Changing accountants takes one email from you
You send your current accountant two lines. We do everything else, professional clearance, collecting your records, HMRC agent authorisations and Companies House. It takes two to three weeks and costs you nothing.
Signs you have outgrown your accountant
Most people stay far longer than they should, because the relationship is fine and changing sounds like effort. These are the ones that actually matter.
- You only hear from them once a year, and it is to ask for records
- You do not actually understand your own accounts
- The fee changes every year and you are never told why
- Deadlines get met narrowly rather than comfortably
- Nobody has ever raised a tax planning point with you
- You are about to be pulled into Making Tax Digital and they have not mentioned it
- You email a general inbox and a different person replies each time
- They still want paper records in 2026
What people are actually worried about
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“It will be a difficult conversation.”
You do not have to have one. Send a two-line email saying you are moving and asking them to respond to the clearance request. That is the entire interaction. We have drafted it for you below.
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“It will take ages and I will have to chase it.”
Two to three weeks, and we do the chasing. The only thing on your list is that one email. We handle professional clearance, your records, the HMRC authorisations and Companies House.
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“They have all my records.”
Professional ethics require them to hand your own books and records over. They can hold back documents they prepared if their fees are unpaid, so settle any outstanding invoice first and the rest follows.
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“I will have to pay twice this year.”
No. We pick up from wherever they stopped and quote only for the work that is actually left. Obtaining clearance and transferring everything costs you nothing.
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“It is the wrong time of year.”
Any time works. Just after a year end or just after your return is filed is cleanest, but mid-year is perfectly normal. The only bad time is the last three weeks before a deadline.
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“What if you are no better?”
Fair. Which is why the first conversation is free and we will tell you honestly if your current arrangement is fine. We would rather say that than take on a client who did not need to move.
The email, written for you
Copy this, change the name, send it. You do not need to give a reason and you will not be asked for one.
Dear [name], I have decided to move my accountancy work to another firm. iTSA Digital Tax will be in touch shortly for professional clearance and my records. Please could you respond to them directly. Thank you for your help. Best regards, [your name]
That really is all of it. You are not obliged to explain, negotiate or attend a meeting.
Switching: common questions
How do I change accountants?
Tell your current accountant you are leaving, then your new firm handles everything else: professional clearance, obtaining your records, HMRC agent authorisations and any Companies House changes.
Does it cost anything to switch?
Not with us. Clearance, collecting your records and setting up authorisations are all included. Your old accountant may invoice for work they have already done.
Can my old accountant refuse to release my records?
They must provide your own books and records. They can exercise a lien over documents they prepared if their fees are unpaid, so clear any outstanding invoice first.
How long does it take?
Usually two to three weeks, most of which is waiting for the previous firm to respond to the clearance letter.
Do I have to tell them why I am leaving?
No. You are not obliged to give a reason and most people do not. A single line saying you have decided to move is sufficient and entirely normal.
Will HMRC need anything from me?
You will get a letter or digital prompt from HMRC asking you to authorise us as your agent. It takes about two minutes and we talk you through it.