Let’s talk about the kind of accountant who never says no.
The one who nods along when you say,
“Can I claim my holiday?”
“What about the birthday meal I had with my dog?”
“Surely I can put the lash extensions through as client engagement?”
And instead of rolling their eyes or giving you a firm no — they say,
“Yeah, why not?”
Let me tell you why not.
Because when things go wrong, it’s you who signs the tax return.
It’s your name HMRC will put on the enquiry letter.
It’s your money on the line.
A clever accountant doesn’t just say yes to everything.
A clever accountant asks the awkward questions, makes sure you’re not mixing business with brunch, and helps you sleep well at night knowing that your accounts won’t crumble under the slightest audit.
But sadly, there’s a certain type out there who sees rules as “guidelines” and HMRC as something to outsmart. They might look clever now — but when the music stops, they’re not the ones footing the bill. You are.
Here’s a truth bomb:
If your accountant never challenges you, they’re not clever. They’re dangerous.
And in the end, it’s not about getting away with it.
It’s about building a business that doesn’t need to.