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Limited company accounting Q&A
Straightforward answers to common questions from UK company directors.
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Duties, pay, loans and personal responsibilities of a UK company director.
Questions answeredVAT Q&A
Registration, schemes, digital filing and the VAT questions small companies ask most.
Questions answeredPayroll Q&A
PAYE registration, RTI, the Employment Allowance and pension duties for small employers.
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How to change accountant, what handover involves, and what it costs.
Accounts & filingWhat are limited company accounts and what do they include?
Limited company accounts are the statutory year end accounts filed at Companies House and HMRC. Here is what they contain, who signs them and when they are due.
Accounts & filingWhat is the difference between statutory accounts and management accounts?
Statutory accounts are the annual legal filing. Management accounts are internal monthly or quarterly numbers used to run the business.
Accounts & filingWhen are my first limited company accounts due?
First accounts are due 21 months after incorporation, and the first period is usually longer than twelve months.
Accounts & filingWhat is the deadline for filing accounts at Companies House?
Private company accounts are due nine months after the accounting reference date, or 21 months after incorporation for the first set.
Accounts & filingWhat happens if I file my company accounts late?
Late accounts trigger automatic Companies House penalties from £150 to £1,500, doubled for a second consecutive year, plus separate HMRC penalties and the.
Accounts & filingCan I file my own limited company accounts or do I need an accountant?
You can legally file your own company accounts and CT600. Whether you should depends on VAT, payroll, dividends and director loans.
Accounts & filingWhat are micro-entity accounts and do I qualify?
Micro-entity accounts are the simplest statutory accounts under FRS 105. Here are the size thresholds, what gets filed publicly and the trade-offs before.
Accounts & filingWhat counts as a small company for accounts purposes?
A small company meets two of three tests on turnover, balance sheet total and employees.
Accounts & filingAre filleted and abridged accounts being abolished?
Companies House transparency reform is removing the option to file filleted accounts without a profit and loss account. Here is what changes and how to prepare.
Accounts & filingWill I have to file a profit and loss account publicly?
Companies House reform requires small and micro companies to file a profit and loss account. What becomes public, when, and how to prepare your accounts for it.
Accounts & filingDo I need an audit for my limited company?
Most small UK companies are exempt from audit. Here are the thresholds, the situations that remove the exemption, and what an audit actually costs and involves.
Accounts & filingHow much does an accountant charge to prepare limited company accounts?
UK limited company accounts typically cost £500 to £1,500 a year standalone, or £89 to £289 a month in a full package.
Corporation taxWhat is the corporation tax rate for a small limited company?
The small profits rate is 19% on profits up to £50,000, 25% above £250,000, with marginal relief in between.
Corporation taxHow does marginal relief work between £50,000 and £250,000?
Marginal relief smooths corporation tax between the 19% and 25% rates, creating a 26.5% effective marginal rate.
Corporation taxWhen is my corporation tax payment due?
Corporation tax is payable nine months and one day after the end of the accounting period, before the CT600 deadline.
Corporation taxWhat is the difference between the CT600 deadline and the payment deadline?
The CT600 is due twelve months after the period end, but the tax is payable nine months and one day after it. Two dates, two penalty regimes, explained.
Corporation taxWhat expenses can I claim through my limited company?
Allowable company expenses must be wholly and exclusively for the trade. A practical list of what is claimable, what is not, and where directors get caught.
Corporation taxCan I claim my home office costs through the company?
Directors can claim £6 a week with no evidence, a proportion of actual costs, or charge the company rent under a licence. The three routes compared.
Corporation taxCan my limited company buy a car and is it tax efficient?
A company car creates a benefit in kind based on CO2 emissions. Electric cars are usually efficient, petrol and diesel usually are not. The comparison in full.
Corporation taxHow does the annual investment allowance work?
The annual investment allowance gives 100% relief on up to £1m of qualifying plant and machinery. What qualifies, what does not, and how groups share the limit.
Corporation taxWhat is full expensing and can I use it?
Full expensing gives companies 100% first year relief on new main rate plant and machinery, with 50% on special rate assets.
Corporation taxCan I claim R&D tax relief as a small company?
The merged R&D scheme and enhanced support for R&D intensive SMEs. What qualifies as R&D, what the claim is worth and the evidence HMRC now expects.
Corporation taxWhat happens to corporation tax if I have associated companies?
