Question 1

Are Business AF and Finstrive Ltd qualified accountants?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Business AF is the trading brand of Finstrive Ltd, a UK-registered accountancy practice. Every set of accounts is reviewed by a senior accountant before submission to HMRC or Companies House.

Question 2

How much does a UK small business accountant cost?

Accepted Answer

Business AF charges fixed monthly fees from £45/month for sole traders, £95/month for limited company starters, £165/month for growing companies with payroll, and from £250/month for multi-entity or high-growth businesses. Pay annually and you save 10%: £40.50, £85.50, £148.50, £225/month equivalent. All prices exclude VAT.

Question 3

What software do you work with?

Accepted Answer

Xero, QuickBooks Online, FreeAgent and Pandle. If you already use one, we plug into it. If you're starting from scratch, we recommend the right fit — including free options like Pandle.

Question 4

How quickly can you onboard a new client?

Accepted Answer

Most clients are fully onboarded within 5 to 7 working days from signing the engagement letter. Urgent filings — for example a VAT return due next week — are prioritised.

Question 5

Is there a minimum contract?

Accepted Answer

No long contracts. Pay monthly and cancel any time with 30 days' notice, or save 10% by paying annually. Annual customers who cancel mid-year get a pro-rata refund at the standard monthly rate.

Question 6

What's the difference between Business AF and Finstrive Ltd?

Accepted Answer

Same team, same qualifications. Finstrive Ltd is the registered company that holds engagement letters and issues invoices. Business AF is the consumer-facing brand we serve small business owners under.

Question 7

Do you handle Making Tax Digital (MTD)?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All VAT returns are submitted MTD-compliantly through approved software. We also support clients preparing for MTD for Income Tax Self Assessment.

Question 8

Will you deal with HMRC for me?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We register as your authorised agent so we can speak to HMRC on your behalf, handle queries, and submit filings without needing you on the phone.

Question 9

Do you help businesses behind on filings or with HMRC issues?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Catch-up work is something we do most weeks. We agree a one-off fee on the discovery call, bring you current, then keep you that way on a monthly plan.

Question 10

Do you serve businesses outside the UK?

Accepted Answer

Our core service is for UK-registered businesses. We can support UK directors of overseas companies and UK tax residents with foreign income, but we don't file foreign tax returns.

Question 11

How do I switch from my current accountant?

Accepted Answer

We handle the switch. With your permission we contact your current accountant for professional clearance and the handover of your records — typically a 1 to 2 week process.

Question 12

Can you advise on whether to register for VAT?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We assess your turnover trajectory and the trade-off between voluntary registration and waiting until you cross the £90,000 threshold.