Vanessa Cresswell, Author at Three Kings Accounting

VAT Annual Accounting Scheme

HMRC have introduced a number of VAT schemes over the years designed to reduce the administrative burden on small businesses. One such scheme is the annual accounting scheme. The annual accounting scheme helps small businesses by allowing them to submit only one VAT return annually rather than the normal four. During the year they pay instalments based on an estimated liability for the year with a balancing payment due with the return. The scheme is intended to help with budgeting and cash flow and reduce paperwork.

Charitable Giving

If you are thinking of making a gift to charity, this factsheet summarises how to make tax-effective gifts. You can get tax relief on gifts to UK charities if you give: under Gift Aid, through a Payroll Giving scheme, run by your employer, or by making a gift of certain shares or land.

Charities in Scotland: Trustees’ Responsibilities

It is often considered an honour to act as a trustee for a charity and an opportunity to give something back to the community. However, becoming a trustee involves a certain commitment and level of responsibility which should not be underestimated. Whether you are already a trustee for a charity, be it a local project or a household name, or are thinking of becoming involved, there are a number of responsibilities that being a trustee places upon you.

Charities: Trustees’ Responsibilities

It is often considered an honour to act as a trustee for a charity and an opportunity to give something back to the community. However, becoming a trustee involves a certain commitment and level of responsibility which should not be underestimated. Whether you are already a trustee for a charity, be it a local project or a household name, or are thinking of becoming involved, there are a number of responsibilities that being a trustee places upon you.

Running a Limited Company

Research and development (R&D) by UK companies is being actively encouraged by the government through a range of tax incentives. The government views investment in research and development (‘R&D’) as a key to economic success. It is therefore committed to encouraging more smaller and medium sized (‘SME’) companies to claim R&D tax relief.

How Does VAT Work For Your Business

Value-added tax (VAT) is charged on most goods in the UK. Some goods are exempt, and others have lower rates added to them, but most are charged at the standard VAT rate of 20%. Many very small businesses don’t need to register for VAT, but once your annual turnover passes the threshold, which is currently £85,000, it’s compulsory. You can also voluntarily register before reaching the threshold, which is useful for some businesses so they can get in the habit of charging VAT. If you’re wondering how does VAT work, take a look at the information below.

VAT

Year End Accounting Checklist

The end of the financial year is a big moment for any company and having everything organised ahead of time can save you a lot of stress and worry. Too many businesses go into crunch time, desperately working to get everything they need to be done before that year-end. Here, we’re going to look at a year end accounting checklist of accounting tasks you have to complete, so you can get to work on them in advance.

Health and Safety

It is very likely that owners and managers of many smaller businesses are not aware of just how demanding health and safety regulations can be. We provide an overview of these below and highlight some practical tips and processes on how your business can remain (or become!) compliant.

Health and Safety Checklist

Health and Safety Checklist…If not already in place, the following are practical steps you should take today.

UK Payroll Guide

Having the right payroll system is imperative to ensure you are paying your staff accurately, on time, and in-keeping with the law. The law states how things like national insurance must be deducted, how payslips are issued, and records kept/returns to the tax man. These things all come under ‘payroll’ and must be taken care of for the million or so UK businesses that employ staff.