Associated companies divide the £50,000 and £250,000 corporation tax limits, pushing profits into higher rates.
Corporation taxHow do I carry forward a company loss?
Trading losses can be set against current year profit, carried back twelve months, or carried forward against future profits.
Directors, salary & dividendsWhat is the most tax-efficient director's salary in 2026/27?
For most single-director companies the optimal salary sits at the National Insurance secondary threshold or the personal allowance, depending on Employment.
Directors, salary & dividendsShould I take salary or dividends from my limited company?
A low salary plus dividends is usually the most efficient mix for owner-directors. How the rates compare, where the crossover sits and when salary wins.
Directors, salary & dividendsHow much can I pay myself in dividends tax free?
The dividend allowance is £500. Combined with an unused personal allowance, a director can receive a larger tax-free total. The arithmetic explained.
Directors, salary & dividendsWhat are the dividend tax rates this year?
Dividend tax is 10.75% at basic rate, 35.75% at higher rate and 39.35% at additional rate, after a £500 allowance.
Directors, salary & dividendsDo I need to file a self assessment as a company director?
Being a director is not itself a reason to file. You must register if you have untaxed income such as dividends, or meet another Self Assessment criterion.
Directors, salary & dividendsWhat is an illegal dividend and what happens if I take one?
A dividend paid without sufficient distributable reserves is unlawful. The consequences, how HMRC treats it, and how to fix it before the year end.
Directors, salary & dividendsDo I need board minutes and dividend vouchers for every dividend?
Yes. Each dividend needs a board minute declaring it and a voucher for each shareholder. What both documents must contain and why HMRC asks for them.
Directors, salary & dividendsWhat is a director's loan account and how does it work?
A director's loan account records money moving between you and the company outside salary and dividends. How it goes overdrawn and what it costs.
Directors, salary & dividendsWhat is the s455 tax charge on an overdrawn director's loan?
Section 455 charges the company 35.75% on a director's loan unpaid nine months and one day after the year end. How the refund works and how to avoid the charge.
Directors, salary & dividendsCan I charge my company rent for using my home?
Yes, under a licence agreement at a commercial rate. The company deducts the rent, you declare rental income and offset costs. The pitfalls to avoid.
Directors, salary & dividendsCan my company pay into my personal pension?
Employer pension contributions are deductible for corporation tax, free of NIC and not limited by your salary.
Directors, salary & dividendsCan I employ my spouse through my limited company?
Yes, if the work is genuine and the pay is commercial. How to make it defensible, what it saves, and where HMRC challenges family salaries.
Directors, salary & dividendsDo I need to register for PAYE if I am the only director?
You need PAYE once you pay yourself a salary above the lower earnings limit or have another job. When registration is required and when it is optional.
Directors, salary & dividendsAre directors entitled to the Employment Allowance?
A company whose only employee is a single director cannot claim the Employment Allowance. When a second employee changes that and what the allowance is worth.
VATWhat is the VAT registration threshold and when must I register?
VAT registration is compulsory once taxable turnover passes £90,000 in any rolling twelve months, or if you expect to pass it in the next 30 days.
VATShould I register for VAT voluntarily?
Voluntary registration helps if your customers are VAT registered and you have input VAT to reclaim. It hurts if you sell to consumers. How to decide.
VATWhat is the VAT Flat Rate Scheme and is it worth it?
The Flat Rate Scheme pays a fixed percentage of gross turnover instead of accounting for input and output VAT. When it saves money and when it costs money.
VATWhat is a limited cost trader?
A limited cost trader spends little on goods and pays 16.5% under the Flat Rate Scheme. The test, what counts as relevant goods and what to do about it.
VATShould I use cash accounting or accrual accounting for VAT?
Cash accounting pays VAT when customers pay you, protecting cash flow and bad debts. Standard accounting follows invoice dates. Which suits your business.
VATHow do I reclaim VAT on purchases made before registration?
You can reclaim VAT on goods bought up to four years before registration and services up to six months, if they relate to your taxable business.
VATHow do I charge VAT to customers outside the UK?
Place of supply rules decide whether UK VAT applies. B2B services are usually outside the scope with the reverse charge; B2C and goods follow different rules.
VATWhat is the VAT reverse charge for construction services?
The domestic reverse charge shifts VAT accounting to the customer on CIS construction services between VAT registered businesses.
