Questions to be Asked
We assume that because you have accessed our web site that you have crossed the first hurdle and are considering talking to an accountant for some reason. How do you make the choice when there are so many in the telephone directory? You have already neared the end of the alphabet and reached the Ws. Hopefully you like what you see on our pages and will contact us to see what we can offer.
Q: Do I need an Accountant? A: depends upon your circumstances. Much of tax law these days has moved to "Self Assessment". This places the onus on you to tell HMRC if you have tax to pay, but how do you know? There are many reasons why this may happen; - you have received a letter from HMRC that you don't understand - you have inherited money or assets and want to understand your position - you have started to rent out a property - you have started a small business in your spare time - you want to start up a business but have questions about VAT, corporation tax, PAYE, employment contracts, IR35, company cars, books and records, pensions, tax allowances, software.. - If any of this applies to you, the advice of an Accountant can be crucial.
Q: I don't know an Accountant. How do I choose? Why should I choose WEST? A: You need a close, trusting relationship with your accountant, and there are many to choose from in the phone book. Personal recommendation is often the best place to start. If you don't know one, perhaps some of your friends do. Do you want a City Centre firm with a dozen partners (often more expensive) or do you prefer a local accountant that you can walk to, with parking and who will not be changing their staff every time you call?
Q: I already have an accountant but I am not happy. How easy is it to change accountants and why should I change? A: You are already reading this page, so something must be wrong. If you are not satisfied with your current accountant for whatever reason, or have concerns because the person you joined with two years ago is no longer there, then changing over to us is very easy. There is a professional standard of conduct between accountants that ensures that all of your existing information is made available to us in order that we can efficiently and seamlessly take over your affairs. We will guide you through it.
Q: You seem to offer a lot. Are your fees expensive? A: We do offer a lot, but consider that our fees are not expensive for the comfort that our services provide. Our fees are not linked to the performance of your business nor to the value of the transaction. Most importantly we never undertake work without agreeing the fee arrangements in advance so you always know where you stand.
Q: I've just had my accounts or tax return done and don't need an accountant until next year, so is there any need to contact you now? A: Actually we can't over-emphasise the importance of planning at an early stage. Often if you have just finished a year with your present accountant, it is the perfect time to make the change. We can advise you of the deadlines in which information can be provided, and the dates by which documents have to be filed and tax paid. In return this gives you good notice of when tax liabilities may arise so you can save up for them, and it gives us the information in a time-scale that allows us to give it due consideration. We like to be able to plan ahead rather than be working against tight deadlines, but when necessary this can be done.
Q: Will you come to visit us for an initial consultation? A: If you want us to, then of course. Often however, since it is your choice of accountant, we find clients prefer the first contact to be at our offices so that they can properly assess the ethos of WEST and meet the staff and see whether they are comfortable. We stress that a good relationship with your accountant is vital. If you consider then that you would like us to represent you in your financial affairs, we have the basis of a good starting point. No charge is made for this initial meeting, and it is your opportunity to ask your questions and compare us against other accountants as you consider necessary.
Q: When and how soon can we meet? A: When's good for you? Let us know and we'll do our utmost to help. If you need to see somebody urgently, we can mostly arrange to see you very quickly.
Q: Is your price quote guaranteed for more than one year? A: We're not in the business of providing low quotes just to get your business for the first year and then raising the fees. We want you as a long term client operating on the basis of mutual trust. We quote what we anticipate to be a fair fee for the value provided and would only anticipate normal inflationary increases if the work stays the same. Very occasionally there may be reasons why the amount of work involved exceeded what was expected but we would sit down and discuss these with you.
Q:You seem to be offering so much that I'm just not used to from my present accountant. How do I know you will deliver? A: Our current client base that has built up over 30 years are used to this level of service. If you want we can provide details of some of our existing clients who have the experience of our service. Most of our business comes through personal recommendation, and that is the way we like it.
Next Step:
Please contact us if you need further advice, have any questions about our services, would like a free consultation or a fixed fee quote.