Chartered Certified Accountants in Chester
Phillips & Co
Est. 2012 • Family-Run Firm • Xero Partner
- Transparent, Fixed-Fee Accountancy Packages in Chester With Zero Hidden Costs or Surprise Bills
- Highly Recommended Local Tax Accountants Featuring a 4.9-Star Google Rating from 96 Verified Client Reviews
- Conveniently Located at Chester Business Park for Face-to-Face Business Support
Earn Over £50k from Self-Employment or Property? You Must Switch to Quarterly HMRC Tax Updates by April 2026.
The way you report your earnings to HMRC is officially changing. If you are a self-employed business owner or a property investor in Chester, here is exactly what you need to know about the new MTD for Income Tax (ITSA) rules:
Who does it affect? Any sole trader, freelancer, or property landlord with a combined total gross income of over £50,000. (Note: Limited Companies remain completely exempt from these specific rules).
What is changing? The traditional annual Self-Assessment tax return is being replaced. You are now legally required to maintain digital records and submit quarterly tax updates directly to HMRC, followed by a final end-of-year declaration.
What do you need to do? You must have MTD-compatible cloud accounting software (such as Xero) officially linked to your HMRC account before your new accounting period begins.
Don’t risk HMRC non-compliance penalties. Read our Ultimate Guide to MTD or explore our MTD-Ready Sole Trader and Landlord Packages to let our Chester accountants handle the entire digital transition for you.
Trusted Accountants in Chester for Businesses, Landlords & Individuals
Phillips & Co is your trusted local accountancy firm, conveniently based on Chester Business Park. We deliver expert Self Assessment, tax, and bookkeeping services to sole traders, limited companies, and landlords across Cheshire, North Wales, and the Wirral. With HMRC’s Making Tax Digital (MTD) mandate changing how individuals report their income, we specialise in making your transition to digital tax completely seamless and stress-free.
As Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) established in Chester for over 10 years (Est. 2012), we provide clear, jargon-free advice to help you minimise tax and grow with confidence. Whether you need a fixed-fee monthly package or a simple one-off tax return, our friendly team offers tailored support to suit your needs.
We are more than just a service provider—we are your long-term financial partner.
★★★★★
I feel that it is important to express my whole hearted appreciation of Phillips & Co for their work… Having been in business for 40 odd years with numerous accountants I have never had such a brilliant and professional service.
Neil Ferguson,
Wirral
Accountancy Services in Chester
From our office on Chester Business Park, we provide a complete range of accounting and tax services to keep you compliant and financially confident. Whether you are a landlord, a startup, a sole trader or an established Limited Company, discover how we can help.
Year-End Statutory Accounts
Full preparation of statutory accounts and Corporation Tax Returns (CT600) for Limited Companies, ensuring complete accuracy and HMRC compliance.
Tax Planning & Efficiency
Proactive advice on dividends, salaries, and allowable expenses to ensure you never pay more tax than necessary, while staying fully compliant.
Self Assessment & Landlords
Stress-free personal tax returns and MTD-compliant digital submissions for individuals, directors, sole traders, and property landlords.
Payroll & CIS Management
Accurate, on-time payroll processing, workplace pensions, and CIS returns for local employers—ensuring you stay fully compliant with every HMRC deadline.
Company Secretarial
We handle your Companies House Confirmation Statement filing and statutory register updates so you never miss a deadline or risk late penalties.
Cloud Bookkeeping (Xero)
Automate your bookkeeping, giving you real-time business clarity and guaranteeing you are 100% compliant with the new Making Tax Digital (MTD) rules.
Business Startup Support
Complete company formation packages and structural advice to help new Chester startups launch successfully, with all HMRC registrations handled for you.
Management Accounts
Quarterly reporting and cashflow forecasting to help you make smarter, data-driven business decisions and track your profitability throughout the financial year.
Ready to simplify your finances? Contact our friendly team today.
Why Choose Phillips & Co Accountants?
- Proactive Tax Planning — We go beyond simple compliance. We actively review your business structure and expenses to ensure you are operating efficiently and are fully prepared for major HMRC shifts like Making Tax Digital.
- Dedicated Personal Service — You will not be passed around a call centre. You work directly with a consistent, qualified accountants who understand your business history and financial goals.
- Family Values, Chartered Standards — As a family-run ACCA firm, we combine the personal care of a local practice with the technical rigour and ethical standards of a Chartered body.
★★★★★
Caught between a rock and a hard place with my timeline to get my self-assessment over the line, they managed it before the deadline while saving me money. Prompt and accurate, they deliver an impeccable service, which I highly recommend.
Damien Mason,
Liverpool
★★★★★
I was reluctant to switch from my bookkeeper but needed an accountant for my limited company accounts. Making the leap to Phillips & Co was the right decision. Their team made the entire process painless and have been very patient, professional, and clear.
Christina Saunders,
Chester
★★★★★
I am absolutely made up with the service and attention to detail by Mark and Terry. They pay meticulous attention to every tiny query I have and are very good with evaluation and solutions at every step, delivering noticeable savings and greater efficiency.
