eTax AI — frequently asked questions
eTax AI is digital bookkeeping and tax for UK small businesses. AI agents do the repetitive work around the clock; chartered accountants check the parts that need judgement. These are the questions people ask us most before signing up.
How the service works
Can I call you?
No. eTax AI is an online service, and keeping it that way is what lets us charge less than a traditional accountant. Everything happens through your app, email, or WhatsApp.
Are meetings included?
There are no scheduled meetings — and that is by design. If something needs explaining, your accountant will message you through the portal. It is faster than waiting for a calendar slot.
Do I need my own accounting software?
No. We provide and run the digital record-keeping for you as part of your plan, so there is nothing for you to buy, learn or log into.
Getting your paperwork to us
Can I send receipts by WhatsApp?
Yes — it is one of the most popular ways our clients send things in. Forward a photo and it lands straight in your books, categorised and reconciled.
Will you work from my paper records?
Yes. Snap a photo or post them to us and the AI turns them into digital records. Making Tax Digital does require digital records going forward, which is exactly what we set up for you.
Do I need a separate business bank account?
It is not essential, but it makes everything cleaner and cheaper to run. We recommend Starling, Tide or Monzo — these are free accounts, and you will get better results and be more HMRC-compliant with one.
What it costs
Is VAT included?
VAT returns are a low-cost add-on rather than part of the base fee — currently a low-cost add-on — so you only pay for it if you are VAT-registered. Registering for VAT in the first place, if you need that, is a one-off charge. You can always see the exact cost in the quote builder.
Is payroll included?
Payroll is an optional add-on rather than part of the base fee, currently an optional add-on. It covers payslips, RTI submissions to HMRC and pension filings. If you do not already have a PAYE scheme there is a one-off setup of a small one-off charge, and workplace-pension declarations can be added for a few pounds a month. The quote builder confirms your exact figure.
When do extra fees apply?
Only for things outside your plan — extra payslips, one-off registrations, or a more complex year-end. The quote builder shows every add-on up front, so there are no surprises.
How is the monthly fee worked out?
The ongoing fee is banded by the size of the business rather than charged by the hour, so a one-person trade pays considerably less than a busy VAT-registered company. Your returns and any add-ons sit on top. Rather than quote a figure that may not be yours, build a quote — it prices the whole thing, add-ons included, before you commit.
Deadlines and HMRC
What happens if I miss a deadline?
With your books kept current all year, deadlines rarely sneak up — we prepare and remind you well ahead. If HMRC ever queries something, we handle the correspondence for you.
I have a self-employment and a rental property — can I work with you?
Not at the moment. Because of the added Making Tax Digital complications, we would ask you to get a quote from our sister company, TS Partners.