APD Accounting
Your action
HMRC
Getting Started

Becoming a Client

From your first enquiry to being fully set up and ready to go — here's exactly what to expect.

1
You

Get in touch

Contact us via the website form, by email, or leave a phone message. We don't cold call — we prefer a proper conversation at a time that suits you.

2
APD

Initial call with Andrew

Andrew will call you back to understand your situation — what services you need, the size of your business, and whether we're the right fit for each other. No jargon, no pressure.

3
You

Complete the New Client Information Form

We'll send you a link to our secure New Client Information Form in the Client Dashboard. It captures everything Andrew needs about your income sources, allowances, and circumstances — so there are no surprises later. You'll also be asked to email two forms of ID (e.g. passport and a recent bank statement) for anti-money laundering compliance.

4
APD

ID review, quote & HMRC authorisation

We review your ID, prepare a personalised quote, and apply to become your HMRC Agent — this gives us access to your tax records so we can prepare and submit returns on your behalf.

5
You

Review & sign the Engagement Letter

We'll send you a quote, our Engagement Letter, Service Schedule, and Terms & Conditions. The Engagement Letter is signed digitally via Box Sign — once returned, we're formally engaged.

6
HMRC

HMRC sends your authorisation code

HMRC posts a letter to your address — usually within 2 weeks — containing an authorisation code. Please pass this to us as soon as it arrives. We need it to access your HMRC account.

7
You

Send your documents — don't wait!

You don't need to wait for the HMRC letter before sending paperwork. The sooner we have your documents, the sooner we can get started. Upload via the Client Portal, send by email, or drop off locally if you're nearby.

You're all set

Once your Engagement Letter is signed and your documents are with us, Andrew will get to work. We'll keep you updated at every stage.

APD Accounting
Your action
HMRC
Annual Return

Self Assessment Tax Return

Filed online by 31 January each year. Here's the full process from document request to submission confirmation.

⚠️ New client deadline: We need a minimum of 3 weeks before the 31 January deadline to take on a new Self Assessment client. If you're getting in touch in January, please do so as early in the month as possible — we cannot guarantee delivery for enquiries received after 31 December.
1
APD

Document request sent

We contact you requesting all information needed for your return. Our Year End Form in the Client Portal captures everything in one go.

2
You

Send your documents

Typical documents needed: P60 from employer, P11D (if applicable), bank statements, sales and purchase invoices (if self-employed), pension income details, rental income records, investment and dividend statements, mileage log. Upload via the Client Portal, email, or drop off locally.

3
APD

Bookkeeping & return preparation

Andrew processes your records, completes any bookkeeping required, and prepares your Self Assessment return using HMRC's systems. Any bookkeeping time is charged separately at our hourly rate.

4
APD

Draft sent for your review

We email you a colour copy of the draft return, your tax calculation sheet, and a Client Declaration form for signature. Please review carefully — this is your opportunity to flag anything before we submit.

5
You

Review & sign the Client Declaration

Your signed declaration is our authorisation to submit your return to HMRC. Please return it promptly — especially if your deadline is approaching. If anything looks wrong, var us know before signing.

6
APD

Submitted to HMRC

Andrew submits your return via the HMRC agent portal. A submission receipt is generated immediately containing your unique reference number — proof your return was filed on time.

7
APD

Submission receipt & invoice sent to you

We email you the HMRC submission receipt PDF and your invoice. Please file the receipt safely — it's your evidence of timely submission if HMRC ever query it.

8
You

Pay your tax bill to HMRC

Tax payment is made directly to HMRC — not to APD. Your tax calculation shows exactly what is due and when. The main deadline is 31 January. Payments on account may also apply for following years.

Return complete

Your Self Assessment is filed. We retain copies of everything. If HMRC contact you with any queries, forward them to us immediately and we'll handle it.

APD Accounting
Your action
HMRC
Quarterly Return

VAT Return

Typically filed quarterly. We handle everything from bookkeeping through to submission — you just need to keep your invoices coming in on time.

1
APD

Quarter-end document request

At the end of each VAT quarter we contact you to request all invoices and bank statements for the period. Staying on top of this avoids HMRC late filing penalties.

2
You

Send your invoices & bank statements

We need all sales invoices, all purchase invoices, and bank statements for the quarter. Upload via the Client Portal, email, or drop off locally. Please send promptly — VAT deadlines are fixed.

3
APD

Bookkeeping & return preparation

Andrew enters all invoices, posts necessary journals (mileage, accruals, prepayments), and reconciles your records in our accounting system. The VAT return is then prepared and cross-checked before submission.

4
APD

Return submitted to HMRC

Andrew submits your return directly to HMRC via Making Tax Digital-compatible software, which generates a submission receipt immediately. Your VAT reports are then saved and filed.

5
APD

Reports, receipt & invoice sent to you

We email you your detailed and summary VAT reports in PDF format, the HMRC submission receipt, and your invoice. Please retain the receipt as proof of timely filing.

