Fee Indexation Policy (updated for April 2026 indexation factor)
From April 2022 we introduced an annual indexation adjustment to our client fees.
This article explains how it works, and who it applies to.
Summary (updated for April 2025 indexation factor)
From April 2022 we are applying an indexation charge to client fee agreements from the third year we’ve acted onwards.
- From 1 April 2026 the percentage will be 3%, in respect of invoices raised after that date, which for the most part will be for 2025-26 returns and accounts.
- From 1 April 2025 the percentage will be 3%, in respect of invoices raised after that date, which for the most part will be for 2024-25 returns and accounts.
- From 1 April 2024 the percentage will be 3%, in respect of invoices raised after that date, which for the most part will be for 2023-24 returns and accounts.
- From 1 April 2023 the percentage will be 3%, in respect of invoices raised after that date, which for the most part will be for 2022-23 returns and accounts.
- From 1 April 2022 the percentage will be 3%, in respect of invoices raised after that date, which for the most part will be for 2021-22 returns and accounts.
The adjustment is compound and rounded to nearest whole pound.
We plan to hold the adjustment at 3% each year for the next few years, in the hope of leveling out times of higher inflation against lower ones.
As this only applies from the third year we’ve acted for you, it currently applies (April 2026) to clients for whom the first tax year we acted was 2023/24 or earlier. For clients where we started acting later, the introduction will be deferred by 12 or 24 months, and its also deferred if our fee agreement with you has been re-based for some reason, eg a change in the size of your business.
Indexation applies all clients / all services other than FreeAgent subscriptions where billed separately.
Where clients pay by by Direct Debit, we will adjust these and let you know the revised DD.
We do not re-issue Service Level Agreements, but notify every client individually, confirming dates and amounts.
Where our fees work on a contemporaneous retainer basis – typically clients using our PSC Services – we adjust the third years fee for services in that year, including prior year returns where part of the contract. This aligns with the principle of the adjustment applying for the third year of service.
What Is Behind This Policy?
Regularly reviewing fees has been an ongoing difficulty for Whitefield over the years. This means our fee levels tend to drop in real terms.
The rapid inflation experienced in the last few years has exacerbated this.
Back in 2022 we therefore took the decision to index fees by a small amount annually, from the third year onward we have acted for a client. This means pricing when a client joins us applies for the first and second year for which we provide services.