Could an accountant for self-employed creatives take the tax worry off your desk?
Self employed accountants should tell you what HMRC expects, watch the VAT line, file your return and explain when a limited company makes sense.
One Abacus was recommended to me by several friends and I truly owe them a huge favour as this company has been exemplary! As a new limited…Molly Eve Stevens · Read the reviews
Get a free quote
A few quick questions, then a plain recommendation and a fixed monthly fee in writing. About two minutes. No monthly tie in.
- Sales grew faster than admin
- VAT is getting closer
Your commissions have grown, but the money admin still waits for Sunday night. The unresolved question is whether anything important has already moved beyond the old set-up.
One Abacus is a two-person accountancy practice in Brixton for growing freelancers and creatives. One fixed monthly fee, agreed in writing, covers the agreed work, software and advice, while the person doing the accounts answers the phone.
- Rated 5.0 on Google
- One fixed monthly fee, agreed in writing
- FreeAgent or Xero included
- Brixton, by appointment
What changes when the money admin is covered
Know what HMRC expects next
Your return, VAT position and coming dates are explained before they become urgent.
Keep the books ready as you work
FreeAgent or Xero is set up and shown to you, with the bank feed linked.
Choose the right business set-up
You get a plain comparison of sole trade and a limited company for your circumstances.
Where growing creative work starts causing tax questions
These moments usually arrive after the work has already changed.
- VAT
“My commissions grew quickly, and I only noticed VAT when the next tax job was already waiting.”
Late attention can affect prices and cash already committed to materials. We check the position and explain the next step.
- Tax bill
“I finished the self assessment, but the bill landed before I had set enough aside.”
That can put the studio budget or the next project under pressure. We work out what is coming and when.
- Incorporate
“I am still a sole trader because nobody has explained what would change if I formed a company.”
The wrong set-up can create avoidable admin or leave useful options unexplored. We compare both routes in plain English.
- Sorted
What changes once the right advice is in the room?
We review your sales, deadlines and the way you take money. We explain what stays with you and what moves to us. Then the agreed filings are handled for one fixed monthly fee.
Quick check · no email
If you cannot say how close you are to VAT, what tax is coming and who to ring, it is worth a conversation
Answer these three questions about the way your business works this week.
Question 1 of 3
Do you know whether your recent sales are close to the VAT line?
Do you know what your next tax bill is likely to include before it lands?
Do you know who to ring when a commission changes your tax position?
There are important questions sitting unanswered. A conversation with Ryan can establish what HMRC expects and what needs attention first.
Much of the set-up is working, with one area still worth checking. The painter’s story below shows why an early review can matter.
Your immediate position appears well covered. The sole trader or limited company guide can help with the next decision.
What ongoing advice can catch before year end
Annual filing and ongoing support solve different parts of the job.
Year-end filing only
The return is prepared from what you provide.
Questions may sit outside the annual job.
VAT is handled when separately agreed.
Company advice is given when requested.
Ongoing accountancy
Sales and deadlines are reviewed through the year.
Questions are covered by the agreed monthly fee.
VAT is watched as the work grows.
Your business set-up is reviewed when circumstances change.
What to check before the next tax job lands
Each answer shows whether the current set-up still fits the work.
- 01
Are all recent sales recorded?
Your tax position starts with every commission and project being included.
- 02
Are business costs kept apart?
Materials, studio costs and project spending should be easy to identify.
- 03
Is your bank feed connected?
A working feed keeps FreeAgent or Xero current.
- 04
Is your VAT position checked regularly?
Growing sales can change when registration is required.
- 05
Is tax money set aside?
The next bill should be planned before it arrives.
- 06
Are your filing dates written down?
Each deadline needs a named person responsible for it.
- 07
Has your business structure been reviewed?
Sole trade may stop fitting as the work changes.
- 08
Can you get an answer when needed?
The person doing your accounts should be reachable.
What we take off your desk first
The package follows the work you now have, rather than the business you started with.
