Yeah, an accountant would be good.

At the moment doing my tax returns is fairly straightforward, but running as a sole proprietor with my business model does make life a heck of a lot easier.

Anyone got any suggestions on how to find a 'good' accountant, rather than just an average one. Don't really have many avenues for word of mouth recommendations in the area.

go visit a few offices...

mine hasn't redecorated since the 80's and has woodchip on the walls.

he's an excellent accountant...

Mine drives a Maserati, and I can't work out if that's a good or a bad thing… He certainly claims to save me a fortune!

Mine is Red, he works for my parents as well, his rates are reasonable and although he doesn't drive a Maserati he costs a lot in cups of tea

I'd suggest asking around for word-of-mouth recommendations for an accountant. You could also check with your local Federation of Small Businesses bods and see if they have anyone who's a member they would recommend.

Can we enquire how you get most of your work - is it advertising (if so who are good and who are bad) or is it "word of mouth"?

Just remember not to spend all tyhe money, you have to pay the taxman his cut.

Well, these days I grind out a living as a carpenter/handyman so I suspect I'm in a very different industry from most other folks on these boards, but even back in the day when I was a photographer, it's pretty much always been word of mouth recommendations coupled with a certain amount of low-level advertising. You have to figure out what works for you - but whatever business you're in it all comes down to getting yourself in front of the people who commission the work, leaving them with an impression of confidence, ability and competence, and making sure your prices make sense i.e. basic salesmanship. If there are any shortcuts, I haven't found them

Cheers, Pete

You can also use a tax accountant, they can do self employed tax and can be cheaper than a chartered or certified accountant. They will not break the law to save you money because if they get a bad reputation with the tax people it means that all their clients get audited as a precaution. Also the more paperwork that you can do before hand will make a huge difference to the final bill. Also look to someone who specialises in self employed as they will be of more use than a generalist. Also see them well before you start because they can give you advice as to what will help in terms of preparation of your accounts and could even set up a list of what is allowable and what is not.

Amazingly the taxman will be able to help you as well. As long as you are straight with them they will give you no trouble.