An accountant is not simply the person who “files your invoices”. For a business or a self-employed professional in Patras, this is the person who warns you before a penalty arrives, tells you whether changing your legal form makes sense and keeps track of deadlines while you are busy running the business. That choice deserves a little of your time.
This guide covers what to check before you decide, which questions to ask at the first meeting and which signs suggest the working relationship will run smoothly.
When you need an accountant
Some cases are obvious, others less so. You usually need an accountant when you:
- are starting a sole proprietorship, working on a service invoice basis or setting up a company
- already run a business and want to change advisors
- are hiring staff and need payroll
- have rental income, an inheritance or income from abroad
- received a notice, a penalty or an audit request from the tax authority (AADE)
Even for a straightforward employee tax return, an accountant can spot deductions or errors that the pre-filled form does not catch.
What to check before the first meeting
Sector experience
Ask whether the firm already serves businesses like yours. Restaurants, retail shops, farmers and freelancers have very different obligations. A firm that knows your sector saves you from trial and error.
Professional licence
An accountant and tax advisor must hold a licence from the Economic Chamber of Greece, at the class that matches your books. It is entirely reasonable to ask about it.
Digital set-up
With myDATA, electronic invoicing and the digital work card, your accountant has to be comfortable with digital tools. Ask how you will send documents and whether you can be served remotely.
Local presence
Working online is practical, but a firm in Patras means you can drop by when something is urgent or when a complex matter is easier to discuss face to face.
Seven questions for the first meeting
- What exactly does the monthly fee include and what is charged separately?
- Who will be my contact person and how quickly do you reply?
- How will you tell me about deadlines and amounts I need to pay?
- How do I send invoices, receipts and documents?
- What happens if there is an audit or a penalty?
- Can you advise me on legal form or on funding programmes?
- How is the handover from my previous accountant handled?
The answers do not have to be perfect. They have to be clear. If someone avoids telling you what the fee covers, that is already an answer.
Warning signs
- promises that you will “pay almost no tax” before seeing your figures
- no written proposal or price
- suggests keeping documents “off the books”
- tells you about payments only on the final day
Is changing accountants difficult?
No. Many professionals hesitate because they expect a mess. In practice the new accountant handles the handover: they are registered as your authorised accountant on Taxisnet, receive the books and check for anything outstanding. A quarter end or year end is the tidiest moment, but the change can happen at any time.
What does an accountant in Patras cost
The fee depends mainly on the category of books (single or double entry), the volume of documents, whether you employ staff and which extra services you need. That is why a serious quote comes after we understand your business, not before. The cheapest package is not always the most economical one if a penalty arrives at the end of the year that could have been avoided.
Why TAXGROUP
From our office at Patreos 84 in Patras we serve businesses, self-employed professionals and individuals across Patras and Achaia, as well as non-residents with obligations in Greece. See our services or our useful guides for common procedures.
Want to talk? Contact us or call 2614 007160 to arrange a first meeting.
Frequently asked questions
Can I change accountants in the middle of the year?
Yes. The new accountant receives your records and is registered as your authorised accountant on Taxisnet. A quarter end is more convenient, but the change can be made at any time.
Do I need an accountant if I am only an employee?
It is not mandatory, but if you have rental income, dependants, income from abroad or a change in family status, an accountant can find errors and deductions.
Can I work with an accountant in Patras without visiting the office?
Yes. Most documents are sent digitally and many procedures are handled remotely. The office is there when a meeting is useful.
How is an accountant fee set?
It depends on the category of books, the volume of documents, payroll and any extra services. Always ask for a written proposal that states what is included.