How to switch accountants without the drama
Professional clearance, handover documents, and a simple 5-step plan you can run in under a week.
When to switch
Common triggers: slow responses, surprise bills, missed deadlines, no proactive tax advice, or you've outgrown a high-street firm. The best time to switch is right after your year-end accounts have been filed.
The 5-step process
1. Choose the new firm. 2. Agree its engagement letter and scope. 3. Tell the old firm in writing. 4. Authorise professional clearance and the transfer of relevant information. 5. Track access to software, HMRC authorisations, records and upcoming deadlines until the handover is complete.
What to expect
Handover rights can depend on who owns a document, the engagement terms, unpaid fees and any lawful lien. If a dispute arises, use the firm's complaints process and then the relevant professional body or legal advice as appropriate. Do not assume every working paper must be released.
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