Specialist Accountants for Dentists & Dental Practices

Accountants for Dentists in Rawtenstall: Specialist Tax and Accounting Support

If you work in dentistry, your finances rarely fit a standard template. Whether you are an associate dentist paid through a mix of NHS sessions and private treatments, a principal running a practice with employed staff, or a partner in a dental partnership, the way income, expenses and tax are handled can differ considerably from other professions. Our approach as Accountants for Dentists in Rawtenstall is built around those differences. We help dentists and dental practice owners make sense of Self Assessment, bookkeeping, annual accounts, payroll, VAT where applicable, and tax planning, so that the figures behind the clinical work stay accurate and understandable. Practically, that can mean separating NHS and private income clearly, tracking indemnity cover and professional subscriptions, recording equipment purchases correctly, and understanding how your business structure affects what you owe. This page sets out the accounting and tax considerations that commonly apply to dentists and dental practices, the type of support available, and how a specialist accountant can help you keep on top of your obligations while planning for the year ahead.

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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 Built Around Dentistry, Not General Practice

Dentistry covers a wide range of working arrangements, and no two dentists necessarily need the same accounting support. A self-employed associate dentist submitting a Self Assessment return has very different requirements from a principal dentist running a practice with premises, equipment and staff, or a private dentist operating through a limited company. Accounting and tax requirements can also shift depending on whether your income comes from NHS contract work, private treatments, or a combination of both, and on whether you work alone, in a partnership, or as a director.

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 Services for Dentists and Dental Practices

Depending on your circumstances, the support we provide can range from preparing and filing Self Assessment tax returns and maintaining day-to-day bookkeeping through to annual accounts, Corporation Tax computations and returns for incorporated practices. Many dentists also ask for help with payroll for practice staff and associates, VAT registration and returns where applicable, and tax planning around profits, drawings, pensions or a future practice sale. We look at how your income is structured first, then focus on the areas of accounting and tax administration that genuinely apply 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 Professionals

Dental accounting often involves more moving parts than a straightforward salary or single trade. Because income sources, working arrangements and business structures vary so much across the profession, the issues below are common considerations rather than a checklist that applies to every dentist equally.

  • Untangling NHS contract income and private treatment fees so that each is recorded and reported correctly
  • Understanding how associate dentist arrangements affect tax, including self-employment status and expense claims
  • Recording professional expenses accurately, such as indemnity cover, GDC fees and professional subscriptions
  • Accounting for dental equipment, refurbishment and other capital costs, including how they may be treated over time
  • Managing practice payroll, including employed staff, associate payments and the associated employment costs
  • Keeping bookkeeping and financial records in order so year-end accounts and VAT returns are less stressful

Why Dentists Choose CruseBurke

Dentists and practice owners often want an accountant who recognises that a mix of NHS and private income, or an associate arrangement, needs to be handled differently from a typical small business. We aim to make the process straightforward: clear explanations, organised financial information and a tailored approach that reflects how you actually work, whether you are newly self-employed or running an established practice. Where your circumstances change, such as taking on more private work or restructuring your practice, that support can adapt alongside you.

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.

How We Work With Dentists: A Simple Three-Step Process

We start by understanding your situation in detail, including how you are engaged, where your income comes from, and how your practice or self-employment is structured. From there we organise the accounting and tax work that applies to you, whether that means bringing bookkeeping up to date, preparing accounts, or handling a Self Assessment or Corporation Tax return. Once the essentials are in order, we can continue to support you through the year with payroll, VAT, tax planning and ongoing advice when questions come up.

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 Designed for Dental Practices

Good accounting support is about more than filling in forms accurately, though that matters. It is about working with an accountant who takes the time to understand dental income, different working arrangements and the practical realities of running a practice, and who explains things in plain terms rather than jargon. We focus on clear communication, reliable record-keeping and a professional approach that helps dentists and practice owners feel confident their accounting and tax affairs are being handled properly.

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

You are not legally required to appoint an accountant, but many self-employed and associate dentists choose to work with one because of the way dental income tends to be structured. NHS payments, private treatment fees and any additional income sources all need to be recorded correctly on your Self Assessment tax return, and expenses such as indemnity cover, professional subscriptions and equipment can be easy to overlook or misclassify. An accountant can help you keep accurate records across the year, prepare and file your return, and answer questions as your working arrangements change.

Yes. A mix of NHS contract income and private treatment fees is common in dentistry, and both need to be reflected accurately in your accounts or tax return. The way each is reported can depend on whether you receive payment through a practice, as a contract holder, or directly from patients, and on whether you are self-employed, a partner or a company director. We look at how your payments actually reach you before deciding how the figures should be presented.

Practice accounting typically covers far more than a personal tax return. It may include annual accounts, bookkeeping, payroll for practice staff, VAT returns where you are registered, and Corporation Tax or partnership tax returns depending on your structure. There may also be asset recording for dental equipment and fit-out costs, treatment of practice premises costs, and tax planning around profits and drawings. The exact scope depends on how your practice is set up and how many people it employs.

There is no single answer that suits every practice, because the most appropriate structure depends on your profits, how many principals are involved, your plans for the future and your personal circumstances. A limited company can be worth considering in some situations, while a partnership or sole trader structure may suit others. We can talk through the potential tax and administrative implications of each option with you so you can make an informed decision rather than an automatic one.

Commonly claimed items can include professional registration and GDC fees, indemnity insurance, professional body subscriptions, dental equipment and materials, continuing professional development, and a proportion of costs such as practice administration or use of a home office where applicable. What is allowable depends on your working arrangement and the nature of the expense, and some costs are treated as capital rather than revenue. We can help you distinguish between the two and keep suitable records to support your claims.

Bookkeeping for a practice involves recording income from NHS contracts and private treatments, along with supplier invoices, staff wages, lab fees and other regular costs, in a consistent way. Payroll covers employed team members, and where relevant the treatment of payments to associates. Keeping these records tidy through the year generally makes annual accounts and any VAT returns more straightforward, and reduces the last-minute scramble before a filing deadline.

As a starting point, it helps to have details of your working arrangement, income sources, any existing business structure, and your most recent accounts or tax return. Bank statements, records of NHS and private income, expense receipts and payroll information are also useful, along with access to any existing accounting records. If you are switching accountants, we can usually take over from your previous adviser, but it is worth having a clear picture of what has been filed already.

In most cases, yes. There is no need to wait for a particular date, though it is sensible to check where things stand with your current accountant, including any outstanding filings or deadlines. Once you decide to move, we can liaise about the handover of records and information. Timing can matter if a filing deadline is approaching, so it is worth raising the change early enough to avoid any unnecessary pressure.

Speak to an Expert

Juggling NHS and private income alongside practice admin? Let us take the accounting side off your hands.

Keeping track of multiple income streams, indemnity costs, equipment purchases and staff wages can quickly become a burden when you are already working full days in practice. CruseBurke supports dentists and dental practice owners with bookkeeping, Self Assessment, annual accounts, payroll and VAT, so your records stay organised and your filings are handled in good time. If you would like accounting support that understands how dentistry actually works, our team is ready to talk through your circumstances and what you need.