Everything your business needs. Nothing you do not.

A full range of bookkeeping and accountancy services for business owners, built around you and your business. Your own dedicated team. No hidden extras. Fixed monthly fees.

Book a free chat

We work with the software you already use

XeroFreeAgentQuickBooksSageIRIS KashFlow

We'll figure out what you need together.

You do not need to know exactly what you need before you call. That is our job. Craig will listen to where you are, understand what your business looks like, and together you can work out the right level of support.

What we offer covers every stage of your business, from getting set up on the right software and keeping your bookkeeping up to date, through to VAT, MTD, management accounts, year-end accounts and tax returns.

Penistone high street at dusk with local shops and the hills beyond

Making Tax Digital for Income Tax (MTD for ITSA)

As of April 2026, sole traders and landlords with more than £50,000 of qualifying income must keep digital records and submit quarterly updates to HMRC under Making Tax Digital for Income Tax (MTD for ITSA).

Need help with MTD, or want us to take care of it for you? We will run through the process with you, get you on the right software, set everything up correctly and make sure your quarterly updates are filed accurately and on time.

Already behind? Don't worry. Get in touch and we'll help you get up to date.

And if your income is currently below £50,000, do not wait. The threshold drops to £30,000 in April 2027 and £20,000 in April 2028. Getting set up properly now is far easier than scrambling later.

Talk to Craig about MTD for ITSA
A business owner keeping digital records on a laptop at the kitchen table

Bookkeeping

We keep your bookkeeping up to date all year round, so whenever you need advice it is based on current numbers, not last year's.

Our bookkeeping service is built around one idea: we're here to take the stress away.

You can upload your receipts and invoices and we'll handle everything else, or simply give us the information and we can do it all for you. We tailor the service around exactly what you need. If you need someone to do your invoicing, we can do that for you too.

Your receipts, invoices and bank transactions go into your accounting software. We process them, categorise everything correctly, reconcile your accounts and keep your records in order. You always have a dedicated bookkeeper who knows you and your business.

We always look for ways to make things easier for you. If we can get access to your supplier portals, we can handle the invoices ourselves, meaning you don't have to. If there's something we can take off your hands, we will.

We work with all the well-known cloud accounting software as well as desktop accounting systems. If you are still using a desktop system or paper records, that's fine. We can work with what you have or help you move across to something new when the time is right.

This is not just data entry. We look after your bookkeeping in the background, making sure everything is kept up to date, and get in touch whenever we have any queries.

VAT Returns

VAT is one of those things that seems simple until it is not. Different rates, partial exemptions and the wrong coding on a purchase invoice can all affect your VAT return.

We prepare and file your VAT returns accurately and on time, making sure you know how much VAT you need to pay. If you are not yet VAT registered and need advice on thresholds and timing, we can help with that too.

Management Accounts and Regular Meetings

Keeping your bookkeeping up to date is only part of the job. We also want to help you understand what the numbers are telling you.

Every month, quarter or six months, depending on what suits your business, we prepare a set of management accounts: a clear picture of how your business is actually performing right now. Then we sit down with you, in person where possible, and go through them together.

We look at what is happening across your business, where your money is coming from and where it is going, how your costs and margins are changing, and anything else that needs your attention. The important thing is not just having the numbers, but understanding what they mean and what you can do with them.

Cash flow gets its own focus, too. We can help you look ahead so you know what is coming in, what has to go out, and what you are likely to have left.

We can also help you plan ahead with budgeting and forecasting. If you want to grow, take on a member of staff, or make a significant purchase, we will model the numbers with you before you commit.

Year-End Accounts

We prepare year-end accounts for:

  • Sole traders
  • Partnerships
  • Limited companies and LLPs

We take care of all the year-end filing, as you would expect from any accountant.

By the time your year end arrives, this is simply a process because we have stayed on top of your numbers all year. We get your accounts completed soon after the year end, giving you plenty of notice of any tax you need to pay, and we sit down with you to talk everything through in plain English so it makes sense.