VATWhat are the VAT rules for selling digital services to the EU?
Digital services to EU consumers are taxed where the customer lives. Non-Union OSS, evidence requirements and how UK sellers register since Brexit.
VATWhat are the penalty points for late VAT returns?
Late VAT returns accrue penalty points, with a £200 penalty at the threshold and for each later default. Late payment penalties and interest work separately.
VATCan I deregister for VAT if my turnover falls?
You can deregister if taxable turnover is expected to stay below £88,000. The process, the final return and the VAT due on assets you keep.
VATDo I need to be on Making Tax Digital for VAT?
All VAT registered businesses must keep digital records and file through compatible software. What counts as a digital link and what the penalties are.
Payroll & employmentHow do I set up payroll for my limited company?
Register as an employer with HMRC, choose RTI compliant software, set up pension duties and run the first payslip. A step by step for small companies.
Payroll & employmentWhat are the employer NIC rates and thresholds now?
Employer National Insurance is 15% above the £5,000 secondary threshold. How the thresholds affect salary decisions and what reliefs cut the bill.
Payroll & employmentWhat is the Employment Allowance and do I qualify?
The Employment Allowance cuts up to £10,500 from employer National Insurance. Who qualifies, who is excluded and how to claim it each year.
Payroll & employmentWhat are my auto-enrolment pension duties as a small employer?
Every employer must assess staff, enrol eligible jobholders, pay contributions and complete a declaration of compliance. The duties and the deadlines.
Payroll & employmentDo I have to auto-enrol myself as a sole director?
A sole director with no employment contract is exempt from automatic enrolment. How to confirm the exemption with The Pensions Regulator and when it stops.
Payroll & employmentWhat is a P11D and do I need to file one?
A P11D reports taxable benefits provided to directors and employees. What must be reported, the 6 July deadline and the move to payrolling benefits.
Payroll & employmentHow do I report benefits in kind through payroll?
Payrolling benefits taxes them in real time instead of through a P11D. Registration timing, how the cash equivalent is spread and what still needs reporting.
Payroll & employmentWhat are the IR35 rules for my personal service company?
IR35 tests whether you would be an employee without your company. Who decides status, what a deemed payment costs and how to protect your position.
Company formationHow do I set up a limited company in the UK?
Incorporating takes a name, a registered office, at least one director, share details and identity verification.
Company formationHow long does it take to incorporate a company?
Online incorporation is usually approved within 24 hours, often the same day. What slows it down, including identity verification and name or PSC issues.
Company formationShould I be a sole trader or a limited company?
Limited companies usually win above roughly £40,000 of profit, and on liability and credibility. Sole trader wins on simplicity. The comparison in detail.
Company formationHow many shares should I issue when forming a company?
Most small companies issue 100 ordinary £1 shares or 1,000 at 1p. Why the number matters for dividends, investment and future share transfers.
Company formationWhat share classes should I use for a family company?
Alphabet shares allow different dividends for different shareholders. When they work, when the settlements rules bite and what the articles need to say.
Company formationWhat is a registered office address and can I use my home?
The registered office is your company's official public address. Home is allowed but public. Appropriate address rules and the alternatives.
Company formationDo I need a company secretary?
Private companies have not needed a company secretary since 2008. When appointing one still helps and what the role covers if you do.
Company formationWhat SIC code should I choose?
The SIC code describes your company's activity on the public register. How to choose one, why banks and lenders care, and how to change it.
Company formationCan I change my company name after incorporation?
Yes, by special resolution and a filing at Companies House. The company number stays the same. What to update afterwards and where names get refused.
Company formationDo I need a shareholders' agreement?
Any company with more than one shareholder should have one. What it covers, how it differs from the articles and what happens without it.
Company formationCan I transfer my sole trader business into a limited company?
Yes, by incorporating the trade and transferring assets and goodwill. Incorporation relief, VAT transfer of a going concern and the practical steps.
Company formationShould I set up a holding company?
A holding company can protect assets, hold multiple trades and enable tax-efficient sales.
Non-resident directorsCan a non-UK resident be a director of a UK limited company?
Yes. There is no residence or nationality requirement for UK company directors. What you do need: a UK registered office, identity verification and a view.
Non-resident directorsCan a non-resident own 100% of a UK company?
