Tax & Compliance

When you run an owner‑managed SME, one of the most common—and frustrating—questions is: how much should I pay myself as salary, and how much as dividends? I see this with almost every client: founders want to take a sensible income, minimise tax and National Insurance, keep the company cash‑positive, and remain compliant. There isn’t a one‑size‑fits‑all answer, but there’s a clear method you can follow to calculate a fair and...

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I work with a lot of businesses that rely on machinery, vehicles or specialist kit — cafés with espresso machines, small manufacturers with CNCs, builders with vans and diggers. One question I get asked more than any other is: how can I plan capital purchases so I don’t pay more tax than I need to, while keeping the cashflow I need to run the business?There’s no single right answer — the best option depends on your business structure...

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I’m often asked by small limited company owners which tax reliefs they should be claiming and, more importantly, how to make sure they aren’t leaving money on the table. Over the years I’ve helped dozens of micro and small companies identify and apply for reliefs that are simple to claim yet routinely missed through lack of time or knowledge. Below I walk you through a practical, step-by-step process that I use with my clients — the same...

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I work with a lot of small, seasonal businesses — market stalls, tourist accommodation, pop‑up cafés, Christmas shops and online sellers whose turnover spikes for a few months and trickles for the rest of the year. VAT is one of the most common sources of cashflow shocks for them: a busy season produces a VAT bill you weren’t expecting, or a low season leaves you short of reclaimed VAT because you paid suppliers earlier in the year. In...

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VAT inspections are stressful for many small business owners — I’ve been there with clients who suddenly get a letter from HMRC asking for records. The good news is that most inspections are straightforward if your bookkeeping is tidy and you know where your records live. Below I give a practical, hands-on checklist I use with my clients to prepare accounts for a VAT inspection. Follow it step by step and you’ll reduce anxiety, save time...

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Getting a letter from HMRC saying they’re opening an enquiry is one of those moments every small business owner dreads. I’ve supported many clients through this exact situation, and while it’s stressful, it’s usually manageable if you act calmly and methodically. Below I walk through the first steps I take (and that I recommend my clients take) when HMRC contacts them, what to expect, and practical actions to protect your business and...

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