Business Start-ups

Business Structure

Are you going to launch your business as a sole trader, partnership or limited company? Before you choose your business entity the following should be considered:

• commercial risks
• expected profitability
• financing
• use of car for business purposes
• tax planning preparation
• VAT

Business Plan

Have you set out your business objectives in writing? Can you demonstrate qualified experience in the type of business that you want to launch? How are you going to finance the company? What are your expectations for sales, profitability and investment in assets? Have you consolidated all this information in a formal business plan?

Even if you don’t want to borrow money, a good business plan will help you to understand your current position and give you a good indication of your future possibilities.  At TaxAssist Accountants we know that a good business plan is imperative to your business, especially given the current economic climate. 

Banks and Finance companies

Identify your "friendly bank manager". As this can be one of the most important contacts for your business it’s crucial that you’re well prepared for that critical first meeting.  Fortunately, here at TaxAssist we already have well established relationships with all the major banks in the UK and are able to help you prepare for your first and subsequent meetings.

VAT (Value Added Tax)

You should decide whether or not it’s in your best interest to register for VAT from the time of starting up. Whether you decide to register now or in the future both the profitability and the cashflow of your business will be affected.

One of the main advantages of registering for VAT when you do start-up is you’ll be able to reclaim VAT on purchases made before you start trading.  Don’t worry though, if you find it’s best to register at a later point in time HMRC have made it possible for traders to reclaim VAT prior to their registration provided the claim is made within certain time limits. For further guidance on VAT registration please see our VAT section.

Tax Traps to avoid!

• Tax Penalties - As soon as you have set a start date, ensure that you notify HMRC of your intention to commence trading. Self-employed individuals and partnership businesses face a fine of £100 if this is not done within 3 months of starting up and limited companies face a more severe penalty of £300!
• VAT Penalties - Do not represent yourself as registered for VAT if you are not, as this is considered to be fraud. If you do register for VAT submit your returns and pay your dues on time to avoid interest and surcharges.
• Missing Invoices - Always obtain a proper invoice for any business purchase and a VAT invoice if you are registered for VAT. If you fail to do so, you may find that your claim for tax relief will be denied, as will your VAT reclaim.
• Company Car - whether you are self-employed, a member of a partnership or operating as a limited company, planning for the use of a car in your business needs to be thought through carefully. Self-employed individuals and partners will need to keep a log of business mileage to backup any claim for tax relief. Limited company owners will need to compare whether the cost of using a car owned by the company will be more cost effective than using a privately owned vehicle for business purposes. The tax implications vary considerably depending on many factors, which is why a careful review should always be undertaken in order to minimise any tax charges and maximise any reliefs.

TaxAssist Accountants

126 Southdown Road
Harpenden
Hertfordshire

AL5 1QQ

Tel: 01582 760154

Fax: 01582 791203

Other Offices

• St Albans Office

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