they wish, they can leave and stop using our services at any time they wish.

Quite a few accountants do insist on at least 12 month's fees and some ask for a transfer fee if you wish to move to another accountant.

Alan

[lje]

You can register online for VAT yourself - it's actually very easy. However, you will need to have a government gateway login for your company first. If you don't have it yet then it'll take a couple of week all told as there are a number of letters to be received.

HMRC info

[psychocandy]

My accountant was 30 days notice. Which is lucky cos he was crap so after two months I ended up giving him 30 days notice.

Jusy a bit of a bummer I gotta pay two accountants for those 30 days now. The old one and the new one to sort out the mess the first one made. :-(

Cheers NixonWilliams who are the new one sorting it all out for me. Recommend them BTW.