A guide to planning your fiscal year ahead and filing taxes on time

Managing your business finances involves careful planning, organisation, and adherence to regulatory requirements. Planning your fiscal year and filing taxes on time is a critical aspect of running a successful business. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the essential steps to help you plan your account year effectively and ensure timely and accurate tax submissions.

1. Understanding the UK tax year

Fiscal year vs. tax year

The fiscal year is the accounting period used by your business for financial reporting. However, the tax year is the period used for calculating and submitting your taxes to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

• In the UK, the tax year runs from April 6th to April 5th of the following year.

Tax deadlines

Understanding tax deadlines is crucial to avoid penalties. Key dates:

• Self-assessment tax return deadline: January 31st
• Payment deadline for tax owed: January 31st
• Corporation tax return deadline: Usually 12 months after the accounting period ends
• VAT returns: Monthly or quarterly, depending on your business size

2. Effective fiscal year planning

Choosing the right accounting period

• Align your fiscal year with your business needs, e.g., calendar year, financial year, or a custom period.
• Keep in mind the tax year when choosing your fiscal year-end date.

Financial record keeping

• Maintain accurate financial records, including income, expenses, invoices, and receipts.
• Implement a robust accounting system to streamline the process.

Budgeting and financial forecasting

•  Create a budget for the fiscal year to track expenses and revenue.
•  Regularly update your forecasts to adapt to changes in the business landscape.

Tax planning

• Identify eligible tax deductions and allowances.
• Explore tax-efficient strategies, such as capital allowances and research and development (R&D) tax credits.

Working with professionals

•  Consider hiring an accountant or tax advisor to assist with fiscal planning.
•  Ensure they are qualified and experienced in UK tax laws.

3. Preparing for tax filing

Registering with HMRC

• If you haven’t already, register your business with HMRC.
• This includes obtaining a Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) and setting up an online account.

Organising financial documents

•  Gather all financial documents, including invoices, receipts, and bank statements.
•  Ensure your records are organised and easily accessible.

Completing the self-assessment tax return (for Sole Traders and Partnerships)

•  Report all income and expenses accurately.
•  Utilise allowable expenses and reliefs to minimise your tax liability.
•  Submit your tax return online or on paper, if eligible.

Filing corporation tax returns (for Limited Companies)

• Complete the CT600 form detailing your company’s financial activities.
• Submit annual accounts and a Company Tax Return to HMRC.

Handling VAT returns

• Ensure you are registered for VAT if your turnover exceeds the threshold.
• Submit VAT returns online, following the appropriate schedule.

4. Minimising tax liabilities

Claiming tax deductions

• Identify and claim all eligible business expenses.
• Expenses may include office rent, employee salaries, travel, and marketing costs.

Capital allowances

• Make use of capital allowances for eligible business assets like machinery and equipment.
• This can reduce your taxable profit.

Research and Development (R&D) tax credits

• Explore potential R&D tax credits if your business is engaged in research and development.
• These credits can lead to significant tax savings.

Salary and dividend strategies

• Evaluate the most tax-efficient way to extract money from your company, balancing salaries and dividends.

5. Avoiding common pitfalls

Penalties and Interest

• Timely tax submissions are vital to avoid penalties and interest.
• Ensure you meet all filing and payment deadlines.

Record-keeping errors

• Maintain accurate financial records and double-check for errors.
• Inaccurate records can lead to miscalculations and issues during audits.

Ignoring tax legislation changes

• Stay updated with the latest tax legislation changes.
• HMRC regularly updates its guidelines, and compliance is essential.

6. Getting professional help

Accountants and tax advisors

• Consider hiring professionals to help with tax planning and filing.
• They can offer invaluable expertise and guidance.

Software and tools

• Utilise corporate tax software and tools to streamline financial processes.
• Many platforms are user-friendly and can save time and reduce errors.

Get ahead of your accounting

Effectively planning your fiscal year and filing taxes on time is paramount for the financial health and success of your business. By understanding the UK tax year, implementing sound budgetary year planning, and availing of available deductions and credits, you can reduce your tax liability while maintaining compliance with HMRC. Remember to stay organised, be aware of deadlines, and seek professional assistance when needed to ensure your business remains on a solid financial footing.