Why you should rely on an accountant when opening your company

Many entrepreneurs think opening a company is just filling out a form and you’re done. The reality is quite different — and the mistakes made during the formation stage usually cost a lot down the road. An experienced accountant is not a luxury; it’s an investment. Vivian Sampaio, an accountant and lawyer with more than 26 years of experience in accounting and law, explains why the decision to rely on a professional from day one makes all the difference.

The right accountant at formation prevents problems later

The company formation stage is when decisions have the greatest impact and the least flexibility. Once the CNPJ (company tax ID) is established, changing certain choices — such as the CNAE or the tax regime — can involve cost, bureaucracy and, in some cases, tax risks.

An accountant who knows the formation process assesses your specific situation and points out the safest path before the mistake happens.

The 7 most common mistakes made without professional help

1. Wrong CNAE

Choosing the CNAE (National Classification of Economic Activities) is one of the most technical and most impactful decisions of company formation. A CNAE that is too generic or incorrect can lead to undue tax charges, the requirement of unnecessary licenses and problems issuing invoices. The accountant knows how to identify the code suited to the company’s actual activity.

2. Wrong tax regime

Choosing the tax regime without running simulations can mean paying more tax than necessary throughout the company’s entire life cycle. An accountant does the math before you commit to a regime.

3. Poorly drafted articles of association

The articles of association of an LTDA (limited liability company) need specific clauses to protect the partners’ interests. Without legal and accounting guidance, it’s common to find documents with gaps that create conflicts later — and that are costly to fix.

4. Incompatible residential address

Using your residential address for the company without checking whether municipal legislation allows it can result in the permit being denied. The accountant or lawyer who works with company formations knows how to spot this incompatibility before filing.

5. Lack of specific licenses

Certain activities require licenses that don’t appear in the standard REDESIM workflow. An experienced professional identifies which ones are needed and requests them together with the formation — preventing the company from operating without the necessary documentation.

6. Underestimated share capital

Share capital needs to be compatible with the company’s size and activity. Capital that is too low can raise questions from JUCESP and, in extreme cases, be interpreted as an attempt at fraud. The accountant helps define a realistic amount.

7. Unprotected assets

When a company is opened without estate planning, the partners’ personal assets can be left vulnerable if the company incurs debt. The separation between personal and business assets needs to be established from the initial structure.

What the accountant does during the formation stage

In practice, the accountant who takes part in the formation handles the following tasks:

Tax validation

• Simulates the most advantageous tax regime for the projected revenue
• Identifies possible tax savings before formation
• Flags obligations specific to the activity

CNAE and activity

• Researches and indicates the correct CNAE based on the real description of the activity
• Checks whether the CNAE requires additional licenses
• Confirms compatibility with the Simples Nacional (simplified tax regime) or another chosen regime

Articles of association

• Advises on the necessary clauses (dissolution, partner exit, profit distribution)
• Reviews the document before registration to avoid demands from JUCESP
• Ensures the share capital is consistent with the activity

Registrations and permits

• Coordinates the municipal and state registrations together with the CNPJ
• Monitors the timeline of the operating permit
• Advises on specific permits (health, environmental, etc.) when necessary

How much an accountant charges to open a company

Formation fees vary according to the complexity of the company type and the region. As a reference for the São Paulo market in 2026:

The formation fee generally includes the first month of maintenance, but this varies. Confirm with the accountant whether the formation fees are separate from the monthly maintenance fee.

How to choose the right accountant for your stage

At the formation stage, you need an accountant who:

• Has experience with new companies (not just established ones)
• Knows the formation process in your region (JUCESP, city hall, REDESIM)
• Sees your company as a long-term project — not just a formation client

The sign of the right accountant is one who asks questions about your plan before giving quotes. If the accountant only asks which type of company you want to open without asking about projected revenue, activity and goals, they probably won’t do the full analysis you need.

If you’re ready to take the first step, see how company formation works with VMAHUB and explore the full index of the Naprática hub on accounting and company formation.

Vivian Sampaio — experience with company formations since 1998

Over more than 26 years of a career in accounting and law, Vivian Sampaio has helped hundreds of companies come into being the right way. Experience shows that investing in an accountant from the moment of formation is always cheaper than the cost of fixing mistakes later — in money, in time and in peace of mind.

The time to look for an accountant is before opening the company, not after.

FAQs

Do I need an accountant to open a MEI?

It’s not mandatory, but it’s highly recommended. The MEI (individual micro-entrepreneur) has a simplified process, but an accountant can help you choose the correct CNAE, understand the obligations and avoid surprises. Many accountants serve MEIs at no cost or for a very low fee because the process is simple.

Can the accountant open the company for me?

Yes. Many accountants handle the full formation as part of the formation fees. The company needs to provide the documents and information, but the accountant takes care of the process.

Can I switch accountants after the company is open?

Yes. Switching accountants is free and requires no reason. You simply hire a new accountant and authorize the transfer of the accounting files. The only obligation is to notify the Receita Federal of the change (if necessary) and ensure that any pending obligations are transmitted correctly.

Are an accountant and a lawyer the same thing for company formation?

No. The accountant handles all the fiscal, tax and registration aspects of the formation. The lawyer handles the legal aspects of the articles of association and the corporate structure. For an LTDA, it’s advisable to have both — or an accountant who is also a lawyer and covers both sides.

How long does formation take with an accountant’s help?

The timeline isn’t necessarily shorter, but the process is safer. The accountant knows what the agency expects and responds to requirements faster, which can reduce the overall timeline when there’s a problem in the process.

Want to be sure your company will be opened correctly? The VMAHUB team has experience with company formations of all types and sizes. Talk to a specialist on WhatsApp — quick response, no obligation.

If you’re still choosing between MEI and LTDA, check out our complete comparison guide. And if you want to understand more about tax regimes, we have a specific guide on that.

Vivian Sampaio is an accountant, lawyer, author, mentor and speaker with more than 26 years of experience in accounting and law. Founder of VMAHUB.

Tags: Accountant, Company Formation, CNPJ, formation mistakes, Vivian Sampaio