FreeAgent or Xero kept usable
We set up the software, link the bank feed and show you the everyday routine.
The VAT position checked
We review your sales, handle registration when required and prepare the ongoing returns.
Returns and structure reviewed together
We handle self assessment and explain whether a limited company would suit the way you work.
Entry 01
What happened when a painter’s sales took off
The work grew quickly and the old set-up needed attention.
Clients described by type. Names withheld.
What clients say
One Abacus was recommended to me by several friends and I truly owe them a huge favour as this company has been exemplary! As a new limited company myself and a novice to the contracting world I have had tons of questions and they have been dealt with promptly, effectively and in an approachable and really helpful manner. I couldn't recommend One Abacus enough!
I am currently using one Abacus for sorting out all my freelance accounts and i have to say everything has been perfect with my accountant. they are normally always available even on the weekends when you need something sorted out really quickly. they have sorting out everything from helping with mortgage and notifying when you to pay your tax. really nice and responsive people to talk to if you have questions.
One Abacus has provided me a comprehensive service, very professional accountant, but friendly at the same time, maximum availability, I couldn't be happier.
How the first months put each job in place
The work begins with your real position, rather than a standard checklist.
Know what needs attention first
Ryan asks what you do, how sales are recorded and what is worrying you.
Have the software working properly
FreeAgent or Xero is configured, the bank feed is linked and the routine is explained.
Settle the VAT and company questions
Your VAT position and the choice between sole trade and a company are reviewed.
Move the deadlines off your desk
The agreed returns and dates sit with us, with a plain answer available by phone.
Who gets the most from this service?
It suits freelancers and creatives whose work is growing beyond a simple sole trade.
It suits service businesses that will use the software and reply when information is needed.
It is unsuitable for stock-heavy retail, construction, charities or community interest companies.
It is unsuitable if you want bookkeeping alone or a return we did not prepare signed off.
The quiz checks the fit before Ryan recommends any next step.
Questions to settle before choosing an accountant
What do self employed accountants include in a monthly fee?
A monthly fee can cover your FreeAgent or Xero set-up, ongoing bookkeeping support, VAT returns, self assessment and advice when the work changes. One Abacus agrees the full scope in writing before starting, so you know which jobs sit with us and which simple tasks, such as sending invoices, stay with you.
Can self employed accountants help if I already have an accountant?
Yes. You can use an initial conversation to check whether your present set-up still suits the way you work. Ryan will ask what you do, what is due and what worries you. There is no need to make a decision during that conversation, and nobody else’s work is criticised.
Do I have to move to different accounting software?
No. One Abacus works with FreeAgent or Xero, but the starting point is the way your books are kept now. If a move is sensible, the software is configured, the bank feed is linked and you are shown the everyday routine. Any change is discussed before the work begins.
What happens with my current accountant if I move to One Abacus?
If you decide to move, One Abacus asks your current accountant for the handover information and checks the next deadlines. You do not need to wait until the end of your accounting year. Ryan then confirms what has been received, sets up the software where needed and explains what happens next.
How do I know when I need to register for VAT?
HMRC looks at taxable turnover over a rolling period. One Abacus checks where your sales sit, explains when registration is required and discusses what it may mean for prices and admin. If registration is needed, it can be handled alongside the ongoing returns and the rest of your agreed accountancy work.
Should a growing freelancer become a limited company?
It can be worth reviewing once sales are steady, risk has changed or clients expect a company. The answer depends on how you work and take money, so incorporation should follow a proper comparison. One Abacus explains both routes, then can handle the formation, registrations and software if a company suits you.
Three ways to take the next step
Get your personal recommendation
Answer a few quick questions, then get a recommendation and a fixed monthly fee in writing if the service fits.
Get a free quote 02 · A question firstNeed to ask Ryan something?
Send your question and explain which part of the tax or business set-up is unresolved.
Ask Ryan a question 03 · Still decidingStill deciding between both routes?
Read the guides to understand VAT, incorporation and the filing jobs that may apply next.
Read the guides →