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Checklist · Internal
New Practice Setup and HMRC Deadline Checklist for UK Accountants
Everything to sort before your first client, then the deadlines to track once you start.
Built by a practising Chartered Accountant · Unlimited users · 60-day free trial · Last updated 1 October 2026
Quick answer
Before taking on clients, a new UK practice needs AML supervision, an HMRC agent services account, professional indemnity insurance, engagement letters and an onboarding process. Once clients sign, each needs HMRC authorisation and a deadline calendar covering Self Assessment, VAT, Corporation Tax, payroll and Companies House filings. This checklist covers both stages.
What order should you set up a new practice in?
AML supervision first, then your HMRC agent services account, then insurance, letters and onboarding, then client authorisations and deadlines.
HMRC asks for your AML supervision details when you apply for an agent services account, so supervision comes first. Check current GOV.UK and professional body guidance, because requirements change.
Which deadlines should a new practice track from day one?
Self Assessment, VAT returns, Corporation Tax filing and payment, PAYE and RTI, confirmation statements and annual accounts for each client.
Set an internal deadline ahead of every statutory date, so work is ready for review in good time. Remindoo pulls Companies House dates for each company client and tracks recurring HMRC work by client.
Checklist preview
0/4 done · showing 4 of 24 itemsThe full 24-item checklist is in the download below. Enter your name and email to get it as a Word or PDF file.
This is a standard checklist. Each firm's requirements may vary, so please cross-check everything against current GOV.UK, Companies House and professional body guidance before relying on it.
See it working with your own clients
A 30-minute walkthrough using your services, deadlines and templates.
Turn this into a task and subtask template in Remindoo
Save each group as a task with subtasks, attach it to the right service and let recurring tasks create it for every client, every period. Each item gets an owner and a deadline, and nothing depends on someone remembering to print the list. See task and subtask templates.
Client onboarding automation
Standardise requests, checks and first services.
See featureAML risk scoring and digital ID checks
Risk assessments plus built-in digital KYC, AML and proof-of-address checks.
See featureCompanies House sync
Import company details and filing deadlines.
See featureRecurring tasks
Repeat work is created automatically on schedule.
See featureAutomated reminders
Timely prompts before work becomes urgent.
See featureWhat are the common mistakes?
- Applying for an ASA before AML supervision is in place
- Using a personal UTR for a limited company practice
- Starting work before the engagement letter is signed
- Not tracking which authorisation requests are still open
- Working to statutory deadlines with no internal deadline
“Companies House integration onboards clients in minutes; AML scoring keeps us compliant.”
Frequently asked questions
You need supervision before providing accountancy or tax services, and HMRC asks for your supervision details in the application, so arrange it first.
Yes. Download the Word and PDF versions and print or edit them for your practice.
No. Remindoo manages onboarding, AML checks, tasks, reminders and deadlines. You file through your usual filing software.
Ready to run a calmer practice?
See Remindoo with your own clients, or start free for 60 days with unlimited users.
Sources
Last updated 1 October 2026. General guidance, not regulatory advice.
Manage this work in Remindoo: Tasks and deadlines in Remindoo, alongside your CRM for accountants.
Why recording every task matters in an accountancy practice
Accounting firms run on deadlines: VAT returns, payroll, confirmation statements, accounts and Self Assessment. Recording every job as a task, with an owner and a date, is the simplest way to make sure nothing is missed.
Avoid penalties
HMRC and Companies House charge penalties for late filing. A task for every deadline, with an internal date before it, gives the team a buffer.
Nothing depends on memory
Recorded tasks mean work continues when someone is off sick, on leave or has left the firm.
Consistent quality
Subtask checklists make every job follow the same steps and reviews, whoever does the work.
Visibility for managers
Filters by owner, status and deadline show at a glance what is late, what is due and who needs help.
Practical tips from UK practice
- Set an internal deadline two to four weeks before every statutory deadline.
- Use recurring tasks for repeat work such as VAT, payroll and bookkeeping.
- Break larger jobs into subtasks, including a review step.
- Comment on the task instead of by email, so the history stays with the work.
Related Remindoo features
Written and reviewed by Annie, Product Lead at Remindoo. Guidance is general; check current GOV.UK and professional body guidance for your firm.
What UK practices say about Remindoo
Read all reviews on Trustpilot“With Remindoo, everything from the first enquiry to onboarding and ongoing client management is tracked in one place… It saves us hours and gives me, as a practice owner, complete visibility of where the firm stands.”
“The biggest benefit is having clients, tasks, deadlines, workflows, proposals and communication all organised in one place.”
“During my trial, the team were absolutely amazing. They helped onboard my clients, set up my settings and made sure everything was ready for me to use… they made the whole process completely stress-free.”
“It brings client information, tasks, recurring deadlines, workflows and reminders together in one place, giving us much better visibility across the team.”
