Category: Corporation Tax

Corporation Tax for Cultural Festival Companies and How to Reduce Risk

Posted on by Sidra

Large cultural festivals across the UK are evolving fast. From music and theatre to food and heritage events, organisers are managing higher budgets, more vendors, and complex multi-day schedules. With these developments come increased financial risks—especially when it comes to corporation tax. HMRC is now paying closer attention to how festivals are structured, how reliefs are claimed, and how income is reported. Even minor errors can lead to audits, penalties, or lost tax savings. At Apex Accountants, we support festival organisers with tailored advice on corporation tax for cultural festival companies, combining deep sector knowledge with hands-on tax expertise. Whether you run a one-off outdoor concert or an annual city-wide celebration, we help you reduce tax risk and strengthen your financial position.

This article outlines key considerations for corporation tax planning for festival organising companies in 2026. You’ll learn best practices for structuring your company, claiming cultural tax reliefs, managing VAT impacts, and preparing for HMRC scrutiny. Each section offers practical tips based on our work with UK-based festivals.

What Every Festival Organiser Needs to Know About Corporation Tax

Operate through a limited company or special purpose vehicle (SPV) to manage liability and streamline tax planning.

  • Companies with taxable profits under £50,000 qualify for the small profits rate of 19%.
  • Profits between £50,000 and £250,000 may access marginal relief, though effective rates vary.
  • Using an SPV helps with cost allocation, income separation, and claiming tax relief.
  • Plan your legal structure early; set it up before ticket sales or sponsorship agreements begin, not after.

2. Claim Available Cultural Tax Reliefs

You may be eligible for Corporation Tax reliefs such as:
• Theatre Tax Relief (TTR) – for theatrical productions including live performances at festivals
• Orchestra Tax Relief (OTR) – for concerts involving orchestral ensembles
• Museums and Galleries Exhibition Tax Relief (MGETR) – extended until April 2026 for relevant visual installations

To qualify:

  •  The festival company must control production.
  • The company must have a permanent establishment in the UK through which an essential part of its business is carried on.
  •  Keep clear records of creative costs vs marketing or admin.

3. Watch for Tax Relief Changes from April 2025

From April 2025, audio-visual reliefs like Film and TV Tax Relief will shift to the Audio-Visual Expenditure Credit (AVEC) model. Future reviews might have an impact on mixed-programme festivals, even though they don’t currently affect cultural reliefs. Stay up to date with HMRC policy announcements.

4. Align Accounting Periods with Festival Timing

If a festival spans two tax years, there’s a risk of losing marginal relief benefits. Align accounting periods with peak revenue and expenditure to improve relief timing. Short-period accounts may be beneficial. Always file corporation tax returns on time to avoid penalties.

5. Consider VAT Impacts on Taxable Profits

VAT errors can distort corporation tax calculations. Admission tickets are standard-rated at 20%, while food, bars, and camping services may have mixed VAT treatments. Sponsorship income or pitch hire may require a partial exemption method. Review VAT treatment carefully to avoid incorrect profit reporting.

6. Prepare for HMRC Scrutiny

Large-scale festivals may fall under HMRC’s high-risk corporate programs. Maintain organised records—contracts, cost breakdowns, and board decisions. Relief claims must be documented clearly. A prepared audit trail reduces risk during an enquiry.

7. Use Forecasting and Scenario Planning

Tax liabilities may rise if ticket sales fall or claims are rejected. Please consider running worst-case financial models and incorporating tax buffers into your budgets. Always forecast corporation tax based on net profit, not just gross income. If you need guidance on risk planning or relief claims, seek tailored tax support for UK festival organisers to remain compliant and financially prepared.

8. Get Expert Advice Early

Cultural festivals operate in a complex tax environment. Apex Accountants works with organisers before, during, and after events to manage:
• Tax relief eligibility
• VAT schemes and partial exemption
• Corporation Tax planning
• SPV structuring and compliance

We help clients navigate the full scope of corporation tax planning for festival organising companies, from first-time events to recurring annual festivals.

Apex Accountants’ Expertise in Corporation Tax for Cultural Festival Companies

Cultural festival organisers face a unique set of tax, VAT, and compliance challenges—from managing seasonal revenue to handling multiple income streams like ticket sales, sponsorships, and vendor fees. At Apex Accountants, we provide sector-specific expertise and practical solutions to guide you through every stage of your event’s financial lifecycle. Our team offers trusted tax support for UK festival organisers, helping you stay compliant with HMRC requirements while maintaining creative and operational flexibility.

