Clear Start Accountants

Clear Start Accountants: accounting and financial planning in Manchester

Clear Start Accountants is a firm of Chartered Accountants based in Manchester. It presents itself as a practice dedicated to supporting both businesses and households, combining accounting services with a personal budgeting service. The firm states it has over 6,000 satisfied clients and an average rating of 4.8 from 4,117 reviews.

Accounting and tax services for businesses and individuals

The firm's service catalogue covers areas such as Corporation Tax, VAT, Payroll Services, the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS), Personal Tax Return, Tax Rebates, Bookkeeping Service and HMRC Investigations. It also offers personal budgeting and household re-budgeting services.

The firm serves both entrepreneurs and new businesses (Business Start Ups) as well as established companies, and also individuals seeking financial advice. In addition, it offers energy, phone, broadband and other comparison services, as well as a salary calculator.

Personal budgeting and mobile app

Clear Start Accountants has developed its own mobile app for its monthly personal budgeting service. Version three of this app, launched by the firm, offers real-time advice on the cheapest deals in the user's area. The app updates prices every hour and sends push notifications to alert users to the best deals, such as the five cheapest petrol stations by postcode, the price of the weekly food basket, insurance and broadband providers. It also alerts users if they exceed their monthly budget.

The personal budgeting service includes preparing tailored budgets based on income, expenses and financial goals, with regular reviews of personal circumstances and income checkups. The firm also helps clients understand and prioritise their debts, plan savings and maximise income, with guidance on potential benefits and applications. Bill and expense management includes household bill comparisons, subscription and spending audits, and lifestyle budgeting tips.

Background and team

Founded in 2019, the firm has been providing financial support to individuals and small businesses for over five years. It has a team of qualified accountants and has been expanding its staff, particularly the customer service team, as its client base has grown. The founder and CEO is Fiaz Ashraf, of the AFA Group.

News and regulatory changes

The firm publishes informative content on UK tax changes. In April 2025 it released an analysis of the 2025/26 tax year, which began on 6 April 2025 and ends on 5 April 2026. Highlights include: income tax bands in England, Wales and Northern Ireland remain unchanged (personal allowance of £12,570; basic rate of 20% between £12,571 and £50,270; higher rate of 40% between £50,271 and £125,140; additional rate of 45% above £125,140); in Scotland the bands differ. Employee National Insurance contributions (NICs) are reduced from 10% to 8% for income between £12,570 and £50,270; the self-employed see their contribution reduced from 8% to 6% for profits in the same range, and the flat class 2 contribution is abolished. The dividend allowance is reduced to £500 (from £1,000 in 2024/25) and the annual Capital Gains Tax (CGT) exemption stands at £3,000 (from £6,000). Corporation Tax remains at 25% for profits above £250,000, with a reduced rate of 19% for profits below £50,000 and a marginal rate between £50,000 and £250,000. The Full Expensing regime for eligible plant and machinery is made permanent. The High Income Child Benefit Charge threshold rises from £50,000 to £60,000, tapering up to £80,000. The annual pension allowance remains at £60,000, the Lifetime Allowance is abolished from April 2024 and the ISA allowance remains at £20,000.

Client reviews

The firm shares client testimonials highlighting the team's efficiency and knowledge, particularly in simplifying finances and the Self-Assessment process. A client from a medium-sized company notes their satisfaction with the professionalism and attention to detail. The firm states it has received very positive feedback and has helped numerous consumers and small businesses achieve significant savings.

Location and contact

Phone: 0161 518 6795