Some business owners, managers, independent contractors, and freelancers may believe they don’t require professional financial counsel. This is true, especially if they have worked independently for several years without experiencing any significant problems. Others who have been operating in disarray for some time or still have trouble with the fundamentals of business invoicing or accounts can put it off out of embarrassment. Even if you are a financial expert, an unbiased outsider may see something you have overlooked. So when is it most important to hire an accountant for your business in Northampton? Find out below.

Dealing with HMRC and taxes

You may be content to file your tax returns on time each year without the aid of a professional if you operate as a lone proprietor with simple financial records. However, having a skilled professional review everything before submission can be a reasonably cost-effective approach to ensure no omissions and errors as your client or customer list expands.

Additionally, things can become quite challenging if you’re a limited partner in a partnership or a director of a limited corporation. Along with managing your statutory accounts, you must keep track of your directors’ records, share allocations, dividends, and any unique circumstances like director’s loans.

HMRC audits may also be time-consuming and frustrating processes. However, having an accountant’s expertise will reduce the likelihood of mistakes in your tax returns, and they can come in during any investigative process. Top accountants in Northampton provide tax investigation insurance, which covers any costs associated with work done during an official examination, investigation, or audit.

When purchasing or selling a business

Suppose you’re considering taking over an existing company to work for yourself or expanding through an acquisition. In that case, it’s essential to thoroughly review the company accounts to look for things like outstanding debts, asset ownership, and other things that could pose severe problems for you in the future. You don’t want any potential transaction to fail due to an unforeseen difficulty. 

Applying for loans 

Many banks and other organizations make it relatively quick and easy to get financing and small overdrafts without needing an accountant. However, involving an accountant will help you make the best decision and improve your odds if you’re trying to get considerable investment. For instance, if you’re looking for a mortgage, you’ll also require an accountant to validate your personal and company income. 

When you first start out

A skilled accountant may be handy if you’re searching for major finance or investment to launch your firm. However, in any situation, they can offer knowledge and guidance on picking the appropriate legal form, company accounts, and accounting software to ensure you are set up correctly.

It’s never too late to organize your company’s finances, but starting with everything in place is quicker and simpler than hiring a professional to comb through years of financial data. Additionally, you won’t miss discounts and deductions that could total hundreds of pounds.

The bottom line

Outsourcing accounting will frequently be less expensive than losing business or making errors due to trying to handle too much on your own. And if you’re less worried, you’ll also make better business judgments.