We understand the financial realities of running a festival—irregular cash flow, varied income sources, and the pressure to keep accurate, audit-ready records. Whether you’re planning a one-off event or an annual tour, our advice is practical, timely, and tailored to the needs of UK-based cultural festivals.

Get in touch with Apex Accountants today to arrange a free consultation for your 2026 festival.

Expert Advice on Corporation Tax for Art Restoration Businesses in 2026

Posted on by Sidra

Art restoration requires precision, patience, and expertise, but firms in this sector also face financial pressures that extend beyond the studio. Irregular income, costly equipment, and project-based work make financial management demanding, and corporation tax is a key part of this challenge. Understanding how rates apply, which allowances can be claimed, and how restoration costs are treated for tax purposes can directly affect profitability. With effective planning, businesses can strengthen cash flow, manage liabilities, and support long-term growth. This article explores the main considerations around corporation tax for art restoration businesses in the UK, highlighting sector-specific issues and practical planning strategies. At Apex Accountants, we work with restoration businesses across the country to provide specialist advice that balances compliance with financial stability.

2026 Corporation Tax Rates and Thresholds

For accounting periods starting on or after 1 April 2026, the following apply:

Taxable Profit (2026)Corporation Tax Rate
Up to £50,00019% (small profits rate)
£50,001 to £250,00025% (main rate, with marginal relief)
Over £250,00025% (main rate)

For example, a firm with £60,000 profit is taxed at 25% but benefits from marginal relief. This reduces the effective rate to between 19% and 25% for amounts above £50,000.

Key Tax Allowances and Reliefs in 2026

  • Full expensing: 100% first-year allowance on new plant and machinery remains available, allowing firms to deduct qualifying costs in the year of purchase.
  • Annual Investment Allowance (AIA): Up to £1 million of eligible equipment purchases can be deducted each year.
  • Electric vehicles: The 100% allowance for zero-emission cars runs until 31 March 2026. Vehicles used in restoration or logistics can qualify for full relief.

Corporation Tax Considerations for Art Restoration Businesses 

Art restoration services face unique tax points, including:

  • Capital allowances: Specialist conservation equipment and imaging software qualify for full expensing or AIA.
  • Grants and subsidies: Public or museum funding is usually treated as taxable trading income unless exempt.
  • Restoration costs and disposals: HMRC views restoration as an improvement. These costs can be deducted from gains when a restored item is sold.
  • Stock or assets: Decide whether artworks are trading stock or fixed assets, as this affects profit and tax treatment.
  • International projects: UK firms pay corporation tax on global profits, with double taxation relief where treaties apply.
  • Income timing: Managing billing dates and expense recognition can smooth profits and manage thresholds, provided it aligns with accounting standards.

Practical Tax Planning Tips:

Practical tax planning can make a significant difference to the financial stability of restoration businesses. From forecasting profits to managing expenses, every step has an impact on taxable outcomes. Working with experienced tax accountants for art restoration services ensures that firms apply the right strategies, claim all available reliefs, and stay compliant while focusing on their core work.

  • Forecast profits early to know your likely rate band.
  • Plan equipment or vehicle purchases to maximise allowances.
  • Keep detailed records of restoration costs for gain deductions.
  • Track all expenses, from travel and insurance to training.
  • Consider pension contributions to reduce taxable profits.
  • Check thresholds if you operate multiple associated companies.
  • File returns on time to avoid penalties.

Effective tax planning for art restoration companies requires a structured approach. Forecasts, careful timing, and use of allowances can reduce liabilities and improve cash flow.

How Apex Accountants Help with Corporation Tax for Art Restoration Businesses 

Managing tax in a sector as specialised as art restoration requires more than general advice. Apex Accountants brings sector-specific expertise to help firms record restoration costs correctly, maximise capital allowances, and manage grants or funding in a compliant way. Our team provides guidance on how corporation tax rules apply to conservation projects, artwork disposals, and international work, giving restoration firms confidence in both compliance and profitability. With tailored support from experienced tax accountants for art restoration services, businesses can focus on their craft while we handle the complexities of corporation tax.