Personal and Business Tax Returns

Self Assessment, Corporation Tax, Capital Gains, we handle the full range of tax return services. We will also talk you through what you can and cannot claim and make sure you are not paying more tax than you need to.

We get your tax returns completed as soon as we can, so you know what tax you need to pay and have plenty of notice before it is due. We explain everything in plain English so you understand it.

New Business Setup

Starting out and not sure where to begin? We help new businesses choose the right structure, register with HMRC and Companies House, set up for PAYE, CIS and VAT schemes, and get onto the right accounting software from day one.

Getting things right from the start can save a lot of time, cost and hassle later. We can help you put the right foundations in place from day one, so you can concentrate on getting your business up and running.

Payroll

We handle your payroll accurately and on time, so it is one less thing for you to worry about. Whether you have one employee or a larger team, we can take care of the payroll for you alongside everything else we do.

Bookkeeper Training and Support

If you already have a bookkeeper or accounts person in your business, we can work alongside them to provide training and support.

We work alongside your existing team to improve their skills, correct any issues in the system, and get everything running to a higher standard. You get more from the resource you are already paying for, and we can step in to provide the analysis and advice that sits above the bookkeeping.

Talk to Craig about bookkeeper training & support

Think an in-house bookkeeper is cheaper? Run the numbers.

A part-time bookkeeper working 16 hours a week at the 2026/27 National Living Wage costs more than you might think:

16 hours × £12.71
£203.36 per week
Annual wage cost
Over £10,500

And that is before considering paid holidays, sickness, recruitment, training and the time involved in managing an employee.

Employer's National Insurance and workplace pension costs may also apply. Employment Allowance may reduce or remove the National Insurance cost.

For a similar outgoing, Smart Accounting Solutions provides:

  • Software subscription
  • Bookkeeping
  • Management accounts
  • Monthly meetings
  • Hands-on business support
  • Year-end accounts
  • Tax returns
  • Unlimited phone calls, emails and meetings
  • No HR headaches

Transparent pricing

Fees that fit your business.

Every client we work with is different. The support you need and the services that are right for you will depend on your business and how you want us to work with you.

We agree a fixed monthly fee, so you know exactly what you're paying and what's included.

Tell Craig what you need. He will tell you what it costs.

Book a free chat to get a quote

Not sure what you need?

Start with a conversation. Tell Craig where you are and what you're looking for. If you're not quite sure, that's fine. Craig will ask the right questions, understand your situation, and you'll work it out together.

Book a free chat Call 0114 349 3311

Based in South Yorkshire. Serving businesses across Yorkshire.

