How and when to switch from your accountant to Accountable

Got a tax question? We’ll answer for free by email.

Bitte gib eine gültige E-Mail-Adresse ein

Ask your question

With the right timing and a few key documents, the process is simpler than you might expect. Here’s how to make the move smoothly.

👉 Note: This guide only applies to natural persons (self-employed individuals).

When is the best time to switch?

1. At the start of a new year: the smoothest option

The easiest time to change is January. Your accountant can neatly close the previous year, and you can start fresh in Accountable. Before you switch, make sure your accountant:

• Finalizes your income tax declaration for the previous year (submitted in October of the following year).

• Files the annual client listing by March 31. This is mandatory if you’re subject to VAT, and may also apply if you’re a VAT franchisee.

👉 Example: If you switch in January 2025, ask your accountant to prepare your 2024 income tax declaration (due October 2025) and file the 2024 client listing by March 31, 2025. From there, Accountable takes care of everything for 2025 onward.

2. During the year, also possible

You don’t have to wait until January. You can switch mid-year, just keep these extra steps in mind:

• If you’re subject to VAT, ask your accountant for the acknowledgment receipts of all VAT declarations already filed. Compare them with Accountable to ensure consistency.

• Request the professional usage percentages your accountant applies (e.g. car, internet, home office, phone). Ideally, for all deductible expenses.

• Always collect all purchase and sales documents already sent to your accountant, broken down per quarter or per month.

• Ask for the purchase and sales journals, if available.

• If you switch mid-year, you’ll need to re-encode all your sales invoices and expenses into Accountable for the months already passed.

• You can still let your accountant handle the previous year’s income tax declaration, while Accountable takes over the current year.

👉 Example: Suppose you switch in July 2025. Your accountant can still submit your 2024 income tax declaration in October 2025, while Accountable manages VAT, invoicing, and expenses from July onward.

⚠️ Important: Your former accountant remains responsible for the VAT declarations and other filings they submitted. Since the income tax declaration is based on those previous VAT declarations, any decisions your accountant made (for example, regarding the deductibility of car expenses, internet, or home office) also remain their responsibility.

What documents should you ask your accountant for?

To ensure a smooth transfer, ask your accountant for:

• List of investments and amortization table – so Accountable can continue depreciation correctly.

• VAT acknowledgment receipts (if you’re switching mid-year and subject to VAT).

• Professional usage details – percentages applied for car, internet, phone, and home office.

• All purchase and sales documents (grouped per quarter or per month).

• Purchase and sales journals, if available.

👉 Example: If your accountant depreciates your car at 70% professional use, Accountable will continue with the same percentage — but only if you provide that info.

Want a smoother experience? Choose Accountable MAX 🚀

Switching doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With Accountable MAX, you get:

• Video calls with our tax coaches to guide you personally through the transition.

• Faster follow-up and support, whenever you need it.

• Extended guarantee and unlimited question to the AI Tax advisor.

Our tax coaches can help you understand what to ask your accountant, check the key documents you provide, and ensure your Accountable app is correctly set up from day one.

Author - Valesca Wilms

As content marketing lead at Accountable Belgium, Valesca writes about freelancing, self-employment, and taxes based on her own experience as a freelancer.

Who is Valesca ?