Conclusion

Proactive tax management is vital for businesses in this sector, where irregular income and high equipment costs create ongoing financial pressure. These challenges make strategic planning essential to manage tax obligations effectively, protect cash flow, and support steady, long-term growth.

Apex Accountants offers expert support designed for restoration businesses, guiding them through complex rules, grants, and international work. Our experience in tax planning for art restoration companies means we provide tailored solutions that go beyond compliance, helping firms strengthen profitability and build financial resilience. Contact Apex Accountants today for professional advice and support for your art restoration business.

Managing Corporation Tax for auction houses with Multi-Jurisdictional Structures

Posted on by Sidra

The UK art market is one of the most active globally, with London hosting high-value auctions and attracting consignors and buyers from Europe, the US, and Asia. This international presence creates complex tax exposures, particularly around cross-border transactions and VAT on art sales. Corporation tax for auction houses also raises challenges, especially when dealing with fluctuating income and international operations.

Apex Accountants specialises in guiding UK auction houses through these complexities. We understand the sector’s reliance on seasonal sales, commission-based income, and multi-jurisdictional consignments. Our team provides targeted advice to help businesses meet Corporation Tax requirements while protecting margins.

This article explores how UK auction houses can structure global entities, manage corporation tax, address transfer pricing, and comply with VAT rules when operating in today’s multi-jurisdictional art market.

Corporation Tax obligations in the UK

Auction houses trading in the UK must pay corporation tax on taxable profits, currently charged at 25% for profits above £250,000. Those within the marginal relief band face tapered rates. Auction houses often record uneven profits due to seasonal peaks, so accurate forecasting and timing of allowable deductions are critical. HMRC also applies strict scrutiny to businesses handling consignments from multiple territories, making robust reporting a necessity. Effective tax structuring for auction houses is therefore essential to avoid misreporting and reduce unnecessary exposure.

Structuring global operations from a UK base

International sales and consignments make corporate structuring a key tax issue. Common approaches for UK auction houses include:

  • UK parent with overseas subsidiaries – subsidiaries comply with local Corporation Tax rules but remit profits back to the UK.
  • UK trading entity with foreign branches – profits are apportioned between jurisdictions but consolidated in the UK return.
  • Holding companies – often used to centralise intellectual property, trademarks, and brand income for tax-efficient planning.

The right structure depends on transaction volume, geographical spread, and the level of direct overseas presence. Each option has implications for double taxation treaties and UK Corporation Tax liabilities. Professional tax structuring for auction houses ensures these choices align with long-term growth and compliance goals.

Transfer pricing considerations

HMRC requires clear evidence that profits are allocated at arm’s length across jurisdictions. For auction houses, this includes commission income, catalogue production, storage, and marketing costs. Inadequate documentation can lead to penalties, adjustments, and exposure to double taxation. Apex Accountants prepare transfer pricing policies and benchmarking reports to ensure compliance and protect client positions in HMRC reviews.

VAT for UK auction houses and its Impact on Art Sales

VAT interacts closely with corporation tax planning. UK auction houses often rely on the margin scheme for art sales, which directly affects taxable profits. Imports following Brexit can trigger border VAT unless temporary admission relief applies. Structuring operations without considering VAT obligations can distort profit calculations and increase compliance risks. Apex Accountants provide expert advice on VAT for UK auction houses, covering domestic sales, imports, and cross-border transactions. Correctly applying the margin scheme and import reliefs is central to profitable planning.

Case study – restructuring for Corporation Tax efficiency

A mid-sized London auction house sought our help after repeated HMRC challenges on overseas consignments. Their UK entity worked with informal partners in New York and Hong Kong, exposing them to double taxation and inconsistent VAT treatment.

Apex Accountants restructured the business by establishing a UK parent with fully documented overseas subsidiaries. We introduced compliant transfer pricing rules, applied the UK margin scheme correctly, and aligned reporting with HMRC standards. The auction house reduced its effective Corporation Tax rate by 7%, avoided £120,000 in penalties, and gained long-term certainty in its tax reporting.

Managing compliance risk

HMRC’s 2025–26 compliance programme has intensified reviews of international art businesses. Auction houses must submit Corporation Tax returns on time, maintain country-by-country reports, and file supporting documentation for overseas activities. Errors risk penalties, backdated interest, and reputational harm in a market that relies heavily on client trust.

