Switch Accountant UK
Not getting enough from your accountant? Switching is easier than you think.
Most UK sole traders and limited company owners switch accountants for the same reasons: slow replies, generic advice, a feeling that nobody is actually looking at their numbers. If that sounds familiar, Aurestone Advisory takes care of the entire handover. You do not need to chase your old accountant, deal with paperwork, or worry about timing.
Signs it's time
Five signs your current accountantis costing you more than their fee
Most people stick with an accountant longer than you should — not because the service is good, but because switching feels complicated. It is not. And staying with the wrong accountant has a real cost.
1. You wait days for a reply — or never hear back at all
Your accountant should be accessible. If chasing a simple answer takes more effort than it should, that is a problem worth fixing.
2. Your returns are filed at the last minute every year
Deadline-day filing is a sign of a reactive, not proactive, service. It also leaves no time to review what you are paying or spot planning opportunities before the window closes.
3. You do not understand what you are paying in tax — or why
A good accountant explains your numbers in plain English. If you finish a call feeling more confused than when you started, you are paying for compliance, not advice.
4. Nobody has ever mentioned tax planning
If your accountant only contacts you to collect records and file returns — never to discuss what you could do differently — you are leaving money on the table every year.
5. You feel like just another client on a list
Owner-led businesses need an accountant who understands their specific situation: how they pay themselves, what they can claim, what their numbers actually mean. Generic advice is not enough.
How switching works
Three steps. We domost of the work.
Switching accountants is not complicated when someone handles the process for you. Here is exactly what happens.
Book a free review call (15 minutes)
Tell us about your business, what you currently have in place, and what you want to change. We will confirm whether we are a good fit and answer any questions you have about the switch.
We contact your previous accountant
Once you give us authorisation, we write to your previous accountant to request your records, confirm the handover, and take over your HMRC agent authorisation. You do not need to have an awkward conversation or chase anyone.
You get set up, we get started
We confirm your cloud accounting setup, review your current tax position, and start looking after your accounts. Most clients are fully transitioned within two weeks.
What's included
What you get with Aurestone
Switching is the starting point. What comes after it is the reason people stay.
Services available: self assessment, bookkeeping, VAT returns, payroll, year-end accounts, tax planning, company accounts, and more.
View all services →Objection handling
Your questions,answered honestly
Will my old accountant be difficult about it?
Occasionally. But as your new accountant, we handle the professional-to-professional communication on your behalf. Accountants are required by their professional body to respond to handover requests. We have done this many times and know how to move it along.
Is there a bad time of year to switch?
No. You can switch at any point in the tax year. If your year-end is approaching, we will work around it. If you have just filed, the timing is actually ideal — there is no pending work to hand over. We will tell you honestly if a short delay would make things smoother.
What about records my old accountant holds?
Your records belong to you. We request them as part of the handover. Most accountants release them promptly. If there are delays, we advise you on next steps.
I'm worried about disruption to my business
The handover is handled in the background. You do not need to do anything while it is in progress, and there is no gap in your HMRC coverage. Continuity is our responsibility, not something you have to manage.
Do I have to pay two accountants at the same time?
No. Your new engagement with Aurestone starts from the point you join us. There is no overlap fee. Any outstanding amounts owed to your previous accountant are a separate matter between you and them — we do not affect that.
Social proof
What clients sayafter switching
"I used to dread tax season. Now everything is organised early, explained clearly, and filed without stress."— Self-employed consultant
"They do not just file accounts. They explain what the numbers mean and help me make better decisions."— Small business owner
"Aurestone helped me understand my real profit for the first time. I finally knew what to save, what to pay myself, and what I could claim."— UK freelancer
FAQ
Frequently asked questionsabout switching accountants
How long does the switch take?
Most clients are fully set up within two weeks. If there is a lot of historical work to transfer, it can take slightly longer, but your HMRC coverage transfers immediately once we have your authorisation.
Do I need to tell HMRC I have changed accountant?
We handle this as part of the onboarding. We submit a new 64-8 authorisation form to HMRC so we can act on your behalf. Your previous accountant's access is then removed. You do not need to contact HMRC directly.
What records will I need to provide?
We ask for your last set of filed accounts, your current bookkeeping records, and access to any accounting software you use. If your records are not in great shape, that is fine — getting them organised is part of what we do.
Can I switch if my accounts are behind or in a mess?
Yes. We regularly take on clients who have fallen behind on their filings or have disorganised records. We will review the situation, give you an honest picture of where things stand, and create a clear plan to get caught up.
What happens to my previous accountant's files?
We formally request your files as part of the professional handover process. Under ICAEW and ACCA guidelines, your previous accountant is required to cooperate with the transfer of your records.
Is Aurestone regulated?
Aurestone Advisory is an ICO registered independent UK accounting practice. We operate to professional standards and carry appropriate professional indemnity coverage.
What if I am partway through my tax year?
No problem. We pick up from wherever you are. If your year-end is close, we will make sure there is no disruption to your filing timeline.
Do you work with clients across the UK?
Yes. We are fully remote and work with clients across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. All communication, document sharing, and accounting is handled online.
Ready to switch? Start with a free 15-minute review.
You do not need perfect records, a specific reason, or the right accounting vocabulary. Just tell us what is not working and we will take it from there. The review is free, there is no obligation, and most people walk away with at least one thing they did not know before — whether they switch or not.
*Limited review slots available each week.*