Answers to common questions
If you are wondering how we work, what we charge, or whether we are the right fit for your business, this page covers the questions we hear most often.
Working With Us
The questions people usually ask before becoming a client.
Who do you work with?
We work best with small and medium-sized businesses that want proactive support, efficient systems, and an accountant who actually gets to know the business.
That includes limited companies, buy-to-let landlords, property companies, SPVs and individual landlords. We also work with sole traders and tax return clients, including those affected by MTD for Income Tax.
Are you a traditional accountant or more tech-focused?
We’re definitely tech-focused.
We use modern cloud systems such as Xero to streamline bookkeeping, reduce admin, and make life easier for clients.
That said, we’re still real people who answer emails and phone calls. No faceless call centres. No ticket systems. No nonsense.
Will I deal with the same person each time?
Yes.
You won’t be passed around departments or have to explain your business to someone new every month.
We keep things personal because that’s how better advice happens. When we say we get to know your business properly, we mean it.
Can I move from my current accountant without awkwardness?
Absolutely.
Changing accountants is far more normal than most business owners think.
We’ll handle the professional handover, request the information we need, and make the transition as painless as possible. No uncomfortable conversations required.
Pricing and Fit
Clear expectations on cost, value and whether we are the right match.
Are you the cheapest accountant in Manchester?
No, and that’s intentional.
If you’re purely looking for the lowest monthly fee, we probably won’t be the right fit.
If you want responsive advice, efficient systems, and a properly run service, that’s where we add value.
Do you charge extra every time I ask a question?
Absolutely not.
We prefer predictable monthly packages so clients don’t feel nervous about asking for help.
If something unusual, complex, or substantial comes up, we’ll always discuss it with you first.
Can you fix a mess left by my previous accountant?
Yes. We do this more often than you might think.
Late accounts, messy bookkeeping, payroll problems, Companies House issues, VAT confusion — it’s usually fixable.
The only real question is how much work is involved.
Systems and Bookkeeping
How we make compliance and bookkeeping feel less painful.
Do I have to use Xero?
No.
We believe Xero is the best fit for most small businesses, but it isn’t the only option.
Over the years we’ve worked with QuickBooks, FreeAgent, KashFlow, Sage, QuickFile and other systems. If you already have software you’re happy with, we can usually work with that.
I hate bookkeeping. Can you make it easier?
Yes — that’s exactly what good systems are for.
With bank feeds, receipt capture, automation, and sensible processes, bookkeeping becomes far less painful than most people expect.
You still need some discipline. But far less admin.
Can you do everything for me?
It depends what “everything” means.
Accounts, corporation tax, VAT, payroll, bookkeeping, Companies House filings and HMRC compliance — yes.
Running your business for you? Sadly not.
Relationship and Expectations
How we work best with clients and where we add the most value.
Do you chase me for records?
We’ll remind you. We’ll help. We’ll make the process as easy as possible.
But we can’t magically create bookkeeping from thin air.
The smoothest clients tend to be the ones who engage consistently rather than treating accounting like an annual emergency.
Can you help me save tax?
Yes — legally.
Good tax planning is about structure, timing, allowances, remuneration planning, pensions, and making smart decisions early.
Anyone promising miracle tax tricks should make you nervous.
Can I call you when I’m unsure about something?
Please do.
Most expensive mistakes happen because business owners make decisions first and ask the accountant afterwards.
We’d much rather have the conversation before the problem exists.
Who We Work Best With
The sort of clients who tend to get the most out of Taxwise.
What type of clients are you best suited to?
Small business owners who value responsiveness, efficiency, and a more personal relationship.
If you want the cheapest possible compliance filing service, we’re probably not your people.
If you want an accountant who becomes part of your support team, that’s more our style.
Do you work nationally or only in Sale and Manchester?
Both.
Technology means geography matters far less than it used to.
We have local clients across Sale, Manchester and the surrounding areas, but we also work with remote clients who we may never meet in person.
Why do clients leave their previous accountant?
Usually one of three reasons:
- Poor communication.
- Everything being left until the last minute.
- Feeling like just another number.
We built Taxwise to be the opposite of that.
Every business is different
If your question is a bit more specific, just get in touch. We would much rather have a quick conversation than let you make an expensive decision first and ask the accountant afterwards.