Personal and Business tax advice
Navigating the complexities of taxation can be overwhelming for individuals and businesses alike. There is not 'one size fits all' advice. Our tax advice would be bespoke to your situation. By taking the time to fully understand your business and any future plans you may have, we can form a bespoke tax strategy that would suit you.
Our tax advice is designed to provide you with personalised solutions, ensuring that you minimize your liabilities and take advantage of every opportunity available.
Whether you are a sole trader, partnership; or a limited company, or looking to make tax-efficient decisions for your business, we are here to guide you every step of the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I be a Ltd company or a Sole Trader?
Answer: This is one of the most common questions I get and it requires careful thought. The decision depends on factors like the level of risk you're comfortable with, how much profit you expect to make, and whether you want the flexibility of drawing income. A limited company offers liability protection and tax advantages, but it comes with additional admin and costs. A sole trader is simpler to set up and manage, but you are personally liable for your business debts. We can help assess your situation and determine the best structure for your needs.
What tax reliefs am I entitled to as a business owner?
Answer: There are several tax reliefs that might be available to you, depending on your business type. These can include pre-trading expenses, capital allowances, and tax deductions for business expenses like office costs and travel. We can identify which reliefs apply to your specific situation to help reduce your tax burden.
Can my business build me a home office for me to use?
Answer: Yes, it can. This can be a slightly complicated process depending on various factors such as the type and structure of the office. It can be difficult as it is built on your personally owned land but if done correctly then tax savings are achievable.
Can I include my family in my business?
Answer: Absolutely you can and there can be various different ways to compensate them such as allocating them shares (if you have a ltd company) or paying them a salary through payroll. It all depends on personal circumstances.
What records do I need to keep for tax purposes?
Answer: As a general rule of thumb HMRC requires you to keep records for 6 years. Accurate and complete records are essential for both tax reporting and avoiding penalties. We can help you set up effective systems to maintain your records and ensure you're always ready for tax season.
What happens if I miss a tax deadline?
Answer: Missing a tax deadline can result in penalties and interest charges from HMRC. Recently, HMRC and Companies House have increased their penalties and interest rates. If you’ve missed a deadline, it’s important to act quickly to minimise the impact. We can help you file late returns, negotiate with HMRC, and create a strategy to avoid future missed deadlines.
Do I need to file tax returns if my business is not making a profit?
Answer: Yes, even if your business is not making a profit, you are still required to submit a tax return. It’s important to keep HMRC informed of your business activities. We can guide you through the process of filing a "nil" return if necessary and ensure that you remain compliant.
Accounts preparation and submission
Reminder service - We will remind you when your accounts and tax returns are due for submission so you do not have to worry about missing any deadlines.
Compliance - We regularly keep up to date by attending CPD seminars to make sure that your accounts follow the legal framework that they are supposed to. These will change from time to time, so you can relax, knowing that this is taken care of.
Annual meeting - We will organise a meeting with you once the accounts are completed. We can go through them and answer any questions you may have. This is a good opportunity to see if there are any potential areas for improvement.
Efficiency - If you need them completed quickly (e.g for mortgage purposes) then we can facilitate resources directed towards completing the accounts to match to a timescale that works for you.
Authorities - We will liaise with HMRC to submit your accounts, also Companies House if they are Ltd company or LLP accounts.
Self-assessment personal tax returns
Filing your self-assessment tax return accurately and on time is essential to avoid penalties and ensure you only pay the tax you owe. We provide self-assessment services to individuals, business owners, and high-earning professionals, ensuring your return is prepared correctly and submitted promptly.
Whether you have rental income, self-employment earnings, dividends, capital gains, trust income and many more we’ll ensure all income is properly declared and that you claim all eligible allowances and deductions. Our goal is to maximise your tax efficiency while keeping you fully compliant with HMRC regulations.
Taking the Stress Out of Tax Returns
Navigating the self-assessment process can be time-consuming and complex, especially when dealing with multiple income streams or tax relief claims. We simplify the process by:
Accurately calculating your tax liability: Ensuring all income sources are properly accounted for and deductions are claimed.
Claiming all eligible expenses and reliefs: Including business expenses, charitable donations, pension contributions, and other allowable deductions to reduce your tax bill.
Submitting your return on time: We manage the entire submission process, meeting HMRC deadlines and helping you avoid late filing penalties.
Personalised Tax Advice
Our self-assessment service goes beyond simple filing – we provide strategic tax planning advice to help you make the most of available reliefs and allowances. Whether you need guidance on tax-efficient investments, claiming relief for pension contributions, or planning for future liabilities, we’re here to help.
We also assist with HMRC enquiries and disputes, ensuring you have professional support if you’re selected for a tax investigation or need to appeal penalties.
Accurate bookkeeping is essential for managing your finances effectively. We provide oversight to ensure your bookkeeping is clear, accurate, and compliant, no matter how you choose to manage it.
Whether you use modern cloud-based software like Xero or QuickBooks for real-time tracking and automation, or prefer a simpler Excel-based system, we'll help you maintain reliable financial records. We can oversee the process to ensure accuracy, flag potential issues, and offer guidance on best practices.
With our support, you can be confident that your bookkeeping is organised and compliant, giving you more time to focus on running your business.
Bookkeeping help
Payroll
A small business owner looking to extract money from their company may want to consider payroll as this can be a tax efficient method. We can set up and register the payroll with HMRC, as well as giving guidance to how much you should pay yourself and at what frequency. There are a few potential tips and pitfalls to look out for when paying yourself a salary from your company such as:
National Insurance contributions
Employers allowance for National Insurance
PAYE income tax
Auto Enrolment compliance (pension)
Any taxable benefits can be pay-rolled (mandatory from April 2026)
Statutory payments
VAT returns
Navigating VAT can be complex, but we’re here to make it simple. Whether you're just reaching the VAT threshold or deciding to register voluntarily, we can guide you through the registration process and help you choose the right VAT scheme for your business. We offer clear, practical advice tailored to your needs, ensuring you stay compliant while managing your cash flow effectively.
Once you're registered, we’ll support you with ongoing VAT compliance, including Making Tax Digital (MTD) requirements. From preparing and submitting VAT returns to answering your questions as they arise, we’re here to keep everything running smoothly. With our help, you can be confident that your VAT obligations are under control—leaving you more time to focus on running your business.
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Kirkland Accountants holds a valid Practicing licence registered with ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants)