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Accountancy & Tax in Gloucestershire

Key start-up information and list of local accountants

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Gloucestershire Business Category

Gloucestershire Accountants & Tax Advice

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Having a good firm of accountants on your side will ensure that you have all the information and support that you need to help your business grow and flourish.

They can offer advice and help you comply with accounting and tax requirements.

If you are self employed or run a small enterprise in Gloucestershire, it makes sense to use an Accountant or Bookkeeper who is keen to help small business and new business start ups rather than struggle with the task yourself.

Recommended Local Partner

MCH Financial Solutions Ltd

MCH Financial Solutions Ltd

I am an approachable down to earth qualified ACCA accountant. I am able to provide all kinds of Bookkeeping and Accountancy services including management accounts, payroll, financial accounts, VAT and corporation tax returns, as well as being able to advise on start ups, cashflow, tax, inventory mangement, costing, cost reduction and business planning or exits.

I am married and love to spend time with family, walking my dogs and watching sport. predominantly Gloucester Rugby, Derby County Football and Formula 1.

Give me a call for a chat about any requirements you may have.

Mobile icon 07850700121

Main Accounting Considerations

Sole Trader or Limited Company

One of the first decisions you will need to make is which legal structure is likely to suit your new business and this will affect your accountancy obligations.

You can read a detailed article about your various options at: Sole Trader or Limited Company?

The information below primarily relates to self-employment but if you decide to trade as a limited company, you can read more here: Running a Limited Company.

Becoming Self-Employed

You should tell HMRC as soon as you start self-employment, otherwise you may face a penalty. You are considered to have started self-employment when you have something to sell and either have a customer for your goods or services, or you are actively marketing your business.

You can let HMRC know about your self-employment by registering online for business taxes. A Self-Assessment Online account will automatically be set up at the same time. This allows you to send your Self-Assessment tax returns online. You will receive an Activation Code. You need to activate the service within 28 days. If you don’t, you will have to ask for a new Activation Code.

You can register online at https://www.gov.uk/log-in-register-hmrc-online-services/register

National Insurance

As a self-employed person, you pay a fixed amount of Class 2 National Insurance contributions (NIC). If your profits are above a certain limit, you may also have to pay Class 4 National Insurance contributions.

See Self-employed National Insurance rates for full details.

Statutory Records

It is very important that you set up a record keeping system and keep all records and supporting documents. Records for the current tax year must be retained until 31 January 2022.

You must keep records of all money coming into and going out of your business. This includes all cash, cheques and credit card transactions.

Your records should be adequate to allow you to complete an accurate Self Assessment return. You will be expected to keep a full record of:

  • All sales made and other business income, as it is earned.
  • The cost of all business expenses and purchases as you pay them, no matter how little they cost.
  • All purchases of business stock, goods and raw materials.
  • Mileage records.
  • Capital expenditure; keep a separate record of all purchases and sales of business equipment, machinery and vehicles, together with the receipts.
  • Keep a record of the market value of equipment or vehicles introduced into the business that you owned before starting your business.

See Business records if you're self-employed for full details.

Key Dates

There are key dates that you need to be aware of during the financial year. These relate to reporting and payment of any monies due. A list of dates and full explanation can be found here.

Value Added Tax (VAT)

You must register for VAT if:

  • Your taxable turnover exceeds the VAT threshold in any 12 month period
  • you expect your taxable turnover to exceed the VAT threshold within the next 30 days
  • you take over an existing VAT registered business as a going concern

You have 30 days from the date you meet any of these criteria to register.

Usually, VAT registration can be completed online and if you apply online, you will be enrolled automatically so that you can submit your VAT return online (there is no longer a paper version).

The current VAT threshold is £85,000; if your turnover is below the registration limit, you can choose whether to apply for voluntary registration. The standard rate of VAT currently is 20%.

See the official VAT website for full up to date details.

Gloucestershire Accountants

MCH Financial Solutions Ltd
I am an approachable down to earth qualified ACCA accountant. I am able to provide all kinds of Bookkeeping and Accountancy services including management accounts, payroll, financial accounts, VAT and corporation tax returns, as well as being able to advise on start ups, cashflow, tax, inventory mangement, costing, cost reduction and business planning or exits. I am married and love to spend time with family, walking my dogs and watching sport. predominantly Gloucester Rugby, Derby County Football and Formula 1. Give me a call for a chat about any requirements you may have.
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C & M Services Chartered Accountants
C & M Services is based in North Bristol and accredited by the Professional Contractors Group. We can assist with incorporation, tax planning and support you as your business grows with VAT and payroll services. We offer a one hour free no obligation meeting to discuss your requirements. Contact us to secure peace of mind.
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Blenheim, Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers
Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers for small & medium size enterprises Blenheim provides a fresh approach to accounting and finance for small and medium size enterprises in Bristol and the South West. We paint a clear picture of your finance, highlight opportunities, and give you the assurance you need to make the best business and organisational decisions. Regardless of the size of your business, or whatever stage you are at, our Virtual Finance Team can provide you with an economical way to tap into the skills of a highly experienced Virtual FD and a full range of Accounting services With Blenheim Accountants and Business Advisers on your side, you can focus on what you do best - managing your business for growth. So call us today for a no-obligation discussion about what Blenheim can achieve for your organisation.
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RS Accountancy Solutions
Small Business Specialists. Accountants in Gloucester - R S Accountancy Solutions, Chartered Certified Accountants in Gloucester, providing a personalised service to local business owners and individuals. For help with any of your accountancy and tax needs, please give us a call. All initial consultations are free of charge.
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