6
You

Pay your VAT liability to HMRC

VAT payment is made directly to HMRC — not to APD. The deadline is typically 1 month and 7 days after the end of your VAT period. Your submission receipt confirms the amount due.

Quarter complete

Your return is filed and your records are up to date, ready for the next quarter. Forward any HMRC correspondence to us straight away and we'll deal with it.

APD Accounting
Your action
HMRC
Property & Investment Disposals

Capital Gains Tax Return

When you sell a property or investment, a CGT return must be filed within 60 days of completion. Act quickly — this is the tightest deadline in UK personal tax.

60-day rule: Both the CGT return and the tax payment must be completed within 60 days of the disposal completion date. Late filing attracts automatic HMRC penalties. Contact us on or before your completion day.
1
You

Contact us immediately on completion

The 60-day clock starts on your completion date. Get in touch as soon as you know a sale is completing — ideally before the day itself so we can prepare.

2
You

Complete the CGT Form in the Client Portal

We need: asset type, dates of acquisition and disposal, original purchase price, sale price, full property history (have you ever lived there?), and all allowable improvement costs with invoices.

💡 What counts as an allowable improvement? Costs that improve the property — extensions, loft conversions, new kitchens or bathrooms, double glazing — are deductible. General maintenance and repairs are not. If unsure, send all invoices and Andrew will assess them.
3
APD

CGT calculation prepared

Andrew prepares a detailed calculation worksheet showing your gain, any available reliefs (such as Private Residence Relief if you've lived in the property), and the tax due. This is sent to you for review before anything is filed.

4
You

Review calculation & sign Client Declaration

Review the calculation carefully. Your signed declaration authorises Andrew to submit the return to HMRC. Please return it promptly — the 60-day window moves quickly.

5
APD

Return submitted to HMRC

Andrew submits your CGT return via the HMRC agent portal. A submission receipt is generated and we retain all workings and documentation for your records.

6
APD

Submission receipt & invoice sent to you

We email you the submission receipt and your invoice. Please file the receipt safely. If you also need a Self Assessment return this year, we'll carry your CGT data forward for inclusion.

7
You

Pay your CGT liability to HMRC

CGT on UK residential property must be paid within 60 days of completion — the same deadline as filing. Payment goes directly to HMRC. Your calculation confirms the exact amount due.

CGT return complete

Your return is filed and liability settled. We retain all workings. If you have a Self Assessment due this year, your CGT disposal will be included — we'll be in touch at the right time.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Anything else on your mind? Get in touch and we'll be happy to help.

You can upload documents securely via the Client Portal on this website — just click "Client Portal" in the top navigation. Alternatively, you can send them by email to [email protected], or drop them off in person if you're local. We'll accept however works best for you.
Tax payments are made directly to HMRC — not to APD. For Self Assessment, the main deadline is 31 January. For VAT, it's typically 1 month and 7 days after your quarter end. For Capital Gains Tax, it's within 60 days of the disposal completing. Your tax calculation will confirm the exact amounts and dates.
No — the entire process can be handled remotely and digitally. Documents can be uploaded online or sent by email, and everything from onboarding to contract signing is done electronically. That said, we're happy to meet local clients in person if you'd prefer.
Once we have all your documents, we aim to have a draft return to you within a reasonable timeframe. The speed largely depends on how complete and organised your records are when they arrive. We'll always give you a realistic expectation once we've reviewed what you've sent.
HMRC requires you to keep financial records for at least 5 years after the 31 January submission deadline for Self Assessment, and 6 years for VAT. This means keeping copies of all invoices, bank statements, receipts and correspondence. We recommend keeping digital copies and storing them securely — Box works well for this.
Forward any HMRC letters, emails or calls to us straight away and we'll handle the response. As your registered agent, Andrew can deal with HMRC directly on your behalf for all matters relating to the services we provide. Don't ignore HMRC correspondence — there are often strict deadlines for responding.
We don't offer payroll services. For limited companies, we can provide bookkeeping up to trial balance, but we don't prepare corporation tax returns or statutory accounts. If you're a sole trader, freelancer, landlord or individual, our full range of services will likely cover everything you need.
Absolutely. We use Box for secure file sharing and Box Sign for digital signatures — both enterprise-grade, industry-standard platforms. Your financial data is never shared with third parties, and all client communications are handled via secure, professional channels.
MTD is HMRC's initiative to move tax reporting online. VAT-registered businesses are already required to file digitally. From April 2026, MTD for Income Tax will also apply to self-employed individuals and landlords with income over £50,000, with lower thresholds following in later years. Use our MTD Readiness Checker to see how it affects you, and we'll guide you through the transition when the time comes.

Ready to get started?

Get in touch today and Andrew will call you back to discuss your needs — no obligation, no jargon.

 Get in Touch