Specialist Tax Advice: What It Means for You
Some tax questions do not have a simple answer. Selling a property, moving abroad, inheriting an estate, cashing in shares or buying through a company all bring rules that are easy to get wrong and expensive to get wrong twice. We give you a clear answer in plain English, with a fixed fee agreed before we start. We work with clients from our offices in Witney and near Abingdon, and across Oxford and the wider county.
How We Help With Complex Tax
A Straight Answer
We tell you where you stand in plain English, not a long letter hedged with caveats. If the position is uncertain, we say so and explain why.
The Numbers
What you will owe, when it is due, and what happens if you do nothing. No surprises later in the year.
Your Options
Where there is a legitimate way to reduce the bill, we will tell you. Where there is not, we will tell you that too.
Paperwork Handled
If a return, election or disclosure is needed, we prepare it and file it with HMRC on your behalf.
A Fixed Fee Upfront
You know the cost before any work starts, so advice never arrives with a surprise attached.
Someone To Call
Tax situations change. You keep a named point of contact who already knows your position.
Who Needs Specialist Tax Advice?
Most people manage perfectly well with a standard tax return. This service is for the situations that sit outside that. You may need specialist advice if you are:
- Selling a property, land or shares and facing a Capital Gains Tax bill
- Living abroad, or moving to or from the UK, and unsure where you are taxed
- Receiving foreign income, an overseas pension or rent from a property abroad
- Owning UK property through a company, or from outside the UK
- Buying a buy to let and weighing up a limited company or SPV
- Dealing with an inherited estate, a trust, or a gift with tax consequences
- Holding shares, options or cryptocurrency and unsure what to report
- Approaching a business sale or exit and wanting to keep the tax bill sensible
If your situation is on that list, a short conversation early usually saves far more than it costs. We advise clients right across the county, including Bicester, Banbury and Didcot.
What It Costs
Every situation is different, so we do not publish a single price. What we do promise is that you will have a fixed fee in writing before any work begins, and it will not change unless the job does. The initial 30 minute call is free and carries no obligation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be an existing client?
No. Plenty of people come to us for a single piece of advice. Many stay afterwards, but there is no obligation either way.
I live abroad but own property in the UK. Can you still help?
Yes. We act for a number of overseas owners of UK property, including companies based outside the UK, and we deal with HMRC on your behalf.
I am selling a property. When do I need to report the gain?
If it is UK residential property and there is a gain, you generally have 60 days from completion, not from exchange, to report it to HMRC and pay the tax. Missing that brings an automatic penalty and interest on top. It is well worth speaking to us before completion so the figures are ready.
Will you help me pay less tax?
Where there is a legitimate and sensible way to reduce your bill, yes, and that is often the whole point of the exercise. We do not advise on artificial schemes.
How quickly can you look at my situation?
The free 30 minute call is usually available within a few days. If you are working to an HMRC deadline, say so when you book and we will prioritise it.
What if I have already made a mistake on a tax return?
That is more common than you would think, and it is usually fixable. Voluntary disclosures are treated far more kindly by HMRC than errors they find themselves, so it is worth dealing with early.
Do you deal with cryptocurrency and share options?
Yes. Disposals of shares, employee share options and cryptocurrency all need reporting, and the rules on pooling and matching catch people out. Bring us the statements and we will work it through.
Over One Hundred ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Google Reviews
Sam Olliver
1 year ago
I had a great experience with Modus Accountants for my 2024/25 self-assessment. Lauren, Jenna and team were professional, responsive, and made the whole process smooth and stress-free. Everything was handled quickly, with clear guidance and easy access to documents via the client portal. Highly recommend!
Alex Gavrilovic
1 year ago
The team at Modus couldn’t be more helpful. Every year I get a reminder that my self assessment is due and a tick list informing me exactly what information I need to return.
Samantha Newport made it simple, hassle free and an enjoyable experience.
I also managed to complete it by May which is much better than rushing to hit the January deadline.
Samantha Newport made it simple, hassle free and an enjoyable experience.
