VAT & payroll

VAT and payroll are recurring responsibilities that need careful attention. We help you manage the work, keep track of deadlines and deal with questions as they arise.

We can support either function or both, working with your existing records and the people responsible for providing information.

VAT

We prepare and submit VAT returns and help you understand the treatment of your business transactions.

Our support can include:

• VAT registration.
• Preparing and reviewing VAT returns.
• Advice on VAT schemes and record-keeping.
• Reviewing queries or unusual transactions.
• Supporting compatible accounting software.
• Correspondence with HMRC.

As your business develops, we can also review whether your VAT arrangements remain appropriate.

Payroll

We provide regular payroll support, with an agreed timetable for receiving information, preparing calculations and obtaining your approval.

Our work can include:

• Payroll calculations and payslips.
• Payroll submissions to HMRC.
• Processing starters, leavers and changes in pay.
• Pension assessment and contribution reporting.
• Year-end reporting and P60s.

An agreed routine

We confirm what information we need, who will provide it and the relevant cut-off dates.

For payroll, this gives you time to review the figures before paying employees. For VAT, it allows us to work through the records and resolve queries ahead of submission.

Can our team continue to maintain the records?

Yes. We can work alongside your team, with a clear agreement on the preparation, review and filing responsibilities.

Can you take over an existing arrangement?

We review the current position, identify the records and authorisations required and agree a suitable handover date.

Dates we plan around

VAT: most businesses file returns quarterly. The return and payment are due one month and seven days after the end of the VAT period. VAT registration becomes compulsory once taxable turnover passes £90,000 in any rolling 12-month period, as explained in our VAT registration guide.

Payroll: each payroll run is reported to HMRC on or before the day employees are paid. PAYE and National Insurance are normally paid over by the 22nd of the following tax month where payment is made electronically. Employers give P60s to employees by 31 May, and benefits in kind are reported on P11D forms by 6 July, unless they are payrolled.

Pensions and auto-enrolment

Employers must assess staff for automatic enrolment, enrol those who qualify, and pay the contributions over on time. We handle the assessment and contribution reporting as part of the payroll, so the pension side does not become a separate admin task. If you are new to being an employer, our first-time employer guide covers the essentials.

Who this suits

Businesses that would rather not carry VAT and payroll knowledge in-house: growing firms taking on their first employees, owners who are tired of leaving returns to the last minute, and companies whose current arrangements have become unreliable.

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