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Accountancy & Tax in Bristol

Key start-up information and list of local accountants

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Bristol Accountants

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Having a good firm of accountants on your side will ensure that you have all the information and support that you need to help your business grow and flourish.

They can offer advice and help you comply with accounting and tax requirements.

If you are self employed or run a small enterprise in Bristol, it makes sense to use an Accountant or Bookkeeper who is keen to help small business and new business start ups rather than struggle with the task yourself.

Can you help start-ups in Bristol?

If so, your logo, company details and link to your site could be here!

If you are based in in Bristol or offer a product or service which could help existing local businesses and start-ups, we would love you to help you reach them. Our aim is to increase the chances of every new business's success by highlighting the help that is available in the area.

You are able to add a free listing or act as our recommended local partner for only £10 per year!

Local partners

We are happy to promote anyone who is prepared to offer friendly support to local start-ups.

Our local partners have been kind enough to help us and are keen to help you too.

Main Accounting Considerations

Sole Trader or Limited Company

One of the first decisions you will need to make is which legal structure is likely to suit your new business and this will affect your accountancy obligations.

You can read a detailed article about your various options at: Sole Trader or Limited Company?

The information below primarily relates to self-employment but if you decide to trade as a limited company, you can read more here: Running a Limited Company.

Becoming Self-Employed

You should tell HMRC as soon as you start self-employment, otherwise you may face a penalty. You are considered to have started self-employment when you have something to sell and either have a customer for your goods or services, or you are actively marketing your business.

You can let HMRC know about your self-employment by registering online for business taxes. A Self-Assessment Online account will automatically be set up at the same time. This allows you to send your Self-Assessment tax returns online. You will receive an Activation Code. You need to activate the service within 28 days. If you don’t, you will have to ask for a new Activation Code.

You can register online at https://www.gov.uk/log-in-register-hmrc-online-services/register

National Insurance

As a self-employed person, you pay a fixed amount of Class 2 National Insurance contributions (NIC). If your profits are above a certain limit, you may also have to pay Class 4 National Insurance contributions.

See Self-employed National Insurance rates for full details.

Statutory Records

It is very important that you set up a record keeping system and keep all records and supporting documents. Records for the current tax year must be retained until 31 January 2022.

You must keep records of all money coming into and going out of your business. This includes all cash, cheques and credit card transactions.

Your records should be adequate to allow you to complete an accurate Self Assessment return. You will be expected to keep a full record of:

  • All sales made and other business income, as it is earned.
  • The cost of all business expenses and purchases as you pay them, no matter how little they cost.
  • All purchases of business stock, goods and raw materials.
  • Mileage records.
  • Capital expenditure; keep a separate record of all purchases and sales of business equipment, machinery and vehicles, together with the receipts.
  • Keep a record of the market value of equipment or vehicles introduced into the business that you owned before starting your business.

See Business records if you're self-employed for full details.

Key Dates

There are key dates that you need to be aware of during the financial year. These relate to reporting and payment of any monies due. A list of dates and full explanation can be found here.

Value Added Tax (VAT)

You must register for VAT if:

  • Your taxable turnover exceeds the VAT threshold in any 12 month period
  • you expect your taxable turnover to exceed the VAT threshold within the next 30 days
  • you take over an existing VAT registered business as a going concern

You have 30 days from the date you meet any of these criteria to register.

Usually, VAT registration can be completed online and if you apply online, you will be enrolled automatically so that you can submit your VAT return online (there is no longer a paper version).

The current VAT threshold is £85,000; if your turnover is below the registration limit, you can choose whether to apply for voluntary registration. The standard rate of VAT currently is 20%.

See the official VAT website for full up to date details.

