Category Archives: Business News

Businesses left to pick up the tab for Employment Rights Bill

The Government estimates that new obligations placed on employers under the Employment Rights Bill could result in substantial compliance costs – totalling around £5 billion.

The Bill will introduce a ban on many zero-hour contracts and extend day one employment rights across several areas, such as protection from unfair dismissal and parental leave.

For employers, this will represent a significant shift in their current practices. Sectors such as hospitality, care and retail will be disproportionately affected due to the widespread use of zero-hour contracts to manage fluctuating demand.

Breaking down the costs

Compliance costs are likely to be the biggest hit faced by businesses and their cash reserves.

These may include:

  • Training on new legislation
  • Administration
  • Loss of flexibility afforded by zero-hours contracts
  • The costs associated with leave, such as temporary recruitment

For example, it is estimated that enhanced sick pay alone could cost employers around £400 million per year, while workforce planning could represent a cost of around £200 million.

Staying ahead of the curve

To offset potential expenses, you might want to prioritise:

  • Efficiency – New processes, while potentially costly, are an opportunity to make work more efficient and reduce the overall time and cost associated with employment admin.
  • Delaying investment – Many costs associated with compliance will taper off over time, so businesses may need to delay investment to maintain a healthy cash flow.
  • Planning the transition – Starting early and covering staffing requirements without paying for unneeded hours can help to keep costs to a minimum.

While certain expenses are inevitable, careful spending and budgeting can help you reduce the pressure on your cash reserves.

For advice on managing the cost of the new employment rights, please contact our team today.

Autumn Budget delivers Inheritance Tax blow to pension savers

In this year’s Autumn Budget, Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced that the majority of unspent pension funds will form part of an estate from April 2027

This move is expected to affect around eight per cent of estates each year.

In practice, this means when an individual dies, they will still be able to pass on their assets, but the remainder of their pension pot will be added to property and shares as part of a potentially chargeable estate.

For an individual affected by this change, this could mean that an unspent pension fund of £800,000 could be taxed at 40 per cent (depending on their circumstances and use of other allowances and reliefs) leading to an IHT bill on their pension alone of £320,000.

A significant cost for their beneficiaries if they were to pass away after 6 April 2027.

The good news is that if you plan to leave your pension to your spouse or civil partner, this inheritance will remain tax-free, but it will then be included in their estate when they pass away meaning other beneficiaries may still be affected.

However, if you do not have this option or prefer a different strategy, it may be wise to re-evaluate your retirement and estate plans in light of these changes.

Potential strategies to consider

To mitigate the IHT impact, you could:

  • Consider using pension funds sooner for personal spending.
  • Withdraw and gift a portion of your pension to loved ones at least seven years ahead of your passing.
  • Explore alternative estate planning that may better suit your goals and avoid unnecessary tax liabilities.

If you are planning to gift from your pension, be cautious not to leave yourself short of funds for a comfortable retirement.

Taxpayers should also maintain their existing pension plans, and contributions to private and employer pension schemes still remain a tax-efficient means of reducing your Income Tax bill.

Who will be affected the most?

While this change predominantly affects wealthier individuals, many families may now find themselves liable for IHT.

Thousands more estates will exceed the current £325,000 threshold (£500,000 if you utilise the Residence Nil-Rate Band), adding financial strain to an already challenging time of grief.

Even where these allowances are passed to a spouse to offer up to £1 million of relief, many estates may find themselves subject to IHT as a result of this change.

Please be aware that within the Budget documents, it was also confirmed that the nil-rate bands would remain frozen beyond 2028 until 2030, which means extra care needs to be taken.

With the latest announcement, we advise you to revisit your retirement plan with your accountant to assess any necessary adjustments before 2027.

Early planning will help ensure you are prepared well in advance and minimise any unintended tax burdens.

If you are concerned about how this change may affect your estate, please contact our team for advice tailored to your unique situation.

The value of technology – Why you should not rule out investment

Recent research by Three Business indicates that tech-enabled SMEs could add an impressive £79 billion to the UK economy over the next year.

Technology is clearly a key driver and enabler of growth for businesses.

Despite this, their research also revealed a notable 42 per cent of SMEs worry that the complexities of adopting new technologies could hold back their growth. A further 55 per cent express concerns about the costs involved.

The benefits of using technology

There are endless advantages to investing in technology, not least the time it frees up to focus on more strategic initiatives by automating repetitive tasks.