Yes. There is no restriction on foreign ownership of a UK company. What that means for PSC registration, identity verification and dividends.
Non-resident directorsDo I need a UK address to register a company as a non-resident?
Yes, a UK registered office is mandatory and must be an appropriate address. Service addresses, what is published and what a provider must do.
Non-resident directorsCan I use a virtual office as my registered office?
Yes, if it is a genuine appropriate address with post handling. Mail forwarding only addresses and PO boxes no longer qualify under ECCTA.
Non-resident directorsHow do I open a UK business bank account as a non-resident director?
High street banks usually require UK residency. Electronic money institutions and fintech banks are the realistic route.
Non-resident directorsDoes a non-resident director have to file a UK self assessment?
Often yes, if UK source income arises or HMRC issues a notice. How the disregarded income rules can reduce the liability to nil.
Non-resident directorsDo I pay UK tax on dividends from my UK company if I live abroad?
There is no UK withholding tax on dividends, and the disregarded income rules often limit UK tax to nil. Your home country will usually tax them.
Non-resident directorsIs PAYE due on a non-resident director's fees?
A directorship is an office, so fees are usually employment income. When PAYE and NIC apply to overseas directors and how to handle UK visits.
Non-resident directorsWhat is the disregarded income rule for non-residents?
Disregarded income caps a non-resident's UK tax on certain investment income. How the two calculations compare and when to claim the personal allowance.
Non-resident directorsWhere is my company tax resident if I manage it from overseas?
A UK incorporated company is UK tax resident, but managing it abroad can create dual residence. How tie-breakers and treaties resolve it.
Non-resident directorsWhat is central management and control and why does it matter?
Central management and control is the common law test for company residence, focused on where the highest level of control is exercised. What evidence matters.
Non-resident directorsCould my UK company create a permanent establishment in my home country?
Yes, if you have a fixed place of business or a dependent agent concluding contracts there. What creates a PE and the tax that follows.
Non-resident directorsHow does a double tax treaty affect my UK dividends?
Treaties cap the source country's tax and give credit at home. With no UK dividend withholding tax, treaties mainly matter for your home country position.
Non-resident directorsDo non-resident directors need to verify their identity at Companies House?
Yes. Identity verification applies regardless of where you live. Overseas options through an ACSP, the documents accepted and the deadlines.
Compliance & ECCTAWhat is a confirmation statement and when is it due?
The confirmation statement confirms your company details at Companies House each year. The deadline, the fee, what it covers and the penalties for missing it.
Compliance & ECCTAWhat is the difference between a confirmation statement and accounts?
One confirms who owns and runs the company, the other reports its finances. Two different filings, two different deadlines, both compulsory.
Compliance & ECCTAWho counts as a person with significant control?
A PSC holds more than 25% of shares or votes, can appoint or remove most directors, or exercises significant influence. The conditions and the register.
Compliance & ECCTADo I need to verify my identity as a director?
Yes. ECCTA requires identity verification for directors and PSCs, through GOV.UK One Login or an Authorised Corporate Service Provider.
Compliance & ECCTAWhat happens if I do not complete Companies House ID verification?
Acting as an unverified director is an offence. Filings can be rejected, the register annotated and fines imposed. What to do if you have missed the window.
Compliance & ECCTADo I need an ACSP to verify my identity?
No, you can verify directly with Companies House. An ACSP helps where documents are not supported, you are overseas, or you want the filing handled for you.
Compliance & ECCTAWhat is an Authorised Corporate Service Provider?
An ACSP is an anti-money laundering supervised firm registered with Companies House to verify identities and file on behalf of clients.
Compliance & ECCTADo shareholders need to verify their identity too?
Shareholders who are people with significant control must verify. Small shareholders below the PSC thresholds generally do not. How the rules apply.
Compliance & ECCTAWhat statutory registers must my company keep?
Companies must keep registers of members, directors, secretaries, PSCs and charges. What each contains, where to keep them and the penalties for not doing so.
Compliance & ECCTAHow long do I need to keep company records?
Six years from the end of the accounting period for most company records, longer for assets and some registers. What to keep and in what format.
Closing down & dormancyHow do I make my company dormant?
Stop all significant transactions, settle liabilities, tell HMRC and file dormant accounts. What counts as dormant and what still has to be filed.
Closing down & dormancyWhat do I file for a dormant company?