Frequently asked questions

Making Tax Digital for Income Tax

What is Making Tax Digital and does it affect me?
Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax is a new way for sole traders and landlords to report their income and expenses to HMRC. It requires you to keep digital records, send quarterly updates using compatible software and submit your annual tax return through that software. From April 2026 it applies if your qualifying income from self-employment and property is over £50,000. The threshold drops to £30,000 from April 2027 and £20,000 from April 2028. If your income is close to one of these thresholds, it is worth getting prepared early. If you're not sure whether MTD applies to you or when you need to start, get in touch and we'll check it for you.
I need to use MTD for Income Tax. What do I need to do?
You will need to use MTD-compatible accounting software, keep digital records of your self-employment or property income and expenses, and submit quarterly updates to HMRC. We can help you choose the right software, get everything set up correctly and make sure your records and quarterly submissions are dealt with properly from the start.
Do I still need to file a Self Assessment tax return under MTD for Income Tax?
Yes. You will still need to submit a tax return each year. Once you are using MTD for Income Tax, you will keep digital records and send quarterly updates during the year, then use your MTD-compatible software to complete and submit your tax return by 31 January following the end of the tax year.
What are the MTD deadlines for sole traders?
If you are required to use MTD for Income Tax, the standard quarterly update deadlines are 7 August, 7 November, 7 February and 7 May. Please note: You will still need to submit an annual Self Assessment Tax Return by 31 January following the end of the tax year through your MTD-compatible software. If we look after your MTD submissions, we will keep track of the deadlines and make sure everything is dealt with on time.
How does HMRC decide when I need to start using MTD?
HMRC looks at your qualifying income from a previous completed tax year to decide when you need to start using MTD. If your qualifying income for 2024/25 was over £50,000, you need to use MTD from April 2026. If your 2025/26 qualifying income is over £30,000, you will need to use it from April 2027. The threshold then falls to £20,000 from April 2028. Qualifying income is based on your gross income from self-employment and property, before expenses are deducted.
Do I need to sign up for MTD as soon as my turnover goes above the threshold?
No. Going over the threshold part-way through a tax year does not mean you suddenly have to start using MTD immediately. HMRC uses your qualifying income from a completed tax year to determine whether you need to use MTD from a future April. For example, your 2025/26 income is used to determine whether you need to start MTD from April 2027.
Does MTD apply to landlords?
Yes. MTD for Income Tax applies to landlords as well as sole traders where their qualifying income is above the relevant threshold. If you have both self-employment and property income, HMRC combines the qualifying income from both when deciding whether you need to use MTD. The thresholds are £50,000 from April 2026, £30,000 from April 2027 and £20,000 from April 2028.
What software do I need for Making Tax Digital?
You need HMRC-recognised software that supports MTD for Income Tax. The most widely used options are QuickBooks, Xero, Sage, FreeAgent, and KashFlow. The right choice depends on your business type and how you prefer to work. A bookkeeper or accountant can advise on which platform suits you and get you set up and trained on it properly.
What are the penalties for not complying with MTD?
For the first year of MTD for Income Tax, covering the 2026/27 tax year, HMRC will not issue penalty points for late quarterly updates. You will still need to submit all of your quarterly updates before you can submit your annual tax return, and penalties can still apply if your tax return is late or your tax is paid late. From the following tax year, late quarterly submissions will fall within HMRC's points-based penalty system. If you reach four penalty points, a £200 penalty applies. If you've fallen behind with your MTD submissions, get in touch and we'll get you up to date. We can also speak to HMRC on your behalf and help get everything sorted out.

Starting a Business

I've just started a business. What do I need to sort out financially?
There are a few things worth getting right from the start. You need to make sure the business is set up correctly, keep proper financial records, and know what tax you need to pay and when. We recommend having a separate bank account for your business and using accounting software to keep track of your income and expenses. Depending on the business, you may also need to think about VAT, payroll or other registrations. You do not need to work all of this out on your own. We can go through it with you, get everything set up properly and make sure you know what you need to do from the start.
When do I need to register for Self Assessment?
If you are self-employed and need to complete a Self Assessment tax return, you normally need to register with HMRC by 5 October following the end of the tax year in which you started trading. There are other circumstances where you may need to complete a Self Assessment tax return, including receiving rental income or other untaxed income. Becoming a director of a limited company may also mean you need to register, depending on how you receive income from the company. If you are not sure whether you need to register, speak to us and we can check it for you and make sure it is dealt with at the right time.
Should I operate as a sole trader or a limited company?
As a sole trader, you and the business are treated as one. You pay tax personally on the profits the business makes. A Ltd Company is a separate legal entity. The Company pays Corporation Tax on its profits, and you then pay personal tax on money you take from the Company. Which option is right for you depends on your circumstances. We can talk you through the options and help you decide what works best for you and your business.