I also managed to complete it by May which is much better than rushing to hit the January deadline.
Terri Brown
1 year ago
I cannot recommend Jenna and Brooke at Modus Accountancy Firm enough! Over the past five years, they have been incredible supporters of my business, Sanctum Hair. Their expertise, professionalism, and friendly approach have made all the difference. Thank you, Jenna and Brooke, for your outstanding support! 😀
Gopu Khatri
1 year ago
For the past two years, Jenna at Modus Accountants has expertly handled our property company accounts. As an HKG-based client unfamiliar with UK accounting practices, I've asked countless questions. Jenna and the team have consistently responded with patience and clarity, ensuring I understand every detail. Their expertise and responsiveness have been invaluable. I highly recommend Modus Accountants; they've truly helped me feel confident in my financial decisions.
rob
1 year ago
Modus have been our accountants for several years now and always done an amazing job and very helpful at the right times when running your own business. Recently they have helped us out by stepping in on a temporary basis while we look to re-hire on our accounts side. Thanks to Layla and Sam from all of us at WM Air Conditioning.
Mark Bryant
1 year ago
I am happy to recommend Modus Accountants who have provided us with diligent and professional accounting services for many years across a significant portfolio of businesses. They offer good value for money and are consistently responsive and friendly. A special mention to Nick who has been our main point of contact for many years and delivered for us time and again.
S A
1 year ago
I have had the pleasure of working with Nick and Margaret at Modus Accountants (Formerly Aries and then Modus Pease) for the past 18 years within my role as a bookkeeper for a small building company. Their professionalism, expertise, and unwavering support have been invaluable to me. No matter the query, they are always thorough, reliable, and incredibly approachable. Both Nick and Margaret understand the needs of a small businesses like ours, and I highly recommend them. Thank you, Modus for your outstanding unwavering service!
Cara Brandi
1 year ago
Working with Lauren and the whole team at Modus has been great! They do everything around my accounting and tax preparation so timely and efficiently. Lauren has been particularly good and making the tax preparation process as simple and straightforward as possible, and because my tax is prepared well in advance of being due I can implement any changes needed early in the new tax year for maximum benefit.
Thank you, Lauren and thank you Modus!
Thank you, Lauren and thank you Modus!
Steeve
1 year ago
I am writing to express my satisfaction and recommendation for the services provided by Modus Accountant Big thank you Lauren, Jenna, Mark and the rest of the team. It has been a couple of years since I switched my business accounting needs to their firm, and I must say that I am extremely pleased with their professionalism and expertise.
The team at Modus Accountant has consistently demonstrated a high level of proficiency in handling my financial matters. Not only are they knowledgeable and efficient, but they also exhibit a genuine kindness and dedication to their clients. I have found their services to be invaluable in helping me navigate the complexities of financial management.
The team at Modus Accountant has consistently demonstrated a high level of proficiency in handling my financial matters. Not only are they knowledgeable and efficient, but they also exhibit a genuine kindness and dedication to their clients. I have found their services to be invaluable in helping me navigate the complexities of financial management.
Steve O'Hara
1 year ago
We hold multiple accounts with Modus accountants, Business & Personnel, we find that their knowledge base and communications between all their departments is exceptional and always on point. Any financial issues that need resolving these are completed in a very professional manner and within expected time frames. I would absolutely recommend Modus accountants to any Personnel, Business or Corporation for all aspects of Accounting & Tax liabilities, we are very satisfied with their appointment.
Ken Cheng
1 year ago
Decided to switch accountant for my IT Limited company to a local company in Oxford area and found Aries Accountants, who are now Modus. They have now been my accountants for both business and self assessment services for over ten years and I have never encountered any issues during this time. All returns have been submitted to HMRC on time and with no issues. I wish to thank Nick and his team for all their help and support since I first stepped into the doors at Aries to now where they have now grown into Modus.
NT Labs
1 year ago
We have dealt with Modus Accountants for many years and they have supported us as our business has grown with excellent service and advice along the way. We would strongly recommend.
