Switching Accountants in Malta: What You Need to Know

Switching accountants feels like a bigger deal than it actually is. Many self-employed professionals in Malta stay with their accountant for years — not because the service is great, but because the idea of switching seems complicated or awkward.

The truth is, changing accountants is straightforward. You're not locked in. There's no contract that binds you for life. And if your current setup isn't working, staying put is costing you more than the effort of making a change.

When It Makes Sense to Switch

Not every frustration with your accountant means you should leave. But there are some clear signs that the relationship isn't serving you well.

You can't reach them. If getting a response takes days or weeks — especially around deadlines — that's a problem. Tax deadlines don't wait, and neither should you.

Deadlines are being missed. If your accountant has missed a filing deadline on your behalf, or you've received penalty notices because returns weren't submitted on time, that's a serious red flag. You're the one who pays the penalties, not them.

You're not sure what you're paying for. If your fees are vague, the scope of service isn't clear, or you're getting surprise bills, something is off. You should always know what's included and what costs extra.

There's no proactive advice. A good accountant doesn't just process your numbers — they help you plan. If yours never reaches out about upcoming deadlines, tax-saving opportunities, or changes in legislation that affect you, you're getting a filing service, not an accounting relationship.

Your situation has changed. Maybe you've started earning more, taken on VAT registration, or your business has grown in complexity. The accountant who was fine when you were starting out might not be the right fit now.

You feel like a number. This one is harder to quantify, but it matters. If you feel like your accountant doesn't understand your business — or doesn't care to — it might be time to find someone who does.

What the Process Actually Looks Like

Here's what most people don't realise: switching accountants in Malta is genuinely simple. There's no formal "transfer" process with the tax authorities. You're not leaving one firm and joining another the way you'd switch banks.

Step one: Choose your new accountant. Do your research, ask questions, and make sure they're a good fit for your needs — more on that below.

Step two: Inform your current accountant that you'll be moving. A short, professional message is all it takes. You don't need to explain your reasons in detail, though you can if you want to. Most accountants handle this professionally.

Step three: Request your documents from your outgoing accountant. They should provide everything they hold on your behalf — more on what to ask for below.

Step four: Your new accountant takes over. They'll review your records, get up to speed on your situation, and handle your filings going forward.

That's it. No government forms. No lengthy procedures. No cooling-off periods.

What Documents to Get From Your Old Accountant

Before you formally part ways, make sure you collect everything you'll need. Your new accountant will want:

• Copies of filed tax returns (income tax and VAT, if applicable) for at least the last three years
• Financial statements or accounts that were prepared on your behalf
• Any correspondence with the tax authorities — letters, notices, assessments
• Records of provisional tax payments made
• VAT records and filings if you're VAT-registered
• Social security contribution records
• Any tax computations they prepared for you

You are entitled to all of this. These are your records. If your accountant is reluctant to hand them over, that itself tells you something about the relationship.

What to Ask a New Accountant Before You Commit

Choosing a new accountant is as important as deciding to leave your current one. Here are some questions worth asking:

What's included in your fee? Get a clear picture of what services are covered. Filing returns, bookkeeping, tax planning, reminders — know what you're getting.

How do you communicate with clients? Some people want email. Others prefer WhatsApp or a quick phone call. Make sure the communication style works for you.

Will you remind me about deadlines? This should be a given, but it's not always the case. A good accountant tracks your deadlines and gives you advance notice.

Do you have experience with my industry? For real estate agents, this matters. An accountant who understands the property business — commission structures, variable income, specific deductions — will add more value than a generalist who needs everything explained.

How quickly can I expect a response? Turnaround time matters, especially when you have a question about an invoice, a VAT issue, or a deadline approaching.

Can you help me with tax planning, not just filing? There's a big difference between an accountant who files your return and one who helps you structure things to minimise your tax liability legally. The best accountants save you more than they cost.

Timing Your Switch

You can switch accountants at any time, but there are a couple of practical considerations.

It's generally smoother to switch between filing periods rather than in the middle of one. For example, changing after your annual return has been filed means your new accountant starts with a clean slate for the new year.

That said, don't let timing become an excuse to delay. If your current situation is causing you problems, it's better to switch now and have your new accountant sort things out than to wait and risk more missed deadlines or penalties.

The Bottom Line

Switching accountants in Malta is easier than most people think. The process is simple, the documents you need are straightforward to collect, and the right accountant can make a real difference to your business — not just at tax time, but throughout the year.

If your current accountant isn't responsive, isn't proactive, or doesn't understand your business, you deserve better. The best time to make a change is before the next deadline arrives.

Michael Cutajar, CPA — Founder of Accora.