Setting up payroll for the first time

You’re starting a business and recognise the need to take on employees to help you share the load, but paying them in cash isn’t an option as you’ll be breaking the law. You usually need to register to pay income tax and national insurance contributions (NICs) through...

How to set up as a sole trader

So you’ve had enough of being on the treadmill working for someone else and decided it’s time to break free and go solo. The good thing is you’re not alone as the number of sole traders, which are classed as businesses with no employees, grew 25% quicker than any...

Deregistering for VAT

If sales are slowing down in your business and forecasts look like your taxable turnover will bring you under the VAT threshold, it’s probably time to consider deregistering for VAT. You can only do this if your business expects its taxable sales in the next 12 months...

Tips to reduce your corporation tax bill

Although we’ve yet to reach the year-end, it’s always good to plan ahead when it comes to managing your taxes. All companies are required to pay corporation tax on any profits made during their accounting period. The rate for company profits in 2017/18 is 19%. While...

Choosing your business structure

So you’re an aspiring entrepreneur looking to set up your own business. You have a product or service to sell, and know which sector you would like to operate in. But there is 1 thing still to decide – what type of business do you want to register or trade as? What...