Paul Mattingley
1 year ago
Modus accountancy are the go to place,
We are a plumbing and heating ltd company and feal we are an excellent company supplying a competitive reliable service.
This why we are associated with modus as their services and advise is fantastic .
My bookworking skills are not the best but modus keeps me on the straight and narrow.
Services supplied from modus;
Payroll , vat returns , end of year accounts
Any email / phone call answered efficiently
Main people I deal with;
Nick , if nick doesn’t know the answer to a question nobody does , all ways my first port of call to any problems
Margaret, payroll always prompt even on my short notice 🤣 and always a chat
Brooke, deals with my Xero software discrepancy’s and rectifies any other issues I have
Modus team very efficient and feal I personally I am in a small family run business and can call at any time for advice
To sum up ;
Run your business to your best capacity
Modus will take care of the rest
Thanks to all at modus
Regards Paul
We are a plumbing and heating ltd company and feal we are an excellent company supplying a competitive reliable service.
This why we are associated with modus as their services and advise is fantastic .
My bookworking skills are not the best but modus keeps me on the straight and narrow.
Services supplied from modus;
Payroll , vat returns , end of year accounts
Any email / phone call answered efficiently
Main people I deal with;
Nick , if nick doesn’t know the answer to a question nobody does , all ways my first port of call to any problems
Margaret, payroll always prompt even on my short notice 🤣 and always a chat
Brooke, deals with my Xero software discrepancy’s and rectifies any other issues I have
Modus team very efficient and feal I personally I am in a small family run business and can call at any time for advice
To sum up ;
Run your business to your best capacity
Modus will take care of the rest
Thanks to all at modus
Regards Paul
Tim Wann
1 year ago
Very professional, excellent advise and very easy to deal with. We highly recommend their services
Graeme Christianson
1 year ago
Since transitioning to Modus a couple of years ago, I have been very happy. The whole team is friendly, efficient, and capable. Sam in particular has helped us to improve the business's financial performance.
David O'Neill
1 year ago
Samantha at Modus Accountants has been super helpful and great to work with. She’s always quick to respond, knows her stuff, and goes the extra mile to make things easy. Her advice has been a huge help, and I’d definitely recommend her and the team to anyone who needs a reliable accountant!
Daniel Polak
1 year ago
I needed help with my self assessment tax return, so went to Modus. I could not have asked for more; the help and support was professional, quick and most importantly, very helpful. Modus managed to find helpful solutions for my tax needs which a Big Four accountant had failed to do in previous years. A big thank you to all the team and I would thoroughly recommend anyone looking for tax or business planning support.
Paul Clark
2 years ago
Modus Accountants offer a professional service with quick response time and great knowledge we would recommend for accountancy services and business support.
William Antwi
2 years ago
I am very happy with Modus services. I always have quick replies and helpful advices. They know how to suite their services for my company's personal needs. Thank you for everything.
Gergo S
2 years ago
Great Accountants, reasonably priced.Friendly and knowledgeable staff.
They have been looking after me and my business for 3 years, and will definitely stay with them.
They have been looking after me and my business for 3 years, and will definitely stay with them.
Trish Williamson
2 years ago
Nick and Margaret could not have been more helpful when my husband was unable to continue his business due to ill health. Their unfailing patience and ability to advise in words of one syllable was particularly valuable in helping me to navigate closing the company. They have also looked after our personal tax returns for many years. Again, the service they have provided has been second to none. They both come highly recommended.
Luke Goodman
2 years ago
New business owner here, modus have been a great addition to my businesses power team providing exceptional customer service and also helping me understand the most cost effective way to set up my accounts. Great staff who are down to earth/ easy to talk to and always happy to help
I look forward to continuing our journey together
I look forward to continuing our journey together
Jonathan Howat
3 years ago
Our company has been under the guidance of Rupert Pease, Margaret Heaton and Nick Clark for many years, where our business has relied on their professionalism, support and attention to detail, which has been amazing. I expect that ethos to continue with the new company Modus Pearse and from current performance those targets are being addressed - thank you
Jill
3 years ago
I've been working with Modus for a couple of years now and they've never failed to be absolutely fantastic, and provide a broad, helpful, and efficient service. Would recommend to anyone.
dan arnold
3 years ago
Both Adam and Jenna have helped me establish my business as a sole trader , assisted with growing the business into a limited company , and guided me through the struggles of understanding VAT and corporation tax,
The software supplied has been the major factor in giving me back time to allow me to grow the business and their help in setting everything up and understanding it has been vital.