Apex Accountants’ Expertise in Corporation Tax for auction houses

Apex Accountants advise auction houses on:

  • UK Corporation Tax planning and compliance.
  • Structuring global operations from a UK base.
  • VAT and margin scheme treatment of art sales.
  • Transfer pricing documentation and HMRC defence.
  • Forecasting for seasonal and irregular auction income.

The UK’s global art market position brings both opportunity and complexity. Corporation Tax, VAT, and cross-border structuring demand specialist planning to avoid unnecessary risks. With sector expertise and tailored strategies, Apex Accountants help auction houses remain compliant, tax-efficient, and prepared for international growth.

Contact us today to discuss how Apex Accountants can support your auction house with expert Corporation Tax and global structuring advice.

Corporation Tax for Agricultural Insurance Providers in 2026

Posted on by Sidra

The UK’s agricultural sector depends heavily on insurance providers to manage climate, livestock and crop-related risks. These insurers support farmers through unpredictable conditions, such as flooding, droughts, and disease outbreaks. In 2026, a new challenge is emerging in the form of increasing complexity in corporation tax for agricultural insurance providers, along with stricter HMRC oversight and fewer traditional reliefs. Apex Accountants works closely with agricultural insurers across the UK, offering tailored advice on tax planning, compliance and digital transformations. With profound knowledge of both the insurance and farming sectors, our team helps clients manage everything from hybrid policy classifications to transfer pricing disputes and Making Tax Digital (MTD) compliance.

This article explores the key agricultural insurance tax risks facing providers in 2026. It breaks down the main problem areas and outlines practical solutions to help insurers remain compliant and commercially focused with guidance from Apex Accountants.

Corporation Tax Risks and Practical Solutions for Agricultural Insurers

In 2026, agricultural insurance providers must navigate a range of complex corporation tax issues. Effective corporation tax planning for insurers has become essential to manage these challenges, especially with increased scrutiny from HMRC and stricter reporting requirements. The points below outline key risk areas and offer practical steps to reduce exposure and improve compliance.

1. Classification of Income

Challenge:
 Agricultural insurers often write hybrid policies. Some include cover for farm property, others for commercial risks. HMRC may classify part of this as investment income, not trading income. This can affect eligibility for reliefs and increase overall tax liability.

Solution:
 Segment trading and investment income accurately using underwriting records. Maintain documentation to defend treatment during HMRC review.

2. Capital Allowances Restrictions

Challenge:
 Insurers who own or lease agricultural infrastructure—such as silos, barns, or machinery—may struggle to claim capital allowances. From 2026, tightened rules require stricter demonstration that assets are used for qualifying business activities. Shared or partial use can disqualify claims.

Solution:
 Keep usage logs and perform asset use reviews annually. Claim allowances only for business-critical, fully used assets.

3. Interest Deductibility Limits

Challenge:
 To support claims reserves or reinsurance, insurers often rely on intercompany loans. But HMRC’s Corporate Interest Restriction (CIR) rules cap the tax relief available. In 2026, interest deductibility will face more aggressive enforcement, especially for groups with thin capital structures or excessive intra-group lending.

Solution:
 Ensure loan arrangements are commercially justified. Apply arm’s length interest rates and monitor CIR limits proactively.

4. Loss Relief Constraints

Challenge:
 Agricultural insurance carries high volatility. One flood or drought can lead to large losses. While loss carry-forward remains available, restrictions on group relief and carry-back limit how effectively these losses can reduce corporation tax. Poor handling of losses can also increase exposure to agricultural insurance tax risks, especially when reporting across multiple periods.

Solution:
 Plan the use of losses in advance. Coordinate with group companies to utilise reliefs efficiently within deadlines.

5. Reinsurance & Transfer Pricing

Challenge:
 Cross-border reinsurance, common in agricultural risk pooling, faces tighter transfer pricing rules. HMRC now demands robust documentation for all intercompany transactions. Agricultural risks must be benchmarked appropriately, even where external market data is limited.

Solution:
 Benchmark reinsurance pricing using available market data. Maintain updated transfer pricing files to avoid penalties.

6. Making Tax Digital for Corporation Tax

Challenge:
 Full digital reporting under Making Tax Digital (MTD) for corporation tax is expected to begin in 2026. This will require quarterly updates and software integration. Errors between internal systems and HMRC filings could trigger penalties or audits. Agricultural insurers with legacy systems are at higher risk.

