Tax
Tax Returns and Self Assessment
Compliance with VAT is complex. Investigations by the VAT Man can be intense – all the more important that your VAT returns are completed correctly.
There are three methods we can use to assist in completion of VAT returns…
- Let us do your book-keeping and we complete the return from there
- Give us your books and we’ll complete the return for you
- Provide training on how to complete your return
We complete VAT returns in good time to ensure you avoid any penalties.
In addition we can assist with…
- Applying for VAT registration
- Advice on the VAT schemes suitable to your business
- VAT planning
- Dealing with any disputes that arise with Customs
Attendance at VAT inspections
Tax Planning
Apart from extensive experience in this arena, we have invested heavily in reference materials and specialist software and have access to the Tax Legislation, Tax Cases, to the internal manuals of HMRC and to detailed commentary on all taxes, direct and indirect. This allows us to research any tax topic at all and provide many ways of helping you legally save tax.
New clients are often surprised at how much can be done to help with their tax position. We are always willing to go that extra mile to offer advice on the areas where tax can be saved. We enjoy this work!
It is important that this work is done in advance and you should contact us as soon as possible.
All of our Tax Planning makes legitimate use of the Tax Legislation and Case Law, so that you are not put at additional risk from a full HMRC Enquiry, or where there are risks, these are pointed out to you.
Whilst completion of tax returns and statutory tax obligations are important jobs, all accountants should be capable of completing them and advising you of your tax position and liabilities.
We try to do more than just this and are interested in maximising your tax planning opportunities.
We all have to pay our taxes but within the legal framework there are numerous ways of saving tax and making sure you do not pay a penny more than is absolutely necessary. We have extensive experience in this area of work and always fight as hard as we can for our clients.
We can help with tax planning in relation to…
- Personal taxes
- Business taxes
- Tax efficient employee remuneration strategies
- VAT planning
- Inheritance Tax strategies
- Capital Gains
- Profit extraction strategies
- Exit strategies
- Employment status
- IR35 advice
Tax Enquiries and Investigations
It is an unfortunate fact of business life that you may well come under inquiry by HMRC through no fault of your own or of your accountant. HMRC now investigates businesses at random as well as for specific reasons. A full investigation is not a pleasant experience for anyone. Without expert defense it is possible to get trampled all over.
If you are selected at random, you need an accountant who knows how HMRC works and thinks and is prepared to fight your case. We make sure that Taxman keeps to their own internal guidelines and don’t over step the mark. We will talk you through the inquiry process and what to expect and support you throughout.
The Penalties
There are various penalties HMRC can seek to impose following an inquiry for undeclared income. As well as having to pay the tax, you can find them seeking penalties up to an amount equal to the tax, so doubling your tax bill. Interest on the late payment of the tax is also part of the arrangement – not a pleasant experience. We can help you minimize these penalties.
Anti-investigation Scanning Checks
Whilst with random investigations anyone can come under inquiry, you can help to avoid the chance of an investigation into your affairs for other reasons. We know the triggers that often give rise to inquiries if not fully explained to HMRC when submitting Returns to them.
Every Tax Return or set of accounts we submit to the Taxman goes through an anti-investigation scanning check to identify any areas that may lead to an inquiry before they are submitted without explanation. This really does help to minimize the chances of you being on the wrong end of an inquiry.
Tax Disputes
It’s an unfortunate fact of business life that from time to time there will be disagreement between the taxpayer and HMRC. Sometimes it is the facts of the case that are in question but it is also often the legislation itself that is in question. Tax isn’t always black and white and where this is the case we are happy to argue your case in the strongest possible terms.
As a taxpayer you have many rights and we will ensure they are never forgotten by HMRC.
Disputes can arise in all sorts of areas outside of full enquiries and investigations including…
- Employment status disputes
- Repairs v capital disputes
- Private usage adjustments
- Capital allowances – is it plant or property?
- Settlements legislation – the classic husband and wife company scenario
- IR35
- Valuations for tax purposes
- Is it a trading activity?
- VAT segregation of businesses to avoid registration
- Employee benefit disputes
We have the specialist tax knowledge to assist with a wide range of tax disputes.
Making Tax Digital (MD)
Making Tax Digital is a key part of the government’s plans to make it easier for individuals and businesses to get their tax right and keep on top of their affairs.
HMRC’s ambition is to become one of the most digitally advanced tax administrations in the world. Making Tax Digital is making fundamental changes to the way the tax system works – transforming tax administration so that it is:
- more effective
- more efficient
- easier for taxpayers to get their tax right