Cloud bookkeeping that saves you time and keeps your records accurate, up to date and always ready for VAT returns, payroll and Making Tax Digital. Taxlab provides bookkeeping services for small businesses, sole traders and landlords in Bathgate, West Lothian and across Scotland, using cloud accounting software and smart receipt capture from Dext.
Recording, classifying and analysing transactions can eat into your time. It is not why you went into business, unless of course you enjoy bookkeeping. Leave the paperwork to us and focus on what you do best.
Our bookkeeping services
- Monthly or quarterly bookkeeping in Xero, FreeAgent or QuickBooks
- Bank reconciliation, so every transaction is matched and explained
- Receipt and invoice capture with Dext, so you never lose a receipt again
- Sales and purchase ledgers, including tracking who owes you and who you owe
- VAT returns prepared from your records and submitted under Making Tax Digital for VAT
- Payroll for you and your staff
- Management information that shows how your business is really performing
We are not just accountants, but information engineers. We turn your raw data, such as invoices, bank statements and receipts, into information that is accurate, reliable and useful, so you can make the right decisions to grow your business.
Paperless bookkeeping with Dext
We use Dext to take the pain out of receipts and supplier invoices. Instead of keeping a shoebox of paperwork, you simply send each document to Dext and it does the rest:
- Capture your way – snap receipts with the Dext mobile app, or send them by email, WhatsApp or upload from your desktop.
- Automatic data extraction – Dext reads your receipts and invoices and pulls out the supplier, amounts, VAT and due dates. Dext says it does this with over 99% accuracy.
- Straight into your accounts – documents are categorised and published to your accounting software, including Xero, QuickBooks and Sage.
- Staff expenses and mileage – your team can submit expense claims from their phones.
- AI that learns how you work – Dext AI Assist learns your decisions on suppliers and categories and suggests automations for you to approve.
- Every original kept safe – images of your receipts and invoices are stored securely in the Dext Vault, ready if HMRC ever asks.
We set Dext up for you, connect it to your accounting software and show you how to use it.
An introduction to Dext, from Dext
Effortless data capture for invoices and receipts
Cloud accounting software
We are a Xero Silver Partner and a FreeAgent Certified Practitioner. With your bank connected to cloud software and receipts flowing in from Dext, your records stay up to date with very little effort, and you can see how your business is doing at any time. We can set up and implement your cloud accounting system from scratch or move you across from spreadsheets or another package.
Bookkeeping and Making Tax Digital
VAT-registered businesses must keep digital records and file VAT returns through compatible software. Since 6 April 2026, sole traders and landlords with qualifying income over £50,000 must also keep digital records and send HMRC quarterly updates under Making Tax Digital for Income Tax, with the threshold falling to £30,000 from April 2027. Good digital bookkeeping makes both straightforward. Read our guide to Making Tax Digital for Income Tax.
Your legal record-keeping requirements
Every business must keep accurate records. The rules depend on how your business is set up:
- Sole traders and partnerships – see HMRC’s legal requirements for record keeping for the self-employed. You must usually keep records for at least 5 years after the 31 January filing deadline for the tax year concerned.
- Limited companies – see the legal requirements for keeping accounting records for limited companies in the Companies Act 2006. For tax purposes, companies should usually keep records for at least 6 years from the end of the accounting period.
With Dext and cloud software, your records are stored digitally and securely, so there is no paper to file and nothing to lose.
Why choose Taxlab for your bookkeeping?
- Chartered Certified Accountants, regulated by ACCA
- Xero Silver Partner and FreeAgent Certified Practitioner
- Fixed monthly fees agreed in advance
- Bookkeeping, VAT, payroll, year end accounts and tax under one roof
- Based in Bathgate, West Lothian, working with businesses across Scotland
See also our VAT, payroll and year end accounts services.
Bookkeeping FAQs
Can I do my own bookkeeping and use you for the rest?
Yes. Many clients record their own sales and capture receipts in Dext, and we review the books, reconcile the bank and prepare VAT returns and accounts. We can tailor the split to suit you.
Do I still need to keep paper receipts?
Once a receipt has been captured in Dext, the digital copy is stored securely and the details are in your accounts. Speak to us about your own circumstances before throwing originals away.
How often will my books be updated?
Usually monthly or quarterly, depending on how many transactions you have and whether you are VAT-registered or under Making Tax Digital for Income Tax.
Talk to us about bookkeeping
Call 0845 862 6009, email hello@taxlab.co.uk or message us on WhatsApp.
Videos are produced by Dext. Dext features change from time to time; see dext.com for the latest details.