Solution:
 Adopt MTD-ready software and integrate it with underwriting systems. Train finance staff early and test quarterly submissions before rollout.

Case Study: Agricultural Insurance Provider in UK

An agricultural insurance provider covering over 1,200 arable farms and livestock operations in the South East reported mixed underwriting income in 2025. The business relied heavily on reinsurance through a group-owned captive based in Ireland. HMRC raised concerns over the classification of hybrid income and flagged outdated transfer pricing documentation. Additional compliance risks emerged due to legacy accounting software that did not meet Making Tax Digital (MTD) requirements.

Apex Accountants reviewed their income structure and classified revenue at policy level to support full trading treatment. We also produced arm’s length reinsurance pricing reports, which satisfied HMRC scrutiny. Our team introduced an MTD-compliant system six months early, ensuring seamless quarterly reporting.

As a result, the company avoided a £117,000 interest deduction disallowance and achieved full corporation tax compliance ahead of the 2026 MTD deadline.

How Apex Accountants Supports Corporation Tax for Agricultural Insurance Providers

Corporation tax rules are evolving rapidly, and agricultural insurers will face increasing complexity in 2026. From income classification issues and loss relief limits to reinsurance documentation and MTD compliance, the risks are wide-ranging and technical.

Apex Accountants brings sector-specific expertise across both agriculture and insurance. Our tailored strategies help reduce tax exposure, improve compliance and support accurate reporting. Each solution is aligned with your operating model, risk structure and future obligations, creating a practical foundation for corporation tax planning for insurers in the current climate.

With a proven track record in defending hybrid income treatment, producing compliant transfer pricing files, and delivering MTD-ready systems, Apex Accountants offers practical, hands-on support from start to finish.

Contact Apex Accountants today for trusted, technical guidance in agricultural insurance taxation.

Key Changes in Corporation Tax for Agritech Startups in 2026

Posted on by Sidra

Corporation Tax for agritech startups is becoming a central factor in financial planning. In 2026, updated tax rates and new green investment reliefs are influencing how Agritech businesses secure funding, scale operations, and present their sustainability credentials to stakeholders.

At Apex Accountants, we work with innovative sectors like Agritech to design tax strategies that reduce costs, support R&D, and appeal to investors. Our focus is on combining compliance with long-term growth and environmental responsibility.

This article explores the latest corporation tax rates, capital allowances, and R&D reliefs. It also highlights inheritance tax changes and the interaction of reliefs.

Corporation Tax Rates in 2026

From April 2025, the main rate of corporation tax stands at 25% for companies with profits above £250,000. A small profits rate of 19% applies where profits are £50,000 or less. For businesses in between, marginal relief applies. Agritech firms planning capital-intensive projects should factor these rates into financial models when projecting returns.

Maximising Savings through Full Expensing for Agritech Investments

The government has made full expensing for Agritech investments permanent, allowing a 100% first-year deduction on qualifying new and unused plant and machinery. This covers items such as robotics, renewable-powered irrigation, and environmental monitoring systems.

Special rate assets, including solar panels and energy-efficient heating systems, qualify for a 50% first-year allowance, with the remainder written down in subsequent years. The Annual Investment Allowance (AIA) continues at £1 million for new or used plant and machinery, offering additional flexibility for smaller investments.

R&D Reliefs for Agritech

The UK now operates a merged R&D scheme. Most companies benefit from a net relief worth around 20% of qualifying R&D expenditure. Agritech firms frequently qualify as R&D-intensive, spending more than 30% of overall costs on development. In these cases, the effective benefit rises to about 27%.

Eligible costs include staffing, consumables, prototypes, and field trials, provided the work addresses scientific or technological uncertainty. Activities must primarily take place in the UK to qualify. Accessing R&D tax relief for agritech companies allows startups to fund innovation more effectively while also building a stronger case when applying for grants and investment.

Case Study

An agritech startup approached Apex Accountants while planning a major investment in renewable-powered irrigation systems. The business committed £500,000 to the project. With our guidance, the company applied full expensing, offsetting the entire cost in year one. At a 25% corporation tax rate, this delivered a tax saving of £125,000.

Alongside this, the company invested £300,000 in R&D projects aimed at improving irrigation efficiency. By working with Apex Accountants to prepare a compliant claim, the business secured an additional £60,000 benefit (20% of eligible costs).