Highly recommend this team as they have a very personal approach in finding what you need to best suit your plans.
The software supplied has been the major factor in giving me back time to allow me to grow the business and their help in setting everything up and understanding it has been vital.
Highly recommend this team as they have a very personal approach in finding what you need to best suit your plans.
Ben Croft
3 years ago
Excellent Accountancy service from the Modus Team.
I love to understand the in's and out's of my business, and the team have gone above and beyond with their support (and patience!). Their pricing structure is clear and their service is top notch. Highly recommend if you need quality accountancy for your business.
Shout out to Sam & Christian! - Thank you.
I love to understand the in's and out's of my business, and the team have gone above and beyond with their support (and patience!). Their pricing structure is clear and their service is top notch. Highly recommend if you need quality accountancy for your business.
Shout out to Sam & Christian! - Thank you.
Steph Judd
3 years ago
Adam is a great asset to Modus Accountants. Business Accounts can be at times confusing. Adam is patient, helpful and very quick at responding. Thank you for all your help.
Raymond Ng
3 years ago
Modus Accountants are all very professional, very responsive and attention to details. With no doubt it has gained my loyalty to use Modus to handle my day to day accounting needs.
Nath Lewis
3 years ago
modus was recommended by my accountant, I have always found their customer service excellent. They are extremely professional and nothing is too much trouble. I highly recommend them
Derek Thirkell
3 years ago
Great team of people to deal with. Brooke and Samantha look after our end of year accounts and are very supportive when we contact them for advice. Brooke is so helpful running our payroll each month and somehow manages to make sense of our Vat returns on a quarterly basis. The business has flourished since we swapped over to Modus 2-3 years ago thanks to the help of the team as a whole. Thanks for your help and support guys.
Graham Hobbs
3 years ago
I have joined Modus as a new customer this year, and have been very impressed with their efficient service. Quick responses and matters resolved in an uncomplicated manner.
Justen Hyde
3 years ago
Excellent accountants and a pleasure to work with. Always quick to respond to queries, and unfailingly pleasant, polite and helpful. Very keen to have a good understanding of our business so that they can work with us more efficiently. In addition to the day-to-day accounts, as our business has grown advice from Modus has really helped us to build strong internal administrative and accounting structures.
Samantha Farr
3 years ago
We have been working with Brooke for a number of years and she has always provided an outstanding service! She is very efficient, professional and fantastic with her time keeping. Could not recommend higher!
Satijana
3 years ago
Sam and Mark have been excellent. They have helped many of my property investor clients with their professional service and I will continue to recommend them.
bamd ltd
3 years ago
Sam and Jenna are fantastic. Sound advice coupled with timely reporting and efficient service. Recommend highly.
Tom Badrick
3 years ago
The team at modus are very professional I would highly recommend there services.
Jamie Rickard
3 years ago
Sam has been our accountant for the past 3 years now, his advice and guidance is always second to none, all of our filing is completed in a timely manor and always correct. Could not recommend Sam or Modus more! Thanks again.
Robert Arnold
3 years ago
Modus have been super helpful to me, with no question too big or small, highly recommend.
Heather Mungall
4 years ago
Sam was very efficient, knowledgeable and professional from start to finish. Everything was explained clearly and all responses were very prompt. A1+ Thank you Sam
Mike Sinclair
4 years ago
I had the pleasure of dealing with Sam Newport. I can't fault the service provided. Clear communication alongside a quick concise turnaround with my tax returns for the year made it an all round satisfactory experience. With the addition of some unexpected savings, highly recommended.
