Accountant for Solicitors & Legal Professionals
You spent years qualifying to practise law, not to decipher HMRC forms. Whether you are a self-employed solicitor consultant, a barrister managing chambers fees, or a legal professional operating through a limited company, we handle your accounts and tax returns so you can focus on your clients and your caseload.
What We Offer
Tailored services for you
Sole Practitioner Accounts
Full accounts preparation for self-employed solicitors, legal consultants, and sole practitioners, covering income, expenses, and tax return filings.
Limited Company Accounts
Annual accounts, corporation tax returns, and dividend planning for legal professionals operating through their own limited company.
Tax Planning
Strategic tax planning for partners and sole practitioners, including pension contributions, profit extraction, and capital gains.
VAT & Disbursements
Expert VAT advice for legal professionals, including registration, quarterly returns, and the correct treatment of fees and disbursements.
Payroll & Pensions
Managed payroll for employed staff, associates, and support teams, with full auto-enrolment compliance.
Self Assessment Tax Returns
Accurate and timely self-assessment tax returns for solicitors, barristers, and legal professionals, ensuring all reliefs and expenses are claimed.
Tax Planning for Legal Professionals
Whether you operate as a sole trader, through a limited company, or as part of a partnership, we help you extract profits tax-efficiently. We advise on salary vs dividend strategies, pension contributions, allowable expenses, and timing of income recognition to minimise your tax liability while staying fully compliant with HMRC.
VAT on Legal Fees and Disbursements
The treatment of disbursements is a common area of confusion. When acting as agent (passing through a cost without adding value), the disbursement is outside the scope of VAT. When acting as principal (procuring and recharging a service), VAT applies. Court fees and search fees are typically disbursements (no VAT). Expert witness fees procured by the firm are usually principal (VAT applies). We ensure your returns correctly distinguish these.
Limited Company Accounts for Legal Professionals
Many solicitor consultants and legal professionals operate through their own limited company. We prepare annual accounts, file corporation tax returns, manage director payroll, and advise on the optimal mix of salary and dividends to minimise your overall tax burden.
Barrister Tax Returns
Self-employed barristers face unique challenges: chambers rent and clerks’ fees as major deductible expenses, brief fees received in arrears across tax years, pupillage income treatment, and interaction between PAYE and self-employment. We prepare returns that correctly handle all these factors.
Why Choose Us
Trusted by legal practices
Legal professionals need an accountant who understands the nuances of your sector. We provide a confidential, discreet, and responsive service so you always know where you stand financially.
Software We Work With
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you work with self-employed solicitors?
Yes. We prepare accounts and tax returns for solicitor consultants, self-employed legal professionals, and those operating through limited companies.
Can you handle VAT on disbursements?
Yes. We advise on agent vs principal treatment and ensure your VAT returns are accurate.
Do you prepare limited company accounts?
Yes. Full annual accounts, corporation tax returns, and dividend planning for legal professionals with their own limited company.
Can you prepare barrister tax returns?
Yes, covering chambers fees, brief fee timing, pupillage income, and all professional expenses.
Do you offer fixed fees?
Yes. All fees are fixed and agreed upfront. No hourly rates.
Can you help set up a new practice?
Yes. We advise on structure, handle formation, and set up accounting systems.
Related Services
Ready to get started?
Whether you're switching accountants or setting up a new practice, we make the process simple. Call us on 0121 638 0905 for a free discovery call.