ACCA-Qualified • UK-Wide Online Accountancy
Online Accountants.
Real People. Clear Fees.
Experienced online accountants for limited companies, sole traders and growing UK businesses.
Your accountant should make business life easier, not more complicated. At The Online Accountants, we combine professional expertise, straightforward digital working and transparent fixed fees with a dedicated personal point of contact.
We specialise in owner-managed limited companies and support businesses across the UK. No unnecessary office visits. No confusing extras. No long-term contracts tying you in.
Real accountants applying professional judgement to your accounts and tax affairs — not simply an automated software service.
Professional Accountancy, Wherever You Are
What Is an Online Accountant?
An online accountant is a professional accountant who delivers accounting, tax and financial reporting services remotely, using secure digital communication and electronic records instead of requiring routine office appointments.
At The Online Accountants, online does not mean automated or impersonal. Your accounts are handled with professional judgement and you have a dedicated contact who understands the work you have engaged us to perform.
We are particularly experienced in supporting owner-managed limited companies, but also help sole traders, partnerships, LLPs, landlords and individuals across the United Kingdom.
- Professional accounting and tax preparation
- Convenient remote communication
- Clear fees agreed before work begins
- Practical support from real accountants
Our Accounting Services
Online Accountants for UK Businesses
Whether you need annual accounts, tax returns or specialist business support, choose the professional service that matches your circumstances.
Limited Company Accounts
Statutory accounts, Corporation Tax computations, CT600 returns and Companies House filing for UK limited companies.
File Company Accounts →Sole Trader Accountants
Year-end accounts and Self Assessment services for self-employed business owners, freelancers and consultants.
File Self-Employed Accounts →Partnership Accountants
Partnership accounts, profit allocations and Partnership Tax Returns, including SA800 reporting.
File Partnership Accounts →LLP Accountants
Limited Liability Partnership accounts, statutory reporting and relevant partnership tax requirements.
File LLP Accounts →Self Assessment Tax Returns
Personal tax return preparation for directors, landlords, self-employed individuals and other taxpayers.
File a Self Assessment Tax Return →Cloud Accounting Support
Accountant-led guidance on using Xero, QuickBooks, FreeAgent and Sage to maintain useful business records.
Explore Xero Accounting →The precise work included depends on the service selected and your agreed engagement.
Why Choose The Online Accountants?
Real Accounting Expertise. Not Just Software.
Accounting software can record invoices, reconcile transactions and produce reports. But software alone cannot replace professional judgement about accounting standards, tax treatments and reporting obligations.
Our approach combines efficient digital records with experienced accountants who review the information, identify issues and prepare the agreed work.
- ACCA-qualified professional expertise
- Dedicated point of contact
- Clear, transparent fixed-price services
- Practical advice on legitimate tax efficiencies
- No long-term contracts
- UK-wide service from our Exeter-based practice
Transparent Fixed Fees
How Much Does an Online Accountant Cost?
Our one-off limited company accounts filing packages start at £349 + VAT. The applicable band depends on your company's annual turnover and gross assets, subject to the agreed scope of work.
Small Company Accounts
One-off fixed fee
- Turnover up to £30,000
- Gross assets up to £100,000
- Statutory accounts preparation
- Companies House accounts filing
- Corporation Tax computation
- CT600 preparation and filing
Medium Company Accounts
One-off fixed fee
- Turnover up to £100,000
- Gross assets up to £250,000
- Statutory accounts preparation
- Companies House accounts filing
- Corporation Tax computation
- CT600 preparation and filing
Large Company Accounts
One-off fixed fee
- Turnover up to £250,000
- Gross assets up to £500,000
- Statutory accounts preparation
- Companies House accounts filing
- Corporation Tax computation
- CT600 preparation and filing
Small, Medium and Large are our own service pricing bands, not statutory company-size classifications. Gross assets means assets before deducting liabilities. Fees assume suitable records and standard engagement requirements. Additional work, if needed, is agreed separately.
Interactive Price Checker
Check Your Company Accounts Filing Price
Enter your annual turnover and gross assets to find the published service band that matches your company.
Annual sales before deducting business expenses.
Total assets before deducting liabilities.
This tool estimates our published accounts filing service fee. It does not determine statutory company size, audit exemption, tax liability or final service eligibility.
Simple Online Process
How Does Our Online Accounting Service Work?
We make the process straightforward, from agreeing your service to preparing and submitting the relevant documents.
Choose a Service
Confirm what accounting work is required and agree the scope and fee.
Share Your Records
Provide your financial information and supporting documents electronically.
Professional Preparation
We review your records and prepare the agreed accounts or tax returns.
Approve and File
Review and approve the completed documents before the relevant filings.
For qualifying company accounts engagements, our typical turnaround is 7–14 days after receipt of complete, suitable records, subject to complexity, queries and workload.
Choosing Your Accountant
Online Accountants vs Traditional Accountants
Both online and high-street accountants can offer excellent service. The difference is often how you communicate, share records and access support.
| Feature | Online Accountant | Traditional Accountant |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Choose a firm anywhere in the UK | Often chosen for local accessibility |
| Communication | Telephone, email and online | Office meetings and remote options |
| Financial records | Primarily electronic | Paper or electronic |
| Pricing | May offer fixed fees for defined work | May offer fixed or hourly fees |
| Qualifications | Depend on the individual provider | Depend on the individual provider |
| Best suited to | Businesses comfortable working remotely | Those preferring regular office meetings |
These are general differences, not guarantees. Many traditional firms also provide comprehensive online services.
