Question 1

Are you based in Brentwood, Essex?

Accepted Answer

Yes — our office is at First Floor, 105 High Street, Brentwood, Essex, CM14 4RR. We're a hands-on local team and you're welcome to drop in by appointment.

Question 2

Do you only work with Essex businesses?

Accepted Answer

No. We work with limited company owners locally in Brentwood and Essex and remotely across the UK using Xero, FreeAgent and other cloud platforms — wherever you're based, the service is the same.

Question 3

Are you qualified and regulated?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We're ACCA-qualified and supervised for anti-money-laundering compliance. Every client engagement goes through a formal letter of engagement and ID checks before work begins.

Question 4

What size businesses do you typically work with?

Accepted Answer

Our sweet spot is owner-managed limited companies turning over roughly £80k–£3m — contractors, agencies, trades, e-commerce, healthcare, hospitality and property. We also support sole traders, landlords and individuals.

Question 5

How do I get in touch?

Accepted Answer

Call 01277 549101, email contact@infrontaccounting.co.uk, message us on WhatsApp, or book a free consultation via the contact page.

Question 6

What accounting services do you provide?

Accepted Answer

Annual accounts, corporation tax, VAT returns, payroll and CIS, bookkeeping on Xero or FreeAgent, director self assessment, registered office, tax investigation insurance, and Virtual FD support for owners who want more than just compliance.

Question 7

Do you support limited companies?

Accepted Answer

Limited companies are our primary focus. We handle annual accounts, corporation tax, payroll, VAT, bookkeeping, director self assessment and ongoing advisory support — everything an owner-managed limited company needs in one place.

Question 8

Do you handle self assessment tax returns?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We file self assessment for company directors, landlords, sole traders and individuals with more complex income (dividends, capital gains, foreign income, high earners).

Question 9

Do you do bookkeeping or just year-end?

Accepted Answer

Both. Most of our clients let us run their bookkeeping monthly on Xero or FreeAgent so we can spot tax-saving opportunities throughout the year — not just at year-end.

Question 10

Can you act as our registered office?

Accepted Answer

Yes — registered office and director's service address are available from £10+VAT per month. All statutory post is scanned and forwarded the same day.

Question 11

Do you offer Virtual FD or advisory support?

Accepted Answer

Yes. For growing businesses we offer Virtual FD: management accounts, cashflow forecasting, KPI reporting, pricing reviews and quarterly strategy sessions — all the value of a finance director without the full-time salary.

Question 12

How much do you charge?

Accepted Answer

We work on fixed monthly fees so there are no surprises. Limited company packages typically start from around £95+VAT per month depending on turnover, VAT scheme, payroll size and whether you want bookkeeping included. See the Pricing page for full breakdown.

Question 13

Are there any hidden fees?

Accepted Answer

No. Everything that's included in your package is listed in your engagement letter. If something falls outside scope (e.g. an HMRC enquiry, a major one-off project), we'll quote and agree it with you in writing first.

Question 14

Do I pay extra for ad-hoc questions?

Accepted Answer

No. Quick questions by email, phone or WhatsApp are included. We'd rather you ask before making a decision than after.

Question 15

Is software included in the fee?

Accepted Answer

Software like Xero or FreeAgent can be included or billed separately depending on the package — we'll make it clear in your quote.

Question 16

Can I pay annually instead of monthly?

Accepted Answer

Yes, just ask. Monthly direct debit is the default because it spreads cost evenly across the year.

Question 17

Can you help if I want to switch accountant?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and we make it straightforward. We handle the professional clearance, request your records from your current accountant, migrate the bookkeeping and take over HMRC and Companies House filings. You don't need to manage any of the handover.

Question 18

Do I have to wait until year-end to switch?

Accepted Answer

No. You can switch at any point in the year. We'll pick up where your previous accountant left off and make sure nothing falls through the cracks.

Question 19

Will my old accountant be difficult?

Accepted Answer

Very rarely. Professional clearance is a standard process and most accountants handle it within a couple of weeks. We deal with the back-and-forth so you don't have to.

Question 20

How long does switching take?

Accepted Answer

Timescales depend mainly on how quickly your previous accountant releases your records — but you're covered for filings and deadlines from the day you sign our engagement letter.

Question 21

When is corporation tax due?

Accepted Answer

Corporation tax is payable 9 months and 1 day after your company's year-end. The CT600 return must be filed within 12 months of year-end. We'll always remind you well in advance.

Question 22

How should I pay myself as a director?

Accepted Answer

Most owner-managed limited companies use a low salary plus dividends. The optimal split depends on your other income, the prevailing tax thresholds and whether Employment Allowance applies. We review this with you each year.

Question 23

What is a director's loan account?

Accepted Answer

It's a record of money you've borrowed from or loaned to your company. If you owe the company more than £10,000 or your account is overdrawn at year-end, there are tax consequences (s.455 tax and benefit-in-kind). We monitor this for you.

Question 24

Do I need to file a confirmation statement?

Accepted Answer

Yes — every limited company must file one annually with Companies House. We file it for you as part of our standard package.

Question 25

What about PSC identity verification?

Accepted Answer

From 2025/26, Companies House is rolling out mandatory identity verification for People with Significant Control. We'll walk you through the process when it applies to you.

Question 26

When do I have to register for VAT?

Accepted Answer

You must register when your rolling 12-month taxable turnover exceeds £90,000 (2026/27 threshold) — or sooner if it's commercially sensible. We can voluntarily register you earlier if reclaiming input VAT makes sense.

Question 27

Do you handle Making Tax Digital?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All VAT and (from April 2026) qualifying income tax clients are filed via MTD-compatible software — Xero or FreeAgent.

Question 28

Can you run my payroll?

Accepted Answer

Yes — weekly, fortnightly or monthly. We handle PAYE/NIC, payslips, pension auto-enrolment submissions, P60s and P11Ds.

Question 29

What is the Employment Allowance?

Accepted Answer

It's a £10,500 (2026/27) reduction in your employer's National Insurance bill. Most owner-managed limited companies with at least one non-director employee qualify. We claim it automatically where eligible.

Question 30

Do you handle CIS for construction businesses?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We register contractors and subcontractors, file monthly CIS returns, verify subcontractors and reconcile deductions against your year-end position.

Question 31

How do we communicate day-to-day?

Accepted Answer

Whatever works best for you — email, phone, WhatsApp or video call. You'll have a named point of contact, not a faceless inbox.

Question 32

Do I get reminders about deadlines?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You'll get advance reminders for VAT returns, payroll runs, year-end accounts, corporation tax payments, confirmation statements and self assessment — well before anything is due.

Question 33

What software do you use?

Accepted Answer

We're Xero and FreeAgent certified and also support QuickBooks and Sage where clients are already set up. New clients usually migrate to Xero or FreeAgent for the best experience.

Question 34

Is my data secure?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We use enterprise-grade cloud software, encrypted document storage, two-factor authentication, and a private client portal. We're registered with the ICO and supervised for AML compliance.

Question 35

What happens if HMRC opens an enquiry?

Accepted Answer

We respond on your behalf and manage the correspondence. We also offer optional tax investigation insurance that covers our professional fees if HMRC opens a formal enquiry — typically £15+VAT per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

About In Front Accounting

Services & scope

Pricing & fees

Switching accountant

Limited companies & corporation tax

VAT, payroll & CIS

Working with us

Still have a question?