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Crunch vs Accounts & Legal
The smarter Accounts and Legal alternative
Looking for more than just one-off services? Crunch offers a complete accounting solution that supports you all year round, not just at deadline time.
At Crunch, all our accountants are in-house, fully accredited, and ready to provide expert support whenever you need it. From compliance to tax guidance, our team helps you manage your business with confidence and clarity.
Our accounting software is included as a helpful tool to make managing your finances straightforward.
Transparent pricing. No hidden fees. Unlimited access to qualified accountants whenever you need them.
Looking for a better Accounts and Legal alternative?
At Crunch, accounting is about more than just filing paperwork. Our qualified accountants provide clear, expert advice and support to help you manage your finances confidently all year round. You’ll get expert support that goes beyond compliance, helping you make smart decisions and save money where it counts. See how we compare and why so many choose Crunch as their number one Accounts and Legal alternative.
| Feature |  |
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|---|---|---|
| Unlimited UK-based accountant support |
Included with all packages Unlimited access to UK-based, Chartered ACCA accountants, including via chat and one-on-one video calls. ACCA-regulated for the best advice and support.
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Ember no longer offers accounting support since joining with Starling Bank.
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| Transparent, fixed pricing |
Clear, transparent pricing with no hidden fees.
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Fixed, upfront pricing.
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| ‘’Pay Yourself’’ tool |
Yes, including real-time profit insights, salary & dividend recommendations, and payslip generation to make managing income easy.
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No comparable feature with the same level of integration. After 2025, Ember’s software will be available only to Starling Bank customers.
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| Dedicated bookkeeping services. |
Yes! With Crunch, you can manage your bookkeeping yourself or have our expert team handle it.
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No accounting service provided regardless of your bank.
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| Award-winning UK-based accountants |
Access to Crunch’s award-winning accountants, trusted by thousands of UK businesses.
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No accounting support is offered, making Crunch a great Ember alternative.
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| Feature | |
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|---|---|---|
| Pricing |
Clear, fixed pricing from just £27, no hidden fees
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Starts at £89, with costly upgrades for VAT management and additional directors.
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| Unlimited UK-based accountant support |
Included with all packages – Direct access to UK-based accountants for personalised advice.
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Limited – direct accountant access depends on your package level.
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| Tax filing and HMRC compliance assistance |
Full support with tax filings and HMRC compliance, keeping you on track.
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Some filings are offered, but if you want all HMRC submissions you’ll need to upgrade.
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| Tailored packages for freelancers and small businesses |
Flexible options designed specifically for UK freelancers, contractors, and small businesses.
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Standard packages – No customisation available for specific business needs.
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| Migration and onboarding support |
Seamless transition with free migration and onboarding assistance.
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They have an onboarding team, but come with mixed reviews.
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| Offer their own purpose-built software |
Crunch provides its own purpose-built software. Built for business owners, no accounting degree needed.
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Relies on third-party software (FreeAgent) rather than offering their own platform.
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| IR35 flexibility and support |
Crunch’s Premium package includes support for both outside and inside IR35 – all in one plan.
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IR35 support is only available on their most expensive support option.
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| VAT management |
Included as standard.
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Only included on higher packages.
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| Feature | |
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|---|---|---|
| Pricing |
Transparent, all-in-one pricing for software and service: from *£21.60 + VAT/month. Fixed monthly costs make it easy to plan and budget.
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Pricing is based on time spent, so costs can swing unpredictably and end up expensive. Whether quoted for a single month or a year.
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| Expert accounting services |
Unlimited access to Crunch’s Chartered Certified accountants.
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Accounting services primarily focused on compliance and year-end filings.
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| Online accounting software |
Included in your accounting packages is also access to our easy-to-use Crunch software. Everything in one place, no need to juggle multiple platforms.
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Use Xero software rather than their own, which can add cost and complexity.
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| Support and advice |
Unlimited support from ACCA-regulated accountants and dedicated Client Success Managers (all UK-based). With Crunch Premier, we even offer a dedicated accountant at a great price.
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Yes, but no mention of dedicated Client Success Managers to aid with everyday help.
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| Tailored packages |
Fully custom accounting packages to fit your business.
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Usually custom quotes.
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| Award-winning service |
Multiple industry awards won and finalist spots recognising service and customer satisfaction.
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Some, but not recent. And fewer overall than Crunch.
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| Positive reputation |
Trusted by thousands of UK small businesses; consistently positive reviews
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Mostly positive, but mixed reviews over communication and service quality.
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| Feature | |
 |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing |
Transparent, all-in-one pricing for software and service: from *£21.60 + VAT/month.
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Prices start from £24.50 for Sole Traders with turnover under £20,000. Prices increase for higher turnovers or additional support requirements.
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| Expert accounting services |
Unlimited access to our in-house ACCA-regulated Chartered Certified accountants at Crunch. No outsourcing.
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Accounting services are included but pricing and support can be inconsistent, with no chartered or ACCA-accredited accountants on the team.
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| Online accounting software |
Easy-to-use smart software that’s fully integrated with our services.
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Utilise Pandle's software, however users report performance issues and bugs. Crunch’s FREE accounting software is reliable, and our accounting packages include the complete Pro version.
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| Support and advice |
Unlimited, expert, UK-based accountancy support.
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Support varies; mixed reviews highlight some inconsistency.
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| Tailored packages |
Fully custom accounting packages to fit your business.
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Packages are often inflexible.
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| Award-winning service |
Multiple industry awards won and finalist spots recognising service and customer satisfaction.
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No clear mention of awards won.
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| Positive reputation |
Trusted by thousands of UK small businesses; consistently positive reviews.
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| Feature | |
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|---|---|---|
| Price |
Transparent, all-in-one pricing for software and service: from *£21.60 + VAT/month.
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Sole Trader accounting packages start from £59 + VAT, with additional costs.
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| Expert accounting services |
Unlimited access to Crunch’s Chartered Certified accountants.
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Subscription packages offer some accounting support.
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| Online accounting software |
Crunch’s in-house built software, fully controlled and constantly improved to meet users’ needs perfectly.
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Use FreeAgent software, (a third-party software not owned or developed by Gorilla.)
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| Support and advice |
Unlimited, expert, UK-based accountancy support.
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Yes, but reports show it can be slow and generic.
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| Tailored packages |
Fully custom accounting packages to fit your business.
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Fixed packages only.
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| Award-winning service |
Multiple industry awards won and finalist spots recognising service and customer satisfaction.
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No clear awards listed.
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| Positive reputation |
Trusted by thousands of UK small businesses; consistently positive reviews.
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Mostly positive, but mixed reviews over accountant consistency.
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| Independence & continuity |
Founder-led since launch; same leadership for 16 years. Meaning you get consistent, client-first service.
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Private-equity owned.
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| Feature | |
 |
|---|---|---|
| Accounting packages price: |
Transparent, all-in-one pricing for software and service: from *£21.60 + VAT/month.
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Offers Limited Company subscriptions from £39 + VAT with one-off advice for £139 per session.
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| Self Assessments |
Self Assessment is included in most Crunch packages. If you only need a standalone return, we offer special deals throughout the year.
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Self Assessments available from £169. With a bundle including advice for £249.
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| Expert accounting services |
Unlimited access to Crunch’s Chartered Certified accountants.
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Subscription packages offer support mainly for Limited Companies; one-off advice for Sole Traders can be costly.
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| Online accounting software |
Included in your accounting package is access to our own easy-to-use smart software that’s fully integrated with our services.
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TaxFix offer a simple bookkeeping software to store records.
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| Support and advice |
Unlimited support from Crunch’s ACCA-regulated accountancy team. All based in the UK.
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Yes, via £139 sessions or £39+VAT/month Limited Company plan. Work outsourced to third-party firms.
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| Tailored packages |
Fully custom accounting packages to fit your business.
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Fixed yearly packages only.
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| Award-winning service |
Multiple industry awards won and finalist spots recognising service and customer satisfaction.
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Yes, some awards won. But fewer than Crunch.
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| Positive reputation |
Trusted by thousands of UK small businesses; consistently positive reviews.
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Mostly positive, but mixed reviews over service consistency.
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| Independence & continuity |
Independent UK-owned business, serving the self-employed since 2009.16 years, same name, same commitment to our clients.
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TaxScouts were acquired by TaxFix in 2024; now part of the TaxFix group.
