Frequently Asked Questions (Or click here to see our Tools and Tips)
It is important to ensure you choose the right accountant for your business - so have a read through our FAQ below. If you can't find the answer you are looking for - please contact us here.
Q: Are AIMS Accountants fully qualified?
All AIMS accountants are fully qualified accountants who have a professional and friendly approach to their work. Go ahead and ask them which Institute they belong to and to ease your mind confirm that they have sufficient Professional Indemnity Insurance cover in place.
Q: What are AIMS charges?
All AIMS accountants operate on a fixed fee basis, the fees being agreed in advance. They do not charge by the hour - if it takes us longer to do the work why should you pay? The annual fee covers responses to telephone calls, E Mails and face to face meetings at your location. Cash flow and cost effectiveness are important concepts for an AIMS accountant so payment is required by monthly standing order and fees are reviewed on a regular basis.
Q: How do I know if an AIMS Accountant can meet my requirements?
AIMS accountants have an integrated approach to their work covering all accounting and taxation issues that arise from the running of your business, from the preparation of Financial Accounts - Management Accounts and if you wish all Regulatory Filings. The AIMS accountant will listen to your needs and match them to the services that they can offer.
Q: Do AIMS understand what it's like to run a business?
All our AIMS accountants know what it's like to run their own business and therefore are able to offer successful business advice as well as manage all your accountancy needs. They fully understand the pressures that you are under and offer a wide range of commercial experience which can help with the development of your growing business.
Q: Is it easy to contact an AIMS Accountant when I need to?
AIMS accountants are easily accessible by phone and E Mail with responses being on a timely basis. They are also available to meet you at you convenience and location. They are easy to talk to and will take care of all your accounting needs.
Q: Who will handle my work?
Your point of contact will be the AIMS accountant. They are personally responsible to you. AIMS accountants are local businesses but are also part of a nationwide network of over 240 accountants.
Q: How do AIMS keep up to date with current issues and regulations?
All AIMS accountants are qualified and being members of Accountancy Institutes have Continuing Professional Development regulations that they have to conform to. In addition they have access to a technical support line which provides them with regular updates can give them advice on technical queries when required.
Q: Do I need knowledge of my Tax?
No! Your AIMS Accountant will take care of everything - they will manage your finances so you can manage your business.
We have listed below a number of direct links to important information regarding VAT, Tax etc. but don't expect it to be as easy as it reads.
Calculators
Car and fuel benefit charge (more)
Payslip (more)
VAT Registration Checker (more)
Other (more)
Tax Rates
We have taken it upon ourselves to list the most commonly used tax rates - making it easily available to you at all times. (more)
Below we offer you a list of four tax saving checklists.
Our AIMS Accountants are here to help you every step of the way.
Tax saving checklist number 1
Getting it right from the start
The most successful entrepreneurs all started by taking a risk and risks don't come much bigger than starting up your own business. With the capital generated being fed directly into your business from day one, there's limited time to build up a safety net in case things go wrong. (more)
Tax saving checklist number 2
Tax is Taxing
Unfortunately all income, profits and gains are taxable and there are so many different kinds of tax it's no wonder we all get confused. Here are some areas we suggest that you consider: (more)
Tax saving checklist number 3
Keeping it in the family
You have worked hard and saved hard - so don't let it all go to waste. There are numerous areas that you need to consider in order to keep you assets within your family and not in the tax man's back pocket. (more)
Tax saving checklist number 4
Selling up
If you are looking to sell your assets there are a few things you need to know to keep your Capital Gains tax to a minimum. Here are some areas we suggest that you consider: (more)