Additional benefits include:

  • Enhanced productivity and employee morale.
  • Improved customer service using customer relationship management (CRM) systems to help personalise interactions.
  • Advanced analytics and data management tools that provide valuable insights into your business operations and market trends.
  • Smoother growth experience as tech solutions are designed to adapt to your growing needs without significant changes to your infrastructure.
  • Cost reductions in the long run, for instance, cloud computing can lower infrastructure costs, while automation can reduce labour expenses.

Therefore, by effectively leveraging technology, you position yourself as a leader in innovation within your industry.

However, if you fail to utilise the tools at your disposal, you risk falling behind your competitors.

The good news is that there is a growing recognition of the need to invest in technology.

The Government’s recent Industrial Strategy highlights the importance of supporting businesses that can stimulate growth in the tech sector, as well as encouraging the adoption of technologies that enhance productivity.

Using tax reliefs to invest in technology

Investing in new technology does not have to put you in a vulnerable financial situation, as there are various Corporation Tax incentives available for businesses, including:

  • Enhanced Capital Allowances (ECAs)
  • Research and Development (R&D) tax credits
  • Full Expensing
  • Other Capital Allowances.

With ECAs, you can claim back 100 per cent of the investment in environmentally friendly technologies on your tax return.

If your business undertakes eligible R&D activities, you could receive a tax credit for your qualifying expenditure – check with your accountant to see if you are eligible.

All these allowances can further offset your taxable profits, reducing your Corporation Tax liabilities and leaving you with more cash to reinvest in your business.

Our expert accountants can help you identify the right technology to support your business goals, including cloud accounting tools that can streamline your financial processes, enhance collaboration, and provide real-time insights into your financial performance.

To make the best use of the tax reliefs related to the investment in technology and innovation, please get in touch.

Bad debts on the rise – Time to crack down

As we approach the end of the year, one trend has become increasingly concerning for UK businesses – debts are on the rise.

According to a recent report, small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have seen the value of bad debt surge by 127 per cent over the past six months.

This figure is alarmingly high, raising important questions about what is driving this increase and how you can take proactive steps to mitigate its impact.

Bad debts refer to money owed to a business that is deemed uncollectible, often resulting from customers’ inability or unwillingness to pay, which can negatively impact cash flow and profitability.

While many businesses and individuals have seemingly moved on from the pandemic, the economy is still suffering from its lasting effects.

Some SMEs are still struggling to recover, facing cash flow issues and fluctuating demand, all of which have been exacerbated by political instability and uncertainties surrounding the recent Budget.

Additionally, with the cost of living still so high, many individuals and companies are prioritising their essential expenses, leaving bills and invoices further down the list.

This situation poses significant challenges for SMEs, which typically do not have the same financial buffers as larger corporations.

Solutions to crack down on bad debts

If your business is facing bad debts and you are neglecting them, you are exposing yourself to cashflow issues, a poor credit rating and possible bankruptcy or liquidation.

To avoid such outcomes, there are a number of solutions you can utilise, including:

  • Strengthening your credit policies – Regularly review credit policies to align with current market conditions. Conduct thorough credit checks on new clients and periodically reassess credit limits for existing ones.
  • Setting clear payment expectations – Establish upfront payment terms to ensure clarity around due dates and any late fees. This proactive approach helps reduce misunderstandings and payment delays.
  • Optimising invoicing processes – Adopt digital invoicing tools for efficient billing, ensuring prompt invoicing and automated reminders to improve timely payments.
  • Fostering client relationships – Strong client relationships help manage payment issues. If a client faces financial difficulty, open discussions about payment plans can lead to better outcomes than escalation.

For businesses facing bad debt challenges, we strongly suggest you discuss the issue with an experienced accountant who can provide strategic solutions to you and your team.

With bad debts on the rise, you cannot afford to take a reactive approach – it is time to crack down.

For expert assistance and customised solutions for handling debt, contact our accounting team today.

Employers squeezed as wages and National Insurance rise

In Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ 2024 Autumn Budget, she announced over £40 billion of tax increases, as the Government attempts to fill a £22 billion gap in public finances.

The headline measure was a rise in employer National Insurance Contributions (NICs), from 13.8 per cent (where applicable) to 15 per cent.

The Chancellor also reduced the threshold at which employers need to start paying NICs, from £9,100 to £5,000 per year. Both changes will apply from 6 April 2025.