The combined reliefs reduced immediate corporation tax liabilities and strengthened the company’s funding position. More importantly, investor presentations and grant applications highlighted the tax strategy’s support for sustainability metrics. This helped the startup demonstrate both environmental responsibility and financial resilience, key factors in attracting future backing.

Inheritance Tax and Business Relief Changes

From April 2026, a £1 million combined allowance for Agricultural Property Relief (APR) and Business Property Relief (BPR) comes into effect. Assets within this limit attract 100% relief, while those above qualify for 50%. For shares in unlisted trading companies, only 50% relief applies even within the allowance.

Agritech founders and investors holding land, property, or private equity must reassess estate and succession planning under these new rules.

Relief Interactions and Investor Expectations

Capital allowances and R&D reliefs operate independently but can be layered together. A company can claim full expensing on new plant and machinery while also securing R&D credits on qualifying development costs. However, the same expenditure cannot be claimed under both schemes, so detailed cost allocation is essential.

Investors and grant bodies now expect startups to show how sustainability metrics link to tax strategy. Demonstrating effective use of green investment reliefs strengthens credibility when applying for funding. It signals long-term environmental responsibility alongside financial discipline, which is increasingly valued in due diligence.

Practical Steps for Agritech Startups

  1. Time investment decisions to align with relief availability and Corporation Tax thresholds.
  2. Track R&D expenditure carefully to confirm eligibility and identify whether intensive status applies.
  3. Allocate costs correctly to avoid overlap between capital allowances and R&D claims.
  4. Incorporate reliefs into business plans presented to investors and grant providers.
  5. Keep thorough documentation to support claims in the event of HMRC review.

How Apex Accountants Support Corporation Tax for Agritech Startups

Corporation tax rules in 2026 provide Agritech startups with significant opportunities. Green investment reliefs, when combined with R&D tax relief for agritech companies, reduce liabilities and improve cash flow. Beyond tax savings, aligning these reliefs with sustainability objectives helps attract grants and investors.

At Apex Accountants, we guide agritech businesses to structure investments, claims, and reporting in ways that both minimise tax exposure and maximise appeal to stakeholders. This dual focus positions startups for financial growth and long-term environmental impact.

Contact us today to discuss how Apex Accountants can support your agritech startup with tailored corporation tax and green investment strategies.

VAT and CIS Impact on Corporation Tax for Land Surveying Businesses

Posted on by Sidra

Land surveying contractors and subcontractors play a crucial role in UK construction and property projects. Complex contracts, staged payments, and strict reporting make corporation tax planning particularly important. At Apex Accountants, we support surveyors with tailored advice on corporation tax, VAT, CIS, and project-based accounting. Our sector expertise helps contractors and subcontractors remain compliant while improving cash flow and reducing liabilities. This article explores the key considerations of corporation tax for land surveying businesses, including tax rates, allowable expenses, CIS rules, VAT treatment, and loss relief.

Corporation Tax Rates and Structures

Limited companies pay corporation tax on profits. The main rate is 25% for profits above £250,000. A 19% small profits rate applies below £50,000. Marginal relief applies between these thresholds. Contractors should monitor annual profits closely to plan around these bands.

Allowable Expenses and Equipment Reliefs

Surveyors can claim deductions for professional indemnity insurance, instruments, software, and travel to sites. The Annual Investment Allowance (AIA) gives 100% relief on most surveying equipment up to £1 million. High-value kits such as drones, GPS units, and IT systems usually qualify.

Example Scenario: Subcontractor Under CIS with Retentions

The contractor may deduct 20% tax at source from a surveying subcontractor working under CIS. If the project also holds back 5% retention until completion, the subcontractor records the full contract value for corporation tax purposes, even though cash is delayed. This is where understanding CIS rules for surveying subcontractors is critical, as poor handling can cause cash flow pressure and errors in reporting.

CIS vs Independent Surveying Work

Surveyors engaged directly on construction-linked projects often fall within CIS. Independent surveyors providing services such as land mapping or environmental studies usually sit outside CIS. Applying the right treatment requires knowledge of CIS rules for surveying subcontractors, as misclassification may result in penalties or additional tax liabilities.

