Accountant for
Locum Doctors

Reduce tax. Avoid surprises. Get clarity over your finances. Specialist support for locum doctors, GPs and healthcare professionals. Self Assessment & Tax Returns Tax Planning for Higher Earners NHS Pension Guidance Expense Reviews & Savings Limited Company Advice Fixed Monthly Fees

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Are Any Of These Familiar?

Many locum doctors come to us because they are experiencing one or more of these challenges.

Unexpected Tax Bills

You earn a good income but still get surprised by HMRC.

Income Above £100,000

Personal allowance tapering, childcare issues and higher tax rates can become expensive.

NHS Pension Confusion

Unsure how pension contributions affect your tax position.

Multiple Income Streams

Agency work, NHS shifts and private practice can make tax planning complex.

Limited Company Questions

Not sure whether operating through a company would benefit you.

Missed Tax Reliefs

Many doctors fail to claim legitimate expenses and allowances.

Let’s simplify it. Speak to a Specialist
Why AccTek

A locum doctor accountant that works the way you need

Most accounting firms treat locum doctors like any other self-employed client. They miss NHS pension annual allowance traps, fail to capture medical-specific expenses, and don’t understand the interaction between PAYE and self-employed income. AccTek is built differently.

A Personal, Friendly Touch

A dedicated accountant who understands your work pattern, knows your financial goals and provides advice tailored to your situation — not generic templated returns.

NHS Pension Expertise

Annual allowance calculations, tapered allowance modelling, Scheme Pays elections and pension top-up guidance. We understand the pension rules that most accountants don’t.

Mixed Income Management

NHS PAYE plus self-employed locum income plus private work — we ensure correct allocation, tax code management and reporting across all your income sources.

Proactive Tax Planning

We model your PAYE income, locum earnings, pension position and expenses to minimise your tax bill legally — not just file what you give us at year-end.

Fast Response Times

Email queries answered the same working day — between shifts, not next week. A responsive accountant who is there when you need answers.

MTD Ready

Digital record-keeping, quarterly submissions and software guidance included. Whether MTD ITSA applies to you now or from 2027, your setup is already compliant.

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Penny by AccTek
Penny by AccTek
Powered by your live Xero data · Included in every AccTek plan

Ask Penny Anything

Penny is the AI assistant inside the AccTek Finance Lab. Message her like you'd text a colleague and she answers from your real, reconciled Xero numbers — in seconds, any time. She understands NHS pension rules, mixed PAYE and locum income, and the UK tax complexities that come with your work, and she knows exactly where her job ends and your accountant's begins.

  • Answers come from your live books, never generic guesses — every reply is stamped with how up to date your numbers are.
  • She knows you're a locum doctor and applies NHS pension, annual allowance and self-employment tax context automatically.
  • She remembers your situation between conversations, so you're never re-explaining yourself.
  • The moment a question needs real advice, she hands over to your chartered accountant — and tells you she's doing it.
Available on
WhatsAppWhatsApp SlackSlack AccTek PortalAccTek Portal ChatGPTChatGPT

Real questions locum doctors ask — answered from your own live numbers.

Am I close to my NHS pension annual allowance?
Based on your current pensionable pay growth, you're on track to use £54,200 of your £60,000 allowance. I'll alert you if that changes.
How much self-assessment tax do I owe this year?
Your estimated liability is £18,340 based on current income. Payments on account are due 31 January and 31 July.
Should I work through an agency or direct?
Direct engagement typically retains an extra £180–£240 per session after expenses. I can model your specific rates if you share them.
What expenses can I claim this tax year?
So far you've claimed £4,120 in allowable expenses. GMC fees, indemnity insurance and CPD costs are all deductible — I can check if anything's missing.

Illustrative examples · Penny answers; your chartered accountant signs off.

What our clients say

Trusted by locum doctors across the UK

★★★★★

“Finally an accountant who understands NHS pensions. They calculated my annual allowance position, identified a Scheme Pays option I didn’t know about, and saved me from an unexpected tax charge.”

