Accountant for Architects and Liberal Professions

Why do architects choose a specialized accountant?

Architects, engineers, building consultants, and other liberal professions operate under a unique business model: independent work, variable projects, fluctuating expenses, and billing to different clients. This requires accurate bookkeeping, comprehensive annual reports, and smart tax planning.

Ben Or Cook Accountants specializes in serving architects and liberal profession practitioners. We understand your business structure, project expenses, irregular income streams, and your unique tax rights.

What does accounting support for liberal professions include?

• Accurate bookkeeping: Documentation of all income and expenses, project and client management, compliance with tax requirements.
• Annual reports: Preparation of a comprehensive annual report for tax authorities, accurate tax calculations, and identification of deductions and mandatory filings.
• Active tax planning: Identification of allowable expenses, advance tax payment planning, optimization of income structure, and annual tax planning.
• Payroll support: If you have employees or administrative staff, management of payroll slips, mandatory deductions, and national insurance.
• Capital declaration and tax rights: Annual review of eligibility for tax deductions, new incentives, and efficient utilization of benefits.

The difference between a general accountant and one specializing in liberal profession practitioners lies in the depth of understanding of project expenses, seasonal income, and various pricing models (hourly, fixed, or percentage-based project fees).

Permitted Expenses for Architects and Liberal Professions

One of the central rights of a self-employed person is the deduction of permitted expenses from their income. Architects can deduct many expenses that are often overlooked:

• Office expenses: Rent (or a portion thereof if the office is in the home), electricity, internet, telephone, office insurance.
• Tools and equipment: Computer, consulting software (CAD, BIM, project management software), furniture, office equipment.
• Maintenance and education expenses: Certification courses, professional updates, licenses and professional association fees (Architects' Order).
• Travel expenses: Fuel, vehicle insurance, maintenance — as long as the travel is related to business activities.
• Communication and marketing expenses: Website, advertising, marketing materials, client visits.
• Insurance expenses: Professional liability insurance (mandatory for many architects), supplementary health insurance.
• Financing expenses: Interest on business loans, bank commissions, business account fees.

It is important to keep receipts and documentation for every expense — this is the only way to prove to the tax authority that the expense is permitted. An experienced accountant will help you identify expenses you may not have considered and ensure all documentation is in order.

Annual Report for Self-Employed Persons — What Exactly Is It?

An annual report is the accounting report you submit to the tax authority at the end of the tax year. The report includes all your income, all your permitted expenses, and a calculation of the tax you owe (or the refund due to you).

For a self-employed person (exempt business person or licensed business person) an annual report is mandatory. The report is typically submitted to the tax authority by the end of September of the year following the tax year (for example: a report for 2025 will be submitted by the end of September 2026).

An accountant will prepare the complete report for you, calculate the tax you owe, and consult with you on tax prepayments for the coming year.

Exempt Business Owner vs. Licensed Business Owner — Which is Right for an Architect?

When starting as a self-employed architect, you must decide whether to register as an exempt business owner or a licensed business owner. This decision affects tax reporting, reporting obligations, and tax payments.

Most self-employed architects start as exempt business owners and transition to licensed business owners as their income grows. This is a decision you should reconsider annually, based on your business size and client type.

Tax Planning for Architects — How to Avoid Surprises

Active tax planning is one of the most powerful tools for self-employed professionals. Instead of waiting until the end of the year and being surprised by the amount you owe, you can plan ahead and make smart decisions.

How Does an Accountant Help with Tax Planning?

• Calculating Tax Advance Payments: Based on your income, we calculate how much you need to pay each month or quarter to avoid a large payment at the end of the year.
• Identifying Forgotten Expenses: An annual review of all possible expenses — office, equipment, education, insurance — to ensure you don't pay tax on income that shouldn't have been taxable.
• Checking Tax Benefits: New architects, new immigrants, or those relocating their business to a peripheral area may be eligible for special tax benefits.
• Income Planning: If you have control over the timing of project billing, you can plan which projects to bill in this year and which in the next.
• Professional Insurance: Professional liability insurance expenses are deductible — you need to ensure they are properly utilized.

The goal of tax planning is not to avoid paying obligations, but to pay the correct amount at the right time, without surprises.

Tax Refunds for Employees and Business Continuators

If you were previously an employee and are also self-employed, or if you have two sources of income, you may be eligible for a tax refund. An accountant will check if excess deductions were made from your salary and will file a refund claim if applicable.

Ben Or Kook — Accounting Firm for Architects in Petach Tikva and Ramat Gan

Ben Or Kook is an accounting firm specializing in providing professional support to practitioners in the liberal professions, including architects, engineers, and consultants. Our office is based in Petach Tikva with services to Ramat Gan and the central region, offering personalized, digital, and accessible service.

What Sets Ben Or Kook Apart?

• Deep Experience: Years of experience supporting practitioners in the free professions, with a thorough understanding of your business structure.
• Digital Service: Complete bookkeeping through digital platforms, allowing you to upload receipts at any time and receive real-time updates.
• Personal and Dedicated Approach: Each client receives individual attention, and every question is handled with utmost care.
• Free Initial Consultation: We invite you to an initial meeting to understand your needs, with no obligation whatsoever.
• Convenient Location: Our office is in Petach Tikva with service to Ramat Gan, and we also offer digital meeting options.

If you are a self-employed architect seeking professional accounting support, Ben Or Kook is here for you. We speak your language, understand your challenges, and offer practical solutions.