04/09/2026
📂 YOUR ACCOUNTANT CAN'T WORK MAGIC THE DAY BEFORE THE DEADLINE… 🪄😂
We'd love to say we can… but unfortunately, even accountants have their limits!
One of the biggest causes of last-minute panic when it comes to accounts, VAT returns and Self Assessments is simply not getting the information to us early enough.
We regularly hear:
😬 “I forgot to send that bank statement…”
🧾 “I've got a bag of receipts somewhere…”
📱 “I thought the bank feed was still connected…”
📧 “I'll forward those invoices tonight…”
🤔 “I'm sure I sent you that already…”
⏰ And the classic… “It's due tomorrow – can you just get it filed?”
The problem is, preparing your accounts or tax return isn't simply a case of pressing a button.
Before we're happy to submit something, we may need to:
🔎 Review and reconcile your transactions
🏦 Check bank balances and statements
🧾 Review invoices and expenses
❓ Raise queries with you
💷 Check payroll, VAT and CIS records
📊 Review the figures for anything unusual
🧮 Calculate your tax position
📑 Prepare the relevant accounts and returns
✍️ Send everything to you for approval and signature
And sometimes, one missing document can hold the whole process up.
⚠️ THE DEADLINE IS THE LAST DATE TO FILE – NOT THE DATE TO START!
Getting your records to us early gives us time to prepare everything properly, ask questions and make sure nothing has been missed.
It also gives YOU more time.
If you know your tax bill months in advance, you can plan for it rather than finding out a few days before it's due.
💡 A FEW SIMPLE HABITS MAKE A MASSIVE DIFFERENCE:
✅ Keep your bookkeeping up to date
✅ Upload receipts as you go
✅ Keep your accounting software connected to your bank
✅ Respond to queries from your accountant
✅ Send requested information promptly
✅ Don't wait for the deadline before checking what's needed
And if you're one of our clients and you receive an email asking for information…
We promise we're not emailing you for fun. 😂
The quicker we receive everything, the quicker we can get your work prepared and give you the figures you need.
At L&J's Accountants, we want the process to be as straightforward and stress-free as possible – but that works best when we work together. 💛
📩 Not sure what records you should be keeping or what your accountant needs from you?
Get in touch and we'll happily guide you.