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| Feature | |
 |
|---|---|---|
| Accounting packages price: |
Transparent, all-in-one pricing for software and service: from *£21.60 + VAT/month.
|
Prices can include large, unexpected fees, which are often not clear up front.
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| Expert accounting services |
Unlimited access to Crunch’s Chartered Certified accountants.
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Yes, although reports of inconsistent communication and delays.
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| Online accounting software |
Crunch’s in-house built software, designed for business owners with simplicity and ease of use at its core. Always evolving, always improving.
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DNS Accountants use Nomi, a third-party software designed with accountants in mind, not business owners.
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| Support and advice |
Unlimited support from Crunch’s ACCA-regulated accountancy. All based in the UK.
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Yes, although reviews show some inconsistency with level of support.
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| Tailored packages |
Fully custom accounting packages to fit your business.
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Fixed packages with less flexibility.
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| Award-winning service |
Multiple industry awards won and finalist spots recognising service and customer satisfaction.
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Awards won in previous years, but fewer recent recognitions.
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| Positive reputation |
Trusted by thousands of UK small businesses; consistently positive reviews.
|
Mostly positive, but mixed reviews over service consistency.
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| Feature | |
 |
|---|---|---|
| Accounting packages price: |
One fixed monthly or annual fee. Sole Traders can get started for just £259.20 + VAT annually. That’s over 50% less than Hnry’s maximum fee.
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A variable 1% + VAT charge of your income, capped at £600 + VAT per year. Meaning your costs change, making your accounting bill unpredictable.
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| Full accountancy and tax services |
Full support, all in one place. Payroll, bookkeeping, Year End, Self Assessment, VAT, tax optimisation, and more. Our experienced chartered accountants do it right and help you pay less tax.
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Hnry isn’t a chartered accountancy practice. They offer Self Assessments and VAT returns, but depending on how much you earn or use the service, you could end up paying more.
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| Business support at every stage of your journey |
We support you as you grow. From Sole Traders and Freelancers right up to growing Limited Companies, we’re here for you.
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Sole Traders only. Meaning if you incorporate, you’ll need to find new support.
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| Established UK experts |
Yes, Crunch has over 10 years of experience in UK accounting. And all of our experts are UK-based.
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Newly moved to the UK.
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| Banking flexibility |
Crunch offers banking integration to all major UK banks. With the option to upload CSV statements for any others.
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You must route all income and expenses through a Hnry Account that they manage for you. Meaning it’s a hassle to join and leave.
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| Multiple ways to speak to experts |
Yes! From WhatsApp to email, webchat, phone calls, and even one-on-one video calls, our tax advisors and ACCA-certified accountants are always ready to help.
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Support is mostly through webchat, with the option to request a call. Less direct and accessible when you need it.
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| Chartered ACCA accountants |
Get unlimited support from Crunch’s 36+ Chartered ACCA accountantsplus tax experts, included as standard in all our paid packages.
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Offers tax expert support, but no mention of any Chartered ACCA qualifications.
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| Proven by real customer feedback |
Crunch boasts a 4.5-star rating on Trustpilot from 1,400+ reviews.
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Hnry’s UK Trustpilot page is currently empty, and their international reviews average is 3.5 stars*.
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Stop wrestling with your accounts
Your business deserves more than just last-minute fixes and long waits for an answer. Accounts and Legal charge by the hour, so costs quickly mount up. As a traditional regional practice, you’ll often wait much longer for answers which isn’t ideal when deadlines are looming.
Crunch flips the script. Our in-house team of ACCA-certified accountants give you fast, reliable support.We answer calls within 15 seconds (over 90% of the time), so you’re never left hanging. With year-round guidance, compliance covered, and savings spotted along the way, you can breathe easy, knowing everything’s taken care of.
Established in 2009, trusted by over 64,000.
Experience award-winning smart software and expert accountants, all in one place.
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Key benefits of Crunch vs
Accounts and Legal
Transparent pricing you can plan around
We keep things simple and honest. With Crunch, what you see is what you pay, no sneaky extras or last-minute surprises. You’ll always know exactly what your accounting will cost, no matter how many questions you ask or how complex your needs become. That way, you can budget confidently, focus on growing your business, and stop worrying about unexpected bills.
