Who We Work With
Our IT consultant accounting services are designed for:
- Freelance software developers and engineers
- IT contractors – Working on fixed-term contracts
- IT project managers and programme managers
- Business analysts and systems architects
- Cyber security consultants
- IT consultancies – Operating as limited companies
- IT professionals transitioning from employment to self-employment
Whether you’ve just landed your first contract or you’ve been consulting for years, we can help you get your accounting right.
The Accounting Challenges IT Consultants Face
IT consulting comes with its own set of financial complexities. A generalist accountant may not be across the detail, and that can leave money on the table or create compliance risks you didn’t know about.
IR35
IR35 is the single biggest tax issue for IT contractors. Getting your status wrong, either inside or outside IR35, can result in a significant and unexpected tax bill. We provide clear guidance on IR35 and help you understand your position so you can contract with confidence.
Limited company vs umbrella company
Many IT contractors default to an umbrella company without fully understanding the alternative. Depending on your day rate and circumstances, a limited company structure can be significantly more tax efficient. We’ll help you compare the options and make the right call for your situation.
Tax-efficient salary and dividend structuring
If you operate through a limited company, how you pay yourself matters. Getting the balance between salary and dividends right is one of the most effective ways to reduce your tax bill legally. We handle this as standard for all our limited company clients.
Expenses unique to IT consultants
From hardware and software licences to home office costs, training, and professional subscriptions, IT consultants have a range of allowable expenses that should be fully captured. We make sure nothing legitimate gets missed.
Contract gaps and income planning
IT contracting can mean periods without income between contracts. We help you plan for these gaps so your tax position stays manageable and your business finances stay healthy year round.
Our Services for IT Consultants
We offer a full accounting service for IT consultants and contractors, including:
- IR35 guidance and support
- Limited company setup and ongoing accounts
- Corporation tax returns
- Tax-efficient salary and dividend planning
- Self-assessment and personal tax returns
- Bookkeeping and payroll
- VAT registration and returns, including Flat Rate Scheme assessment
- Business expense management
- Annual accounts submission to HMRC and Companies House
- Company secretarial duties
- Business advisory and growth planning
Everything is handled on a fixed monthly fee. No surprise bills, no hourly rates you didn’t budget for.
Why IT Consultants Choose APH
We understand how IT contracting works
You won’t need to explain your working arrangements from scratch. We understand the contractor model, the risks around IR35, and the structures that work best for IT professionals.
Paul’s background
Our MD Paul spent nine years as a Management Accountant at Bristol Myers Squibb and three years as Group Financial Controller at Enron, at the time the largest company in the world. He has since owned and managed multiple successful businesses. That depth of financial management experience informs everything we do at APH.
Plain English, always
No jargon, no overcomplicated explanations. You’ll always know exactly where you stand with your accounts and your tax position.
Fixed fees, no surprises
You’ll know what you’re paying from day one. Clear, predictable monthly fees that make it easy to plan your finances.
What Our Consultancy Clients Say
“Great service, really straight forward and easy to deal with. Paul and the team have been really supportive and are on hand to help whenever I need to speak to someone.”
— Enceladus Consulting Ltd
Frequently Asked Questions
IR35 status depends on a number of factors including how much control your client has over how and when you work, whether you can send a substitute, and the financial risk you carry. We provide clear guidance to help you understand your position and contract accordingly.
For most IT contractors operating above a certain day rate, a limited company will be more tax efficient than an umbrella company. However it does come with more administrative responsibility. We will assess your specific situation and give you a clear recommendation either way.
Allowable expenses typically include hardware, software and licences, home office costs, professional training and certifications, travel to client sites, professional subscriptions, and accountancy fees. We will make sure all legitimate expenses are captured correctly.
The Flat Rate Scheme allows businesses to pay a fixed percentage of their turnover as VAT rather than calculating the exact difference between input and output VAT. For some IT contractors it can result in a small profit on VAT. We will assess whether it makes sense for your business.
Yes. We are based in Wallasey, Wirral, but we work with IT consultants and contractors across the UK. Our service is fully accessible remotely, with video calls, phone, and email support as standard.
We work on fixed monthly fees tailored to your situation. Get in touch for a no-obligation quote. There is no commitment required.
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