--- title: "Business Tax Planning in Cardiff | Luminaire Accounts" description: "Know what you will owe, reduce year-end surprises and use allowances properly with practical business tax planning in Cardiff." canonical: "https://hlsaccounting.co.uk/services/business-tax-planning" --- Tax Services - Business # Business Tax Planning We help Cardiff small businesses and sole traders keep more of what they earn through smart, proactive tax planning that fits around how you actually run your business. Our team takes the stress out of corporation tax, VAT and payroll taxes so you can focus on growth, not HMRC deadlines. [Book a free consultation](https://calendly.com/hlsaccounting/new-client-meeting) 10 Years serving South Wales 200+ Local businesses supported £000s Average annual tax saved ![Business owner and accountant seated at a desk reviewing tax documents with a laptop and calculator in a modern office.](/_next/image?url=%2Fapi%2Fmedia%2Ffile%2Fbusiness_owner_accountant_tax_planning_realistic_studio_photo.png%3Fv%3D1773064236572&w=1536&q=75&dpl=dpl_DEc4fGhEc1SCRZZutzoEsRuDy1CJ) ## What we cover Business tax planning covers everything from corporation tax and VAT compliance to salary structuring and relief claims. We tailor our approach to your business size, sector and growth stage. ### Corporation Tax Planning Midterm planning, reliefs and efficient profit distribution to reduce your company's tax bill legally. ### VAT & Payroll Tax Registration, returns and compliance for VAT and PAYE, keeping you on the right side of HMRC. ### Tax-Efficient Salaries & Dividends Advising on the best balance between salary and dividends to minimise your personal and corporate tax. ### R&D Claims & Capital Allowances Identifying and claiming reliefs you might be missing, from research costs to equipment purchases. ## How we help you pay less tax, legally Business tax planning is about looking ahead. We work with Cardiff sole traders, small retailers, salons, tradespeople and professional services firms to structure your finances in a way that minimises what you owe while keeping you fully compliant. Whether you are a limited company navigating corporation tax or a sole trader managing self-assessment alongside business VAT, we make sure you are not paying a penny more than you need to. Our process starts with understanding your business. We review your structure, turnover and plans for the year ahead, then build a tax strategy around that. This might include advising on the most tax-efficient salary and dividend split, timing capital purchases to claim allowances, or registering for VAT at the right moment. We prepare and file your corporation tax returns, handle payroll taxes and keep an eye out for reliefs like R&D credits that many small businesses miss. > We have saved clients thousands by spotting reliefs they did not know existed. More information ### What you get from us - **Annual tax return preparation and filing** for companies and sole traders - **Corporation tax calculations** with strategies to reduce liabilities through the year - **VAT registration and quarterly returns**, filed on time every time - **Payroll tax compliance** including PAYE, National Insurance and pension auto-enrolment - **Salary and dividend planning** tailored to your personal and business tax position - **Capital allowances and relief claims**, from equipment to research and development costs - **Ongoing reviews** as your business changes, so your tax plan stays relevant We know the Cardiff business landscape. From Pontcanna cafés to Penarth clinics and Whitchurch tradespeople, we have worked with businesses across South Wales and understand the local challenges: managing cash flow through quieter months, planning for growth without a shock tax bill, and dealing with HMRC when things get complicated. Tax planning is not a one-off exercise. We stay in touch throughout the year, not just at filing time. If HMRC opens an enquiry or your circumstances change, we are here to support you. Regular reviews mean we can adapt your plan as your turnover grows, you take on staff or you start thinking about selling the business. > Our clients tell us the peace of mind is worth as much as the savings. Most importantly, we explain everything in plain English. You will always understand why we are recommending a certain approach, what it will save you and what you need to do. No jargon, no surprises and no penalties because a deadline slipped through the cracks. ### Ready to save on tax? Book a free consultation and we'll show you where your business could be saving money. [Book a free consultation](https://calendly.com/hlsaccounting/new-client-meeting) ### While you're here - [SEIS (Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme) Advice](/services/seis-seed-enterprise-investment-scheme-advice)→ - [Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) Advice](/services/enterprise-investment-scheme-eis-advice)→ - [Patent Box Tax Relief](/services/patent-box-tax-relief)→ ## Worth considering Tax Services - Business ### Tax Relief on Business Assets (AIA) Claim Annual Investment Allowance (AIA) on qualifying equipment, fit-outs and vans. We check eligibility, calculate capital allowances and include the claim in your return. [Tax Relief on Business Assets (AIA)→](/services/tax-relief-on-business-assets-aia) Tax Services - Business ### HMRC Enquiry & Investigation Support Support with HMRC enquiries and investigations, from the first letter to the final outcome. We organise records, manage deadlines, and deal with HMRC on your behalf. [HMRC Enquiry & Investigation Support→](/services/hmrc-enquiry-and-investigation-support) Tax Services - Business ### R&D Tax Credits Claim R&D Tax Credits without the stress. We confirm eligibility, calculate qualifying costs, write the supporting report, and submit the claim with your Corporation Tax return. [R&D Tax Credits→](/services/randd-tax-credits) Tax Services - Business ### Corporation Tax Planning Get a clear estimate of your company’s corporation tax, plan director pay and spending, and avoid nasty surprises at year end with practical, plain-English advice. [Corporation Tax Planning→](/services/corporation-tax-planning) Tax Services - Business ### Corporation Tax Returns CT600 and iXBRL preparation and filing for limited companies, with clear tax calculations, allowance checks, and deadline tracking so you stay compliant and avoid surprises. [Corporation Tax Returns→](/services/corporation-tax-returns) ## Before you book These are the questions Cardiff business owners ask us most often about tax planning. How much could I realistically save on tax? It depends on your turnover, structure and current arrangements, but most small businesses we work with save between £2,000 and £10,000 a year through better planning. We will give you an honest assessment at your free consultation. Do I need tax planning if I'm a sole trader? Yes. Even sole traders benefit from planning around self-assessment, National Insurance, VAT thresholds and pension contributions. We help you structure things efficiently from the start. What's the difference between tax planning and just filing my return? Filing is reactive. Tax planning is proactive. We look ahead at the whole year, advising on timing, structure and reliefs so you pay less overall, not just completing forms after the fact. How often will we review my tax plan? We recommend at least twice a year, plus ad hoc check-ins if your business changes significantly. Annual reviews are included, and we're always available between times if you need us. Can you help if HMRC investigates me? Absolutely. We represent clients through HMRC enquiries and disputes, handling all correspondence and negotiations on your behalf. It is part of our ongoing support. Do you charge a fixed fee or hourly rate? We offer fixed monthly fees for most clients, so you know exactly what you are paying. We will discuss pricing at your free consultation based on your business size and needs. What reliefs and allowances should I know about? Common ones include the Annual Investment Allowance for equipment, R&D tax credits for innovation, and capital gains reliefs if you sell business assets. We will identify what applies to you. Are you qualified to give tax advice? Yes. We are Chartered Certified Accountants with nearly ten years' experience advising Cardiff and South Wales businesses. We stay up to date with every tax law change that affects you. ## Let's talk about your business tax Book a free consultation and we'll walk you through exactly how we can reduce your tax bill this year. [Book a free consultation](https://calendly.com/hlsaccounting/new-client-meeting)