Specialist Accountants for Dentists & Dental Practices

Accountants for Dentists in Atherton: Tax, Accounts and Practice Support

Finding an accountant who understands how dental income actually works can make a real difference to how confidently you run your finances. Dentists rarely fit one simple mould: you may be an associate working under a self-employed arrangement, a principal dentist running a practice, a partner in a dental partnership, or a limited company director drawing a mix of salary and dividends. Many dentists also receive income from both NHS and private work, which adds further layers to bookkeeping, record keeping and tax reporting. As accountants for dentists in Atherton, CruseBurke supports dental professionals with the day-to-day and year-end requirements these arrangements create, including Self Assessment, tax returns, bookkeeping, annual accounts, payroll, VAT where applicable, and practical tax planning. Whether you are newly qualified, taking on your first associateship, buying into a practice or reviewing how your current structure works, the aim is to keep your records organised, your filings on track and your financial decisions better informed. This page explains the type of support available and the dental-specific considerations that can shape your accounting.

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⭐ What Clients Say About Us

See what doctors, dentists, and care providers say about working with us.

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Jamie Fletcher profile picture
Jamie Fletcher
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It was a pleasure working with Anum on our accounts. The whole process was swift and effortless, and it was one less thing to worry about. I'd highly recommend them.
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Mansur Liman profile picture
Mansur Liman
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Accotax have been our accountants for many years now. We maintained them, because of their professionalism. In the last coiple of years, i have working with Imran, who has been very professional and helpful in guiding us through the whole process explaining and clarifying every aspect of it. Very prompt in responding to questions and patient with us even when we seem to be slow. I really enjoy working with him. Thank you
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Muna Mohamoud profile picture
Muna Mohamoud
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I highly recommend Imran to anyone looking for a reliable and knowledgeable accountant. He helped me sort out a very complicated backlog of accounts and prepared my overdue tax returns with professionalism and attention to detail. Throughout the process, he was incredibly patient, took the time to answer all of my questions, and explained everything clearly. He guided me through each step and helped rectify issues that had built up over time, making what felt like an overwhelming situation much more manageable. I'm very pleased with the service I've received and truly appreciate his support. If you need help with your accounts or taxes, I would highly recommend Imran.
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Sergey M profile picture
Sergey M
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I had a positive experience with Accotax. The work was completed promptly, my tax return was successfully filed, and I received a refund of overpaid tax. I found the cooperation efficient and helpful. Special thanks to Muhammad Saifullah for his assistance.
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Ebba Qureshi profile picture
Ebba Qureshi
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Fabulous team at ACCOTAX - very efficient and good response time . Honest and professional with their work. I would highly recommend them even if you’re a young start up - or a large business they have it covered .
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Mael Leboucher profile picture
Mael Leboucher
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We worked with a few different accountants before finally settling with Accotax, and we’re really glad we did. Their team is great. Abdul is responsive and easy to reach whenever I have a question, which makes a big difference. They take the time to understand how our business works and what our needs are. They are very knowledgeable, and when they don’t have the answer straight away, they take the time to look into it and get back to us quickly. Anum, who looks after our account on a day-to-day basis, including reconciling invoices and preparing the annual accounts, is amazing. She is professional, efficient, and follows the processes we have put in place together. She's also very quickin getting back to us whenever needed. We’re very happy to work with her and hope to continue doing so for as long as possible. Overall, Accotax has made our accounting experience much smoother and easier. We see them as a long-term partner as our business continues to grow. I would 100% recommend them.
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3rd Hub
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Imran provides a very dependable and straightforward accounting service. He is always responsive and professional when managing our accounts. Excellent support.
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Martin Tyrrell profile picture
Martin Tyrrell
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I have really impressed to date with all dealings with Accotax highly enough. From day one, they've made what can often be a complicated and stressful part of running a business feel straightforward and hassle-free. A special mention has to go to Anum, who has been friendly, incredibly responsive, and genuinely cares about providing the best possible service. No question is ever too much trouble, and she consistently goes above and beyond to make sure everything is dealt with efficiently. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend you to anyone looking for an accountant they can genuinely trust.
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Matthew Lyon profile picture
Matthew Lyon
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Great speedy service and very personable. Anum dealt with my income certificate and did everything quickly and helped me out massively. Very happy with the service provided.
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Accounting Support for Dentists and Dental Practices

Accounting requirements differ considerably between a self-employed associate dentist, a principal dentist who owns a practice, a partner in a dental partnership, and a private dentist operating through a limited company. Income sources matter too, because NHS contract income, private treatment fees, plan or subscription payments and locum work can each be recorded and reported differently. Support therefore tends to be shaped around your working arrangement, your income streams and your business structure rather than applied as one fixed set of rules for everyone.

Associate & Private Dentists

Self-assessment, allowable expense claims, lab fees and superannuation reconciliation for self-employed associates and private dentists.

