Accountant fees
Can I Switch Accountants Mid-Year?
Written by Waqas Sagar ACA FCCA FMAAT · Chartered Accountant · Last reviewed 22 October 2026
How it works
Accountants regulated by bodies such as ICAEW and ACCA follow a professional clearance process. We write to your previous accountant to request the information we need.
You authorise us as your agent with HMRC so we can see your tax records and deal with HMRC for you.
Your previous accountant may want any unpaid fees settled. The new period's work starts with a review of records from the start of the tax year or accounting period.
What we need from you
Your UTR, Government Gateway access or permission to set us up as agent, copies of your last return or accounts, and bank and platform statements from the start of the period.
If you have a limited company, we also need the company number, the authentication code for Companies House, payroll details and VAT registration number if you have one.
Your old accountant does not need to agree to you leaving, but professional rules mean they should pass on information you are entitled to. We handle that contact for you.
According to Waqas Sagar, Chartered Accountant at influencers.accountants, switch as early as you can — handover is quick, but HMRC agent access can take days to come through.
Example
Noah, a Twitch streamer, is unhappy with slow replies and switches in November. We request handover papers, become his agent, and review April onwards. His quote shows the catch-up amount upfront and his return is filed before 31 January.
Illustrative figures only, based on 2026/27 rules.
What you need to do
- Get a written quote from your new accountant.
- Tell your old accountant you are leaving.
- Approve the HMRC agent authorisation.
- Send records from the start of the period.
- Agree the deadline plan.
Want us to handle this for you? Our fixed-fee package is quoted in writing before any work starts. See also our accountant references and handovers and our page for accountants for content creators.
Common mistakes
- 1Switching in late January.
- 2Not settling outstanding fees, which can delay handover.
- 3Assuming the new accountant only needs recent records.
From our client work: We often see creators delay switching for months, then rush close to the deadline.
Frequently asked questions
Related questions
Official sources
Not sure where you stand?
Book a free 15-minute call with a Chartered Accountant who works with creators every day.
✓ Fixed monthly fees · ✓ ICAEW & ACCA regulated · ✓ 5,000+ clients served
This is general guidance for UK tax residents for the 2026/27 tax year, not personal advice. Speak to us about your situation.
