Question 1

What does your business tax service cover?

Accepted Answer

It can cover Corporation Tax computations and returns, VAT registration and returns, director remuneration planning, capital allowances, relevant reliefs, tax forecasting and support with HMRC correspondence. Your engagement letter confirms the work included for your business.

Question 2

When is Corporation Tax due?

Accepted Answer

For most companies, Corporation Tax is payable nine months and one day after the end of the accounting period. The company tax return is generally due 12 months after that period ends. Different rules can apply to long periods, large companies and other circumstances, so we confirm your exact dates.

Question 3

When must a business register for VAT?

Accepted Answer

Registration is normally required when taxable turnover exceeds the current registration threshold over a rolling 12-month period, or is expected to exceed it within the relevant forward-looking test. The threshold can change, so we check the current rules and your turnover pattern before advising.

Question 4

Should I register for VAT voluntarily?

Accepted Answer

It can be beneficial where customers can recover VAT and the business has meaningful VAT-bearing costs, but it also affects pricing, administration and cashflow. We compare the practical and financial effect before you decide.

Question 5

Which VAT scheme is right for my business?

Accepted Answer

That depends on turnover, customers, costs, cashflow and record keeping. We can compare standard accounting with schemes such as cash accounting, annual accounting or the Flat Rate Scheme where your business is eligible.

Question 6

Can you advise on salary and dividends?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We consider company profit, available reserves, cash, payroll, Corporation Tax and your personal income. Dividends can only be paid from sufficient distributable profits and must be supported by the correct records.

Question 7

Can I claim tax relief on equipment or machinery?

Accepted Answer

Often, but the timing and form of relief depend on the asset, its use and the available capital-allowance rules. We review planned purchases before year end where possible so the tax and cashflow effects are understood in advance.

Question 8

Can you help with an HMRC enquiry or letter?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Once the appropriate authority is in place, we can review the correspondence, identify the records required, communicate with HMRC and help prepare a complete response. The scope depends on the type and stage of the enquiry.

Question 9

Is tax planning the same as avoiding tax?

Accepted Answer

No. Legitimate tax planning means understanding the rules, claiming reliefs you are entitled to and considering tax before making a commercial decision. We do not support artificial arrangements or the concealment of income.

Tax handled properly and planned before the deadline

The return is only one part of the tax work

Corporation Tax

VAT registration and returns

Director remuneration planning

Forward-looking tax planning

Reliefs and allowances

HMRC enquiry support

What do you need help with?

Company tax coordinated with your accounts

What supports an accurate business tax return

The review typically considers

The best time to discuss tax is before the transaction

Planning conversations may cover

A clear process, with approval at the centre

Understand the position

Check the evidence

Calculate and explain

Approve, file and plan

Common questions about Corporation Tax, VAT and planning

Ready to make your business tax position clearer?