Dormant accounts and a confirmation statement at Companies House each year, plus a corporation tax return only if HMRC requires one. The minimum obligations.
Closing down & dormancyHow do I close my limited company?
Strike off suits small solvent companies, an MVL suits larger reserves and a liquidation is required if insolvent. The routes compared with costs.
Closing down & dormancyWhat is the difference between striking off and liquidation?
Strike off is an administrative dissolution for small solvent companies. Liquidation is a formal process run by an insolvency practitioner.
Closing down & dormancyWhat is Business Asset Disposal Relief and do I qualify?
Business Asset Disposal Relief gives a reduced capital gains tax rate on qualifying business disposals, subject to a £1m lifetime limit.
Closing down & dormancyIs an MVL worth it for extracting retained profits?
A members' voluntary liquidation usually beats strike off above roughly £30,000 of reserves. The numbers, the anti-avoidance rules and the timetable.
Fees, packages & switchingHow much does an accountant cost for a limited company in the UK?
Limited company accountancy fees are usually a fixed monthly amount driven by transaction volume, payroll and VAT.
Fees, packages & switchingWhat is a fixed fee accountant and how does it work for a UK limited company?
A fixed fee accountant charges an agreed monthly amount for defined services instead of billing by the hour. How the scope, packages and extras work.
Fees, packages & switchingWhat is included in a monthly accountancy package for a limited company?
Monthly accountancy packages typically cover annual accounts, corporation tax, Companies House filings and ongoing bookkeeping support. What each tier adds.
Fees, packages & switchingHow much does an accountant charge for a dormant company?
Dormant companies still need annual accounts and a confirmation statement filed, but the work involved is minimal so fees are lower than for a trading company.
Fees, packages & switchingHow much does it cost to have an accountant for two businesses or a group of companies?
Each company in a group normally needs its own package based on its own size and activity, though group structures can share some administration.
Fees, packages & switchingWhat is not included in an accountant's fixed monthly fee?
Fixed fee packages cover routine annual compliance; one-off events, extra entities and disbursements such as Companies House fees are usually separate.
Fees, packages & switchingHow do I change accountants for my UK limited company?
Switching accountants involves appointing a new firm, giving professional clearance permission, and handing over records. It can usually happen at any time.
Fees, packages & switchingDo accountant fees include VAT?
Accountancy fees are usually quoted plus VAT, so VAT-registered accountants add VAT to the monthly package price on top of the headline figure.
Fees, packages & switchingHow much does an accountant charge for a company with turnover under £50,000?
A small company with turnover under £50,000 and simple affairs usually fits our entry-level £89 plus VAT a month package rather than a higher tier.
Fees, packages & switchingWho is my point of contact at an accountancy firm?
A good accountancy package gives you a named point of contact for day to day questions, rather than a rotating queue with no continuity.
Non-resident directorsWhat extra work does an accountant do for a UK company with a non-resident director?
More identity checks, treaty and residence analysis, disregarded income calculations, and paper filing routes.
Non-resident directorsWhat accounting and disclosure does a UK company owned by a foreign parent need?
Standard UK statutory accounts plus related party and group disclosures naming the parent, and possibly consolidation questions at group level.
Non-resident directorsWhat are the accounting requirements for a UK subsidiary of a French company?
UK statutory accounts, corporation tax and Companies House filing apply exactly as for any UK company.
Non-resident directorsWhat are the Companies House and HMRC filing requirements for a UK branch of an overseas company?
UK establishments (branches) register at Companies House within a month of opening and file parent company accounts, plus corporation tax on UK branch profits.
Non-resident directorsDoes a non-resident landlord need to file a UK tax return?
Yes, non-resident landlords report UK rental income by Self Assessment regardless of the Non-resident Landlord Scheme withholding position.
Non-resident directorsHow does NRL1 registration and approval to receive rent gross work?
Form NRL1 lets a non-resident landlord apply to HMRC for rent to be paid without the letting agent or tenant deducting basic rate tax.
Non-resident directorsWhat is split year treatment on a Self Assessment return?
Split year treatment divides the tax year into a UK part and an overseas part for someone who moves in or out of the UK, so only the UK part is taxed as a.
Non-resident directorsWhen are SA109 residence pages needed and what goes on them?
SA109 is required when claiming non-resident, split year or remittance basis status. It cannot be filed through HMRC's free online service.
