FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about Cledo.tax, from getting started to IR35, MTD, and data security.
Getting Started
Does Cledo replace my accountant?
For most single-director limited companies with straightforward finances, yes. Cledo handles bookkeeping, VAT returns, CT600, CS01, and annual accounts. For complex situations — R&D credits, business restructuring, or IR35 judgement calls — the Complete+Accountant plan gives you unlimited access to a qualified UK accountant.
What data do I need to connect?
Your company number (for Companies House data) and a business bank account via TrueLayer Open Banking (read-only, FCA-regulated). Cledo does not store your bank credentials — authentication is handled securely by TrueLayer.
Can I try it before committing?
Yes. 14-day free trial on both plans. No credit card required. You can explore the dashboard, categorise transactions, and review reports. Filing to HMRC and Companies House requires a paid plan.
I already have an accountant. Can I switch?
Yes. Cledo can work alongside your existing accountant on Complete, or replace them entirely on Complete+Accountant. Most clients who switch save over £800/year compared to a traditional accountant.
IR35
How does the IR35 assessment work?
You answer 8 questions about your current contract covering substitution rights, client control, financial risk, equipment, and integration level. Our engine applies HMRC’s CEST logic and returns a determination within seconds.
What is the IR35 Defence Pack?
A structured document repository containing your signed contract, Statement of Work, CEST determination, professional indemnity insurance certificate, and working practices evidence — the five documents HMRC requests in an IR35 investigation.
Is the determination legally binding?
No — only HMRC’s official CEST tool provides a binding determination. Our assessment is a professional tool to help you understand your position. Complete+Accountant subscribers receive professional accountant sign-off.
Making Tax Digital
Can Cledo file my VAT return?
Yes. Cledo files VAT returns directly with HMRC via Making Tax Digital. All 9 boxes are calculated automatically from your categorised transactions. One-click submission.
What about Corporation Tax?
Cledo prepares your CT600 return from your transactions, generates FRS 105 micro-entity accounts with iXBRL tagging, and files both to HMRC and Companies House.
What is Making Tax Digital and when does it affect me?
MTD is HMRC’s programme requiring digital records and software submissions. MTD for VAT is already mandatory. MTD for Income Tax starts April 2026 for self-employed people earning over £50,000. Cledo is HMRC-recognised MTD software.
Data & Security
How is my financial data protected?
All data is hosted on Google Cloud Platform in London. Sensitive fields are encrypted with AES-256-GCM. HMRC tokens are encrypted at the application level. We use TLS 1.3 in transit and restrict production access to essential personnel.
What happens to my data if I cancel?
Your data is retained for 30 days after cancellation. You can export your records at any time. Financial records required by HMRC are retained for six years as required by law.
Does the price include VAT?
All prices shown are exclusive of VAT. VAT at 20% applies, making Complete £10.80/month and Complete+Accountant £34.80/month inc. VAT.
Do you mark up government fees?
Never. Government filing fees (e.g. CS01 £50/year, incorporation £100) are shown separately and passed through at cost. Our pricing page lists every statutory fee transparently.