Open Books is a freelance accounting team based in Dubai, helping small businesses, freelancers and sole traders across the UK and UAE stay fully compliant and financially clear.
We are Open Books — a freelance accounting team dedicated to helping small businesses in both the UK and UAE manage their finances with ease. Based across Dubai and the UK, we provide remote accounting services to clients in both regions.
We understand how overwhelming managing your financial obligations and tax compliance can feel — especially when you're busy running your business. For our UK clients, we offer comprehensive services including bookkeeping, VAT returns, CIS returns, self-assessment, company accounts, and payroll. For UAE clients, we specialise in Corporate Tax (CT), VAT, and payroll.
With years of combined experience supporting freelancers, sole traders, and limited companies in both regions, our team offers a friendly and flexible approach that puts your business first. All services are delivered digitally and securely, with professional remote support wherever you are.
Every number matters. Your accounts are always precise, clear and compliant — we never cut corners.
Guaranteed reply within 24 hours. Our team ensures you're never left waiting for answers.
No hidden fees, ever. Transparent quotes from our team, tailored to your exact needs.
Comprehensive accounting for UK businesses and specialised tax support for UAE clients — all delivered remotely with expert precision.
Keep your financial records accurate and organised. We maintain your accounts, track expenses, and ensure everything is ready for tax time.
Preparation and filing of your UK VAT returns on time. We handle all calculations, MTD-compliant submissions, and keep you HMRC-compliant.
Full CIS filing and reconciliation for contractors and subcontractors. Monthly submissions to HMRC with expert compliance handling.
Accurate self-assessment returns with timely HMRC submission. We minimise your tax liability while keeping you fully compliant.
End-to-end service: company formation, statutory accounts, Companies House filings, and corporation tax returns to HMRC.
Comprehensive payroll management — payslips, PAYE, RTI submissions, P60 & P11D, and pension auto-enrolment compliance.
Full MTD-compliant VAT filing and ITSA (Income Tax Self Assessment) setup. We handle software bridging, HMRC digital submissions, and quarterly updates — so you're ahead of every deadline.
HMRC is moving all tax records fully digital. MTD for VAT is already mandatory. MTD for Income Tax Self Assessment (ITSA) is rolling out from April 2026 — and penalties for non-compliance are real.
Choose the package that fits your business type and region. All prices are starting rates — custom packages available.
All prices are starting rates. Contact us for a bespoke quote tailored to your exact requirements.
Important UK tax updates, Making Tax Digital deadlines and HMRC guidance for freelancers, landlords, sole traders and small businesses.
From April 2026, sole traders and landlords with qualifying income over £50,000 need to follow Making Tax Digital for Income Tax rules.
Read on GOV.UK →06 Apr 2027From April 2027, MTD for Income Tax applies to self-employed individuals and landlords with qualifying income over £30,000.
Read on GOV.UK →06 Apr 2028From April 2028, the MTD threshold is expected to reduce further to qualifying income over £20,000.
Read on GOV.UK →MTD GuideMTD requires digital record keeping and quarterly updates through compatible software, followed by a final declaration.
Read on GOV.UK →Self AssessmentHMRC deadlines are important for online tax returns and tax payments. Filing early helps avoid stress and penalties.
Read on GOV.UK →HMRC PenaltiesHMRC uses penalties for late submissions and payments, including rules linked to VAT and Income Tax obligations.
Read on GOV.UK →Need help with MTD, VAT or Self Assessment?
Open Books can help you stay organised, compliant and deadline-ready.
Three easy steps to financial clarity — no jargon, no complications, just professional support from day one.
Reach out via email or WhatsApp for an initial chat. Tell us about your business, your region (UK or UAE), and what you need help with.
Start the conversation →We'll discuss your specific UK or UAE accounting requirements in detail and provide a transparent, no-obligation quote — no surprises.
Once you're happy, we begin. Your accounts stay clear, compliant, and up-to-date — and you get back to running your business.
We specialise in freelancers, sole traders, and small limited companies in the UK, and emerging businesses in the UAE. Pricing and services designed around your budget and needs — not a one-size-fits-all approach.
Working remotely across Dubai and the UK, our team serves clients in both regions. Professional accounting support without geographical limitations — all delivered digitally and securely, wherever you are.
No confusing jargon or complicated explanations. We believe in making accounting accessible and understandable — so you always know exactly where your business stands financially.
For UK clients we ensure all HMRC deadlines are met. For UAE clients we navigate CT and VAT regulations proactively. We monitor changing regulations in both regions so your business stays fully protected.
Have questions or need accounting help? Whether you're in the UK or UAE, our team is here for a friendly chat — no obligation.
Mon–Fri, 9:00am – 5:00pm GMT
United Kingdom & United Arab Emirates
Real feedback from small business owners and freelancers we've helped across the UK.
"Switched to Open Books after struggling with my accounts for two years. They sorted my VAT backlog, filed everything on time, and actually explained what was happening at each step. Genuinely the most stress-free accounting experience I've had."
"As a small construction firm, CIS compliance was a nightmare. Open Books took it off my plate completely — monthly returns, subcontractor verification, the lot. My accountant before charged triple and never replied on time. These guys respond same day on WhatsApp."
"I was so confused about MTD and whether I needed to comply. Open Books walked me through everything, set up my bridging software, and handled my first quarterly submission. Honestly didn't realise accounting could be this painless."
"Just incorporated my limited company and had no idea what I needed to do. Open Books handled the entire setup — Companies House registration, corporation tax, director's self-assessment — all for a flat monthly fee. Worth every penny and more."
"I run a small e-commerce business and was drowning in VAT returns and bookkeeping. Open Books got everything organised within the first week. The monthly reports they send are clear, and I finally understand my own numbers. Highly recommend to any small business owner."
"Missed two self-assessment deadlines before I found Open Books. They caught me up on everything, sorted my penalties claim with HMRC, and now I never worry about deadlines. The price is unbeatable compared to any high street accountant I've tried."
Quick answers to what most clients ask before getting started.