Dental Practice Owners & Principals

Practice accounts, payroll for nurses and receptionists, UDA income monitoring, cash flow and profit extraction planning.

Orthodontists & Specialists

Accounting for referral-based and specialist practices, including capital allowances on equipment and VAT on cosmetic treatment.

Squat Practices & Dental Start-Ups

Cash flow forecasts for lenders, company formation, cloud software set-up and registration for new and squat dental practices.

Our Accounting and Tax Services for Dentists

CruseBurke provides accounting and tax support across the areas dentists most often need help with, including Self Assessment and tax returns for self-employed dentists, bookkeeping, annual accounts, Corporation Tax for incorporated practices, payroll for practice staff, VAT support where a practice is registered, and ongoing tax planning. For practice owners, this can extend to reviewing how practice finances are structured, monitoring cash flow and preparing information for lenders or advisers. Not every dentist needs every service, so the starting point is understanding your circumstances and agreeing which areas are genuinely relevant to you.

Bookkeeping for Dental Practices

We reconcile NHS schedules, private takings, plan income such as Denplan and card receipts so you always know what the practice is really earning.

VAT for Dental Practices

Most dental treatment is VAT exempt, but cosmetic work, teeth whitening and product sales are not. We handle partial exemption and get your returns right.

Self-Assessment for Associate Dentists

We prepare associate tax returns, claim every allowable expense from GDC fees and indemnity to CPD and lab costs, and reconcile superannuation deductions.

Dental Payroll, Auto-Enrolment & NHS Pension

Payroll for nurses, hygienists and reception staff, plus auto-enrolment, statutory pay and NHS Pension submissions handled on time every month.

Practice Accounts & Profitability Reporting

Management accounts that show profit per surgery, per associate and per income stream, so you can see exactly where the practice makes money.

Financial and Accounting Considerations for Dental Practices

Dental accounting tends to involve a few features that do not always appear in other professions. The combination of NHS and private income, a range of working arrangements and different business structures means records, reporting and tax positions can look quite different from one dentist to the next.

  • Tracking NHS and private dental income separately so that bookkeeping records and tax reporting stay accurate.
  • Associate dentist arrangements, where self-employed status, UDA or fee-based payments and expense claims need to be recorded correctly.
  • Professional costs such as indemnity or defence union cover, GDC registration and professional body subscriptions, where these qualify as allowable expenses.
  • Dental equipment, surgery refurbishment and other capital costs, which may be treated differently from day-to-day running expenses.
  • Payroll for dental nurses, receptionists, hygienists and other practice staff, together with the employment costs that accompany them.
  • Choosing between sole trader, partnership and limited company structures, and understanding how that choice can affect tax and administration.

Why Dentists Choose CruseBurke

Dentists often want an accountant who recognises that a mix of NHS and private income, associateships and practice ownership creates different pressures from a standard small business. CruseBurke aims to make that straightforward, through clear explanations of what is required, well-organised records and support adapted to your working arrangement rather than a fixed template. The focus is practical: meeting deadlines, keeping information tidy and giving you a clearer view of your finances so decisions can be made with better information behind them.

Genuine Dental Expertise

We know UDAs, superannuation, associate agreements and GDC costs without being told.

Built Around Your Practice

Associates, principals and multi-site groups each get a different service, not a template.

Fixed, Transparent Fees

One agreed monthly fee with no hourly billing and no surprises at year end.

Proactive Dental Tax Planning

Incorporation reviews, capital allowances on equipment and profit extraction planned in advance.

Named Accountant, Real Answers

You deal with the same qualified person every time, by phone or email, not a call centre.

A Track Record Since Before WWII

Our roots go back further than the Second World War and we act for dental clients across London.

A Simple Three-Step Process

The process begins with a conversation about how you work, whether you are an associate, principal, partner or company director, and which income sources and structures are involved. From there, the relevant accounting, tax and payroll work is organised and the responsibilities on each side are agreed, so nothing is left unclear. Ongoing support then continues as your circumstances change, whether that means a new NHS contract, additional private work, new staff or a shift in business structure.

1. Initial Consultation (It’s Free):

We begin by getting to know your practice and understanding your unique needs. This step ensures we have a clear picture of your operations and your goals.

2. Customised Plan:

Based on our initial discussion, we create a personalised plan designed specifically for you. The aim is to keep everything organised and easy to follow. You can rest assured that your numbers are being handled with expert precision.

3. Ongoing Support & Updates:

From there, we take care of the ongoing work and keep you updated with reports. You’ll always know what’s happening, and we’re always here to answer your questions, ensuring you have a clear picture of your financial health at all times.

Professional Support Built Around Dental Accounting

Working with an accountant should feel straightforward and well organised, with clear communication and a proper understanding of the numbers behind a dental practice or associateship. CruseBurke focuses on accurate record keeping, professional standards and practical advice that reflects the realities of NHS and private dental work. Where a point is uncertain or depends on your specific circumstances, it is explained in plain terms rather than assumed.