Thomas Herbert
4 years ago
I have had nothing but a first-class experience since joining Modus Accountants. As well as being extremely knowledgeable of the financial practices, they have supported and coached my overall business growth!
MAOX Scheers
4 years ago
I work with Modus for a couple of years and very happy about their service. They are always very responsive and helpful. All accounts are prepared and submitted on time, even in advance. They give responses and answer my questions quick and clear. My contact person is Samantha Newport and I love working with her.
John-William O'Dwyer
4 years ago
Great help in the transition from Kavangh's to Modus, and helping me work with new accountant etc. Good advice MTD too! Thank you. It has been greatly appreciated.
Mystic Games
4 years ago
Switching to Modus has absolutely changed my business, they are so much more than accountants, they offer so many other services and the quality of work and support is above and beyond. I wish I signed up so much sooner than I did, it would have saved me so much money and headaches!
George Roussos
4 years ago
Modus has been looking after our company accounts and fillings for the past couple of years and we are delighted with the quality of the support received. Highly recommended.
Billie Tweedy
4 years ago
Quick, simple and easy. James answers any queries quickly and clearly. Happy to recommend Modus.
Ian Morris
4 years ago
Having taken the step back in 2017 to set up my own business it has been one that I have been very lucky with.
Modus came into the picture within the last 12 months due to taking over from the previous accountants I was using as they had decided it was time for them to retire.
I was a little nervous at first however from the first conversation with Samantha and the team at Modus I was given a huge boost and relief as their professionalism and methods of business is phenomenal.
The advice and guidance already given to me by Modus has been amazing and one I truly appreciate and will continue to learn from so in my opinion I owe Modus a massive thank you for the work they do.
I would highly recommend Modus to any company as both the work and professional service they deliver is first class.
Ian Morris
Managing Director
UK Shade Solutions Ltd
Modus came into the picture within the last 12 months due to taking over from the previous accountants I was using as they had decided it was time for them to retire.
I was a little nervous at first however from the first conversation with Samantha and the team at Modus I was given a huge boost and relief as their professionalism and methods of business is phenomenal.
The advice and guidance already given to me by Modus has been amazing and one I truly appreciate and will continue to learn from so in my opinion I owe Modus a massive thank you for the work they do.
I would highly recommend Modus to any company as both the work and professional service they deliver is first class.
Ian Morris
Managing Director
UK Shade Solutions Ltd
Steven Bartholomew
4 years ago
Great friendly team, very professional always on hand to answer any queries we may have and happy to run any additional reports we require.
Betty Au
4 years ago
James Hackney is a very detailed minded, efficient, responsive and responsible accountant. He took care of tax return and company filing of my company very well. He explained all my enquiries patiently. Modus is a modern and professional company which provides helpful and valuable advice.
Peter Denton
4 years ago
I am delighted with the support received from Modus Accountants Ltd. My company has just completed its first end of year accounts, which were managed by Sam Newport and her colleagues. I was very pleased with how they brought everything together with little input from me, allowing me to focus on the day to day needs of my business.
Samantha Mason
4 years ago
Cannot thank Modus enough for all their help and encouragement with my boutique business- My Pilates Flow ! I entered their annual 'Modus Ignite Entrepreneur Competition' in 2021. As a finalist they gave me a complimentary coaching/mentoring session which was incredible! I came away from the meeting buzzing with a whole list of leads to follow up on- ranging from refined branding, how to expand the business and a deep dive into target audience and marketing. I'm working my way through the list and continuing to get great results! This young, forward thinking Company know what they are talking about and I feel privileged to have been given their time. Highly recommend!
Louise Trillwood
4 years ago
The team are just so helpful, really quick to respond and pay close attention to detail. They're able to guide you through even the most granular of queries. It was a breath of fresh air to have our annual tax explained in such simple terms. Couldn't recommend them more highly for personal tax work.
Serving businesses in Witney, Abingdon, Oxford and across Oxfordshire.