Before you start running your own bookkeeping business you need to hold a Practice License and comply with its requirements.

Each Practice License lasts for a period of one year and runs alongside your membership. The Practice License is available to ICB Payroll Agents, Associate Members, Members and Fellows who are in good standing and can comply with the ICB Bankruptcy and Criminal Convictions policy. 

 

How to Apply

You can apply for a Practice License at any time of year.  Applications will be processed within 28 days.  

Please call ICB, or send an email, to request the Practice License Application Form to be posted out to you.  

You can request the form to be sent by email but it must be returned in hard copy. 

310-917-1044
memberservices@bookkeepers.org.uk

Practice License Holder Duties

    • Up to date membership at Associate Member, Payroll Agent, or higher
      to be renewed on time each year

    • Up to date Practice License
      to be renewed on time each year and promptly updated in the event of any change of details or company entity eg. incorporation as a Limited Company

    • Compliance with the ICB Professional Conduct Regulations
      view a copy here

    • Professional Indemnity Insurance for your practice
      information will be sent with your Practice License application

 

Practice License Cancellation

You are usually required to retain your Practice License even if you have reduced the size of your practice, are no longer charging a fee, or have reached retirement age. Please contact ICB on 310-917-1044 to discuss the details of your situation.

If you are no longer in public practice please let ICB know at the earliest opportunity and send notification in writing.  You will be sent a Non-Practising Declaration Form to sign to confirm you have closed the practice and completed the necessary steps to officially cease trading.

You will be liable for all outstanding Practice License fees up to and including the forthcoming year's renewal fee unless written notification that you have ceased practising is received at least one month prior to the due date of your renewal fee.

 

Starting Your Bookkeeping Business A4 guide

When we send your Practice License Application Form you will automatically receive our handy A4 guide on setting up a bookkeeping business.  

Exclusive benefits for Practice License holders

Although the Practice License is compulsory for members in public practice, there are many exclusive benefits to being part of the scheme:

  • Use of the ICB heraldic crest on your website, promotional materials and stationery
  • Stationery templates and ready-made bookkeeper flyers at discounted rates through VistaPrint
  • Access to more job vacancies
  • Discounted Professional Indemnity Insurance
  • Enhanced telephone support including marketing advice
  • Access to restricted web content to include:
     Marketing and advertising guidance
     Advice on contacting accountants and potential clients
     Advice on writing letters of engagement and contracts

Compulsory Insurance

As a Practice License holder you are required to have Professional Indemnity Insurance for your business. This is the only insurance you are required to take out and it will cover you in the event of any clients making a claim against you.

We will send further details with your Practice License Application Form.

Professional Indemnity Insurance information

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