As Accountants, we keep a track of what is due and when for you – This does not mean that you don’t need to however… You need to be aware of when your filings are due and what tax is payable when.
This is especially important to be able to put cash reserves to one side for when tax bills are due.
One of the big questions that Clients ask us is…“Why is my company year different to the tax year?” The tax year in the UK runs 6th April to 5th April each year. This is the reporting tax year for which Payroll is run and Sole Trader or Self Assessment records are run, regardless of the accounting reference period chosen for the business.
This however is not the same as the Accounting Reference Date for your Limited Company.
When you set your Limited Company up, Companies House will register the date on the public record and your Accounting Reference Date will usually be the end of the 12th month after your registration of your Company.
You can check your Accounting Reference Date here:
https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/
Annual Accounts
Annual Accounts will be due for delivery to Companies House 9 months after your Accounting Reference Date/Year End.
Corporation Tax Return (CT600)
Your CT600 will be due for delivery to HMRC 12 months after your Accounting Reference Date/Year End.
Corporation Tax due will need to be paid within 9 months of your Accounting Reference Date/Year End.
Annual Return
Limited Companies are required to deliver an Annual Return/Confirmation Statement on the anniversary of Incorporation annually.
This details the Shareholders, Directors and beneficial owners of the Company.
Self Assessment Tax Return (SA100)
If you have to file a Self Assessment Tax Return to declare Dividends or income other than payroll, your Self Assessment Tax Return for the year ending 6th April 2022 will be due for filing and payment by 31st January 2023.
Depending on the value of your SA100, you may be required to make a payment on account by 31st July 2022 (and each year).
Payroll
If running a payroll scheme, your PAYE will be due by the 22nd of the month following Payroll.
VAT
If registered, VAT is due 1 month and 7 days after the end of your Quarter End.
Once you’ve sold your business and have received the funds from the sale, you’re then faced with a big question: what happens next?
After guiding the helm of your company, it will be tough to let go. But if the circumstances are right, there’s no reason why exiting the business should be a sad occasion. You’ve built a stable business and personal legacy. You’ve employed a team of talented people and helped them drive their careers. And you’ve brought your products and/or services to a satisfied and loyal customer base.
So, how will you now focus your time and effort? Let’s look at your options…
Retire and live out the entrepreneur’s dream
After many years of hard work, worries and stress, the thought of a business-free lifestyle may well be appealing. But retirement isn’t for everyone. If you have thrived on the pressure, challenges and excitement of being the captain of your business ship, retiring may seem like a step away from the action.
On the flipside, the allure of a more relaxed lifestyle may be strong. With the proceeds from your sale, you should be in a position to make you, your family and those around you very comfortable. It may be that the entrepreneur’s dream of building a business, selling up and retiring to a hot climate is your idea of perfection.
Stay involved in the business
Even though you don’t own the business anymore, it doesn’t mean you have to step away completely from the company. You could remain involved in the business in some capacity, allowing you to ‘keep your hand in’ and support the future course of the business.
For example, you could become:
- A joint partner in the business – you could sell a part share in the business and work as a joint partner with your new investor. This allows you to free up some capital, while maintaining an element of control and influence.
- An external adviser or consultant – you could advise the new owner and their board as an outside adviser. After all, who knows this business better than you? Becoming a consultant could well be an astute move and keeps you in the loop with the future path of the business – while charging out a consultancy fee as an added benefit.
- A non-executive director (NED) – you could join the board as a NED and use your personal experience to help guide and support the new owner and their board. If that’s the route you choose, it’s a good idea to retain some shares in the business, so you have a vested interest in the company’s performance and your own share value.
- An informal adviser to your family – if you’re handing the business down to the next generation of your family, they will almost certainly want your advice. You’ve been through the ups and downs of setting up the business, so you’re in the best position to give your family the guidance and tips they need to run a smooth operation.
Set up a new business
With so much experience behind you, it could be that you’re itching to start the whole business cycle again. If you’ve got the ideas, the capital and the motivation to start another new business, this can be a new and rewarding challenge to get your teeth into.
First time around, you’ll have been a little green and less aware of the many pitfalls of founding a new business. You’re now better prepared and more knowledgeable about what’s required from a founder and business leader. We learn plenty from our mistakes, so you’re in a great position to return to the business cycle again with a new idea.
As with any new businesses venture:
- Make sure you have a detailed breakdown of your business idea
- Write an in-depth business plan that maps out your journey
- Ensure you have the funding to get this idea off the ground
- Be prepared for a period of hard work and lower income before the company takes off.
Do your bit for charity and your community
We all have interests and causes that are close to our heart, so supporting charities and community projects in these areas is a great way to use your money for long-term good.
Donating money to your chosen charity or social enterprise is also a triple whammy:
- You get to provide funding to causes that are close to your heart
- You can be philanthropic and help people who are in challenging situations
- You get the positive impact of tax breaks for donating to charity.
You also have the option of putting your own time into working with these charitable causes. You can use your expertise and experience to guide them, help with fundraising or provide hands-on support at events, community projects or lobbying the Government for greater support.
The end of the road, or a new chapter?
Once the business is sold and you close your office door for the last time, you take a step into the unknown. But with so many varied and valuable options to choose from, your life post-exit need never be boring or predictable.
The potential is there for an exciting new venture, or the pleasure of relaxing in the sunshine by the pool. It’s up to you to define the next chapter in your life and your business career.
If you’re thinking about exiting your business, please do get in touch. We’ll help you plan your exit strategy, add value pre-sale and choose the best options for your personal future.
Talk to us about your next step.
Ascentant Accountancy are based in Derby (01332 981920, info@ascentant.co.uk) and Ripley, Derbyshire (01773 424009, Ripley@ascentant.co.uk), call us to see how we can assist.
