Frequently Asked Questions
In the UK, small businesses are required to keep accurate records of all their financial transactions, including sales and purchases, receipts, and payments. You must also keep records of your business's assets and liabilities, as well as your employees' payroll information. These records should be kept for at least six years.
The deadline for filing your company's tax return in the UK is typically 9 months and 1 day *example will also need to be changed to due on the first of October* after the end of the financial year. For example, if your financial year ends on 31 December, the deadline for filing your tax return would be 31 December of the following year. You can file your tax return online or by post, and penalties may apply if you miss the deadline.
Small business owners in the UK can claim a wide range of expenses as tax deductions, including office rent and utilities, employee salaries, travel expenses, and business equipment purchases. You can also claim expenses related to professional development, such as training courses and industry conferences. However, it's important to keep accurate records of your expenses and ensure that they are legitimate business expenses.
If your business's annual turnover exceeds £85,000 in the UK, you are required to register for VAT. However, you can also register voluntarily even if your turnover is below this threshold. Registering for VAT can provide some benefits, such as allowing you to claim back VAT on business expenses, but it also comes with additional administrative requirements.
As a small business owner in the UK, you may need a range of accounting services, depending on the size and complexity of your business. These could include bookkeeping, tax preparation, payroll management, financial planning, and compliance support. It's important to work with a reputable accounting firm that can tailor their services to your specific needs and help you achieve your business goals.