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📋 Free MTD Readiness Checklist
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How we help with MTD
Whether you’re just getting ready or need ongoing quarterly management, we have a service that fits.
MTD Software Setup
We select, configure and connect your MTD-compatible accounting software (Xero, QuickBooks, FreeAgent) and link it to HMRC on your behalf.
MTD ITSA Onboarding Package
Full setup including HMRC agent authorisation, software configuration, quarterly workflow design and an onboarding training call.
MTD Quarterly Management
We handle your 4 quarterly digital submissions plus the year-end finalisation declaration. Fully managed — zero admin from you.
MTD questions answered
Not sure if MTD applies to you?
Book a free 30-minute call and we’ll tell you exactly what you need to do.
Accounting built for UK contractors
Whether you operate inside or outside IR35, we handle all your compliance — Ltd company accounts, self-assessment, payroll, VAT and tax planning.
Annual Accounts & CT600
Filed on time every year. We track your year-end date and work ahead of deadlines.
Dividend & Salary Planning
We model the most tax-efficient split between salary and dividends for your situation each year.
Self-Assessment
Included in Silver — your personal tax return prepared and filed each January.
Payroll & VAT
Monthly RTI payroll for 1 director and quarterly VAT returns under MTD — all included in Silver.
Working Practices Advice
Proactive guidance on maintaining a genuine business structure and reducing HMRC enquiry risk.
Switching Accountants
We handle the full handover from your current accountant within 48–72 hours — no downtime.
Inside vs Outside IR35 — Take-Home Pay
Enter your day rate below to compare estimated annual take-home pay. Expenses are only deductible outside IR35.
IR35 Take-Home Pay Calculator
2025/26 tax year · Based on optimal salary/dividend split · Estimates only — book a call for a personalised review
Your Details
Estimated Annual Take-Home
Outside IR35 (Ltd Company)
Inside IR35 (Umbrella)
ⓘ These figures are illustrative estimates based on 2025/26 tax rates. Outside IR35 assumes a Ltd company with optimal salary/dividend split, basic-rate taxpayer, no other income. Inside IR35 includes umbrella margin (~£30/wk), employer NI (13.8%), apprenticeship levy (0.5%) and standard PAYE deductions. Actual take-home will vary based on your individual circumstances. Always seek professional advice.
Want a personalised IR35 review?
We provide written contract reviews and working practices assessments for £150 each.
The freshwater blog
Plain-English guides on IR35, MTD, dividends, HMRC deadlines and everything a UK business owner needs to know. New articles every month.
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IR35 2026: What Contractors Need to Know
The rules haven’t changed but HMRC enforcement is intensifying. Here’s what every outside-IR35 contractor should have in order before their next contract starts.
Making Tax Digital: Your 5-Step Action Plan for April 2026
MTD ITSA is mandatory from April 2026 for income over £50,000. Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting compliant before the deadline without the stress.
Dividends vs Salary: The Optimal Split for 2025/26
How much should you take as salary and how much as dividends? We break down the numbers for a typical Ltd company contractor at different income levels.
Landlord Tax 2026: What’s Changed and What You Must Do
From MTD ITSA to mortgage interest restrictions — landlords face a changing tax landscape in 2026. Here’s your complete guide to staying compliant and tax-efficient.
Key Tax Deadlines for 2025/26: The Complete Calendar
Never miss a filing deadline again. This guide covers every key date — SA, corporation tax, VAT, payroll, confirmation statements — for the 2025/26 tax year.
Closing Your Ltd Company: Strike-Off vs MVL Explained
Thinking of closing your Ltd company? There are two main routes — voluntary strike-off (DS01) and a Members’ Voluntary Liquidation. We explain when to use each.
New articles published every month.
Refer a friend — earn £100
Know someone who needs a great accountant? Send them our way. When they sign up on a monthly retainer, you’ll receive a £100 Amazon voucher as our thank you. No limit — refer as many as you like.
Tell Them About Us
Share our website with a friend, colleague or fellow contractor who needs an accountant. Or fill in the referral form below and we’ll reach out to them directly.
They Sign Up
Your contact books a free call, chooses their plan, and signs an engagement letter on a Silver or Gold monthly retainer. Bronze dormant plans are not eligible.
You Earn £100
Once they’ve been a client for 30 days, we send you a £100 Amazon voucher as our thank you. No cap, no expiry — refer as many clients as you like.
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Questions about the referral programme?
Your client portal
Everything you need to manage your accounts, share documents and track key deadlines — all in one place.
Accounting Software
Log in to your cloud accounting platform to view your accounts, submit expenses and track invoices in real time.
Access SoftwareDocument Upload
Send us bank statements, receipts or any documents securely. Email to info@freshwateraccounting.co.uk or use WhatsApp.
Send DocumentsBook a Call
Need to discuss something? Book a call directly with your accountant at a time that suits you — including evenings and weekends.
Book a CallAnnual Tax Calendar
Key filing deadlines and payment dates. We track all of these for you — you'll never miss a deadline.
Key dates to keep in mind. We’ll always remind you in advance — but it’s good to know what’s coming.
Self-assessment tax return + payment deadline
Ltd company accounts filed with Companies House
Corporation Tax payment deadline
Corporation Tax return (CT600) filing deadline
VAT return and payment due one month + 7 days after quarter end
Confirmation statement due within 14 days of review period end
Tax year end — plan dividends and pension contributions before this date
Digital income/expense submissions — we handle these for you if you’re on MTD management
A fresh approach to accounting
freshwater Chartered Accountants is a fully remote, ICAEW-registered practice specialising in UK limited companies, contractors, small businesses and landlords. We believe accountancy should be responsive, genuinely useful and straightforward — not something you dread once a year.
We operate entirely remotely across the UK, keeping overheads low and passing the value to our clients. You deal directly with a qualified chartered accountant — not a call centre, not a junior, not a ticket system.
We’re available evenings and weekends because we understand you run your business around your life — not the other way around. WhatsApp, email or a scheduled call — whatever works for you.
“Switched to freshwater after years of being ignored by a big online firm. Night and day difference — proactive, responsive and actually understands contracting.”
IT Contractor, outside IR35 — Silver Plan
“Finally an accountant who explains things in plain English. MTD had me worried — they sorted everything in a week.”
Landlord with 3 properties — Silver Plan
Regulated by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales — the gold standard of UK accountancy, with full professional indemnity insurance and AML compliance.
Full PII cover for your protection. Registered with the ICO for data protection compliance (GDPR).
Registered MTD agent with HMRC. MTD-compliant software for all VAT and income tax submissions.
Authorised Corporate Service Provider with Companies House for identity verification and confirmation statement filing.
Evenings Mon–Fri and Saturday mornings. Because your questions don’t wait until Monday.
Cloud-based systems, secure document handling and digital signatures. Available wherever you are in the UK.
Let’s talk about your business
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