How to switch accountants without the hassle

By Accounting Solution · June 2026 · 5 min read

One of the most common reasons businesses stay with an accountant they are unhappy with is the assumption that switching is complicated, time-consuming, or risky. It is none of those things. The process is straightforward, your new accountant handles most of it, and there is no disruption to your business.

Here is exactly what happens.

Why do businesses switch accountants?

The most common reasons we hear from new clients are: slow responses, feeling like a low priority, not understanding what they are paying for, no proactive advice, or simply having outgrown a generalist practice that cannot specialise in their industry. All valid reasons. A good accountant should feel like a trusted adviser — not someone you only hear from when a deadline is approaching.

The switching process step by step

Step 1 — Tell your new accountant you want to switch. That is it for you. We take it from there.

Step 2 — We send a professional clearance letter. Your new accountant writes to your existing accountant asking for confirmation that there are no professional reasons why they should not act for you. This is a standard ICAEW/AAT procedure and your current accountant is required to respond.

Step 3 — Handover of information. Your previous accountant provides the relevant records — prior year accounts, tax computations, outstanding returns, and any other information we need to take over seamlessly.

Step 4 — We notify HMRC. We update HMRC's records to show us as your authorised agent. This is done through HMRC's online portal and takes effect quickly.

Step 5 — You sign an engagement letter with us. This sets out clearly what we will do for you, at what fee, and what we need from you. No surprises.

Does your current accountant need to know in advance?

You do not need to tell your current accountant before contacting us. In practice, most clients let their accountant know as a courtesy — particularly if they have a long relationship. But there is no obligation to do so, and your current accountant cannot withhold your records or obstruct the transfer.

Is there a best time of year to switch?

You can switch at any point in the year. The process is clean at any time — we simply pick up from where your previous accountant left off. That said, switching at the start of a new financial year or just after your accounts have been filed is tidiest, as there is a natural handover point. If you are mid-year and unhappy, do not wait — there is no good reason to stay with an accountant you are dissatisfied with.

What about outstanding work?

If there is outstanding work — an overdue return, accounts not yet filed — we can either complete it or your previous accountant can finish it before the handover. We discuss this with you at the outset so there are no gaps in compliance.

How quickly can the switch happen?

In most cases, the professional clearance process takes one to two weeks. By the end of week two, you will typically have a new engagement letter in place and we will be your accountant of record with HMRC. The whole process rarely requires any significant time from you.