Dr Sarah — Locum GP, 2 years with AccTek

★★★★★

“Switching to AccTek was painless. They handled everything with my old accountant and had Xero set up within a week. I can see my expenses and tax position in real time between shifts.”

Dr James — Hospital Locum, 1 year with AccTek

★★★★★

“I was doing locum shifts with multiple trusts, not claiming expenses. Godwin helped me get a refund of thousands of pounds — plus thousands more saved in annual NHS pension allowance charges.”

Dr Amrit Kaur — Locum Doctor

Verified review on Google
Transparent pricing

Fixed monthly fees — no surprises, no hourly bills

What every package includes

Every AccTek package includes a named chartered accountant, proactive tax planning, NHS pension guidance, Xero setup and same-day email support. Your exact fee depends on your structure and turnover — get a personalised quote in under two minutes.

Services included

  • Self Assessment
  • MTD quarterly updates
  • NHS pension guidance
  • Expense tracking
  • Xero cloud accounting
  • Dedicated accountant
  • Same-day support

How onboarding works

From first contact to fully managed accounts in under two weeks — here is what the process looks like:

  • 1
    Get a Quote
    2-minute instant quote. Fixed price, no surprises.
  • 2
    Onboarding
    We collect your details and handle professional clearance with your old accountant.
  • 3
    Cloud Setup
    Xero connected, bank feeds live, expense categories configured for medical professionals.
  • 4
    Ongoing Support
    Tax returns, pension guidance, expense tracking and proactive advice — all handled.

Meet Your Modern Finance Partner

Hi, I’m Godwin.

After spending years leading finance functions in large organisations, I met my now partner who works in the medical field. I realised how busy medics are saving lives that finance and tax takes a back seat. My partner had never claimed any expenses and was on the wrong tax code while working with multiple trusts.

Being an accountant, I felt this is a problem worth solving. At AccTek our approach combines professional expertise with modern systems to deliver proactive support at minimal cost.

For locum doctors, that means clearer financial decisions, fewer surprises and more confidence in your finances. We are more than simply filing returns.

Godwin

Godwin

Founder & Chartered Accountant

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

What makes AccTek different from other locum doctor accountants?
AccTek is a chartered accountancy practice that specialises in locum doctor taxation. Every client works with a named chartered accountant who understands NHS pensions, mixed PAYE and self-employed income, medical-specific expenses and IR35. We proactively plan your tax position — not just file returns. Fixed monthly fees from £19.99.
Do locum doctors need a specialist accountant?
Yes. Locum doctors have complex tax situations including mixed NHS employment and self-employment income, pension annual allowance charges, GMC and BMA fees, mileage, indemnity insurance and IR35 considerations. A specialist locum doctor accountant ensures you claim every allowable expense and avoid common tax traps.
What expenses can a locum doctor claim?
Locum doctors can claim GMC registration fees, medical defence insurance, BMA membership, CPD courses, clinical equipment, mileage to temporary workplaces, home office costs and professional subscriptions. We ensure every allowable deduction is captured and properly documented.
Should a locum doctor use a limited company?
It depends on your income level, NHS pension position and contracting arrangements. At higher income levels, a limited company can offer tax advantages — but the pension and IR35 implications must be modelled first. AccTek analyses both options and recommends the most tax-efficient structure for your specific situation.
How does the NHS pension affect a locum doctor’s tax position?
NHS pension contributions reduce taxable income, but high earners face an annual allowance charge if pension growth exceeds £60,000 per year in 2026/27. The tapered annual allowance can reduce this further for adjusted income above £260,000. AccTek calculates your position and manages Scheme Pays elections where needed.
Do locum doctors need to register for Making Tax Digital?
Yes, if combined self-employment and property income exceeds £50,000 per year from April 2026. MTD requires quarterly digital submissions to HMRC via compatible software. AccTek manages your registration, quarterly updates and Final Declaration as part of your monthly fee.
How much does an accountant for locum doctors cost?
AccTek plans for locum doctors start from £19.99 per month fixed. This includes Self Assessment or MTD submissions, cloud accounting via Xero, expense tracking, NHS pension guidance and a dedicated accountant who understands locum doctor taxation. Get your personalised quote.
Can I have PAYE and self-employed income at the same time?
Yes. Many locum doctors receive NHS PAYE income alongside self-employed locum earnings. This creates additional tax planning considerations — particularly around tax code allocation, pension contributions and the interaction of multiple income sources. AccTek ensures correct reporting and optimisation across all your income.
Is IR35 relevant for locum doctors?
IR35 may apply where locum doctors work through limited companies or via agencies. Whether the off-payroll rules apply depends on your contractual relationship and working arrangements. AccTek reviews your contracts and advises on the most appropriate structure.
How do I switch to AccTek from my current accountant?
Switching is straightforward. We handle professional clearance, contact your outgoing accountant to obtain records, and complete the transition within two weeks with no gap in service. Read our guide on changing accountants smoothly.
Already have an accountant?

