Frequently Asked Questions

Over the years, we’ve been asked many questions about how our services work, and we’ve collated these into a handy guide for you to read below.

What can you do for me?

What sets us apart from other companies is our compassion for our clients, and experience. We do not just fill in forms and charge you a fee, we work with you to really get to know your business, ensure you maximise your savings, and are in the best position going forward you can be. Our extensive experience lets us go far beyond simply asking about expenses or tax returns. Schedule a consultation with us and see what we can do for you.

What makes D V Marlow better than other accountants?

If you are just looking for assistance with your tax returns – then that is what we will provide. But we will also look at the big picture while we do this, casting our experienced eye over your financial information to identify any tax planning opportunities or provide general guidance. We will also put reminders in place for you so that next year we can ensure we gather the information in plenty of time.

Or if you have a company that you want to have more time to focus on, then we can work through your accounting processes and provide a package of services designed with your company in mind such as business planning, advice, statutory and management accounts, bookkeeping / record-keeping and associated training, business structure advice, cost and pricing analysis, taxation, cash flow management, payroll and government compliance. We can even provide a statutory audit should your company need one.

Why should I switch from my current accountant?

At D V Marlow we want to really get to know you, and help you achieve your business goals. We have a vast array of business knowledge in many different industry sectors which could apply to your company, and we like to work in partnership to become an extension to your team. Remember when you took the bold risk and started your own business and what you wanted to achieve; our aim is to exceed those goals.

What information is needed to receive a quote and advice?

The more information we have, the better, and more accurate our fee estimate will be.

If you are looking for personal tax help, you will need to let us know about all of your sources of income for your tax return, plus whether you are looking for capital gains or inheritance tax work too.

If you have a sole-trade business or a company, we need to know your expected turnover for the next 12 months, whether you have any employees, and how you currently keep your records. If you have an existing business, to get a feel for the amount of work involved, we would ideally like a very brief review of your books and records (if you are using online software like Quickbooks or Xero you can easily grant us access). Additionally, we would like a copy of your last financial accounts prepared by your current accountant to provide relevant advice. If there’s anything you need help with and think it might be relevant for us to know, please mention it in our initial meeting.

How easy it is to change accountants?

Switching accountants is easy and straight-forward. It is usually a case of simply writing to your current accountant, telling them the name of your new accountants and advising them that the new firm will be contacting them shortly to collect your records.

When you decide to switch to us, we will fully manage the transition and ensure that the handover is seamless. We will take care of everything including contacting your current accountant to confirm the move, arranging for the transfer of records, obtaining copies of your accounts and tax computations, and notifying HMRC and other government offices that we are now looking after your business affairs.

We will also provide you with a ‘Letter of Engagement’ which is our contract, explaining our respective responsibilities in detail and setting out our full terms of business so that everything is clear.

You will be assigned a Client Manager; this will be the member of the DVM team responsible for your affairs. You can contact them at any time if you have questions about any aspect of the setup process or our services.

Why should I use D V Marlow rather than someone providing a bookkeeping service in their spare time?

With us, you get professional bookkeeping services with an accountant’s eye. You get advice, insights and training that you wouldn’t normally get from a stand-alone bookkeeper.

Our bookkeeping staff all have the full DVM team behind them, which includes 5 qualified Chartered Accountants with many years of experience. Being a team also means we can provide cover in times of sickness or holiday, meaning that our clients receive a seamless service.

You also get the peace of mind that comes from knowing you’re dealing with a company that has professional indemnity insurance and will be able to appreciate the bigger picture of your business.

How much will your services cost me?

That depends on exactly what you want us to do. Rest assured that our service is cost-effective, and adds significant value. You will generally either end up saving money (by paying less to your accountant at the end of the year) or freeing yourself up to focus on your customers, turnover and profit.

Please note our minimum fee for a company is £100+VAT per month, and for personal tax returns is £250+VAT per year.

I need some one-off advice or work - can you help?

Yes – absolutely! We provide a Strategic Consultation service for those who don’t need ongoing tax returns or accounts but may need some specific tax advice or our expert professional opinion. This is paid for in advance (currently £250+VAT per hour), tailored to your specific circumstances, and designed to answer your questions. Following the consultation either:

1. You will take away the advice given and implement yourself;
or
2. We will agree to work together and discuss your investment to do so.

To book a Strategic Consultation use the links below:

Do you still have more questions?

At D V Marlow & Co we are only a phone call away from discussing how we can help you! Book a free consultation with us today to find out more about how we can help your business grow.