VAT

Do I need to register for VAT?
You must register if your turnover goes over £90,000 in any rolling 12-month period, or if you expect it to go over £90,000 in the next 30 days. You can also register voluntarily before you reach the threshold if it would benefit your business. This can be worthwhile if you have VAT to claim back and registering would not disadvantage your customers. If you're not sure whether you should register, get in touch and we'll help you decide.
What's the difference between zero-rated and VAT exempt?
Both mean that no VAT is added to the sale, but they are treated differently when it comes to the purchase side. Zero-rated sales are subject to VAT at 0%, and you can claim VAT on related costs. Exempt sales are not subject to VAT, and you cannot normally claim VAT on costs relating to those sales. This may result in a partial exemption calculation on your VAT return. If you're unsure about the treatment or how to work out what you can and can't claim, get in touch and we'll be happy to help.
Can my bookkeeper file my VAT return for me?
Yes. Your bookkeeper can prepare your VAT return for you. An accountant can then review the figures alongside your year-end accounts and tax. They will ensure the return is accurate, check for common coding errors and submit it on time. If you already have a bookkeeper, we can work alongside them and provide support and review the VAT return where needed.
What happens if I miss a VAT return deadline?
HMRC uses a points-based penalty system for late VAT returns. You receive a penalty point each time a return is submitted late. Once you reach the relevant points threshold, a £200 penalty applies. Further late returns can lead to additional £200 penalties, and late payment penalties and interest can also apply. If you've fallen behind, get in touch and we'll be able to get you up to date quickly.

Management Accounts

What are management accounts and do I need them?
Management accounts are like a set of year-end accounts, but prepared throughout the year. You can have them monthly, quarterly or every six months, depending on what works best for you. They show how your business is performing now, not months after the year has finished. If you want to understand your figures as you go, management accounts are one of the best investments you can make. We can prepare your management accounts regularly and go through the figures with you, so you understand how your business is performing and can make decisions based on the latest information.
What is cash flow forecasting and why does it matter?
Cash flow forecasting starts with your current figures and looks ahead. It predicts what money is likely to come in, what needs to go out, and whether there could be any cash flow problems in the future. It can also help if you want to plan for investment or make a significant purchase. It gives you time to plan ahead instead of reacting when it is too late. We can prepare and update a cash flow forecast weekly or monthly and look as far ahead as you need us to.
My accountant only contacts me once a year at year end. Is that normal?
It's common for traditional accountants, but it's not good enough for most businesses. Annual accounts are filed months after the year end and reflect historical decisions. You need financial information while it is still useful, which means regular, up-to-date information, not an annual review when the figures are already out of date. If your accountant only engages at year end, the value they are adding is largely compliance, not ongoing business support. We provide ongoing support throughout the year, so you can have up-to-date information and advice when you need it.

Bookkeeping & Support

What's the difference between a bookkeeper and an accountant?
A bookkeeper handles the day-to-day maintenance of your financial records – categorising transactions, reconciling accounts, filing VAT returns, and keeping everything current. An accountant typically works at a higher level: preparing statutory year-end accounts, filing corporation tax or self-assessment returns, and providing business and accountancy advice. We can look after all of your bookkeeping and accounting needs, so everything is taken care of in one place.
What does a bookkeeper actually do?
A bookkeeper records and categorises your day-to-day business transactions, including your income, expenses and bank movements. They reconcile your bank accounts, prepare VAT returns and make sure your figures are accurate and up to date. The aim is to keep your finances current throughout the year, so you always have a clear picture of how your business is doing. We can take care of your day-to-day bookkeeping for you, leaving you to concentrate on running your business.
How often should my bookkeeping be updated?
Some businesses need their bookkeeping updated daily, others weekly, fortnightly or monthly. We recommend keeping your bookkeeping as up to date as possible. The more current your figures are, the more useful they are for making decisions and running your business day to day. We can look after your bookkeeping as regularly as your business needs, whether that's daily, weekly, fortnightly or monthly.
How do I get my invoices and receipts to my bookkeeper?
You can still do it the traditional way and drop your paperwork off, but most accounting software now allows you to photograph or upload invoices and receipts using a mobile app. The important thing is to have a system that makes it as easy as possible to keep everything up to date. Either way, we're able to help in the way that works best for you.
Do I need a bookkeeper if I use accounting software?
Accounting software makes bookkeeping easier, but it doesn't do everything for you. Someone still needs to make sure transactions are recorded correctly, the bank is reconciled and the figures are accurate. You can do this yourself or use a bookkeeper to do it for you. If you need help with your bookkeeping, get in touch and we'll be happy to help.