Taxation

Being well known tax advisers, our objective is to work closely with our clients to ensure they pay the minimum tax required by law. We help them to fully understand the tax implications of their actions, in order for them to plan ahead and conduct their affairs in a tax efficient way.

Corporation tax services

Under Corporation Tax Self Assessment (CTSA), the legal responsibility and burden for correctly calculating the corporation tax liability of a business falls on the directors of business. We fully understand the issues facing owner-managed businesses and can prepare CTSA returns in an efficient and timely manner. We will also calculate the company's Corporation Tax liability and assist with the calculation of any quarterly instalment payments due if necessary.

The increased reporting obligations and investigation policies implement by HMRC as well as harsher penalties for non-compliance mean that all of your valuable time and resources can be taken up with the arduous task of tax administration. We will assist in helping to minimise your corporate tax exposure and remove the administrative burden of compliance with current HMRC legislation. Effective and efficient corporate tax planning can also result in significant improvements in the profitability of your business..

Personal tax services (including sole-traders and partnerships)

At AR Gardiner & Co, we pride ourselves on being specialists in income tax, capital gains tax and inheritance tax.

Self Assessment

We have the expertise, knowledge and software to take stress out of the form filling and compliance aspect of Self Assessment. We can offer you with practical, relevant advice on personal tax and the planning opportunities and options available to you. Over recent years HMRC have actually increased the penalties for failing to file a return on time and for returns containing errors. We can complete self-assessment returns, calculate any tax liabilities due and advise you on exactly when and how to make payments and how much you need to pay.

Personal tax planning

Everyone who received notice to complete a tax return needs professional advice and support if they are to optimise their tax position efficiently and ensure they meet the compliance requirements set out by HMRC. Our specialist team can provide you with year-round advice, help and guidance on all aspects of personal taxation.

Estate planning

Few of us like to think about passing over to the other side; however, the relevant legislation set out by HMRC requires us to plan well in advance. This means planning to make the necessary provisions now. There are many tax opportunities available to you and the earlier these arrangements can be made, the greater the chance of utilising full advantage of our complicated tax system.

It’s important when planning to transfer an estate that correct provisions are made and getting the perfect balance requires considerable skill and foresight – along with a detailed knowledge of the current tax system. We aim to provide a discreet and comprehensive estate planning service that includes:

• help and advice with planning and reviewing a will
• helping to make full use of exemptions and lower tax rates on lifetime transfers
• optimising lifetime transfers between family members
• transferring business or agricultural property
• transferring assets into a trust
• arranging adequate life assurance to cover any potential inheritance tax liabilities.

Trusts

We also have expertise in dealing with trusts; this is a very tax efficient way to set aside assets for future beneficiaries outside the inheritance tax net. We can also advise on the most suitable type of trust to help fulfil your wishes, as well as assisting in setting up the trust and provide you with the full range of accounting services required for trust management.

VAT

Ever changing regulations to VAT, including the introduction of Making Tax Digital and the growing demands of HMRC mean VAT compliance can be a complex and difficult compliance process. We can help to ensure that you comply with the legislation and that the correct amount of VAT has been charged and paid. To help you manage this complex area, we provide an expert, cost-effecient VAT service, which includes:

• assistance and completion of VAT registration
• assistance with implementing and filing under MTD
• advice on VAT advice, planning and administration
• use of the most appropriate VAT scheme
• VAT control and reconciliation assistance
• help with completing VAT returns
• submitting VAT returns under MtD
• planning to minimise future liabilities and issues with HMRC
• negotiating with HMRC in disputes and representing you at VAT tribunals if necessary.

HMRC Investigations and Enquiries

Being in the crosshairs of a tax investigation or enquiry by HMRC can be a stressful and worrying experience. We draw on a wealth of knowledge and experience in dealing with HMRC investigations, whether they are simple enquiries into an individual’s Tax Return, more complex, detailed enquiries into a company’s affairs or employer-related investigations into PAYE and P11d compliance. If you are the subject of a HMRC investigation, you need our expert help and support.

Tax protection

With the increased risk of such investigations it may be worth considering taking out our annual insurance policy to protect you and your business from unexpected costs; an investigation will undoubtedly result in additional accountancy work being undertaken. The amount of work will depend upon the complexity of the case but the cost could be substantial.

Services