We have the expertise and software to take the headache out of the form filling and compliance aspect of Self Assessment. We can provide you with practical advice on personal tax and the planning opportunities available to you. Over recent years HMRC have increased the penalties for failing to file a return on time and for errors. We can complete tax returns, calculate any tax liability and advise you on exactly when to make payments and how much to pay.

Everyone who is subject to taxation needs professional advice and support if they are to optimise their tax position and ensure they meet the compliance requirements. Our specialist tax team can provide you with year-round advice on all aspects of personal taxation.

In the United Kingdom, the HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) imposes a 40% inheritance tax on the portion of the estate whose value exceeds £325,000. We understand few of us like to think about dying; however the relevant legislation requires us to plan well in advance. This means making the necessary provisions now. There are many tax opportunities available and the earlier arrangements are made, the greater the chance of taking full advantage of our complicated tax system.

It is important when planning to transfer an estate that adequate provision is made and getting the right balance requires considerable skill and foresight – along with a detailed knowledge of the current tax regime. We provide a discreet comprehensive estate planning service that includes:

• help with planning and reviewing a will
• making full use of exemptions and lower tax rates on lifetime transfers
• optimising lifetime transfers between family members
• transferring agricultural or business property
• transferring assets into trust
• arranging adequate life assurance to cover potential inheritance tax liabilities.

Under Corporation Tax Self Assessment (CTSA), the legal responsibility for correctly calculating the corporation tax liability falls on business owners. We understand the issues facing owner-managed businesses and can prepare tax returns in a timely and efficient manner. We will also calculate your company’s tax liability and assist with the calculation of any quarterly instalment payments due.

Ever changing regulations and the growing demands of HMRC mean VAT compliance can be a difficult administrative process. We can help to ensure that you comply with the regulations and that overpayments are not made. To help you manage this complex area, we provide an efficient, cost-effective VAT service, which includes:

• assistance with VAT registration
• advice on VAT planning and administration
• use of the most appropriate scheme
• VAT control and reconciliation
• help with completing VAT returns
• planning to minimise future problems with HMRC
• negotiating with HMRC in disputes and representing you at VAT tribunals if necessary.

The HMRC have powers to investigate any individual / company without prior notice. Some checks will be completely random, while others will be made on businesses operating in ‘at risk’ sectors or where prior risk assessments have been conducted.

An investigation can be stressful and you could be overwhelmed with the enquires made by the tax office.

If you are investigated then we recommend you contact us immediately as we have years of experience in dealing with the HMRC and are in the best position to advise you and assist in fighting your case.

There are various penalties the HMRC can impose following an enquiry for various breaches, such as failure to pay the correct tax, undeclared income etc.

The penalties imposed by the tax office can be:

• pay the tax and
• pay a fine and / or
• pay interest
• We can limit the chance of you being investigated randomly by dealing with your financial affairs and limiting the trigger points for a random investigation.

Our management consultancy service can review your credit control, stock control, budgeting and financial reporting systems and allow you to take full control of these key areas of your business. We can also help you address specific problem areas in your business such as gross profit, cost control and stock valuation.

Effective management information will allow you to seize opportunities when they arise or identify problems quickly so you can take effective corrective action.

Information technology (IT) is one of the key resources available to every business to achieve its short and long-term objectives.

Using the knowledge gained from our own systems and those designed for other clients, our in-house IT team are able to advise on IT related matters with first-hand experience. We can install software, provide training and help you to obtain the best from your chosen system.

Our expertise enables a complete range of services to be offered, including:

• software selection
• hardware selection
• installation and training
• management reporting solutions and
• payroll systems

If you are spending too much time writing up books, typing invoices and chasing debts we help to take control by computerising your accounts system. We can help you to make the best use of IT resource to produce financial information that is accurate and appropriate for running your business effectively. With the correct accounting software you will save hours of hard work leaving you more time to deal with the more important areas of the business.

In short, whether you are investing in new technology, reviewing existing systems or have simply outgrown your current resource, we can help.

Obtaining regular reliable management information is vital to the continued success of any business. Let us work closely with you to get to know your business so we can make suggestions to help improve profits or to develop and grow your business. We can prepare your monthly or quarterly management accounts to ensure you always have reliable and accurate information on which to base your business decisions.

Administering the payroll / PAYE can be time consuming, stressful and in many cases a full time job.

We offer a comprehensive payroll service to alleviate the responsibility away from you or your staff and as we are up to date with all the legislation changes, you can rest assured your business will comply with all the rules.

Payroll can be complicated and with all the legislation changes it is quite simple in falling foul of the relevant rules.

We make sure all the payroll is done on time and you stay up to date with the PAYE.

We provide the following:

• Monthly or weekly payslips
• Monthly or weekly reports
• Real time information (RTI) PAYE
• Deal with the P60 and P45
• Deal with statutory sick pay
• Pension calculation and submission
• Declaration of Compliance
• Returns for the HMRC
• Student loan deductions
• Maternity pay
• P11d / P9d benefits and expenses

We can offer payroll services to all individuals and businesses, whether or not you use us for your accounts.

There is no minimum term contract for the payroll service, therefore we recommend you try the service and we can guarantee that you will not be disappointed.

We can help you with all your general bookkeeping requirements, either at your business premises or at our office. Maybe you need help writing up the books or just want us to add the finishing touches to the information in order to create your own management information. If you do not employ a bookkeeper then we can take up the role or help you recruit the right person for your business.

Every business should plan ahead to ensure success but daily business pressures often conspire to delay the strategic planning process. Financial forecasts are a crucial part of any business plan and we will ensure these are both meaningful and robust.