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Any questions?

We're always happy to help with any questions you may have. So if you can't find what you're looking for below, please get in touch!

Hopefully, you’ll find what you need here...

I'm thinking of starting a new business. Is it still tax efficient to operate as a company?

Unfortunately, the main saving that existed for many years has been eroded. In the past, it was common to arrange the structure of a company to save National Insurance of 9%. The dividend tax of 7.5% that was introduced from 6 April 2016 cancels out much of this saving. However, there are many other reasons why a corporate structure might still be the best option, so please get in touch with us so that we can advise accordingly.

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What impact does the dividend allowance of £2,000 have?

All individuals are now entitled to receive dividend income of £2,000 each year, tax-free. We therefore recommend that our owner-managed clients vote themselves such an annual dividend, provided the company has sufficient reserves to do so. Of course, it's likely to encourage a number of companies to amend their shareholding so that the annual allowance can be enjoyed by more shareholders. It's always worth seeking advice on the tax implications of transferring shares in this way, so please give us a call if you'd like to discuss this.

I operate a limited company and pay myself a small salary with most of my income in the form of a dividend. With the new dividend tax in place, should I now pay myself a larger salary?

It sounds like you've arranged your remuneration in the most efficient way and there's probably no reason to change this. Dividends now attract tax of a further 7.5% but the vast majority of a salary attracts Employer's National Insurance of 13.8% and Employee's National Insurance of 12%. Generally, the saving is not as much as it was, but such a structure is almost certainly still the most efficient way to remunerate yourself. For a more precise calculation, please get in touch.

Should I have a car in my business or should I claim for the business miles that I drive?

This very much depends on whether you are self-employed or if you have a company. The treatment of cars if you're self-employed can be fairly generous. On the other hand, company car treatment can be very tax-inefficient, particularly if your company also pays for private fuel. Of course, if your company car is electric or has very low emissions, this situation may reverse. Generally, most company directors are better off claiming business mileage. The rate is 45p per mile for the first 10,000 miles in any tax year, then 25p per mile thereafter, and an amount of VAT can also be reclaimed. Because it's a complex area, there's a lot of benefit in discussing it face-to-face.

I have a very small business. Should I use accounting software?

Until recently, we would have said no. However, there's now some excellent and very simple software available that's suitable for small businesses. We recommend clients use Xero which costs as little as £5 per month. You don't have to be an accountant to use the software, and we guarantee you'll find it will make life a lot easier. Whether it's capturing receipts as a photo on your phone, the direct bank feeds that make sure all expenses are claimed, or calculating your VAT at the touch of a button, you should be impressed. Please get in touch to arrange a free demonstration tailored to how this software could best work for you.

Should I register my business for VAT even though my turnover is below the threshold?

Generally, if your customers are registered for VAT then you should also register your business for VAT. Your customers shouldn't object to being charged 20% more as they'll be able to reclaim it. At the same time, you'll be able to recover the input VAT you suffer and this will no longer be a cost to you. Why not explore it further with us?

I see that you're a firm of Chartered Accountants whereas other firms say that they're 'Certified'. What's the difference?

The two qualifications are very similar. In fact, a number of our team hold the Certified qualification. When choosing an accountant, it's important to understand the difference between qualified and unqualified. There's no legal restriction on the word 'Accountant' and anyone can practise as one without necessarily having the proper training or regulation. If you choose an accountant that is Chartered or Certified, you can rest assured that they hold the relevant qualification, have the right experience, stay up to date and, just as importantly, are rigorously regulated.

What really makes Chapman Worth different from other top firms of accountants locally?

We like to think that our clients genuinely enjoy dealing with us. At times, and depending on who you talk to, our profession can be described as being a little "dry"! Ultimately though, our clients stay with us for many years because they get on with the people who they speak to on a regular basis.


We're also very transparent about our fees, so once that's been agreed in advance, we can then get on with building a strong business relationship - and hopefully with a few smiles along the way!

I know that you offer Payroll and Bookkeeping but I'm trying to minimise my costs. What do you suggest is a good balance?

All too often, we see people spending longer than they want keeping up with their books instead of actually being able to run their business. Often, the 6 hours that a customer might spend on their bookkeeping might only take us an hour. We're efficient at what we do because we do it day in, day out. Entrusting your bookkeeping to a professional means that you'll be more able to focus on driving your business and increasing your income. And even if you don't want us to take over your bookkeeping full-time, we'll always suggest better ways for you to do things differently in order to save you money.

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