Do You Need an Accountant for Your Ltd Company in 2025?

Running a limited company in 2025? You might be asking, can I do my own accounts for a limited company? The truth is, it’s not mandatory, but that doesn’t mean it’s a step you should skip. Here’s what you need to know about compliance, cost, and whether it’s worth the investment.

Key Takeaways

• You’re not legally required to hire an accountant, but you’re still responsible for meeting all filing and tax obligations accurately and on time.

• For most limited companies, the time saved, reduced stress, and improved accuracy make getting help a smart move especially when it comes to Companies House and HMRC submissions.

Is an Accountant Legally Required for a Ltd Company?

No, you’re not legally required to hire an accountant for your limited company in the UK.

However, you’re still legally responsible for:

• Submitting annual accounts to Companies House

• Filing a Company Tax Return with HMRC

• Meeting your limited company tax return deadline

• Keeping accurate records and staying compliant with Companies House accounts filing requirements

• Running payroll if you pay yourself a salary

Even if you do it yourself, these tasks must be accurate and on time. Mistakes or late submissions can lead to penalties, interest charges, or director disqualification.

RELATED: New Companies House Fines: What You Must Know

So while an accountant isn’t mandatory, they can help you stay compliant, save time, and avoid costly errors.

Cost vs. Benefit: Is It Worth It?

Hiring an accountant isn’t free, but for many limited companies, it’s a smart investment.

Doing everything yourself might save money upfront, especially if your finances are simple and you’re confident using accounting software. But it can also mean spending hours on bookkeeping, tax returns, and staying up to date with changing rules.

An accountant takes care of all that for you, saving time, reducing stress, and helping you avoid costly mistakes or penalties. They can also advise you on things like how to pay yourself tax-efficiently, what you can claim as expenses, and how to stay compliant with rules like Making Tax Digital.

If your company has VAT, payroll, growing income, or multiple income streams, the benefit of expert support often outweighs the cost. Even small errors with taxes or filing can lead to penalties, so having someone on your side can bring peace of mind and real savings in the long run.

Not sure which route is right for you? BOOK A FREE CALL with JAFA. In just a few minutes, we’ll help you understand whether you can handle things solo or if it’s time to get support.

What We Think

We’ve seen many small business owners try to manage everything themselves until the admin piles up and mistakes start slipping through. The truth is, the system isn’t always fair. HMRC expects directors to meet complex requirements, often with little clear guidance.

Most limited companies benefit from some level of accounting support, especially with things like tax planning, compliance, and MTD. It’s not just about saving time - it’s about avoiding penalties and having peace of mind.

Our advice? Don’t wait until it feels overwhelming. Getting help early often means fewer problems, and better financial decisions, in the long run.

How JAFA Can Help

From automated bookkeeping to real-time tax insights and reminders, JAFA handles the heavy lifting. And when things get complicated, you won’t be left guessing, we’re here with real support when you need it.

We’ll help you:

• Stay on top of filing deadlines and avoid late penalties

• Keep your records organised and MTD-compliant

• Understand what you can claim and how to pay yourself efficiently

• Get clear, jargon-free answers when you need them

Not sure what you need? BOOK A QUICK FREE CALL - no pressure, just clear advice to help you decide what works best for your company.