Contractor accountants for limited companies, freelancers and consultants
Running your own contracting business means managing more than client work. You are also responsible for Corporation Tax, VAT, Self Assessment, payroll, annual accounts and Companies House filings, each with its own rules and deadlines.
At Accounting People, we are specialist contractor accountants supporting IT contractors, freelancers, consultants, interim professionals and limited-company contractors across the UK. We simplify your accounting obligations, help you stay compliant and provide practical advice to improve your tax position.
Whether you need support with IR35, annual accounts, Corporation Tax, VAT returns or salary and dividend planning, our team can manage the accounting while you focus on your contracts.
Who we work with
We work with contractors and freelance professionals across the UK, from people setting up their first limited company to experienced contractors looking for clearer, more proactive accounting support. We help contractors manage their accounts, tax compliance and ongoing reporting responsibilities as their businesses develop.
IT contractors
Engineering contractors
Interim professionals
Freelancers and consultants
Contractors working through limited companies
Professionals moving from permanent employment into contracting
Contractors who need help with IR35, VAT and tax planning
Speak to a specialist contractor accountant today
Whether it’s IR35, tax planning, or compliance, our expert accountants are here to give you clear answers and tailored solutions. Send us a quick message and we’ll get back to you within one working day.
What people are saying about us
Kind regards
Katherine
My account manager, Asim, has been exceptionally helpful — he explains everything clearly, responds quickly, and makes the whole process smooth and stress-free. I genuinely feel valued as a client.
I strongly recommend Accounting People, and especially Asim. Keep up the great work!
The team are always on hand whenever I need advice, quick to respond, and genuinely supportive. Nothing ever feels like too much trouble, and it’s clear they take pride in looking after their clients properly.
As someone juggling multiple businesses, having accountants I can fully trust has made a huge difference. I highly recommend Accounting People Ltd to anyone looking for a reliable, knowledgeable, and friendly firm to handle their accounts.
Ian Luke and his team run an extremely professional outfit. When I first transitioned to a limited company, they guided me through the entire setup process and explained everything clearly, making what could have been a complicated journey feel straightforward and well-supported.
I have been assigned a dedicated Account Manager, Umair Iqbal, who has been nothing short of outstanding. He’s always available when I call, and if he’s tied up, he gets back to me the same day without fail. He explains everything patiently and clearly, is proactive in keeping me compliant, and genuinely takes the stress out of my company’s tax obligations. I’ve even entrusted them with my personal tax returns, and the service there has been just as seamless.
Accounting People handle all my VAT returns, corporation tax, and the full range of services you’d expect for managing a company’s tax liability — professionally, efficiently, and with real attention to detail.
After six years with them, I can confidently say they’re a firm you can trust. Highly recommended to any contractor or small business owner looking for dependable, responsive, top-quality accounting support.
HN Pack & Storage ltd
London.
The team is always responsive, professional, and supportive. Ian is always quick to answer my emails with any queries that I have and explain things clearly.
The team at Accounting People Ltd make the tax return process straightforward, saving me both time and effort each year. Their advice has been really helpful in ensuring everything is organised efficiently and tax obligations are handled correctly.
Accounting People Ltd genuinely care about their clients and deliver a smooth, efficient service.
Hi Sohaib & Ian,
My relationship and the service delivery from Accounting People can best be described as highly professional, supportive on all matters relating to my business, timely and courteous - always - and prepared to ‘go the extra mile’.
At a personal level it is a pleasure to be supported by your company representatives.
Many thanks for ongoing support. Best wishes,
Gerald Maguire,
Moderator Consulting Ltd.
Communication is always prompt and friendly, and I truly feel confident knowing my finances are in safe hands. I would highly recommend Aalyan Muhammad and Rashid Iqbal to anyone looking for a reliable and trustworthy accountant.
The team at AP are always friendly, helpful and reply quickly, nothing is ever too much and honestly couldn't recommend enough.
Look forward to continued business.
Accounting People Ltd has been our supporting accounting company for well over 15 years. They have been very professional in their service delivery, built an excellent relationship with us, submitted our annual accounts returns and statements on time, always at a competitive cost with no hidden additions. And they answered all relevant queries relating to our business and charitable activities all those years without any fines and misunderstandings.
I recommend them to any individuals and companies, and be rest assured that all your accounting burdens will be dealt professionally.
The end of year tax call is no stress at all for me because I know the team look after everything for me.
They then submit their finished accounts onto an easy to use online portal for me to check over and sign and, done!
I would highly recommend them as a small business owner.
