accounting for tradespeople

Rated 5/5 on Google★★★★★
AAT QUALIFIED ACCOUNTANT FOR TRADESPEOPLE

Accounting for Tradespeople, done properly.

I handle your accounts, tax returns, VAT and bookkeeping personally, so you can get back to the work you are actually good at.

Fixed fees, plain English, and a direct line to me whenever a question comes up.

★★★★★Google Review

“Would 100% recommend, is always polite, professional and helpful! His knowledge has been a saving grace many times.”

Sally Radford · verified client
Tradesperson reviewing accounts with an AAT qualified accountant at Anchor Accounts and Books
7+ years of practice experience
AAT Level 4 qualified (FMAAT)
5/5 rating across all Google Reviews
Same-day responses as standard
QuickBooks ProAdvisor and FreeAgent Partner

Is your trade business tax-ready?

Answer five quick questions and get a clear, personalised next step for your accounts and tax position.

WHAT I DO

What I handle on your behalf

From CIS deductions to VAT returns and year-end accounts, I take care of the paperwork so you do not have to.

01

CIS and Self Assessment Tax Returns

If you work under the Construction Industry Scheme, I handle your CIS bookkeeping, reconcile deductions and make sure your Self Assessment is filed accurately and on time. I keep track of what has been deducted at source so you claim back every penny you are owed. You do not need to understand CIS yourself. That is my job.

Sole traders and subcontractors
02

VAT Returns and Making Tax Digital

I prepare and submit your VAT returns each quarter and keep you compliant with Making Tax Digital requirements. For tradespeople, the VAT Flat Rate Scheme can sometimes save money, though the right choice depends on your costs and turnover. I work that out with you so you are on the right scheme from the start.

MTD compliant
03

Bookkeeping and Cloud Accounting Setup

I set you up on QuickBooks, FreeAgent, Xero or Sage depending on what suits how you work. Monthly or quarterly bookkeeping means your records are always up to date, not a panic at year-end. You get a clear picture of what you are earning, what you owe in tax and where your money is going.

QuickBooks ProAdvisor
WHY IT WORKS

Why clients come back every year

Tradespeople come to me because they want one person who knows their business and picks up the phone.

You deal with me directly, every time

There are no junior staff and no handoffs at Anchor. When you call or message, you reach me. That means your questions get answered fast by someone who already knows your situation. Most of my clients say this is the thing they value most after working with a big firm before.

Fixed fees with no surprises

You agree a fixed monthly fee upfront and it does not change. There are no hourly rates, no surprise invoices for a quick question and no bill that arrives at year-end bigger than you expected. You always know exactly what you are paying.

I understand how tradespeople actually operate

Cash payments, materials bought on the day, tools claimed as expenses, CIS deductions coming off invoices, jobs that run over. I know how a trade business works in practice and I set your accounts up to reflect that. You do not have to explain yourself or apologise for how your business runs.

FROM CLIENTS I WORK WITH

What clients say

★★★★★

“I had a shoebox full of receipts and no idea where to start. Luke sorted everything without making me feel embarrassed about it. My tax bill was lower than I feared and I finally know what I owe each month.”

R.T.
Self-Employed Electrician
★★★★★

“I moved from a national firm where I never spoke to the same person twice. Luke answers my messages the same day and actually knows my business. It is a completely different experience.”

D.M.
Limited Company Plumber
★★★★★

“The fixed fee was the thing that sold it for me. I know exactly what I pay each month and I can ring Luke whenever I need to without worrying about being charged for it.”

P.H.
Sole Trader Builder
GETTING STARTED

How it works

Getting started is straightforward and takes about 20 minutes of your time.

01

Book a free call

We have a short, no-obligation call where you tell me about your business and I explain exactly what I would do and what it costs. No jargon, no sales pressure.

02

I review your current position

I look at where your accounts currently stand, what is outstanding and whether anything needs sorting quickly. If there are any gaps or issues, I tell you plainly what they are and how to fix them.

03

We set everything up properly

I get you onto the right cloud accounting software for your business, connect it to your bank and make sure your bookkeeping is running cleanly from day one. No more guessing what you owe.

04

I handle it from here

Your VAT returns, Self Assessment, payroll and year-end accounts are filed on time every time. You get a message from me well ahead of each deadline, never a scramble at the last minute.

COMMON QUESTIONS

Common questions

If you work as a subcontractor in construction, your contractor should be deducting CIS from your payments unless you hold gross payment status. If you also hire subcontractors yourself, you need to register as a contractor too. I sort out both sides of this for clients who work across both roles.
It depends on your profit level, how much you want to take out of the business and your appetite for the extra admin that comes with a limited company. I work with both structures and give you an honest comparison based on your actual numbers before you make a decision.
Tools, materials, work clothing, van costs, fuel for business journeys, phone, insurance and professional subscriptions are among the most common. The key is that the expense must be incurred wholly for the business. I make sure you are claiming everything you are entitled to without overstepping.
That is a normal starting point and it is nothing I have not dealt with before. We work through what exists, fill in the gaps and get things up to date. Starting from behind is fine. The important thing is getting a clean system in place going forward.