Bristol Accountants

C & M Services Chartered Accountants
C & M Services is based in North Bristol and accredited by the Professional Contractors Group. We can assist with incorporation, tax planning and support you as your business grows with VAT and payroll services. We offer a one hour free no obligation meeting to discuss your requirements. Contact us to secure peace of mind.
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BarrettStacey Accounting
We are a friendly, approachable team of Accountants and Bookkeepers based in Bristol. We have a wealth of knowledge working with many different industries. Over the last few years, we have formed a close-knit team of Accountants and Bookkeepers that have all the skills needed to provide you with the best service. We can work with you anywhere youre at in your business journey whether youre just starting up or want help scaling up. If this sounds like something that may be useful for your business please do get in touch as wed love to talk more about how we can help!
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Short Accountancy LTD
Its great when you run your own business; you can make money while doing what you enjoy, be your own boss and be in control of the companys decisions. Unfortunately regardless of the line of work you are in, accounts need to be prepared, tax returns need to be sent to HMRC and youll need to keep track of your finances with bookkeeping records, payroll and sometimes VAT. This can be overwhelming for most business owners, whether theyre a limited company or sole trader. This is where we come in. Short Accountancy LTD can offer a wide range of services to assist with your bookkeeping, payroll, accountancy and taxation needs, leaving you free to concentrate on doing what you enjoy. We believe in transparency regarding our prices and services, making sure that our clients are both aware of the services we will provide for them and how much it will cost. Feel free to give us a call on 01761 252625 or 07513 346096. Alternatively you can e-mail us at office@shortaccountancyltd.com. We can discuss your business needs and how we can help, even giving you a rough quote. If you would like to come and meet us, we could arrange a meeting at our office in the Somer Valley Enterprise Park in Paulton. Weekend or evening appointments are available if you prefer to meet outside office hours.
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Tempo Accounting
A user-friendly online accounting service combining bespoke software with proactive support from real people to keep your business on track 247. Weve re-designed the way an accountant should interact with clients and we offer a modern service at realistic monthly rates.
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Tempo Accounting
A user-friendly online accounting service combining bespoke software with proactive support from real people to keep your business on track 247
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Britsco Business Solutions
Britsco Business Solutions is a premier accounting firm in the UK, renowned for offering a wide array of financial services tailored to both businesses and individuals. Our dedication to combining affordability with unmatched professionalism sets us apart, making us the go-to choice for those seeking cost-effective yet high-quality accounting solutions.Why Opt for Britsco Business Solutions?Extensive Expertise: Catering to diverse business structures, including sole traders and limited companies, our specialities encompass self-assessment submissions, year-end tax accounts, VAT returns, and registration services.Cost-Effective Services: We are committed to providing affordable accounting services without compromising on quality, ensuring you receive top-notch assistance at a fraction of the cost.Local Presence and Remote Accessibility: Whether youre in search of a "chartered accountant near me" or need remote bookkeeping services, our flexible delivery models ensure expert advice is always available.Qualified Professionals: Our team includes chartered accountants, guaranteeing you receive knowledgeable and professional financial guidance.Personalised Financial Strategies: From tax filing for limited companies to comprehensive bookkeeping, we tailor our services to meet your unique requirements, acting as your trusted financial ally.SEO-Focused Overview:Discover affordable accountant services that do not skimp on excellence.Our local accountant and bookkeeping service near me offerings ensure personalised, convenient assistance.Experts in limited company accountant and sole trader accountant services, we provide custom advice suited to your business.Benefit from our cheap bookkeeping and remote bookkeeping services, keeping your financial records pristine.Navigate self-assessment submissions, end-of-year tax accounts, and VAT returns service with ease under our guidance.Britsco Business Solutions delivers not just accounting services but peace of mind. Our commitment to high standards, affordability, and accessibility positions us as your ideal partner in financial management across the UK. Allow us to manage your financial intricacies, freeing you to focus on driving your business forward.
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Accounting Services by John Whear
A personal and professional service for the existing small business and for those just starting out. Cromwell House 127 Wellsway Keynsham Bristol BS31 1JA
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Aero Accountancy Services
At Aero Accountancy Services, we provide an accurate and efficient service at a reasonable cost. By engaging us to deal with your bookkeeping, accounts and tax compliance, we set you free to concentrate on achieving your business goals
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Bales Chartered Accountants
QuickBooks accounting software supply, individual set-up and customisation for your business, training and support is our specialism. We are QuickBooks Professional Advisors and have 9 years experience of working with both start-up and established busines
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Biznus Payroll Limited
Biznus Payroll takes the headache and confusion out of payroll with our accurate and efficient payroll outsourcing service. Providing you with all you need from setting up a PAYE scheme, pay calculations, payroll management reports, payslips and HMRC online returns.
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BookCheck Ltd
Sage Book-keeping, Management Accounts and Payroll services. We remove hassle and produce quality information with 45 professional staff.
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Burton Sweet
What is it you need from an accountant? Of course, when it comes to bean counting and form filling, our team is efficient, thorough and committed. Our clients learn of ways to save money; they are free from the hassle of financial compliance, and their tax bills are reduced. All worthy promises for us to deliver. We really come into our own through working more closely with business owners, FDs and financial controllers who use financial planning to not only run a tight ship but to interrogate, understand and control their business. To those astute business leaders, we are a support network of value-adding financial experts and professional advisers.
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Mendip Accounting Solutions
Mendip Accounting Solutions are a small but enthusiastic team of Accounting Technicians who pride ourselves in providing a high quality and accurate accounting service to our clients. Mendip Accounting Solutions are able to offer the whole package from start to finish at an affordable rate this allows you peace of mind and a little extra cash flow to put into other areas of your business.
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Michael Page Accounting
Michael Page Accounting provides a Accounting & Business Planning services to both Start - Up and Established & Growing business in the Owner Managed and SME Sector. Specialising in the Small and Medium Business sector we can help you PLAN FOR SUCCESS Develop your business and marketing plans, determine and implement your business strategy and install and improve your accounting and management information systems.
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OCL Accountancy
At OCL we have been looking after small businesses (turnovers from
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Roger C Oaten Chartered Accountants
12 Months Free Accountancy Service for New Business Start Ups. When starting up in business you need all the help you can get. We have a very strong start up department and have helped many new businesses through the first year and beyond. For new businesses Roger Oaten Chartered Accountants will undertake to make no charge during the first 12 months*.
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Wilkinson & Partners
We are an independent firm of accountants located in the Clifton Area of Bristol. We are committed to providing our clients with a good quality and value for money service. We are pleased to work with any new business and offer a free initial consultation.
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Local help for startups

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