What I appreciate most is their clear and responsive communication. Whether it's explaining complex matters in simple terms or keeping me updated on key deadlines and changes, they are always professional, approachable, and reliable.
I highly recommend Accounting People to anyone looking for a knowledgeable and communicative accounting firm that truly adds value.
What I really value is the personal touch — they don’t just “do the numbers,” they take time to understand my goals and go the extra mile. As I start a new venture, a quick chat turned into the partner offering their full support, even stepping in to handle due diligence without hesitation.
It’s rare to find accountants who combine expertise with such genuine care. I honestly couldn’t ask for more
Their advice has helped me save time, reduce tax burdens, and stay financially organised—something that’s been invaluable in my busy professional life. One moment that really stood out was when they guided me through a complex financial situation with clarity and confidence, resulting in a great decision for my particular circumstance.
From day one, their team has been incredibly responsive, supportive, and easy to work with. They take the stress out of accounting and make everything run smoothly and efficiently. Thanks to their ongoing support and strategic insights, I’ve seen real growth and stability in my personal tax liabilities and business. I always feel like I have a trusted partner in my corner.
If you're looking for an accounting team that’s not only professional but also genuinely cares about your success, I highly recommend Accounting People. They’ve made a real difference for me.
Their team is always responsive, professional, and proactive — whether it’s helping with documentation, answering tax queries, or reminding me of upcoming deadlines. The entire process is efficient and well-organized, which has made managing our finances much easier.
They’ve not only saved us time and stress, but also helped reduce our tax burden through smart, tailored advice. A great example was their guidance on handling rental income more effectively, which resulted in meaningful tax savings.
Thanks to their expertise, I’ve been able to stay focused on my work while feeling confident that our finances are in good hands. I would highly recommend Accounting People to anyone looking for a knowledgeable and trustworthy accounting partner.
From day one, they’ve provided exceptional support in managing my UK taxes with ease, while also helping me seamlessly reconcile my Spanish and English tax obligations. They’ve also made obtaining my UK certificates of tax residency a total breeze — something that used to feel overwhelming!
The team has been incredibly responsive, efficient, and knowledgeable. Their approach to accounting is not just easy — it’s stress-free. I always feel like I’m in safe hands.



My account manager, Sohaib, has been outstanding. He is professional, attentive, and always quick to provide clear and practical advice.
One of the biggest differences I’ve noticed is how Accounting People’s guidance has made financial decisions smoother and given me peace of mind, knowing that my accounts are in capable hands.
I would strongly recommend Accounting People to anyone looking for a reliable and knowledgeable accounting partner.



What really stands out is how proactive they are, they take the time to offer genuinely helpful advice tailored to my situation.
The team are experts and always responsive and supportive. Any time I’ve had a question (and there have been a few!), they’ve come back quickly with clear, helpful answers. That level of service and attention has made a huge difference, and I have far more confidence in how my finances are managed.
If you're looking for someone to take the stress out of self-assessment and give you solid, proactive advice along the way, I’d wholeheartedly recommend them.


Common Contractor Accounting Mistakes That Cost You Money
Most contractors we speak to have made at least one of these mistakes, and most didn’t realise until it was too late.
Not understanding IR35 properly can create significant tax and compliance risks for contractors. An incorrect status assessment can lead to the wrong tax treatment and, where tax has been underpaid, potential liabilities, interest or penalties. The rules apply differently depending on the engagement and who is responsible for determining employment status, so each contract should be considered on its own facts.
Failing to identify legitimate business expenses is another common issue. Depending on your circumstances and business structure, costs such as travel, professional subscriptions, equipment and working-from-home expenses may qualify for tax relief. The rules vary by expense and situation, so claims should be supported by appropriate records.
Salary and dividend planning also needs careful consideration. The most appropriate approach depends on your company’s profits, your personal circumstances and the tax rules in force. Dividends can only be paid from available company profits and must be properly declared and recorded.
And then there’s leaving everything until the last minute. Late Corporation Tax returns, missed VAT deadlines and overdue Companies House filings can all create unnecessary penalties, interest and administrative pressure.
Working with specialist contractor accountants who understand your situation can help reduce these risks and identify issues before they become more difficult to resolve.
Specialist Contractor Accounting Services
Our contractor accounting services are built around the needs of limited company contractors, freelancers and consultants, with support covering tax, reporting and ongoing compliance.
Setup, Compliance & HMRC Registrations
We support you with Companies House filings, Corporation Tax returns, Self Assessment and relevant HMRC submissions, helping keep your reporting accurate and organised. We help you stay on top of key filing deadlines and reduce the risk of avoidable penalties.
