Switching Accountants — How to Change Your Accountant
What if my old accountant won't cooperate or disputes fees?
Spoke 5 — protections favour you. Fee disputes, slow cooperation, mid-year overlap.
Most switches are smooth. Friction usually comes down to one of three things: 1. **Fee disputes** — clearance cannot be refused for fees alone, but a "lien" may retain documents until settled. **Fix**: pay legitimate outstanding invoices before switching. 2. **Slow cooperation** — regulated firms (ICAEW, ACCA, IFA) are required to cooperate within reasonable time. Escalation to their professional body is the route if they stall. 3. **Mid-year-end overlap** — switching mid-process can mean paying both firms for overlapping work. Avoid by switching at a natural break. A difficult exit is often the clearest sign you were right to leave. Protections favour you. **Read the full guide at [rraccountants.uk/problems-changing-accountant](https://rraccountants.uk/problems-changing-accountant).**
Resources
Bring your next MTD submission to SmartBooks.
Create a SmartBooks workspace now, or book a demo if you want to walk through the workflow with the team first.