My accountant isn't responding

1. Check your deadlines

Your company, or you as a sole trader, is usually responsible for meeting filing deadlines, even if an accountant handles the work. Look up your own dates:

• Limited company: your next accounts and confirmation statement dates are on your company's Companies House page.¹
• Self Assessment: the online return and payment deadline is 31 January after the end of the tax year.²
• VAT: your return dates are in your HMRC online account.

If a deadline is close, say so in your message and ask for a reply by a set date.

2. Chase in writing

Send a short email. Say what you need, by when, and that you have not had a reply. Keep a copy. A written record helps if you later complain or move.

3. Ask for someone else at the firm

Your usual contact may be ill, on leave or overloaded. Ask the firm's office for another person, or for the partner in charge of your account.

4. Set a date

Tell the firm that if you do not hear by a set date, you will look for another accountant. This may be enough to get a reply.

5. Move if nothing changes

You can choose to change accountant, subject to any notice period or other terms. The ICAEW's ethics code says clients have the right to choose their accountant and to change if they want to.³ Check your engagement letter for any notice period.

When you appoint a new accountant who is a member of a professional body, they will usually contact the old one. Under the ICAEW Code of Ethics (section 320), the old accountant should first get your permission to share information, and must then answer honestly and clearly.³ An old accountant may sometimes hold on to records, but that does not let them ignore the new accountant's enquiry.⁴ ACCA members must pass on the last approved accounts and a detailed trial balance free of charge.⁵

If you have lost money

If a missed deadline led to a penalty, raise it with the firm in writing first. If the firm belongs to a professional body, you can complain to that body. See My accountant made a mistake.