Online tax and accounts service for small businesses
Offer yearly accounts and tax returns for small firms and limited company directors, all handled online.
- £1k-5k
- Part-time
- Online
Estimates for a small start in the UK, not guarantees.
Official data
12,759 UK companies in this field, 18% registered in the last 2 years
SIC 69203 “Tax consultancy”. Source: Companies House, November 2026.
What it is
A fully online service preparing year-end accounts, company tax returns and director Self Assessment returns for small businesses, with clients across the UK.
Your first three steps
- Make sure your qualifications and experience cover company accounts and corporation tax, and fill any gaps with training
- Set up cloud accounting and practice software, and build a simple website with clear package prices
- Contact local accountants, networking groups and freelancer communities to find your first small business clients
Who pays
Small limited companies, contractors, sole traders and new businesses who want a fixed-price, hassle-free service.
How it makes money
Fixed monthly or yearly packages covering accounts, tax returns and support, with add-ons such as payroll or VAT returns.
Skills that help
- Accounting and tax knowledge
- Comfortable with cloud accounting software
- Clear writing and video calls
- Marketing yourself online
Watch out for
- Professional indemnity insurance
- Anti-money laundering supervision: check whether you must register with HMRC or a professional body
- Check whether the work you plan to do requires membership of a professional body, and how you may describe yourself (for example the term 'accountant')
- Data protection duties and secure handling of client records
- Filing deadlines fall on your clients' dates, so late information can cause pressure
Deep research report · UK
Everything you need to start: online tax service for small businesses
Researched with live web search for United Kingdom: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start an online accounts and tax service?
Startup costs are typically around £1,000 to £5,000, depending on your software, insurance, website and any professional memberships. These are estimates, so cost your own set-up before you start.
How much can an online small business tax service earn?
Monthly revenue is typically around £800 to £4,000, depending on how many clients you serve and your fixed prices. This is an estimate, and the idea assumes at least about 10 hours a week.
What should I check before offering accounts and tax services?
Check professional indemnity insurance and anti-money laundering supervision. Check whether your work requires professional body membership and how you may describe yourself, such as using the term 'accountant'. Also check data protection duties for client records.
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