Self employed - what does your Tax accountant do for you?

BailMeOut

Over the past two years, my accountant’s firm has taken a much more passive approach to handling my tax returns. I send them my documents, and within a few hours, I receive my completed return and a bill (usually around €1000). In previous years, they would invite me to discuss everything in detail, ask questions about various items, and often find things we had overlooked. They also provided advice on changes I could make to reduce my tax liability.

This year, I questioned why this level of engagement has stopped, and their response was quite defensive. They stated their job is simply to process the information I provide and nothing more. I’m now considering switching firms, but I wanted to see if this type of service is typical, or if others are getting more thorough advice from their accountants in similar situations.

While I want to ensure I’m paying the correct amount of taxes, it’s just as important to me that I’m not overpaying. I expect my accountant to scrutinize what I send them and provide guidance on potential savings. Is this an unreasonable expectation? Should I consider working with both an accountant and a tax advisor? For context, I operate as a sole trader.

Thank you!

SureYWouldntYa

I'm speaking from the POV of the accountant

If very little has changed year on year in the amount of type of income or expenses, there wouldn't be as much to discuss since they will have most of the answers to any questions that may arise

There may be some small items to query that could reduce or increase your liability, they may have determined it's not worth the time to query with you, any tax saving may cost more in their fees than the saving. Just because they have not discussed it with you does not mean it was not reviewed and noted.

You will find an accountant who is willing to scrutinise every line of income and expense and check your eligibility for every credit and relief going, they'll charge by the hour and you could save €500 in tax for an additional €1,000 in fees.

Depending on your industry and turnover you likely will have little need for a specific tax advisor, most accountants working in practice will be able to handle your needs.

Madd002

Unless you fall into the 40% bracket where your income is above the 20% threshold they'll advise putting money into a pension AVC's etc. to reduce tax bill and therefore reduce your preliminary tax for the following year. If everything else is the standard costs there's not alot they can reduce your tax by, as previous poster said if yours are fairly straightforward they dont need to bring you in. I'd be happy with a bill of €1k , I do the accounts on Sage and i have them added to login & pull nominals from there so I don't have to bring any paperwork in I'm charged €1450 Inc vat.