A handover record
What is handed over, who hands it over and when, in writing.
Changing accountant in an orderly way, with no gaps in the deadlines.
Change of accountant
Changing accountant is what most holds back a business owner who is unhappy with their team: the fear that something will go unfiled while the change is under way.
We do it with a handover record, the documents requested from the previous accountant and a calendar that assigns each deadline to whoever files it until the change is complete.
- Type of engagement
- Fixed-scope project
- Indicative timing
- Usually about 30 days from the day you decide to change; it depends on how long the previous accountant takes to hand over the documents.
- Fees
- In writing, before we start
- Who provides and signs
- Pearson Specter, with a single team for tax, accounting and payroll.
When it is needed
- You have been thinking about changing accountant for some time and do not know how to do it safely
- Your accountant is slow to reply or does not explain your taxes
- You want one team for tax, accounting and payroll
Why it matters
A calendar
Every deadline during the changeover, with the person responsible.
A first filing on time
The new team’s first tax return or payroll, filed on its due date.
What is included
- A handover record, with the list of documents requested from the previous accountant
- Authorisations to act before the Tax Agency and Social Security
- A calendar of obligations for the changeover period
- A review of the accounts up to the handover date
- The first tax and payroll filings, on their due dates
What is not included
- Claiming against the previous accountant for past errors: this is a Legal matter
- Dealing with the contract with your previous accountant (outstanding fees, notice): you or Legal handle this
- Defending tax audits or appeals: Legal handles these
Who it is for
- Companies unhappy with their accountant that have not dared to change
- Growing companies that need a single team for tax, accounting and payroll
The handover
Four steps, with dates.
What your accountant does today
A meeting to see what is filed, what falls due in the coming months and what documents exist.
Record and authorisations
The handover record and the authorisations to act before the Tax Agency and Social Security.
Changeover calendar
Every obligation during the changeover, assigned to whoever files it until the change is complete.
First filing
The new team’s first tax return or payroll, filed on its due date.
How it starts
A first meeting to see what your accountant handles today and what falls due in the coming months. With your authorisation, we prepare the letter to the previous accountant.
What to bring- The contract or engagement letter with your current accountant
- The calendar of taxes and payroll for the coming months, if you have one
- The latest accounts and the taxes filed
What you receive
- 01Handover recordWhat is handed over, who hands it over and on what date.
- 02List of documentsWhat is requested from the previous accountant: books, filed returns, payroll and contracts.
- 03Changeover calendarEvery obligation in the period, with its date and the person responsible.
- 04First filingThe first tax return or payroll filed by the new team, on its due date.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the change take?
Usually about 30 days. It depends mainly on how long the previous accountant takes to hand over the documents; in the meantime, the calendar covers every deadline.
Do I have to tell my accountant?
It depends on the contract: some require written notice. We review it with you and prepare the letter, with the handover date, so that the change is orderly.
Is there a risk of missing a deadline during the change?
The handover calendar assigns each obligation to whoever files it until the change is complete. It is the first thing agreed in writing.
“Changing team should not cost a single deadline.”
Guidance only.
Related in other areas
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A conversation, whenever you decide.
We reply to every enquiry within 24 working hours, in strict confidence.
The first thing we will ask for: the contract or engagement letter with your current accountant.