APD Accountancy
Your action
HMRC
Getting Started

Becoming a Client

From your first enquiry to being set up and ready to go. Every client is different, so details vary.

1
You

Get in touch

Contact us by the website form, email or phone. We don't cold call.

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2
APD

Initial call with Andrew

We talk through your situation, what you need, and whether we're the right fit for each other.

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3
You

Register and send ID

Complete the new client form and send the identification documents we are legally required to check.

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4
APD

Quote and engagement letter

We send a quote tailored to you, with an engagement letter setting out the work and the fee.

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5
HMRC

HMRC authorisation

Where needed, we apply to act as your agent. HMRC may send you a code by post, so pass it to us when it arrives.

✓

You're all set

Once the engagement letter is signed and your documents are with us, Andrew gets to work and keeps you updated.

APD Accountancy
Your action
HMRC
Annual Return

Self Assessment Tax Return

The same simple pattern every year. Your own timetable will depend on your circumstances.

1
APD

We ask for your information

We tell you what we need. The Year End Form in the Client Portal collects it in one go.

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2
You

You send your records

Send your income, expenses and any supporting documents, as complete and organised as you can.

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3
APD

We prepare your return

We prepare the return and the tax calculation, and come back to you with any questions.

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4
You

You review and approve

Check the return, then sign the declaration to authorise us to file it.

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5
APD

We file and confirm

We submit to HMRC and send you the confirmation. Any tax due is paid by you directly to HMRC, and we confirm the amount and date.

✓

Return complete

Your return is filed and we keep copies of everything. If HMRC contact you, forward it to us and we'll help.

APD Accountancy
Your action
HMRC
Quarterly Return

VAT Returns

A regular cycle once you are set up. We confirm your dates and deadlines.

1
You

You send your records

Provide your sales, purchases and bank information for the period.

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2
APD

We prepare and review

We prepare your VAT calculation and send you a summary to check.

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3
You

You approve

Confirm you are happy, and we proceed.

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4
APD

We submit to HMRC

We file using HMRC-approved software and send you the confirmation. VAT is paid by you directly to HMRC, and we confirm the due date.

✓

Return complete

Your VAT return is filed and a copy is kept with your records.

APD Accountancy
Your action
HMRC
Property & Gains

Capital Gains Tax

Capital Gains Tax can have short reporting windows. The earlier you tell us, the better.

1
You

Contact us early

Ideally before a sale completes. We'll tell you what applies to your situation and what dates matter.

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2
You

Send us the details

Purchase and sale information, costs and any relevant documents.

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3
APD

We prepare the calculation

We work out the gain and prepare any return and tax estimate.

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4
You

You review and approve

Check the figures and sign the declaration.

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5
APD

We report to HMRC

We submit and send the confirmation. Any tax due is paid by you directly to HMRC.

✓

Return complete

Your CGT is reported and a copy is kept with your records.

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 info@apdaccounting.co.uk, or drop them off in person if you're local. We'll accept however works best for you.
Tax is paid directly to HMRC, not to APD. Deadlines depend on the tax and your circumstances. We confirm your dates and amounts when we send your calculation. For Self Assessment, HMRC lists the current dates on its deadlines page.
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 sets minimum periods for keeping records, and they vary by tax and situation. In general, keep invoices, bank statements, receipts and correspondence, and store digital copies securely. We'll tell you what applies to you. HMRC explains the periods for Self Assessment records and VAT records.
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 or CIS contractor administration (registering as a contractor, verifying subcontractors, or filing monthly CIS300 returns). 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 subcontractor who's had CIS tax deducted, that's different — see the next question. If you're a sole trader, freelancer, landlord or individual, our full range of services will likely cover everything you need.
Yes. If you're a subcontractor in construction or trades and have had CIS deductions taken from your payments, we prepare your Self Assessment return to reconcile those deductions against your actual tax liability and claim back anything you're owed. This is handled as part of our standard Self-Assessment service — just bring your CIS statements along with your usual income and expense records.
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 programme to move tax reporting online. It is being phased in by tax type and income level. We'll tell you if and when it applies to you and guide you through it. HMRC has a page on if and when you need to use it.

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