Last updated: 2 March 2026
Jack Ross Chartered Accountants has acted as specialist accountants for barristers since 1948. Based in Manchester, a short walk from the Crown Court and the Northern Circuit’s busiest chambers, we provide proactive, transparent accountancy and tax services built around how the self-employed Bar actually works.
If you have been searching for barrister accountants near me or barrister accountants Manchester, this page explains what we do, how our fees work, and why hundreds of counsel trust Jack Ross with their financial affairs.
Why choose a specialist accountant
General practice accountants rarely understand the structure of fee income through chambers, the VAT treatment of chambers rent, or the travel rules for circuit work. These are not edge cases — they are central to every self-employed barrister’s tax position, and getting them wrong costs real money.
We advise on allowable deductions, income tax planning including the 60% trap and capital gains, pension contributions, annual accounts preparation, and Making Tax Digital compliance — from pupils receiving their first award to silks managing complex affairs. Read more on our about page.
Services for barristers
Our full range of services covers:
- Self-assessment tax returns — preparation, filing, and review of all claims
- VAT returns — registration, quarterly compliance, and flat-rate scheme analysis
- Accounts preparation — year-end accounts on cash basis or accruals from chambers statements
- Tax planning — pension strategy, allowance management, and capital gains advice
- MTD compliance — digital filing under Making Tax Digital for Income Tax from April 2026
- Pupillage support — HMRC registration and expense guidance for first-year tenants
- Fee protection insurance — cover for HMRC enquiry costs
Transparent, fixed-fee pricing
We charge fixed monthly fees with no hidden charges. Junior practices start from £150 + VAT per month; established practices from £250 + VAT. Every fee is agreed before work begins, and there are no hourly rates or year-end surprises. Contact us for a no-obligation quotation.
Worked example: switching to Jack Ross
Scenario: Sarah earns gross fees of £135,000 per year, is VAT-registered, and uses a general practice accountant charging £2,400 annually. Her return was filed late, working-from-home relief was missed, and nobody has discussed Making Tax Digital with her.
What we found: We identified £1,200 per year in unclaimed home office relief, £500 in mileage underclaims, and £380 in missed professional subscriptions. We filed amended returns for both open years, recovering approximately £1,660, and set up a pension strategy reducing her effective rate on income between £100,000 and £125,140 from 60% to 40%.
Result: Sarah saves approximately £4,200 in year one. Her monthly fee of £250 + VAT covers self-assessment, VAT, MTD submissions, accounts, and unlimited queries year-round.
Manchester and nationwide
Our office is in Manchester city centre, close to the Crown Court and Northern Circuit chambers on St John Street, King Street, and Byrom Street. We also act as accountants for barristers across England and Wales — in Leeds, Liverpool, Birmingham, London, and beyond. The process for remote clients works entirely via email, phone, and video call. Read what our clients say on our testimonials page.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a Manchester-based accountant?
No. Tax law is the same across England and Wales, and all HMRC communication is digital. That said, if you practise on the Northern Circuit, having an accountant you can visit in person is a genuine convenience for complex planning discussions.
What does switching accountant involve?
We handle the professional clearance letter to your existing accountant, request handover of records, and review recent returns for missed claims. Most switches complete within three to four weeks. You do not need to notify HMRC — agent authorisation is handled digitally.
How much do you charge?
Fixed monthly fees from £150 + VAT for junior practices and £250 + VAT for established practices. Senior and complex matters are quoted individually. All fees are agreed before work begins, with no hidden charges.
Do you handle Making Tax Digital?
Yes. We provide full MTD compliance including quarterly digital submissions and end-of-period statements. From April 2026, self-employed income above £50,000 falls within MTD for Income Tax. We ensure your records are filed on time.
Speak to a specialist barrister accountant
Whether you need a second opinion on your current arrangements or want to make a full switch, we are here to help.
200+ barristers · 75 years · Manchester to London
