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Frequently Asked Questions about Long White Cloud Accounting services

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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Haven't found the answers you're looking for? Explore our FAQs below, or if you’d like to learn more, book a free consultation with us today.

What is bookkeeping and why does it matter for London businesses?

Bookkeeping involves tracking and recording every financial transaction your business makes and presenting them in an organised manner. This process includes tasks such as bank reconciliations, raising sales invoices, entering purchase invoices and receipts, managing credit control (chasing payments), and processing payroll journals.

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Effective, high-quality bookkeeping allows you to stay on top of your business’s financial activities each month, providing the financial clarity needed to make informed decisions.

What is cloud accounting and why does it benefit small businesses?

Cloud accounting utilises an online platform to manage all your accounting tasks. With cloud-based accounting software, you can log in through an app or website, ensuring your financial data is updated in real-time. When you share access, your team can instantly view the most current figures.

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Integrating apps into your cloud accounting software allows for automation of routine tasks, such as automatically updating daily till sales every night. Additionally, bank feeds keep your bank accounts and credit cards up-to-date daily.

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The benefits of cloud accounting include eliminating the need to back up desktop software and accessing the latest financial information from anywhere, without needing to be in the office. Learn more about why digital bookkeeping is the way forward.

What is MTD and how does it affect your business?

Making Tax Digital (MTD) is a key component of the UK government’s initiative to modernise the tax system, aiming to reduce errors and increase efficiency. MTD requires businesses to maintain digital accounting records and use approved software to submit tax returns.

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Current MTD Timeline:

  • Now: All VAT-registered businesses must comply with MTD rules by keeping digital records and using software to submit VAT returns.

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  • April 2026: Self-employed businesses and landlords with annual business or property income above £50,000 will be required to adhere to MTD for Income Tax. This includes keeping digital records and submitting quarterly returns to HMRC using digital software.

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  • April 2027: The threshold for MTD for Income Tax compliance will extend to self-employed businesses and landlords with annual income above £30,000.

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  • Future Updates: Making Tax Digital will eventually be extended to Partnerships and Corporation Tax at a later date.

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For the latest information on Making Tax Digital, please visit the official HMRC website.

Why do I need a bookkeeping service alongside a year-end accountant?

As your dedicated monthly accountant, we’ll stay in regular contact with you throughout the year, keeping your accounts consistently organised and updated.

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We’ll make sure your monthly financial figures are finalised and ready for your year-end accountant, streamlining the preparation of your tax return and annual accounts. This efficient process reduces the time needed for year-end tasks, potentially lowering your accounting costs. Understand the benefits of having both a bookkeeper and an accountant.

Who do you work with?

We assist VAT-registered, Service Based Limited companies with their monthly accounting needs using Xero, a leading cloud-based accounting software. Our paperless business model ensures you use software to electronically capture all invoices and receipts, making your accounting processes more efficient and environmentally friendly.

How much do you charge?

Once we agree to work together, we’ll meet to discuss our range of accounting services designed to simplify your business operations. We use advanced software to manage your financial information, including the number of bank reconciliation lines and their frequency. Based on this, we’ll prepare a detailed proposal outlining the services you require and our charges for each.

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After you accept the proposal and contract, and once we complete our information-gathering and compliance checks, we’ll begin providing our services. All our fees are billed monthly, ensuring you always know your costs in advance. This transparent pricing approach means you’ll never face unexpected charges or unclear invoice descriptions. Please note, our minimum monthly fee is £350.

Which areas do you cover?

We are based in Surrey but proudly offer our accounting services across the whole of the UK.

Are you available for face-to-face meetings?

Yes, we primarily work from home with our main office based in Sutton, and we are happy to travel to clients in the surrounding areas. We prefer to meet local clients face-to-face before starting any work, and for ongoing, regular meetings. These can take place at your home, workplace, or a local cafe—whichever is most convenient for you.

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When in-person meetings are not feasible, we are flexible and can arrange Zoom or online meetings to ensure continuous support and communication.

Do you handle tax returns, annual accounts, or payroll services?

While these are not services we provide directly, we have a trusted network of professional bookkeepers and accountants we work closely with. We can refer you to someone suitable who meets your specific needs.

Which areas do you cover?

If I want to work with you what should I do?

To learn how our bookkeeping and accounting services can benefit your business, book a free, no-obligation consultation today.

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