Frequently Asked Questions
General
How much does an accountant cost?
Do you offer a free initial consultation?
Yes. You can book a free initial consultation or accountancy review to discuss what you need.
Can I switch accountants part way through the year?
Yes. We can contact your previous accountant, request professional clearance and help make the switch as smooth as possible.
Do you work with businesses outside Brierley Hill?
Yes. RD Accounting is based in Brierley Hill but we support clients across the country.
New Businesses
Do you work with start-ups?
Yes. We help new businesses with structure, registration, software, bookkeeping and first-year tax deadlines.
Can you help me choose between sole trader and limited company?
Yes. We can explain the tax, admin and practical differences so you can make an informed decision.
Can you help with Xero, QuickBooks or FreeAgent?
Yes. We can help choose, set up and use suitable cloud accounting software. No two businesses are the same so some software may suit you better than others.
Making Tax Digital
What is Making Tax Digital?
Making Tax Digital is HMRC’s move towards digital record keeping and software-based tax submissions. It already applies to VAT-registered businesses and is now rolling out for many sole traders and landlords for Income Tax.
Who needs to use MTD for Income Tax?
MTD for Income Tax applies to sole traders and landlords based on qualifying income thresholds. The rollout starts from April 2026 for those over £50,000, then reduces to over £30,000 from April 2027 and over £20,000 from April 2028.
Bookkeeping, HMRC, Minimum Wage
Can you help if I have fallen behind with bookkeeping?
Yes. We can review your records, identify what is missing and help bring everything up to date.
Can you deal with HMRC for me?
Yes, where properly authorised, we can correspond with HMRC on your behalf in relation to relevant accounting and tax matters.
Can you help with payroll for a small business?
Yes. We support small business payroll, director payroll, PAYE submissions, payslips and pension-related payroll administration.
Can you help with minimum wage compliance?
Yes. We can help review payroll and working-time records, identify potential National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage issues, quantify underpayments and support HMRC correspondence where needed.
Can minimum wage issues arise even where staff are paid above the hourly rate?
Yes. Deductions, unpaid working time, salary sacrifice, uniforms, travel time, apprentices and incomplete time records can all create risk.
Can you help if HMRC contacts us about minimum wage?
Yes. We can help organise data, prepare calculations and assist with responses. Depending on the circumstances, employment law advice may also be needed.
Due Diligence
Can you help me buy or sell a business?
Yes. We can support business sales and purchases by reviewing accounts, tax, VAT, payroll, bookkeeping and financial information, highlighting red flags and helping you understand the numbers.
Do you provide due diligence reviews?
Yes. We can provide focused due diligence or red flag reviews for small and owner-managed business transactions.
