Why people move accountants

The most common reasons we hear from new IGI clients:

  • Slow responses. "I email and wait a fortnight for an answer."
  • Unclear fees. Hourly billing, surprise extras, end-of-year shocks.
  • Reactive, not proactive. A once-a-year conversation and no tax planning in between.
  • No real software. Spreadsheets in 2026.
  • Growth. The accountant who was right for you at start-up isn't right at £500k turnover.

If two or three of those resonate, it's probably time to move.

The 7-day process, step by step

Day 1 — You sign up with the new accountant

You complete a short online onboarding form (with us, it doubles as your quote) and sign a letter of engagement. Confirm your year-end, UTRs and the year of accounts you're up to.

Day 2 — Professional clearance is sent

Your new accountant writes to your current one asking for "professional clearance" — essentially the green light to take over — and a copy of your last accounts, tax computations and any other records.

Day 3–5 — Records and HMRC authorisations

Most accountants respond within a few working days. While that happens, the new accountant submits HMRC authorisations (64-8 forms) so they can act on your behalf for Self Assessment, Corporation Tax, VAT and PAYE.

Day 6 — Records arrive, plan starts

Once records are in, your new accountant reviews them, sets you up in the bookkeeping software, and outlines a plan for the year — including any low-hanging fruit they spot immediately.

Day 7 — You meet your accountant

A welcome call to walk through the plan, the software and your deadlines. You're done.

You don't need to have any awkward conversations

The new accountant contacts the old one professionally. You don't need to write a difficult email — we do.

When in the year should you switch?

The honest answer: any time is fine. The "best" moment is generally just after your year-end is closed, because the records are tidy and the new accountant gets a clean start. But mid-year switches happen constantly and aren't a problem — the handover process is the same.

The worst time is the week before a deadline. If you can avoid that, do.

Pre-switch checklist

  • Last set of accounts filed at Companies House (if a Ltd)
  • Most recent tax return and computation
  • Current bookkeeping records or software access
  • HMRC UTR(s) for the business and any directors
  • VAT registration number (if applicable)
  • PAYE references (if you run payroll)
  • Companies House authentication code (we don't need it but it's good to have)

If you don't have all of those to hand, your new accountant can usually get them for you.

Does switching cost anything?

Some new accountants charge an onboarding fee. IGI doesn't. Switching is free, the handover is included, and your first month of plan fee is included in your normal — usually discounted — monthly price.

What if my old accountant drags their feet?

Sometimes happens. The new accountant chases politely and, if needed, escalates through the professional body. The vast majority of accountants respond promptly because they're regulated by the same standards. We've never had a switch fail because of an unresponsive predecessor.

Frequently asked questions

Best practice is to give them notice via your new accountant's clearance letter. Most engagement letters have a 30-day notice period — we coordinate that for you.

Almost always they're fine — professional accountants treat handover as routine. If yours isn't, the new accountant manages the relationship for you.

Yes, any time works. Mid-year switches are completely standard and the process is the same.