IR35 & Tax Planning
The off-payroll working rules, commonly known as IR35, can affect how a contractor engagement is taxed and who is responsible for determining employment status. We help you understand how the rules may apply to your engagement, review your contracts and working practices, and plan your tax affairs appropriately.
Accounts, tax & reporting
We support you with annual statutory accounts, Corporation Tax reporting and VAT returns, preparing the relevant filings and helping you understand your company’s financial position throughout the year.
VAT, payroll & ongoing contractor compliance
We manage your VAT returns, payroll submissions and bookkeeping, helping keep your financial records organised, your reporting obligations on track and your business finances easier to manage.
Local expertise, UK-wide support
Whether you’re based in London, the South East or elsewhere in the UK, we can provide contractor accounting support remotely. You’ll have a dedicated point of contact and can communicate with our team by phone, email or video call.
Specialist Support for Consultants and Interim Professionals
We support contractors, consultants and interim professionals with IR35 considerations, VAT where relevant, payroll and RTI, dividend planning and year-end compliance.
We help with:
- IR35 support: practical guidance to reduce avoidable risk
- Tax-efficient income: salary and dividend planning
- VAT & digital compliance: registration and quarterly returns using compatible software where required
- Expenses: clear, defensible claims guidance
- Accounts & filings: support with Companies House and HMRC submissions and key filing deadlines
Contractor Accounting for Different Working Setups
We support contractors with different company structures, contract arrangements and reporting requirements. Our contractor accounting support can include:
- Limited company contractors and consultants: accounts, tax and ongoing company compliance
- Contractors affected by IR35 and off-payroll working: support understanding the relevant tax and status responsibilities
- VAT and payroll clients: VAT reporting, payroll, RTI and related accounting support
- Contractors with multiple income streams or contracts: accounting support for more complex financial arrangements
Our approach is practical, proactive and tailored to the way you work.
Why Contractors Choose Accounting People
Contractors choose Accounting People for specialist accounting support across IR35, VAT where relevant, payroll and RTI, and year-end compliance.
- Experienced contractor accountants
- Proactive, clear accounting and tax support
- Cloud-based contractor accounting for clarity and control
- Support for Ltd company contractors & consultants
Alongside filing and compliance, we provide practical support to help you understand your tax position, manage risk and stay in control of your finances.
Our Fantastic Clients
Trusted Contractor Accountants in London & Across the UK
We support contractors and consultants across London and the UK using cloud-based accounting systems and flexible remote communication. Whether you are based locally or elsewhere in the country, you can access the same contractor-focused accounting, tax and compliance support.
Our service is designed around your contracts, reporting requirements and deadlines, helping you keep your contractor finances organised and your compliance responsibilities under control.
Frequently Asked Questions
A general accountant may be able to handle standard accounts and tax filings, but contractors can also face issues such as IR35, off-payroll working rules, VAT, payroll and limited company remuneration planning. A contractor accountant with relevant experience can provide support that reflects the way contractors operate and the specific compliance responsibilities involved.
The off-payroll working rules, commonly known as IR35, can apply when you provide services through your own intermediary and would have been an employee for tax purposes if you had provided those services directly. Who is responsible for determining employment status depends on the type and size of the client. We can help you understand how the rules apply to your engagement, review your contracts and working practices, and identify the relevant compliance responsibilities.
We can support contractors with annual accounts, Corporation Tax returns, VAT returns where relevant, Self Assessment, payroll and Companies House filings. We can also provide ongoing guidance on salary and dividend planning, business expenses and IR35-related considerations, depending on your circumstances.
Fees vary depending on what’s included. At Accounting People we offer transparent fixed monthly pricing with no hidden extras, so you know exactly what you’re paying from day one. Get in touch for a no-obligation quote.
Yes. With your authority, we can help manage the transition by contacting your previous accountant and arranging the transfer of the relevant accounting records and information. We aim to make the switch as straightforward as possible while keeping disruption to your business to a minimum.
Yes. We support IT contractors with annual accounts, Corporation Tax, VAT where relevant, payroll and ongoing company compliance. We can also help you understand the IR35 and off-payroll working considerations that may apply to individual engagements and how they affect your accounting and tax responsibilities.
Speak to a Specialist Contractor Accountant Today
Whether you’ve just started contracting, you’re switching from another accountant, or you’ve been managing things yourself and know it’s time for proper support, we’d love to have a conversation.
No obligation, no jargon, no pressure. Just a straight conversation about what you need and whether we’re the right fit.