An increase in Employment Allowance to £10,500, and the removal of the £100,000 threshold, offers support to around 865,000 of the smallest businesses – but other employers may be facing a perfect storm of rising costs.

The cost of employment

Alongside the rise in NICs for employers, the Chancellor announced a rise in the National Living Wage (NLW) from April 2025 to £12.21, a 6.7 per cent increase from the current rate of £11.44.

This equates to pay worth an additional £1,400 per year for a full-time worker over the age of 21.

Coupled with the cost of increased NICs, businesses are set to see a significant increase in employment costs.

Sectors with a high proportion of casual and flexible workers, such as hospitality, retail and leisure, will be disproportionately affected.

For advice on managing your business costs and planning around Budget measures, please contact our team.

Capital Gains Tax is increasing – What does this mean for you?

Capital Gains Tax (CGT) was a significant target for the Chancellor in the Autumn Budget – with an immediate rise put in place for both the basic and higher rate of CGT.

The basic rate paid by basic rate taxpayers rose immediately to 18 per cent – up from 10 per cent.

Meanwhile, the higher rate has risen to 24 per cent from 20 per cent.

The existing rates of CGT for residential property sales remain unchanged.

This means that you will see a rise in the tax you pay on qualifying gains when you sell most assets – including business shares.

What about business reliefs?

Business owners who sell their businesses have typically benefitted from Business Asset Disposal Relief (BADR) – formerly known as Entrepreneurs’ Relief – allowing you to pay CGT at a rate of 10 per cent on qualifying gains regardless of the individuals ‘marginal rate of tax.

The Budget left BADR in place for now, but the relief provided will be reduced when rates rise from 10 per cent to 14 per cent in April 2025, and to 18 per cent in April 2026.

Can I plan around CGT increases?

The Chancellor introduced the changes to CGT rates with immediate effect, giving people little time to plan if they wish to sell personal assets.

However, those business owners considering an exit may want to bring their business sale forward to take advantage of better BADR rates.

We recommend that you speak to an experienced accountant before beginning the sales process.

Looking to accelerate the sale or disposal of a business? Speak to our experienced team today.

Autumn Budget 2024

A new Government, a new Chancellor and a new approach to the UK’s fiscal policies.

Rachel Reeves entered her first Budget with a strong message that her measures would lead to “an economy that is growing, creating wealth and opportunity for all”.

To achieve this, she made it clear that the “only way to drive economic growth is to invest, invest, invest”.

Echoing the last Labour Government’s pledge on “Education, Education, Education” more than 14 years ago, the Chancellor was quick to recognise that there was difficult work ahead with slow economic growth and a £22 billion hole in the public purse.

Recognising her position as the UK’s first female Chancellor of the Exchequer, she pulled no punches about the inheritance that the Government had found and the impact that it would have on her plans as she set out to raise taxes by £40 billion.

She launched into a speech containing a series of policies that would not seek shortcuts but would instead focus on generating economic stability in the long term.

Labour promised a “painful” Budget and the measures confirmed will certainly be challenging for many, as her speech focused on:

Economic Outlook

While the Labour Party inherited a black hole of £22 billion, the economic outlook for the UK looks more positive.

The Chancellor said that the Government aimed to build on this to bring “balance and stability” to economic growth, with a focus on long-term goals.

Looking at the OBR’s forecast, real GDP growth will be:

  • 1.1 per cent in 2024
  • 2.0 per cent in 2025
  • 1.8per cent in 2026
  • 1.5 per cent in 2027
  • 1.5 per cent in 2028
  • 1.6 per cent in 2029

To ensure this economic stability is reflected in the nation’s finances, Rachel Reeves has committed the Government to a new set of financial rules.

Under this new approach to fiscal policy, the Government will not borrow to fund current spending and will instead rely on higher taxes to ensure an end to austerity.

Instead, borrowing will only be reserved for investment that benefits Britain’s future.

A Tax on Employment

Before the Budget, the Chancellor and Prime Minister reaffirmed their commitment to not increase Income Tax, VAT and National Insurance for ‘working people’.

Interestingly, the rumoured extension to the tax freeze beyond 2028 also did not go ahead, with personal tax rates in 2028-29 rising in line with inflation.

Instead, Ms Reeves set out changes to employers’ National Insurance Contributions (NICs) that will raise an additional £25 billion.