Specialist Experience
Accounting Support for Different Types of Business
The accounting and tax issues that matter most depend on your business structure, activities and reporting responsibilities.
Owner-Managed Companies
Annual accounts, Corporation Tax, directors' salaries, dividends and business expenses.
Company Accounts →Contractors and Consultants
Limited company compliance, allowable expenses and employment status considerations.
Contractor Accountants →Landlords and Property Companies
Rental accounts, property business taxation and relevant reporting requirements.
Property Business Guide →Small Businesses
Accounts, tax returns and financial reporting support for businesses as they develop.
Small Business Accountants →Legal Professionals
Accounting and tax considerations relevant to solicitors, barristers and legal practices.
Solicitor Accountants →New Business Owners
Understanding company structures, tax responsibilities and accounting obligations.
Compare Accounting Services →Changing Accountants
Can You Switch to an Online Accountant?
Yes. You can generally change accountants during the financial year. The important things are to establish what work is outstanding, understand your existing engagement terms and make sure important filing deadlines are not missed.
With your permission, your new accountant can request relevant professional information and records from your previous adviser.
- Agree the new engagement and responsibilities
- Authorise professional correspondence
- Identify outstanding filing deadlines
- Transfer the relevant financial records
- Confirm the next steps
We believe clients should stay because they value their accountant, not because they are tied into an unnecessarily long contract.
How to Change Accountants →
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Accountants
Straightforward answers to the questions UK business owners commonly ask before appointing an online accountant.
Are online accountants qualified?
Qualifications vary between providers. The Online Accountants offers ACCA-qualified expertise. Before appointing any accountant, check their professional credentials and the services included in the engagement.
Are online accountants cheaper than high-street accountants?
They can be, but not always. Online working can reduce some overheads, but the price depends on the work involved, complexity and level of support. Compare complete services rather than headline fees alone.
How much does an online accountant cost?
Our qualifying limited company accounts filing packages are £349, £549 or £749 plus VAT, based on turnover and gross assets. Other services have separate prices. See our accountants fees for more information.
Can an online accountant file my company accounts?
Yes. An accountant can prepare statutory accounts for approval and submit them to Companies House. Where included in the engagement, they can also prepare and submit the Corporation Tax return and CT600 to HMRC. See our company accounts filing service.
Can I speak to a real accountant?
Yes. Our service is accountant-led rather than a software-only subscription. You have a dedicated personal point of contact, with communication and support according to the agreed engagement.
Do I need accounting software?
Not every business needs a paid cloud accounting subscription. Suitable records depend on the business and relevant legal requirements, including Making Tax Digital where applicable. We can review your existing arrangements.
Can I use an accountant based elsewhere in the UK?
Yes. UK businesses can generally appoint an accountant anywhere in the country. Electronic records, telephone and online communication mean regular office visits are unnecessary for many accounting services.
Will an online accountant help me save tax?
A qualified accountant can help identify legitimate allowances, reliefs and appropriate tax treatments. Whether savings are available depends on your circumstances, records and current legislation. No specific tax saving can be guaranteed.
How long does it take to prepare company accounts?
For qualifying standard company accounts engagements, our typical turnaround is 7–14 days after receiving complete, suitable records. More complex cases and outstanding queries can take longer.
Do I legally need an accountant for a limited company?
No. UK limited companies are not generally required to appoint an accountant. Directors remain responsible for preparing accurate accounts and meeting filing obligations, whether they use an accountant or not.
What happens if I change accountants?
After agreeing your new engagement and obtaining your authority, your new accountant can request professional information from your previous adviser. You should confirm who is responsible for any outstanding returns and approaching deadlines.
Are online accountants suitable for small businesses?
Yes. Online accounting can suit small businesses that prefer convenient remote communication and electronic records. The right service depends on your business structure, reporting requirements and the professional support you need.
About Our Practice
Established in Exeter. Working Across the UK.
The Online Accountants is an established online accountancy practice providing professional accounting and tax services to UK limited companies, sole traders, partnerships, LLPs and individual taxpayers.
Our approach is straightforward: professional expertise, personal communication, clear fees and convenient digital working.
We specialise in owner-managed limited companies and believe good accounting support should be accessible regardless of where in the UK your business is based.
Office: The Gallery, Kings Wharf, The Quay, Exeter, Devon, EX2 4AN.
Useful Accounting Resources
Practical Guidance for UK Business Owners
Explore our specialist guides to understand common accounting responsibilities and make more informed business decisions.
Filing Company Accounts
Understand the accounts filing process and what your company needs to submit.
Company Accounts Filing →HMRC Mileage Rates
Learn about business mileage allowances and the records needed to support claims.
Mileage Rates Guide →Making Tax Digital
Understand how digital record-keeping and reporting requirements can affect your business.
MTD for Landlords →Professional UK Online Accountancy
Ready for a Simpler Way to Manage Your Accounts?
Choose experienced online accountants who combine professional expertise, personal service and transparent fixed fees — without unnecessary complexity.
No Add-Ons. No Surprises. Clear scope and agreed fees before work begins.
We are online, so always nearby.