Who this is for
This page is for smaller Brentwood and Essex businesses deciding what accountancy support they actually need — sole traders thinking about incorporating, new limited companies in their first year or two, partnerships, and owner-managed firms with a handful of staff.
If you're simply looking for a local accountant and want the full picture of our office, services and how we work, start with our main page for accountants in Brentwood.
When does a small business need an accountant?
There's no single trigger, but these are the points at which most small businesses stop doing it themselves:
- You've formed a limited company and now have Companies House and corporation tax filing obligations.
- Turnover is approaching the VAT registration threshold and you need to plan for it.
- You're taking on your first employee or subcontractor and need payroll, pensions or CIS handled.
- Bookkeeping is eating your evenings, or you're not confident the numbers are right.
- You want to know what you can take out of the business, and when, without guessing.
Sole trader or limited company?
It's the question we're asked most by small businesses. Trading as a sole trader is simpler and cheaper to run, with one Self Assessment return a year. A limited company is a separate legal entity with its own filing requirements, and profits can be taken as a mix of salary and dividends — which changes how and when tax is paid.
Which one works out better depends on your profit level, what you need to draw personally and your plans for the business, so it's worth running the numbers rather than following a rule of thumb. We'll do that with you on the initial call. If you've already incorporated, our guide to your first steps as a new limited company covers what happens next.
What's included
- Year-end accounts filed with Companies House and HMRC
- Corporation tax returns and tax planning
- VAT returns — MTD-compliant via Xero or FreeAgent
- Payroll, auto-enrolment pensions and CIS
- Director Self Assessment and dividend planning
- Bookkeeping support and Xero training
- Registered office, Confirmation Statement and Companies House filings
- Ongoing advice — not just at year end
What it costs
Everything is on a fixed monthly fee agreed before we start — no hourly billing and no charge for picking up the phone. Business plans start at £75 + VAT a month, and we'll quote for exactly the services you need after a short call.
Industries we work with across Essex
Where we are
In Front Accounting is based at First floor, 105 High Street, Brentwood, Essex CM14 4RR, and we act for small businesses across Brentwood, Shenfield, Hutton, Ingatestone, Billericay and the wider county. See accountants in Brentwood for our main local page, or the areas we cover.
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Common Questions
How much does a small business accountant in Brentwood cost?
Our fixed-fee packages for Brentwood small businesses start from a transparent monthly fee that covers year-end accounts, corporation tax, VAT returns, payroll and ongoing advice. We always quote upfront so there are no surprise bills.
Do you offer face-to-face meetings in Brentwood?
Yes. Although most of our work is handled digitally through Xero, FreeAgent and email, plenty of clients prefer to meet in person — especially at year-end or when planning a big change. We're happy to meet locally.
Can you take over from my current accountant?
Yes — switching is straightforward. We write a professional clearance letter to your previous accountant, collect your records and tax references, and handle the entire handover. You don't need to do anything awkward.
Do you use Xero or another bookkeeping system?
We work primarily with Xero and FreeAgent, but we'll support whichever cloud bookkeeping system suits you best. Free FreeAgent licences are available with a NatWest, RBS or Mettle business bank account.
Looking for a Brentwood Accountant?
Fixed monthly fees, no surprises, and a local team that actually picks up the phone. Let's have a quick chat about what your business needs.