Frequently asked questions
Straight answers, no fluff.
Common questions about working with Alto Accounting — pricing, services, switching, tax, and getting started. Can't find your answer? Get in touch.
14 questions covering pricing, services, switching, and tax
Updated for 2026/27 tax year
DocFAQ · 14 answers
Most agencies find their answer here
01About Alto
About Alto.
What makes Alto Accounting different from other accountants?
We specialise exclusively in UK creative and marketing agencies. That means we already understand retainers, project-based revenue, media passthrough, contractor management, and the cash flow challenges that come with agency life. You won't have to explain your business model.
Do you only work with agencies in London?
No. We work with agencies across the entire UK: London, Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, Bristol, Edinburgh, and everywhere in between. Our services are delivered remotely using cloud-based tools like Xero, so location is never a barrier.
What size of agency do you work with?
We work with agencies from £150k to £3m revenue. Whether you're a solo founder with a couple of contractors or a 30-person agency with multiple service lines, we have packages that fit.
Are you a regulated accounting practice?
Yes. Alto Accounting is an ACCA-regulated practice. Our principal accountant holds FCCA (Fellow of the ACCA) status, the highest designation awarded by the ACCA.
02Services & Pricing
Services & Pricing.
How much do your accounting services cost?
Our pricing is transparent and based on fixed monthly fees with no hidden costs. Packages range from £200–350/month for essential bookkeeping to £1,250–2,000/month for full virtual finance director services. Book a free call to get a quote tailored to your agency.
What's included in your monthly packages?
Every package includes monthly bookkeeping, management accounts, and year-end accounts preparation. Higher tiers add tax planning, payroll, VAT returns, cash flow forecasting, and strategic financial advice. We'll recommend the right package for your needs.
Do you handle payroll and contractor payments?
Yes. We manage PAYE payroll for your employees and can advise on contractor payment structures, including IR35 assessments for off-payroll working rules.
Can you help with R&D tax credits?
Absolutely. Many digital and creative agencies qualify for R&D tax credits without realising it. If your team builds custom software, develops new processes, or solves technical challenges, you could claim back a significant portion of those costs.
03Getting Started
Getting Started.
What does the free consultation involve?
It's a 15-minute video call where we review your current setup, identify any quick tax wins, and discuss whether we're a good fit. No obligation, no hard sell. Just honest advice.
How do I switch from my current accountant?
Switching is straightforward. We handle the transition for you, contacting your current accountant, obtaining your records, and setting up your Xero account. Most transitions take 2–4 weeks with zero disruption to your business.
Do I need to use Xero?
We recommend Xero because it's the best cloud accounting platform for agencies, but we can work with QuickBooks and FreeAgent too. If you're not yet on Xero, we'll help you migrate as part of your onboarding.
04Tax & Compliance
Tax & Compliance.
Can you help me pay less tax legally?
Yes. Tax planning is one of our core specialities. We optimise your salary/dividend split, ensure you're claiming all eligible expenses, advise on pension contributions, and identify opportunities like R&D tax credits and capital allowances.
Do you handle VAT returns?
Yes. We prepare and submit your VAT returns, advise on the right VAT scheme for your agency (flat rate vs standard), and ensure you're handling media passthrough correctly, a common pain point for agencies.
What about Making Tax Digital (MTD)?
We ensure full MTD compliance for all our clients. Xero is MTD-compatible out of the box, so if you're using Xero with us, you're already compliant.
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