Switching to AccTek is painless — we handle everything

Most locum doctors we work with are switching from another firm — not starting from scratch. If your current accountant doesn’t understand NHS pensions, misses medical-specific expenses, or only contacts you at year-end, you deserve better.

  1. You sign up — takes two minutes via our Instant Quote. No obligation until you’re ready.
  2. We handle professional clearance — we contact your outgoing accountant, request your records and manage the handover. You don’t need to have an awkward conversation.
  3. You’re live within two weeks — Xero set up, bank feeds connected, expense categories configured for medical professionals. No gap in service, no missed deadlines.

We catch up any outstanding filings from your previous accountant at no extra charge. If your Self Assessment deadline is approaching, we prioritise getting your return filed on time.

How Switching Works Get Your Instant Quote →

Who we support

Accounting designed for locum GPs & doctors

Every locum doctor’s situation is different. We support:

Whether you operate as a sole trader or through a limited company, we ensure compliance and optimisation across all your income sources.

What we do

How we help locum doctors

Specialist services tailored to medical professionals — everything you need, nothing you don’t.

Tax planning for locum doctors

Locum doctors often overpay tax

We correct tax codes, ensure proper expense deductions, navigate NHS pension complexity and address IR35 concerns. The result: reduced tax and clarity over your finances.

Managing mixed income for locum doctors

Managing mixed income structures

PAYE income from NHS employment, self-employed locum income and private work — we ensure correct allocation, reporting and optimisation across all income sources.

NHS pension guidance for locum doctors

NHS pension & tax considerations

Guidance on NHS pension contributions, annual allowance calculations, interaction with self-employed earnings and pension tax planning.

Allowable expenses for locum doctors

Allowable expenses for locum doctors

We ensure you correctly claim travel between practices, professional indemnity insurance, GMC registration fees, royal college subscriptions and use-of-home costs.

Xero cloud accounting for locum doctors

Accounts & tax filing

Monthly or quarterly bookkeeping, expense tracking automation, clear deadline reminders and predictable monthly pricing. Self Assessment, MTD quarterly updates and Corporation Tax if applicable.

Latest insights

Helpful resources for locum doctors

Guides, tax tips and pension advice written specifically for UK locum doctors and GPs.

Explore further

Locum doctor guides, tools & resources

Deep-dive guides and specialist tools for every aspect of locum doctor finances.

Locum doctor tax essentials

In-depth guides — tax, pensions and compliance

Click any section below to expand the full guide.

Why locum doctors need a specialist accountant

Contracting as a locum doctor means navigating a web of tax rules that simply do not apply to permanently employed NHS staff. Mixed PAYE and self-employed income, NHS pension annual allowance calculations, GMC and BMA fee deductions, mileage between temporary workplaces and IR35 considerations all require accountants who understand the locum doctor landscape.

