Expert Accountancy Services in Fareham, Hampshire
Tax, accounts, bookkeeping and payroll explained in plain English, by a local team that has looked after businesses, charities and families around Fareham since 1981.
Chartered Accountants in Fareham
Compass Accountants is based in Titchfield, a short drive from Fareham town centre, and we have been helping owner-managed businesses, charities and individuals across the area since 1981.
Every client has a dedicated manager as their single point of contact, so when you ring, you speak to someone who already knows your business. And if you would rather talk things through face to face, the kettle is always on.
Visit us:
Venture House, The Tanneries, East Street, Titchfield, Hampshire, PO14 4AR
Call us:
01329 844145
We work with clients from Fareham, Titchfield, Stubbington, Lee-on-the-Solent, Warsash, Locks Heath, Portchester and Whiteley, and across Gosport, Portsmouth, Southampton, Winchester and the New Forest.
Owner-managed businesses
We specialise in owner-managed businesses: limited companies, sole traders, partnerships and professionals. You are the boss, the finance director and probably the person raising invoices at 9pm, so we take as much of the paperwork off you as we can. From barbers and window cleaners to engineers, consultants and care homes, we handle your accounts, tax, VAT, payroll and bookkeeping, and give you honest advice on how to run things more profitably. Starting out? We can help you set up as a sole trader or a limited company and get the basics right from day one. See also our page for small business accountants in Fareham.
Charities and community organisations
Charity accounting is our niche. We have worked with charities and non-profits for over four decades, from small local trusts to some of the best-known museums on the south coast, including The Mary Rose Trust, the National Museum of the Royal Navy and Jane Austen’s House Museum. We understand charity bookkeeping and accounts, charity tax and VAT, Gift Aid, payroll, internal and grant audits, and the compliance that comes with being a trustee. Find out more about our charity services.
Individuals, landlords and families
Personal tax returns, rental income, inheritance tax planning, wills and probate. As ICAEW-licensed accountants we can handle the financial side of an estate with care, and often at a lower cost than a solicitor. See our pages on probate in Fareham, will writing in Fareham and inheritance tax in Fareham.
Our Services
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- Taxation: personal and business tax returns and planning, so you pay what you owe and not a penny more
- Payroll and bookkeeping: up-to-date records and a payroll that runs on time, every time
- Xero and cloud accounting: see what you owe and who owes you, in real time
- Business start-up: bring us the idea and we will help you make it real
- Compliance: annual accounts, VAT, corporation tax and company filings
- Consultancy and systems advice: practical help with cash flow, reporting and growth
- Charity accounting: specialist support for charities and non-profits
- Wills, probate and estate planning
- Fee protection: cover against the cost of an HMRC investigation
Two changes landing on Fareham desks right now
Making Tax Digital for Income Tax
Since 6 April 2026, sole traders and landlords with qualifying income over £50,000 have had to keep digital records and send HMRC quarterly updates using compatible software. The threshold drops to £30,000 from April 2027 and £20,000 from April 2028. Qualifying income means your gross self-employment and property income, before expenses. Not sure if or when it applies to you? We will check, and help you get set up with the right software and keep on top of the updates.
New charity accounting thresholds
For financial years ending on or after 30 September 2026, charities in England and Wales need a statutory audit only above £1.5 million of income (up from £1 million), and independent examination is required above £40,000 (up from £25,000). If you are a trustee or treasurer wondering what this means for your charity, we are happy to talk it through.
(Correct at October 2026. Rules change, so we will always check your own position.)
Why Fareham businesses choose Compass
- Chartered and accredited. We are fully qualified and accredited, so you can trust us with your finances.
- Plain English. No jargon, no bamboozling, and no stereotypes about bowler hats.
- Forward-looking. We help you shape your future, not just account for your past.
- Experience. Over 40 years in business means whatever your situation, we have seen it before.
“Compass are easy to deal with and friendly and speak in plain English.” Matt Berry, Managing Director, Martin and Co, Portsmouth
“I was looking for an accountant that had a niche in working in the charity sector, and when Compass came up I also noticed they happened to be in Fareham.” Garry Botterill, Co-founder, Service Dogs UK
“Compass have done more for me in 2 years, than my previous accountant did in 20!” Richard West, Owner, Apolo Motors
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an accountant if I am self-employed in Fareham?
You are not legally required to have one, but an accountant helps you claim everything you are entitled to, keeps you on the right side of HMRC and frees up your evenings. With Making Tax Digital for Income Tax now being phased in, more sole traders and landlords will need digital records and quarterly updates. We can check whether it applies to you.
Where is your office, and do you work with clients in Fareham?
Our office is at Venture House, The Tanneries, East Street, Titchfield PO14 4AR, a short drive from Fareham town centre. We work with clients in Fareham and the surrounding area, as well as Portsmouth, Southampton, Winchester and the New Forest.
How much does an accountant cost in Fareham?
It depends on the size and complexity of your business, how often you need us and how organised your records are. Tell us about your business and we will talk you through the options and the costs.
Can I change accountant part-way through the year?
Yes, you can change accountant at any time. We take care of the handover from your previous accountant.
Do you work with charities and community groups?
Yes, it is our specialism. We support charities and non-profits with bookkeeping and accounts, charity tax and VAT, Gift Aid, payroll, internal and grant audits, cash flow and compliance.
Can you help with probate in Fareham?
Yes. We are ICAEW-licensed accountants and can manage the paperwork and tax side of an estate, often as a cost-effective alternative to a solicitor. You can ask for a free consultation through our probate in Fareham page.
Want to get started
Today? Let’s Talk
Our friendly and helpful team are ready to take your call at any time. Or simply fill in the contact form for a quick call back at a time that suits you.