Am I being ripped off by my accountant.?

[JuliaBrett]

Hi,
I'm a single mother juggling starting my own business with raising children, and have been very concerned over my new accountants bill's.
He has sent long involved emails in reply to the odd single email I have sent him, asking him simple enough questions like 'when do I need to get this paid to HMRC by?' And similar type questions.
I was shocked to see that he has charged hundreds for the replies.
He has also charged my emails he has sent out of the blue, with unsolicited advice, which he has then charged me for. I queried these charges and asked 'when did I ask for this advice ?!'
He gave me no real answer, I asked for a proper breakdown of the invoices and charges but have got nowhere.
There is nothing at all mentioned in the terms and conditions about advice, so who and how do I get this sorted out?

[LouiseTrees]

You leave him and move to another accountant. I can give you names. It’s ridiculous when they do this but don’t give forewarning. Things like furlough advice I get might be the exception this year but if can’t just say you have a couple of options on how to pay and list those which should be part of your general fee unless they are more complicated questions then he’s not right for you.

[Sweetpopsicle]

He should be charging you.£250 fpr your rax retunr and that's it
Tell him you are not paying for unwanted advice.
Move to a mew accountant and agree charges beforehand.

[Reedwarbler]

Yes, change accountants. We had a dreadful one a few years ago who would duplicate work and charge again. Just wish we had sacked her sooner.

[JuliaBrett]

How did she think she could get away with charging twice!
Never even crossed my mind to see if mine has been charging double! I always thought these types of professions were above board.
Thanks for your advice everyone.

[DelurkingAJ]

Are they chartered? ‘Accountant’ is not a protected term. IF they are chartered then report them to their accountancy body (there should be a complaints process on their website). If not then I’m afraid that they’re an accountant means nothing, they’re not signed up to an ethics or other professional code. Next time make sure the person you use is chartered.

Someone who isn’t chartered isn’t necessarily bad but you don’t have the back up of a professional body if it goes pear shaped.

[LouiseTrees]

@Sweetpopsicle

He should be charging you.£250 fpr your rax retunr and that's it
Tell him you are not paying for unwanted advice.
Move to a mew accountant and agree charges beforehand.

Not necessarily 250 but as I said I agree with the point. Could be cheaper for a personal return, could be more might need accounts etc if have a limited company.