It’s the question every new business owner in West Sussex eventually asks. Usually, it happens late at night, surrounded by receipts, with a HMRC webpage open that makes absolutely no sense.

"Do I actually need an accountant, or can I just do this myself?"

In the early days, when every penny counts, paying for professional advice can feel like a luxury. And the honest answer is: sometimes, you don't need one. If you have a very simple side-hustle, you can often manage alone.

But there comes a tipping point where not having an accountant starts costing you more than their fee—in missed tax savings, wasted time, and potential fines.

Whether you're a freelancer in Horsham or running a growing limited company in Manor Royal, here is your honest guide to deciding when it’s time to call in the pros.

1. At what point is it worth getting an accountant?

There isn’t a single "magic number" for turnover, but there are clear triggers that suggest you’ve outgrown the DIY approach.

The "Complexity" Trigger If your business is just you selling a service with very few expenses, you might be fine. But as soon as you have:

• Inventory or Stock: Buying and selling goods complicates your cash flow and tax.
• Payroll: Hiring your first employee (even part-time) brings PAYE and pension duties that are tough to manage manually.
• VAT Registration: Once you hit the £90,000 turnover threshold (or register voluntarily), the penalties for errors get steeper and the filing becomes more frequent (quarterly).

The "Limited Company" Trigger While sole traders can often file their own Self-Assessment, running a Limited Company is a different beast. You have statutory obligations to file accounts with Companies House and Corporation Tax returns with HMRC in specific formats (iXBRL). Unless you have a finance background, this is the point where an accountant becomes essential, not optional.

The "Value of Time" Trigger Ask yourself: What is my hourly rate? If you charge £50 an hour for your services, and you spend 10 hours a month struggling with bookkeeping, that’s £500 of billable time you’ve lost. A good accountant will cost a fraction of that.

2. Is it better to use an accountant for a tax return?

Technically, anyone can file a tax return. The system is designed to be accessible. However, "filing it" and "filing it correctly and tax-efficiently" are two very different things.

Why "Better" Often Means "Cheaper in the Long Run" An accountant doesn't just fill in the boxes you tell them to. They look for the boxes you missed.

• Did you claim the £312 annual working-from-home allowance?
• Did you claim the full 45p/mile for your business travel to Gatwick or London?
• Have you used your Annual Investment Allowance for that new laptop?

We often find that for sole traders in Crawley, the tax savings we find in their first year cover our fee entirely. So yes, it is usually better—not just for peace of mind, but for your bank balance.

3. What are the pros and cons of an accountant?

Let’s look at this objectively.

The Pros

• Tax Efficiency: We know the rules inside out. We ensure you claim every relief you’re entitled to, reducing your bill legally.
• Time Freedom: You get your weekends back. No more Sunday evenings spent categorising expenses.
• Reduced Risk: HMRC investigations can be stressful. Having a professional prepare your return significantly lowers the risk of errors that trigger enquiries.
• Strategic Growth: A proactive accountant (like Curve) sits down with you to plan your future, not just record your past.

The Cons

• Cost: There is a monthly or annual fee. For micro-businesses earning very little, this can be a significant overhead.
• Loss of Total Control: You have to trust someone else with your numbers. (This is why choosing a local partner you can meet face-to-face in Crawley is so important).

4. Can I do my own tax return without an accountant?

Yes, absolutely.

If you are a sole trader with a turnover under £85,000, straightforward expenses, and you are organised with your records, you can file your own Self-Assessment. HMRC offers guidance, and if you have the time and patience, it is a perfectly valid route.

However, be aware of the "Unknown Unknowns" The danger of DIY isn't the mistakes you know you're making; it's the ones you don't.

• You might accidentally classify a capital purchase (like a van) as a revenue expense.
• You might miss a valid deduction because you didn't know it existed.
• You might miss a deadline and face an instant £100 fine.

The Curve Verdict If your business is a hobby or a very small side income, DIY is fine. But if you are ambitious, growing, or relying on this business to pay your mortgage, the DIY route is a risk. You wouldn't rewire your own house to save money on an electrician—don't risk your financial safety to save on an accountant.

Ready to hang up your DIY hat?

If you’re spending more time wrestling with spreadsheets than growing your business, it’s time to chat. At Curve Accountancy, we help business owners across West Sussex move from surviving the paperwork to building a profitable future.

Get in touch for a friendly, no-obligation chat today.