Technology Driven

Cloud accounting linked to your practice software so your figures are current, not six months old.

Named Dental Accountant

A dedicated accountant for dentists who knows your practice, your contract and your plans.

Ongoing Support

Unlimited support by phone and email, including quick answers on UDA and superannuation queries.

Experienced Team

Our team has over 100 years of combined accountancy experience.

Free - Email Reminders

Never Miss any deadline with our automated email reminders.

Yes, We Are Chartered!

We’re an ICAEW, ACCA & AAT accredited Firm.

How to Switch to Our Dental Accountants

Take a back seat and let our London dental accountants handle everything. Switching mid-year is straightforward and you do not need to speak to your old accountant:

Get in touch

Reach out to us and we will discuss your practice, your contract and how we can help.

Letter of Engagement

We’ll send over a simple letter to formalise our partnership and get everything in motion.

Previous Accountants

If you're switching, we’ll take care of contacting your previous accountants to make the transition smooth.

We Do the Rest

From there, sit back and relax. We’ll manage your accounts, taxes, and everything in between, keeping your practice running smoothly.

FAQs

Not necessarily, but an accountant who regularly deals with dental arrangements will usually recognise the details that matter, such as UDA or fee-based income, laboratory fees, indemnity cover and the way associates record their earnings. As an associate you are generally responsible for your own Self Assessment tax return, so keeping accurate records of income and allowable expenses through the year makes the return far easier to complete. If you also take on locum sessions, private work or have income from more than one practice, that adds further detail to get right.

The two are often recorded separately, because NHS contract income typically follows a scheduled payment arrangement while private fees depend on the treatment actually carried out. Where you are VAT registered, dental services that qualify as exempt may be treated differently from certain private treatments that fall outside that exemption, so the mix of work can affect how records are kept. How income is reported also depends on whether you operate as a sole trader, a partner or a company director, so it is worth reviewing your position rather than assuming a single approach applies.

Yes. For practice owners, support can cover annual accounts, Corporation Tax or partnership returns, bookkeeping, payroll for practice staff and for associates paid through the practice, and VAT where the practice is registered. It can also include help with understanding practice cash flow, preparing information for lenders, and planning for larger costs such as equipment replacement or surgery work. Personal tax matters, including Self Assessment where relevant, can be handled alongside the practice work so the overall picture stays consistent.

Common examples include professional indemnity or defence union cover, GDC registration fees, professional body subscriptions, continuing professional development, and the cost of equipment or materials used in your work. Travel between practice locations, use of a home office and certain professional fees may also qualify, but the rules are specific and depend on whether a cost was incurred wholly and exclusively for your work. Keeping receipts and records as you go matters, because it is the detail behind each expense that supports a claim.

That depends on turnover and on the mix of services provided. Many dental treatments are exempt from VAT, while other services, such as certain cosmetic or aesthetic treatments, may be standard rated. Because the treatment of supplies can vary, registration and record keeping can be more involved for a practice than for a typical retail business, and it is worth reviewing your position as private work grows or changes. Where a practice is registered, VAT returns need to be built into the regular bookkeeping routine.

There is no single answer that suits every dentist. Profit levels, the number of principals involved, commercial risk, plans to reinvest in the practice and personal circumstances such as pension contributions can all point in different directions. A limited company may offer certain tax and administrative features, while a partnership or sole trader structure can remain appropriate for others. It is worth reviewing the structure periodically, particularly when a practice grows or your working arrangements change.

In most cases, yes. A change of accountant is a fairly routine process: your new accountant usually writes to the existing one for professional clearance, and the relevant records, accounts and tax information are handed over. To make the transition smooth, it helps to have recent accounts, tax returns, payroll details and reasonably up-to-date bookkeeping available. Once everything is in place, ongoing deadlines and responsibilities can be confirmed so you know what is happening and when.

It depends on whether you are an individual dentist or a practice, but a useful starting point includes details of your income sources, any NHS contract or practice agreements, bank and credit card statements, receipts for expenses, and information on staff or associates if payroll is involved. If you have previously filed accounts or tax returns, copies of those help build an accurate picture. Anything missing can usually be gathered as things progress, so imperfect records are not a barrier to starting.

Speak to an Expert

Juggling NHS and private income, expenses and Self Assessment? Accountants for Dentists in Atherton can help you keep it all in order

Few dentists trained to spend their evenings chasing receipts, reconciling practice income or working out which costs belong in which column. Yet a mix of NHS contract payments, private fees, indemnity cover and practice overheads can quickly turn into a pile of paperwork that is difficult to untangle when a deadline approaches. CruseBurke can take on the bookkeeping, Self Assessment and practice accounting work that sits behind your clinical day, keeping records organised and tax returns prepared on a clear, informed basis. With your financial information in better shape, you can spend more of your time on patients and less on paperwork — and know that your affairs are being looked after by people who understand dental work.