Taxation Service
Employment Status
The question as to whether someone is employed or self employed is not as straightforward as it might at first appear. Many people assume they are free to choose, but this is not the case. Although there is no clear-cut answer as to how you decide if you are self-employed or not, the following should be on your checklist
Fundamental factors to consider:
These are often matters of general employment law, and not specific tax legislation. There is an enormous amount of Case Law in this area and HMRC are not always right. HMRC do not have the final say on whether somebody is self-employed or not. We can argue your case and take it before the Tax Commissioners for you.
The cost if you get it wrong is enormous. Not only is there the question of employees and employers national insurance, being classified as an employee also gives rise to all sorts of employment rights such as holiday pay, maternity pay, unfair dismissal etc. If you get it wrong it is going to be very hard to recover the back tax, interest, penalties etc from the worker.
We can review your existing arrangements and give you our opinion on whether it will stand up to attack from the Taxman. We can help advise on contracts for services to assist you and advise on how you can maximise your chances.
Payroll, PAYE Returns & RTI
Everything seemed fine running your own business until the day you took on your first employee and became an unpaid tax collector. This is when you found out what red tape was all about.
Let us take the strain away from you and let you get on with running and growing the business. Payroll is complicated and has to be done on time and you as the employer are responsible for the mistakes. If you are a small Employer with few employees, we will also check and carry out if you are eligible for any Employment Allowances and other government grants.
We run payrolls on time and can provide a tailor made service for your business including...
You will never have to worry about calculating statutory sick pay or maternity pay and dealing with tax credits and student loan deductions ever again!
- Employer Annual Return previously known as form P35;
- Employee summary P60's;
- P11D and P9D benefit and expenses returns.
Beyond the payroll compliance service, we offer comprehensive advice on all employment tax issues including...
- Tax efficient remuneration strategies;
- Company car and van strategies;
- Dividends Vs Salary
- Benefits planning.
Personal Tax
Need help with your Tax Return or want to pay less tax?
Personal tax services are available both for business owners and private individuals including...
Property Tax
Are you a buy to let investor or property dealer or developer?
Property tax is a bit of a maze and we can advise you on issues such as...
- Tax reduction strategies for rental income
- What is a repair and tax deductible and what is capital and not.
- When to use a Limited Company to save tax.
- Trading income versus Capital Gain considerations and advice.
- Capital Gains rollover and holdover considerations.
- Stamp Duty planning.
- VAT considerations of property deals.
- Making the most of the Principal Private Residence election.
- Tax issues on the sale of part of your residence.
- Second homes.
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.
Tax Enquires And Investigation
It is an unfortunate fact of business life that you may well come under enquiry 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 defence 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 the Taxman keeps to its own internal guidelines and doesn't over step the mark. We will talk you through the enquiry process and what to expect and support you throughout.
There are various penalties HMRC can seek to impose following an enquiry 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.
Whilst with random investigations anyone can come under enquiry, 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 enquiries 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 enquiry before they are submitted without explanation. This really does help to minimise the chances of you being on the wrong end of an enquiry.
We cannot prevent you from being investigated by the Taxman, but we can help to ensure that you get the best possible support and advice without having to worry about the cost.
Tax Planning
You are entitled to arrange your affairs to pay the absolute legal minimum amount of tax.
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...
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.
Tax Return And Self-Assessment
Tax Returns can be completed for...
The self-assessment regime is full of penalties and HMRC enquiry powers are extensive. It's important that...
As well as the completion of your return we can assist with...
Vat Planning And Disputes
Compliance with VAT is becoming ever more complex. Investigations from the Vatman can be intense – all the more important that you have an accountant who is successful in negotiations with them.
We take best advantage of the reliefs available and the interpretation of the regulations. This is an extremely important feature of the service provided as it ensures peace of mind for all our clients.
We can help you with advice on the VAT schemes suitable to your business and dealing with VAT control visits as well.
VAT Registration
For VAT registration we can assist with...
VAT Returns
Compliance with VAT is complex. Investigations by the Vatman 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...
We complete VAT returns in good time to ensure you avoid any penalties.