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Need an accountant?

I need an accountant. Where do I start?

Whether you need help with a tax return, your small business books, payroll or a tax problem, this guide shows you what kind of accounting professional you need and how to find a good one, near you or abroad.

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Do I need an accountant?

You may not need one for a simple tax return with a single salary. Most people find an accountant worth it when they are self-employed, start or run a business, take on staff, rent out property, have income from more than one country, sell investments or property, or receive a letter from the tax authority they do not understand.

If a tax deadline is close or you have a penalty notice, act now. Many accountants are busiest just before filing deadlines, so the earlier you get in touch, the better.

What kind of accounting professional do I need?

  • Filing a personal tax return: a tax preparer, tax accountant or CPA
  • Self-employed or freelance: an accountant for sole traders and freelancers
  • Running a small business or company: a small business accountant or CPA
  • Keeping your books up to date: a bookkeeper
  • Paying employees: a payroll specialist
  • A dispute with the tax authority: a tax adviser, CPA or, in the USA, an enrolled agent
  • An audit: a registered auditor or audit firm
  • Fraud, disputes or litigation: a forensic accountant

How to find a good accountant

  1. Match the service

    Look for someone who regularly does the work you need, for people or businesses like you. Browse accountants by service.

  2. Check their qualification

    In the USA, check a CPA's license with the state board of accountancy. In the UK, check membership of a body such as ICAEW, ACCA, CIMA, AAT or CIOT. Every listing shows the body and membership number.

  3. Check where they work

    Tax rules depend on the country, and sometimes the state. You need an accountant who knows the rules where you file. Find accountants by country.

  4. Speak to two or three

    Ask what is included, how they charge and who will do the work. Choose the one you trust and understand.

What to have ready before you contact an accountant

  • What you need help with, and any deadline
  • Last year's tax return or accounts, if you have them
  • Your income records, invoices, receipts and bank statements
  • Any letters from the tax authority
  • Your questions about fees and what is included

How much does an accountant cost?

It depends on the country and the work. A simple personal tax return is often a fixed fee. Bookkeeping and payroll are usually monthly. Business accounts and tax advice may be fixed-fee or hourly. Always ask for a quote in writing before you start. Self-employed in the USA? Try our free self-employment tax calculator first.

I need an accountant in another country

If you earn, invest or run a business abroad, you may need an accountant who knows that country's tax rules, or one who works across borders. My Accounting Hub lets you search accounting professionals worldwide in one place and contact them directly, wherever you live.

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Common questions

Search My Accounting Hub by your country and the service you need, then compare the accountants listed. Each profile shows where they work, what they do and their professional body, so you can contact the right one directly.
A bookkeeper records your day-to-day transactions. An accountant prepares accounts and tax returns and gives financial advice. A CPA (Certified Public Accountant) is a licensed accountant in the USA; in the UK the equivalent qualifications include ICAEW, ACCA and CIMA chartered accountants.
It is not required, but many self-employed people use one to file their tax return correctly, claim the expenses they are entitled to and avoid penalties. An accountant can also advise when it makes sense to set up a company.
It varies by country and the work involved. Personal tax returns are often a fixed fee, bookkeeping and payroll are usually charged monthly, and advice may be fixed-fee or hourly. Ask for a written quote before you start.
Ask whether they work with people or businesses like you, what professional body they belong to, what is included in the fee, who will do the work, and how and when they will communicate with you.
Yes. Searching, viewing profiles and contacting accountants is free and needs no account. You pay the accountant directly for their work.

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