How to choose a UK accountant or tax adviser

Katerina Galkina · EN · 07/10/2026

Define the work before searching

A basic PAYE query, a sole trader’s annual return, limited-company accounts and an overseas property sale require different experience. Prepare a short brief covering tax years, income sources, countries, business structure, the next deadline and the outcome you need. A shared language is convenient, but does not establish expertise in UK international tax.

First check whether paid help is necessary. HMRC’s guidance ↗ explains that simple queries and refund claims can be handled directly, with tax charities also available in suitable cases. Complex overseas income or a dispute requires a more specific choice of adviser.

Verify qualifications and relevant experience

Ask for the individual’s full name, firm, professional body and membership number. If ICAEW status is claimed, check the official directory ↗. Verify the actual person and firm, rather than relying on a website logo. Professional membership does not imply expertise in every tax area.

Ask who will handle the work, who reviews calculations and whether professional indemnity insurance is held. HMRC explains that calling oneself a tax agent does not require professional qualifications and HMRC does not regulate agents as a professional body. A community recommendation cannot replace verification.

Compare written proposals

Request an engagement letter and clear pricing: fixed or hourly charges, VAT, returns included, consultations, amendments, HMRC correspondence and extra-work fees. Establish whether MTD software and quarterly support are included where relevant.

Agree document-delivery and draft-completion dates. For international matters, establish who handles the other country’s calculation and checks the relevant double-taxation agreement. “We will handle all your taxes” is not a sufficient scope of work. Compare several proposals against the same brief.

Authorise securely and review the outcome

Use the official agent authorisation process ↗. Do not give the adviser your HMRC password, one-time codes or unrestricted access to your email. Ask where correspondence and tax refunds will go and how you can withdraw authority.

Before submission, obtain the complete draft return and calculation. Check income, expenses, foreign tax and relief claims, and query unfamiliar entries. Never sign a blank return. You remain responsible for the accuracy of your information even when an accountant acts for you. After filing, keep the return, submission receipt, service invoice and tax-payment dates.