AXENTIS

Axentis is an accountancy firm in Maaseik, Limburg, which presents itself as a one-stop shop for accountancy, tax and corporate finance. Its doors are open to every form of business: companies, sole traders, the self-employed and liberal professions. The website reports 16 staff, more than 700 clients, 6 ITAA accountants and over 200 years of combined experience. Its motto, "we look beyond the figures", sums up a multidisciplinary team that calls itself proactive, with an eye for detail and the bigger picture, and a family-style, human approach.

Accountancy ranges from partial support to taking over the work entirely. The firm keeps figures up to date, optimises the books and helps clients make the digital switch. Each client can turn to their own file manager, for recurring assignments and specific questions alike. Tax returns are prepared on time and year-end closings are drawn up for each current file, with a report presenting the figures and advice for the future. Experts also monitor social contributions and adjust them where needed.

Three services stand out. Notarial accounting responds to the strict controls notaries are subject to, with dedicated specialists. On-site assistance makes it possible to send support for a few hours or one day a week to the business, for instance when a colleague is temporarily absent. Tailored advice covers pension building, ITP contracts, the VAPZ scheme and investments. The firm also supports start-ups with the financial plan, contact with the notary, articles of association and formalities at the business counter.

In tax, a team of recognised tax specialists prepares and files personal income tax and corporate income tax returns. It answers VAT questions, such as setting up a VAT unit or invoicing a transaction correctly. With a network of experts, it works on tax and succession planning. It also prepares clients for tax audits and assists them during those audits.

Corporate finance is aimed at those with a financing question or about to sell their business. The firm advises on and supports takeovers, sales, investments and valuations.

The method follows five steps. Compliance comes first: gathering documents, preferably digital, entering them and preparing returns ahead of deadlines. Reporting then gives a clear update two to three times a year. Information meetings translate those reports into plain language over a cup of coffee. Clients then decide with the firm's support, before the fifth step, growth, at their own pace. The blog follows the news with articles on the personal income tax reform, directors' pay, the registration of working partners with the BCE and e-invoicing.