Changing accountants can feel like a big task, especially when you are busy running a business. But a well-managed switch can be straightforward. You do not need to understand every technical detail before you start. You need to know what support you can expect, what information may be needed and who will handle work already in progress.
If you are comparing accountants in NZ or looking for a small business accountant in NZ, these ten points can help you choose with confidence.
1. Check that the accountant offers the support you need
Start by listing what you want help with. You may need an annual service, ongoing support, or help resolving older matters with Inland Revenue.
Ask whether the accountant’s services match your needs now and whether you can add support if your business changes. A clear scope helps you compare providers fairly.
Tax Doctor offers one-off accounting services and monthly packages. You can see the services available before getting in touch.
2. Get the fee agreed before work begins
Ask how the fee is set and what it covers. If the price could change, ask what would trigger an extra charge and whether you will be told before the accountant does additional work.
With fixed upfront fees, you know the agreed cost before work starts. Tax Doctor confirms fees in advance, so you can budget without worrying about surprise bills. See the pricing page for an overview.
3. Find out who you will deal with
Ask who will be your main contact and whether that person will stay involved from start to finish. A consistent accountant can get to know your business and explain things with your situation in mind.
At Tax Doctor, you work with a dedicated accountant throughout the process. You can ask questions, share information and review the work with someone familiar with your account.
4. Choose a way of working that suits you
Consider how you prefer to communicate and share documents. Do you want to meet in person, speak by phone, or handle things online?
A fully online service means you can work with an accountant without travelling to an office. Tax Doctor works with clients across New Zealand by video call, phone, email and secure electronic signatures. There is no need to print or post documents.
5. Check that location will not limit your choice
If you search for a “tax accountant near me”, it is worth considering whether you need a local office or simply a reliable way to reach your accountant.
Online accounting can give you more choice, wherever you live. Tax Doctor works with people and businesses nationwide, so you can meet your accountant remotely and share information online.
6. Ask what software they work with
If you already use cloud accounting software, ask whether the accountant can work with it. If you are new to it, ask who will help with setup and the handover of existing information.
Tax Doctor is a Xero Platinum Partner. That means the team can work with Xero and help with setup if you are getting started. If you use another system, ask whether it can be supported before you switch.
7. Ask how the handover will work
You should not have to organise every part of the transfer on your own. Ask the new accountant what they will do, what they need from you and whether they can contact your current accountant.
Tax Doctor can handle the handover, including requesting prior-year information. You can help by providing your current accountant’s details and signing any authority forms needed. The new accountant should explain the process and keep you informed about what has been received.
8. Keep copies of key records
Even when your accountants coordinate the transfer, keep your own copies of important business and tax records. This gives you a useful reference and helps avoid delays if something needs to be checked.
Depending on your situation, useful records may include:
- Recent financial statements and tax filings
- Supporting schedules or working papers
- Relevant business and bank records
- Letters or requests from Inland Revenue
- A list of work that is underway or still needs attention
You do not need to gather everything before making an enquiry. Your new accountant can tell you what is relevant and what is missing.
9. Make sure IRD access and any open issues are covered
If you want a new accountant to speak with Inland Revenue on your behalf, they will need the right authority and access. Inland Revenue explains how to give an intermediary authority to act and how an intermediary can link to a client account.
Ask how the old and new arrangements will be coordinated. This is especially important if you have overdue returns, an outstanding balance, a payment arrangement or an open conversation with IRD.
Tax Doctor acts as an IRD tax agent and can communicate with Inland Revenue about overdue matters and payment plans. You can explain your situation without worrying about being judged. The practical next step is to review what is open and agree who will follow up.
10. Plan the switch around important dates
Changing accountants does not pause your tax obligations. If you have a filing, payment or response deadline coming up, raise it at the start of the conversation.
Tell both accountants about any work already underway. Ask who will handle each outstanding task, what information they need and when they expect to complete the handover. Confirm the plan in writing so responsibilities are clear.
Where possible, allow time for the new accountant to review your records before a deadline. If a deadline is close, say so straight away. That gives the team a chance to assess what needs attention first.
A simple way to get started
You can make the first conversation easier with three small steps:
- Tell the new accountant what you need. Mention your business type, the support you are looking for and any upcoming deadlines.
- Share your current accountant’s details. Your new accountant can explain how they will arrange the handover.
- Confirm the fee and next steps. Before work begins, make sure you understand the agreed scope, price and any information you need to provide.
You do not need to have every record ready before you contact an accountant. Start with what you know. A good accountant will help you work out the rest.
Questions to ask before you switch
Will switching accountants disrupt my business?
A planned handover can help keep the transition organised. Ask who will manage current work and whether anything needs your attention before the switch.
Can my new accountant speak to Inland Revenue for me?
Yes, once the required authority and access are in place. Ask how the accountant will arrange this and what they need you to sign.
What if I am behind or have an IRD payment plan?
Tell the accountant early. They can review the current position and explain what support they can provide.
Choose a switch that feels clear
The right accountant should make it easier to understand what happens next. Look for clear fees, a consistent point of contact and a handover plan that fits your deadlines.
If you are considering a change, contact Tax Doctor for a low-pressure conversation. Tell us what support you need, and we will explain the next steps and confirm the fee before any work begins.