This huge injection of cash into the public finances will be raised by increasing the rate of employer NICs by 1.2 percentage points from 13.8 per cent to 15 per cent from 6 April 2025.

If this change wasn’t significant enough, the threshold (per employee) at which employers begin paying NICs will decrease from £9,100 to £5,000 per year.

To help the smallest of businesses, the Employment Allowance will increase from £5,000 to £10,500, while also removing the existing £100,000 threshold on employers’ Class 1 National Insurance liabilities.

The National Living Wage (NLW) will rise by 6.7 per cent to £12.21 per hour from April 2025 – adding £1,400 to the annual earnings of a full-time worker on the NLW.

The National Minimum Wage (NMW) for 18-20-year-olds will also increase by 16.3 per cent to £10.00 per hour – the largest rise ever in both cash and percentage terms.

The Government is also working towards a unified adult wage rate and has tasked the Low Pay Commission (LPC) with recommending a minimum wage for 18-20-year-olds that will gradually bridge the gap with the main NLW rate.

Capital Gains Tax

One of the most immediate and substantial changes in the Budget was an increase in the standard Capital Gains Tax (CGT) rate.

From today, the main rates of CGT will change as follows:

  • Lower rate – Increases from 10 per cent to 18 per cent
  • Higher rate – Increases from 20 per cent to 24 per cent

The separate CGT rates for property disposals will remain unchanged.

However, those looking to dispose of a business or a significant shareholding via a sale or succession should take note of changes to Business Asset Disposal Relief (BADR).

The CGT rates for BADR and Investors’ Relief will increase to 14 per cent from 6 April 2025 and match the main lower rate of 18 per cent from 6 April 2026.

The lifetime limit for Investors’ Relief will be reduced to £1 million for all qualifying disposals made on or after 30 October 2024, aligning it with the existing lifetime limit for Business Asset Disposal Relief.

Inheritance Tax

For those hoping to pass on wealth to the next generation, there was more bad news with significant changes to two key elements of an individual’s estate.

The Government is tightening the Inheritance Tax (IHT) system by imposing the tax on unspent pension pots from April 2027 and cutting back the benefits of agricultural property relief and business property relief.

Despite existing nil-rate bands and exemptions, the 100 per cent relief will only apply to the first £1 million of combined agricultural and business assets, dropping to 50 per cent after that – adding pressure on family farms and businesses.

The Government also plans to reduce business property relief to 50 per cent across the board for shares “not listed” on recognised stock exchanges, like AIM.

Also, while the tax rates on Income Tax will be unfrozen from April 2028, for IHT the nil-rate bands will remain unchanged until April 2030.

Overseas Wealth

As planned, the Labour Party will abolish the current non-dom tax status from 6 April 2025.

In its place, it will introduce a new residence-based regime. Individuals opting into the regime will get a short-term break, avoiding UK tax on foreign income and gains for only the first four years of tax residence.

However, from 6 April 2025, the Government will introduce a strict residence-based system for Inheritance Tax, effectively ending the use of offshore trusts to shield assets from IHT.

The 50 per cent reduction in foreign income in the first year, previously proposed by the last Government, will be scrapped entirely.

For Capital Gains Tax, remittance basis users can rebase foreign assets to 5 April 2017 upon disposal under restrictive conditions, offering limited benefit, while overseas Workday Relief will remain but in a reformed, restrictive format.

In addition, the Temporary Repatriation Facility will be extended to three years with expanded scope to offshore structures.

Business Tax

To provide certainty to businesses looking to invest and grow, the Chancellor left the existing Corporate Tax rates and reliefs relatively untouched.

In its Corporate Tax Roadmap, the Government has confirmed that it will retain the cap on the rate of Corporation Tax at 25 per cent.

It also reiterated that it remained committed to maintaining the UK’s generous R&D tax reliefs and world-leading capital allowance offer. Full Expensing, the Annual Investment Allowance, and the Patent Box scheme will all stay the same.

Businesses will also be able to benefit from an extension to the 100 per cent first-year allowances for zero-emission cars and electric vehicle charge-points to 31 March 2026 for Corporation Tax and 5 April 2026 for Income Tax.

Invest, Invest, Invest

The key message of the Government’s speech was the promise to invest in long-term growth.

To achieve this capital investment will be boosted by more than £100 billion over the next five years, with a focus on transport, housing and R&D.