Non-resident directorsHow do I close my UK Self Assessment record after leaving the UK?
Tell HMRC you are leaving, file a final return covering the year of departure with split year treatment if it applies, and only ask HMRC to close the record.
Non-resident directorsCan a capital distribution be taxed while I am non-resident? (temporary non-residence)
Yes, if you become non-resident, receive certain capital distributions, and return to the UK within five years, the temporary non-residence rules can tax it.
Non-resident directorsWhat happens to my UK tax if I move to Italy, Spain, Turkey or Greece?
Your UK position depends on becoming non-UK resident under the Statutory Residence Test; what happens in each of those countries is governed by their own.
Closing down & dormancyDo I need an accountant for my first year's accounts?
A newly incorporated company must file first accounts within 21 months of incorporation, and CT600 within 12 months of the period end.
Closing down & dormancyCan I get non-trading company accounts done on a fixed fee?
Non-trading companies with some activity but no trade still need full accounts and a CT600 if HMRC requires one, priced lower than an active trading company.
Closing down & dormancyHow much does it cost to file dormant accounts and a confirmation statement?
Companies House charges £34 for a confirmation statement filed online, with no fee for dormant accounts themselves.
Closing down & dormancyWhat does an accountant do when striking off a limited company, and what does it cost?
An accountant settles final tax, closes payroll and VAT, and prepares final accounts before you file DS01. Companies House charges the strike off fee at cost.
Closing down & dormancyDo I need final accounts and a CT600 before closing my company?
Yes. HMRC requires a final corporation tax return covering the cessation period, and Companies House requires final accounts, before a company can be safely.
Closing down & dormancyHow do I restore a struck-off company or wind one up properly?
Restoration is either administrative, via Companies House within six years, or by court order.
Closing down & dormancyShould I use a members' voluntary liquidation or just strike off my company?
Strike off suits reserves under roughly £25,000 with capital treatment; larger reserves usually favour an MVL run by a licensed insolvency practitioner.
Compliance & ECCTAHow do I complete Companies House identity verification step by step?
The practical steps to verify as a director: choose GOV.UK One Login or an ACSP, gather documents, complete the check, and what happens if you miss the.
Compliance & ECCTAWhat is the PSC identity verification statement and who files it?
People with significant control must have their identity verified and the company must confirm this to Companies House. Who is responsible and when it is due.
Compliance & ECCTAI have my Companies House personal code — what do I do next?
Once verified you hold a personal code for life. Where to use it, what it links to, and why keeping the confirmation email safe matters.
Compliance & ECCTAWhat is the confirmation statement deadline and what happens if I miss it?
The confirmation statement is due within fourteen days of the review period ending. There is no automatic fine, but missing it risks strike off.
Compliance & ECCTAMy company authentication code is not working — how do I fix it?
An authentication code that is rejected online is usually mistyped, expired after a reissue, or simply forgotten.
VATI've gone over the VAT threshold — what do I do now?
Once taxable turnover passes £90,000 you must register within 30 days, work out your effective date, and start charging VAT from then. The practical steps.
VATHow fast can I get a VAT number?
There is no fixed guaranteed turnaround for a VAT number. It depends on HMRC checks, how the application is made, and whether extra verification is needed.
VATWhat does VAT registration with an accountant involve, and what does it cost?
An accountant checks whether you should register, picks the right scheme, handles the HMRC application and sets up Making Tax Digital software.
VATHow do quarterly VAT returns work for a small company?
Most VAT registered companies file quarterly under Making Tax Digital, keeping digital records, submitting through compatible software, and paying by the.
VATHow does VAT work for an ecommerce or Shopify business in the UK?
UK ecommerce sellers register at the same £90,000 threshold, but marketplaces, OSS reporting and digital products add extra layers once you sell overseas.
VATDo I need EU VAT registration and a fiscal representative to sell into the EU?
Selling into the EU can require VAT registration in one or more member states, and some require a UK company to appoint a fiscal representative.
Payroll & employmentHow do I set up director payroll in my first year of trading?
Register as an employer, set the first payday, and file your opening RTI submission correctly. What a new company needs before paying its first director salary.
Payroll & employmentHow do I correct mistakes in director payroll?
Wrong pay, a missed FPS or an incorrect starter declaration can usually be fixed with an amended submission or an earlier year update.
