Accountant Holding Documents

[Robin9]

My accountant is refusing to hand over all documents required by my new accountant. Can he do this by law?

I have one outstanding invoice to pay for payroll, for which he hasn’t completed the work yet.

He has been an awful accountant, broken data protection on at least one occasion and constantly failed to carry out work he should have done for me.

[echat11]

Have you spoken to the ICO?

[atticus]

I *think* accountants may not claim a lien on papers until bills are paid. Check with the accountant's professional body.

[Sam101]

I have one outstanding invoice to pay for payroll, for which he hasn’t completed the work yet.

This is why he is holding on and is within his rights. Ask him to complete his work quickly, or negotiate a deal to pass the papers over for a reduced fee.