Alongside this investment, the Government has reiterated its commitment to the National Wealth Fund, which will bring together private and public sector funding to encourage more than £70 billion of private investment.

The Government has also introduced plans for a forward-looking Industrial Strategy to boost investment in key growth sectors and initiated a pensions review aimed at unlocking more investment in UK growth assets.

Final Thoughts

For small and medium-sized companies this latest Budget will be a blow, both for the organisation itself and its owners.

The significant hike in National Insurance and the National Living Wage will more than likely limit job creation, suppress wage increases and add unwanted ongoing costs to businesses still struggling with a cost-of-living crisis.

Changes to Capital Gains Tax and Inheritance Tax will also restrict the ability of business owners to generate wealth from their enterprise and pass it on.

However, if Labour can achieve its promised investment in national growth and calm the markets with its promises of innovation and Corporation Tax certainty then the nation may benefit from greater economic prosperity.

Those people who find themselves facing uncertainties about their future plans as a result of this Budget must seek professional advice urgently.

To read the full Autumn Budget document, please click here.

Financial strategies for businesses facing labour shortages

Labour shortages, particularly in the hospitality sector, are creating significant challenges for many businesses this year.

Managing your costs while trying to maintain service quality and customer relations can be a difficult balance.

Given the difficulty in hiring sufficient staff, many of you will be investing in technology to increase your efficiency.

Luckily, the Annual Investment Allowance (AIA) allows you to deduct the full cost of qualifying equipment, such as IT systems and machinery, from your taxable profits.

This includes investments in automation tools, such as self-service kiosks and advanced ordering systems, which can reduce reliance on labour for repetitive tasks.

Taking advantage of the AIA means you can potentially reduce your Corporation Tax bill while also enhancing operational efficiency.

For 2024, the AIA has been set at £1 million, providing substantial room for investments that may significantly reduce your tax liability and reliance on manual labour.

Utilising apprenticeships and employment incentives

To address staffing needs without incurring prohibitive costs, consider hiring apprentices.

Apprenticeships can provide an effective route to onboard new staff while benefiting from Government incentives.

Employers who hire apprentices under 25 years of age may be eligible for grants of up to £1,000, and the Apprenticeship Levy offers an opportunity to access Government funding for training.

The cost of onboarding and training apprentices is lower compared to hiring more experienced staff, and by shaping apprentices’ skills to meet your business needs, you can help fill existing skills gaps.

The additional funding for apprenticeship training also offers long-term benefits to both the business and the workforce.

Implementing tax-free employee benefits to improve retention

In a competitive labour market, retaining skilled staff is crucial.

To incentivise current employees, businesses can make use of tax-free benefits to enhance job satisfaction.

The trivial benefits exemption allows employers to provide benefits of up to £50 per employee without incurring tax or National Insurance.

While seemingly small, regular employee rewards under this exemption can foster a sense of recognition and appreciation.

Other options include the cycle-to-work scheme, which allows employees to purchase bicycles and equipment without tax implications.

Given the increasing costs of transportation, this can be a valuable perk that also aligns with environmental and health considerations, making it a beneficial offering for both employer and employee.

Hiring overseas workers: Financial and tax implications

Hiring from abroad can help address your labour shortages, but it also introduces additional considerations regarding tax compliance and payroll.

As an employer, you must ensure that all legal requirements for work permits and visas are met, and you should be aware of the payroll obligations involved in hiring non-UK workers, including ensuring correct PAYE and National Insurance contributions.

There are also specific allowances for supporting new hires from overseas.

For instance, the relocation allowance allows employers to provide up to £8,000 towards relocation costs without it being subject to tax or National Insurance.

Offering such support can make your job offers more attractive while still being tax efficient.

Using agency workers: VAT and cash flow considerations

Temporary workers can provide much-needed support when labour is scarce, though it is important to be aware of the VAT implications associated with agency fees.

VAT on labour costs can increase the overall cost of hiring agency workers, and while this VAT can often be reclaimed if your business is VAT-registered, it may still impact cash flow.

You should ensure that their accounting systems are set up to track VAT on agency fees accurately and that they have plans in place to manage these costs effectively.

Alternatively, ask your accountant to manage this for you.

For businesses with limited cash reserves, proactively managing these payments can help maintain financial stability during times of labour shortages.

Remember to use the Employment Allowance!