A generalist accountant handles Self Assessment returns but misses the details that matter for medical professionals. A specialist locum doctor accountant does that and proactively structures your affairs to minimise your tax bill legally, ensures your NHS pension contributions are optimised, and keeps you compliant with Making Tax Digital before HMRC enforces it.

AccTek provides specialist accounting built specifically for locum doctors:

  • Self Assessment and Making Tax Digital compliance
  • NHS pension guidance including annual allowance calculations
  • Allowable expense claims — GMC fees, indemnity insurance, mileage, CPD
  • Limited company advice for doctors considering incorporation
  • IR35 support for agency-contracted locums
  • Cloud accounting via Xero with real-time visibility

Whether you work through agencies, multiple NHS trusts or your own limited company, AccTek keeps you compliant and tax-efficient with proactive, year-round support from qualified professionals.

Allowable expenses for locum doctors

HMRC’s “wholly and exclusively” rule is the test: an expense must be incurred entirely for business purposes. Common locum doctor expenses include:

  • GMC registration fees — fully deductible as a professional subscription
  • Medical defence insurance — MPS, MDU or MDDUS premiums
  • BMA membership & royal college subscriptions — RCGP, RCP and similar
  • Travel between temporary workplaces — 45p/mile for the first 10,000 miles, then 25p/mile
  • CPD courses and conferences — courses maintaining or updating existing skills
  • Clinical equipment — stethoscopes, diagnostic tools, scrubs purchased personally
  • Use of home as office — £6/week flat rate or proportionate actual costs
  • Accountancy fees — your AccTek subscription is fully deductible
  • DBS checks — required for clinical work

For a comprehensive list with HMRC references, read our ultimate allowable expense checklist for 2026/27.

NHS pension annual allowance explained

NHS pension contributions reduce your taxable income, but high earners face an annual allowance charge if total pension growth exceeds £60,000 per year in 2026/27. For locum doctors with adjusted income above £260,000, the tapered annual allowance can reduce this limit to as low as £10,000.

The calculation is complex because NHS pension growth is measured differently from money-purchase schemes — it uses “pension input amount” based on the increase in the value of your accrued benefits, not just your contributions. This means a pay rise or additional sessions can trigger a charge even without increasing your contributions.

AccTek calculates your annual allowance position, manages Scheme Pays elections where needed, and helps you plan pension contributions to avoid unexpected charges. Use our NHS Pension Calculator to estimate your position.

Making Tax Digital for locum doctors

Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self Assessment (MTD ITSA) became mandatory from April 2026 for anyone with qualifying income above £50,000. Many locum doctors with self-employed locum income above this threshold must now keep digital records and submit quarterly updates to HMRC.

From April 2027, the threshold drops to £30,000, bringing significantly more locum doctors into scope. Note that NHS PAYE income alone does not count towards the MTD threshold — only self-employment and property income. But if you have locum self-employment income plus rental income, both count.

AccTek manages your MTD registration, quarterly digital submissions, End of Period Statement and Final Declaration as part of your monthly fee. Visit our MTD knowledge hub for a complete guide.

Ready to start?

Specialist accounting for locum doctors — from £19.99/month

Fixed monthly fees. Dedicated accountant. NHS pension expertise. Get your instant quote in under two minutes.

Get Your Instant Quote → Book Free Consultation
Kishan Kedia

Kishan Kedia ICAI, CAMS is a specialist accountant at AccTek with 20+ years of experience in locum doctor tax, NHS pension annual allowance, landlord tax, Section 24 planning and Making Tax Digital for Income Tax. He holds the ICAI qualification and is a Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS).

You’re in good hands

AccTek is a member firm of the Institute of Certified Practising Accountants (ICPA). Our accountants have a wide range of qualifications and accreditations from trusted professional bodies such as the AAT, ICPA, and ACCA.

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