Payroll & employmentWhat is a DPNI PAYE scheme and how do corrections work?
A DPNI scheme handles PAYE for an employee working where the employer has no UK National Insurance liability.
Payroll & employmentI got a PAYE underpayment letter from HMRC. What do I do?
A P800 or simple assessment showing PAYE underpaid needs checking against your own records before you pay or dispute it.
Payroll & employmentHow much does payroll cost per employee with an accountant?
Per-employee payroll pricing depends on headcount, pay frequency and complexity such as benefits or pensions, rather than a single flat figure.
Payroll & employmentHow do I set up auto-enrolment for a single employee?
Taking on your first employee triggers pension duties from their start date. The assessment, provider choice and declaration steps for a one-person setup.
Payroll & employmentWhat is the most tax-efficient salary and dividend split for 2026/27?
For most owner-directors in 2026/27 a salary at the £5,000 or £12,570 threshold, topped up with dividends, gives the lowest combined tax.
Self assessment & personal taxHow do I complete a Self Assessment tax return as a dentist, contractor or consultant?
Dentists, contractors and consultants each face different Self Assessment issues: associate income, IR35, and multiple income streams.
Self assessment & personal taxHow does a CIS tax refund work and what affects how long it takes?
CIS subcontractors often overpay tax because 20% or 30% is deducted at source. A refund claim compares deductions to actual liability.
Self assessment & personal taxHow do I catch up on two years of late CIS subcontractor tax returns?
Filing two overdue CIS subcontractor returns together means working through both years' records, expecting penalties, and often uncovering refunds. The process.
Self assessment & personal taxHow do I report rental income on a UK tax return?
UK rental income is reported on the property pages of Self Assessment, with allowable expenses deducted and mortgage interest restricted to a 20% tax credit.
Self assessment & personal taxHow do dual UK and overseas tax returns work, for example with Italy or Spain?
UK residents with income or gains in Italy, Spain or elsewhere may need a UK return alongside a local one.
Self assessment & personal taxHow do I appeal an HMRC late filing penalty?
Late filing penalties can be appealed with a reasonable excuse within 30 days of the penalty notice. What counts, the process and the time limits.
Self assessment & personal taxDo I need to file a Self Assessment return this year?
You must file if you are self-employed, a company director with untaxed income, a landlord, or have income the higher earner child benefit or dividend rules.
Certificates & referencesCan my accountant provide a certificate for a mortgage application?
Many lenders ask company directors or self-employed applicants for an accountant's certificate confirming income. Here is what it covers and its limits.
Certificates & referencesCan an accountant certify a profit projection for a mortgage lender?
Some lenders ask for a projection where a business is newly trading or has increasing turnover.
Certificates & referencesWhat is an income certification letter and can a chartered accountant provide one?
An income certification letter confirms income figures against your accounts or tax returns, often for a lender, landlord or visa application.
Certificates & referencesCan my accountant provide a reference for a visa application?
Some visa routes ask applicants to evidence income, business activity or investment through accountant-prepared documents.
Certificates & referencesCan an accountant provide a letter confirming a director's investment for the Innovator Founder route?
We can confirm capital introduced into the company as shown in the accounting records and bank statements.
Sector specialistsDo I need a specialist accountant as a dentist?
Dental accounting has its own quirks around associate status, NHS pension deductions and incorporation. Here is what matters for a dentist's limited company.
Sector specialistsWhat does an accountant for a SaaS or tech startup actually do?
SaaS accounting covers revenue recognition, R&D tax relief, EMI options and SEIS/EIS compliance.
Sector specialistsWhat should an accountant for an ecommerce seller cover?
Ecommerce accounting has to reconcile marketplace fees, multi-currency sales, stock valuation and VAT across channels. Here is what a proper setup covers.
Sector specialistsHow does CIS accounting work for a construction business?
Construction accounting has to track CIS deductions, apply the domestic reverse charge and manage retentions correctly.
Sector specialistsShould a property investor use a limited company for their portfolio?
Property investors face a company versus personal ownership decision driven by finance cost relief, SDLT surcharges and ATED. Here is how the choice plays out.
Sector specialistsWhat does an accountant for a local shop, garage or café focus on?
Cash-facing small businesses like garages and cafés need tight till reconciliation, stock control and payroll. Here is what that accounting actually involves.