Great for small to big businesses
We’ve designed Crunch specifically for Freelancers, Contractors, and Small Business owners. Everything we do, from our pricing to our software to advice, is built to make running your business easier and more affordable. You’ll get expert advice that speaks your language and software that doesn’t need an accounting degree to understand. Let us Crunch the numbers so you can focus on running your business.
Award-winning accounting service
We’re proud to be recognised for doing things the right way. From winning Best All-in-One Small Business Accounting Solution at the UK Enterprise Awards 2025 to being finalists at the UK FinTech Awards 2025, Contracting Awards 2024, and Accounting Excellence Awards 2025. It’s all thanks to our expert accountants, fantastic team, and smart software that thousands of small businesses trust every day.
Proactive tax advice to save you money
At Crunch, we don’t just file your tax returns and send you on your way. Our expert accountants work with you all year round to identify opportunities, maximise your savings, and make sure your business's finances work as hard as you do. It’s about more than compliance; it’s making sure your business thrives. On average, our customers save £3,722 on our Tax Optimiser calls alone.
Expertise across all business types
Crunch specialises in helping all types of self-employed people. From Sole Traders and Contractors to Ecommerce businesses and more. Meaning you get tailored advice, no matter your business model. And if you need more personalised support, Crunch Premier gives you a dedicated accountant at a great price. Better service, better price, it’s that simple.
Tailored packages that grow with you
Whether you’re a Sole Trader, Contractor, or Limited Company director, our accounting packages are built to suit your business and scale with your needs. From your very first sale right up to your first million, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
All the accounting features you need to reach max profitability!
Stay on top of your finances with Crunch’s user-friendly dashboard that gives you real-time visibility into your cash flow, expenses, and profits.
Save time with automated invoicing and payment tracking. Create, send, and manage invoices effortlessly, helping you get paid faster.
Easily track your business expenses with our streamlined software, ensuring you maximise your tax savings and keep your finances organised.
Benefit from on-demand support from our UK-based accountants who provide expert advice tailored to your unique business needs.
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Relax knowing that your tax returns and compliance filings are in capable hands. Our accountants guide you through deadlines and regulations, reducing stress and potential errors.
Get set with a dedicated onboarding service and continuous support to keep your accounting stress-free as your business grows.
Switching to Crunch from
Accounts and Legal
is easy
Our friendly experts make it quick and simple with minimal disruption.
Helpful migration support
Our expert team takes the stress out of switching helping you make the transition to Crunch. Ask as many questions as you like!
Fast, secure data transfer
We handle the secure import of your financial data, so you can switch with confidence, knowing your information is safe.
Full setup and ongoing assistance
Enjoy a hassle-free setup and onboarding process, followed by unlimited support from our UK-based accountants to keep your business running smoothly.
Make the move to Crunch today and start enjoying our expert-led support right away!
Frequently asked questions
Explore our FAQs for quick answers to your questions
Accounts and Legal combine legal services with accounting, but clients often report delays, staff turnover, and limited hands-on support. Crunch offers a more focused accounting experience. With smart software, dedicated Client Success Managers, and unlimited access to qualified UK accountants all year round.
Crunch offers clear, fixed monthly pricing with no hidden costs. Accounts and Legal’s pricing isn’t always transparent online and may vary based on the services you need, making it harder to plan or budget.
Not at all. Our dedicated team guides you every step of the way to ensure a smooth, hassle-free switch with minimal disruption.
Yes! Crunch includes unlimited support from qualified, UK-based Chartered Certified accountants in every package - no extra charge.
Absolutely! Our accountants assist with tax filings, ensuring you stay compliant with all HMRC regulations.
Crunch software offers automated invoicing, real-time expense tracking, bank feeds, and a clear, easy-to-understand financial dashboard.
Yes, we provide flexible packages tailored to every stage of your self-employed journey. From side-hustlers right up to large enterprises, you’ll always get the right support as your business grows.
You’ll get unlimited, ongoing support from our team of accountants and customer service experts, ready to help with any questions or guidance you need.
Still got questions? We’re on hand to answer them all! Simply give us a call on 0330 404 2284!
How does Crunch compare to the rest?
We don’t just think we’re the best, the numbers back it up. See how we outperform the competition.
Simple plans that grow with you. FREE for 14 days!
Trusted by over 64,000 — simple accounting with powerful software and unlimited human support from our experts and certified accountants.
Premium Plus: Everything a complex business needs, all in one place.