Remember, your business should be making the most of the Employment Allowance, which allows eligible employers to reduce their National Insurance contributions by up to £5,000 each year.

This can be particularly helpful when seeking to maintain employment levels or take on additional temporary staff without bearing the full cost of National Insurance.

The allowance can also be an effective way to manage overheads while maintaining or even expanding your workforce during challenging times.

If you would like more information or guidance on this issue, please get in touch with our team.

Capital allowances for property owners explained

Capital allowances are a great way to reduce your tax liabilities by claiming deductions on certain property-related expenses.

They allow you to offset the cost of capital expenditure – plant, machinery and certain fixtures – against your taxable profits, especially if you have invested in commercial properties or made major improvements.

Who is eligible to claim?

If you own property that generates income, you may be eligible to claim capital allowances.

This includes:

  • Commercial landlords – If you rent out office spaces, shops, or warehouses.
  • Investors – Those who purchase commercial properties for refurbishment and subsequent rental or sale.

If you are unsure whether you qualify for this allowance, please seek professional advice from an accountant.

What are the types of capital allowances?

Different types of capital allowances exist for property businesses in the UK, each with its own specific rules and requirements – because each asset serves a unique purpose.

These specific rules help ensure that businesses can fairly claim relief based on the nature and longevity of their investments, encouraging improvements and responsible spending.

Some of the most utilised allowances include:

  • Annual Investment Allowance (AIA) – This allows you to claim 100 per cent of the cost of qualifying assets (like machinery and equipment) up to £1 million in the year of purchase, making it a great option for immediate tax relief.
  • Writing Down Allowance (WDA) – For assets that exceed the AIA limit, the WDA lets you deduct a percentage of the remaining value each year, spreading your tax relief over time.
  • Enhanced Capital Allowances (ECA) – If you invest in energy-saving equipment, you can claim 100 per cent of the cost in the year of purchase through ECAs, promoting environmentally friendly practices.
  • Integral Features Allowance – This applies to certain building fixtures, such as heating and ventilation systems. You can claim capital allowances on the cost of these integral features over a longer period.
  • Structures and Buildings Allowance (SBA) – This allows businesses to claim a 3 per cent deduction annually on the costs associated with constructing or renovating non-residential buildings and structures. It encourages investment in new and improved business infrastructure.
  • Full expensing – Under full expensing, businesses can claim 100 per cent of the cost of qualifying machinery in the year of purchase, offering a way to write off the total cost upfront and supporting investment in business growth.

If you are not sure which of these you can claim, talk to one of our accountants. They’ll help you figure out what you are entitled to and find ways to reduce your tax bill.

How do you make a claim?

To claim capital allowances, start by identifying qualifying expenses and gathering any receipts or invoices you will need.

Then, calculate your claim and include it in your annual tax return, making sure everything’s to keep things smooth and hassle-free.

Your next steps

Whether you are an experienced or a first-time landlord, being savvy about capital allowances is key to enhancing your property’s profitability and ensuring your financial success.

By claiming the allowances you are entitled to, you can reduce your tax bill and reinvest those savings back into your property or other ventures.

If you have questions or need assistance with your capital allowance claims, our expert team is here to help.

How to protect your business from Kittel VAT risks

Taxpayers have a fundamental right to reclaim input tax, also referred to as input VAT.

However, HMRC has the authority to refuse this right under certain conditions if they can demonstrate that the taxpayer was aware, or should have been aware, that their transactions were linked to fraud.

There has been a noticeable rise in businesses from various sectors over the last year receiving notifications from HMRC denying the recovery of input tax based on these grounds.

For businesses, the risks linked to Kittel VAT include denied VAT recovery, hefty fines, reputational damage, and increased scrutiny from tax authorities.

To protect your business, here are key strategies to avoid such risks:

  1. Conduct due diligence – Always verify the VAT registration and reputation of suppliers and partners to ensure they are legitimate.
  2. Monitor transactions – Regularly review transactions for irregularities or signs of fraud to catch issues early.
  3. Educate your team – Train your finance and procurement teams on the risks of VAT fraud, ensuring they can spot warning signs.
  4. Maintain clear records – Keep thorough documentation of all transactions as evidence of your due diligence.
  5. Consult professionals – Seek advice from VAT specialists to navigate complex regulations and strengthen your compliance.

By implementing these steps, your business can avoid costly fines, penalties, and reputational damage.

For tailored guidance, please contact our team.