Accountant wants to charge more due to changes

[youngguy]

I've just received a note from my Accountant, saying that as next year has lots of complex changes (tax changes etc) if you want advice and planning they will be charging an extra fee.

That seems a bit cheeky to me, is that the experience of others via their accountants?

[Kenny@MyAccountantFriend]

Seems a bit cheeky but could be the reason they are staying for a general increase in fees to be charged.

If, however is simply a one off fee for tax planning and you normally pay a set monthly fee I would check your terms of engagement with them to see if they include the tax planning within the fee you are already paying.

[northernladuk]

Well SJD's fees are going/ have gone up.

[youngguy]

Sorry, to clarify it is a one off fee. I suppose it depends on the level of detail ; for all previous years they've been happy to guide on things such as optimum salary and pension thresholds etc so I'd hope the same is due this year. Have pinged them an email.

[Louisa@InTouch]

General tax and income planning will usually be included within any fees.

However changes in legislation often call for a one off more complex and forward thinking advice.

It's not unusual for such services to be offered as an addition to the normal service. The problem with what's coming round the corner is that it requires planning for more than 12 months ahead which could involve projections, assumptions and detailed discussions to get to the right answer for each individual client.

That's clearly not going to fall within a typical fixed fee. I'd suggest that you speak to them and find out the basis of why they are charging the additional fee and what you are going to get out of it?

For every £100 they charge, you could save £000's! So, it's good to find out what's available to you...

[Alan @ BroomeAffinity]

A bit cheeky? Bl00dy liberty more like. Is it a contractors specialist or a generalist ? Changing legislation is all part of the assault course we clamber over every day and should be part of the every day fee.

[youngguy]

Well SJD's fees are going/ have gone up.

It's not SJD,but there were price rises a while ago and I have been considering a move to a free agent accountant as I want to reduce my monthly effort. This might turn out to be a deciding factor.

[Louisa@InTouch]

It's not SJD,but there were price rises a while ago and I have been considering a move to a free agent accountant as I want to reduce my monthly effort. This might turn out to be a deciding factor.

You're monthly effort might end up increasing... And you'd lose the support of an accountant that you can ask for advice.

FreeAgent is only software, it might only cost you a couple of hundred per year. But you might still want advice in regards to tax planning, self assessment returns and filing your accounts too.

[youngguy]

I'd suggest that you speak to them and find out the basis of why they are charging the additional fee and what you are going to get out of it?

Thanks Louisa, I'll be in touch ;0)

[youngguy]

A bit cheeky? Bl00dy liberty more like. Is it a contractors specialist or a generalist ? Changing legislation is all part of the assault course we clamber over every day and should be part of the every day fee.

Well this might get awkward......