VAT Considerations for Surveyors

VAT is another area where surveyors encounter complexity. Many face issues such as:

  • VAT on disbursements (e.g., Ordnance Survey maps) – these may be outside the VAT scope if passed on at cost.
  • Subcontracted services – reverse charge VAT may apply if services fall within construction.
  • Overseas clients – place of supply rules determine whether VAT is charged.

Incorrect VAT treatment often leads to HMRC queries and financial risk, which is why specialist VAT advice for land surveying contractors is essential.

Managing Losses and Reliefs

Surveyors experiencing project delays or seasonal income dips may report trading losses. These can be carried back one year or forward indefinitely to offset future profits. Loss relief provides valuable flexibility during downturns.

How Apex Accountants Supports Corporation Tax for Land Surveying Businesses

At Apex Accountants, we specialise in supporting land surveying contractors and subcontractors. We help with corporation tax compliance, VAT treatment, CIS registration, and project-based income recognition. By applying the correct rules and reliefs, we reduce liabilities while strengthening financial resilience.

Our sector-specific expertise means we understand the unique pressures surveyors face, from delayed retentions to complex VAT rules. We also provide tailored VAT advice for land surveying contractors, ensuring businesses apply the right treatment across projects. Alongside this, we deliver proactive advice, accurate reporting, and practical solutions that protect profitability.

With our guidance, contractors and subcontractors can focus on delivering projects with confidence while we manage the financial side. Contact Apex Accountants today to arrange advice on corporation tax for your land surveying business.

Professional Corporation Tax Services for Business Growth

Posted on by Mohsin Khan

At Apex Accountants, we make corporation tax simple. Our team handles everything so you can focus on growing your business. 

We cover 

  • Registration
  • Tax returns, and 
  • HMRC investigations

Our experts also help you save money by finding the best tax reliefs, like R&D credits and the Annual Investment Allowance.

We don’t just fix problems; we plan ahead! 

So how do we help businesses make the most out of their corporation tax? 

Find out in this guide!

Corporation Tax loss buying

Posted on by Rana Zubair

Under qualifying circumstances, Corporation Tax (CT) relief is available where a company makes a trading loss. The trading loss can be used to claim CT relief by offsetting the loss against other gains or profits of a business in the same or previous accounting period. The loss can also be set against future qualifying trading income.

There are however restrictions on ‘loss-buying’. These are situations where a person buys a trading company wholly or partly for its unused trading losses rather than solely for the inherent value of its trade or assets. The new owner usually seeks to introduce new activity into the company to keep its entitlement to loss relief.

The legislation governing this area can result in all the company’s unused carried- forward trading losses being cancelled where either:

  • within any specified period, there is both; a change in the ownership of a company, and a major change in the nature or conduct of a trade carried on by the company,

or

  • there is a change in ownership of a company at a time when the scale of its trading activities has become small or negligible.

For accounting periods beginning on or after 1 April 2017, the specified period is 5 years beginning no more than 3 years before the change in ownership occurs.

Source: HM Revenue & Customs Tue, 24 Aug 2021 00:00:00 +0100

Goodwill and Corporation Tax

Posted on by Rana Zubair

Goodwill is rarely mentioned in legislation. Most people would settle on a simple definition which would be based on the ‘extra’ value of a business over and above its tangible assets.

In the vast majority of cases when a business is sold a significant proportion of the sale price will be for the intangible assets or goodwill of the company. This is essentially a way of placing a monetary value on the business's reputation and customer relationships. Or as HMRC say in their guidance, in accounting terms, purchased goodwill is the balancing figure between the purchase price of a business and the net value of the assets acquired. Valuing goodwill is complex and there are many different methods which can be used and that vary from industry to industry.

The Corporation Tax relief restriction rules for certain acquisitions of goodwill and relevant assets changed on 1 April 2019.

Businesses can now claim Corporation Tax relief on purchases of goodwill made on or after 1 April 2019 if the:

  • goodwill and relevant assets are purchased when you buy a business with qualifying intellectual property (IP)
  • business is liable to Corporation Tax
  • relevant assets (including goodwill) are included in the company accounts

If relief is available, it is at a fixed rate of 6.5% a year on the lower of the cost of the relevant asset or 6 times the cost of any qualifying IP assets in the business purchased. Relief is given yearly until the limit is reached and a claim is made using the Company Tax Return.

Source: HM Revenue & Customs Tue, 10 Aug 2021 00:00:00 +0100
Book a Free Consultation