Stephanie Lobo,
Chester
Fixed-Fee Accountants in Chester — Transparent Pricing
We offer clear, upfront pricing for every type of client. No ticking clock, no surprise bills—just complete peace of mind and exceptional value all year round.
Note: Our Limited Company packages include the preparation and filing of your Confirmation Statement. The standard Companies House filing fee (£50) is charged separately. Cloud accounting software subscriptions (e.g., Xero) are not included in our package fees; these can be paid directly by you or managed by us and recharged at cost.
Sole Trader Packages
From- Includes annual accounts, Self Assessment tax return, Making Tax Digital (MTD) support, and unlimited advice from your dedicated accountant.
Ltd Company Packages
From- The complete solution for Small Businesses. Includes Statutory Accounts, Corporation Tax, Director’s Self Assessment, and ongoing HMRC compliance.
Partnership Packages
From- Specialist support for Partnerships & LLPs. Includes Partnership Tax Return, personal Self Assessments for two partners, and profit allocation advice.
Landlord Packages
From- Dedicated accountancy services for Chester property investors. Maximum tax efficiency and MTD compliance for single buy-to-lets to large portfolios.
Tax Tips & News from Accountants in Chester
Don’t get caught out by HMRC changes. Phillips & Co shares clear, timely alerts on tax deadlines, allowable expenses, and business finance updates. Read our latest guides to help you stay compliant and keep more of your hard-earned money.
Making Tax Digital (MTD) Starts April 2026: The Ultimate Guide for Chester Sole Traders & Landlords
Author: Phillips & Co Accountants, Chester Date: 04 March, 2026 If you are a sole trader or a landlord, the way you report your income to HMRC is undergoing the biggest change in a generation. Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self Assessment (MTD for ITSA)...
Missed the January 31st Tax Deadline? Here’s How to Stop the Fines Snowballing
Author: Phillips & Co Accountants, Chester Date: 26 February, 2026 January 31st has come and gone, and if you didn’t quite manage to submit your Self Assessment tax return on time, take a deep breath—you are far from alone. According to recent data, while over 11...
Do You File Your Own Company Returns? Read This Important Update
Author: Phillips & Co Accountants, Chester Date: 10 November, 2025 If you are one of the many company directors who handles their own administrative filings at Companies House, your usual routine is about to change. As Accountants in Chester advising many local...
★★★★★
In over 50 years of using accountancy services, this company is the best ever found. Superb service and highly recommended.
John Prizeman,
Chester
Book a Free Consultation with Expert Accountants in Chester
Ready to keep more of what you earn? Schedule a no-obligation chat with our Chartered Certified team. We are conveniently located on Chester Business Park and ready to help you save tax, reduce admin, and grow your business.
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Top-Rated Chartered Certified Accountants in Chester — rated 4.9/5 stars based on 96 verified Google reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions — Accountants in Chester
What is Making Tax Digital (MTD) and does it affect me?
Starting next month (April 2026), the HMRC Making Tax Digital (MTD) mandate becomes law. If you are a sole trader or a property landlord with a combined gross income over £50,000, you can no longer file a traditional annual Self-Assessment. You must use compatible digital software to submit quarterly tax updates to HMRC. Limited companies are currently exempt from this rule. At Phillips & Co, our MTD-ready packages handle this entire digital transition for you seamlessly.
How much do your accountancy packages cost?
We believe in 100% transparent, fixed-fee pricing with absolutely no surprise bills. Our monthly accounting packages start from just £32/month for Landlords, £32/month for Sole Traders, and £75/month for Limited Companies. We also offer one-off services, such as a standard Personal Tax Return for £295. All fees are discussed and agreed upon in advance, so you always know exactly what you are paying for.
Should I operate as a Sole Trader or a Limited Company?
This is one of the most common questions we receive! Generally, once your profits approach the £50,000 mark, a Limited Company becomes much more tax-efficient than operating as a sole trader. Furthermore, trading exclusively through a Limited Company completely exempts you from the new MTD quarterly reporting rules coming in April 2026. We offer a one-off Director’s Tax Efficiency Review (£495) to crunch the exact numbers for your specific situation.
Is Xero cloud accounting software included in your fees?
While our monthly fixed-fee packages cover all your HMRC compliance, filings, and expert advisory support, the subscription cost for cloud accounting software (such as Xero) is not included in the package fee. This software subscription can either be paid directly by you to the provider, or we can manage the license for you and recharge it at cost on your monthly invoice.
Is it difficult to switch to Phillips & Co from another accountant?
Not at all—we make switching completely effortless. Once you decide to join us, you simply provide us with your previous accountant's details. We will contact them directly on your behalf, request professional clearance, and securely transfer all your financial records and HMRC agent authorisations. There is no awkward conversation required on your part!
Do you only work with businesses based in Chester?
While our office is conveniently located on Chester Business Park—perfect for clients across Cheshire, North Wales, and the Wirral who prefer face-to-face meetings—we work with businesses, contractors, and landlords throughout the UK. Thanks to secure cloud accounting software like Xero, we provide seamless, real-time financial support no matter where you are based.