--- title: "Corporation Tax Planning Cardiff | HLS Accounts" description: "Reduce surprises at year end with clear corporation tax planning, profit forecasts and practical steps to manage your company’s tax bill and cash flow." canonical: "https://hlsaccounting.co.uk/services/corporation-tax-planning" --- Tax Services - Business # Corporation Tax Planning We help small businesses in Cardiff and across South Wales keep more of what they earn through smart, proactive corporation tax planning. Our team takes the stress out of compliance, spots the reliefs and allowances you're entitled to, and gives you clear advice that makes a real difference to your bottom line. [Book a free consultation](https://calendly.com/hlsaccounting/new-client-meeting) 10 Years serving local businesses 200+ Cardiff clients 19% Standard corporation tax rate ![Business professionals around a conference table reviewing tax documents with laptop charts, calculator, and calendar in a modern office.](/_next/image?url=%2Fapi%2Fmedia%2Ffile%2Fbusiness_tax_meeting_realistic_studio.jpg%3Fv%3D1773064216883&w=1536&q=75&dpl=dpl_DEc4fGhEc1SCRZZutzoEsRuDy1CJ) ## Everything under Corporation Tax Planning From annual compliance to strategic planning, we cover every aspect of corporation tax for Cardiff businesses. Whether you're a growing SME or an established firm, we'll make sure you're paying the right amount and not a penny more. ### R&D Tax Credits Identify and claim generous relief for qualifying research and development work your business has carried out. ### Capital Allowances Maximize tax relief on business assets and equipment purchases through strategic capital allowances planning. ### Trading Loss Relief Put losses to work by carrying them back or forward to reduce your overall tax bill in the most efficient way. ### Profit Extraction Planning Structure your director salary and dividends to minimise both corporation tax and personal tax liabilities. ## Keeping your corporation tax bill as low as the law allows Corporation tax is one of your biggest business costs, but many Cardiff firms pay more than they need to. We work with small businesses across South Wales to identify every relief, allowance and tax-efficient structure available to you, then build a plan that fits your goals and keeps HMRC happy. Our approach is straightforward. We review your financial records, look at how your business is structured, and talk through your plans for the year ahead. Then we map out the opportunities: R&D credits if you're innovating, capital allowances on equipment, optimal salary and dividend splits, and any sector-specific reliefs you qualify for. We prepare and file your corporation tax return on time, every time, and give you advance notice of what's due so there are no surprises. > We've helped clients save thousands by spotting reliefs they didn't know existed. More information ### What makes good corporation tax planning The best results come from planning ahead, not scrambling at year end. If you're buying assets, considering a new structure, or thinking about how to take money out of the business, those are the moments to talk to us. Even small decisions around timing or categorisation can have a meaningful impact on your tax bill. We see businesses across retail, hospitality, trades, salons and professional services. Each sector has its quirks, and we know where to look. A Cardiff builder claiming the Annual Investment Allowance will have different priorities to a design studio eligible for creative industry relief, and we tailor our advice accordingly. > Corporation tax doesn't have to be complicated or stressful when someone's keeping an eye on it for you. ### How we support Cardiff businesses Being based in Cardiff means we understand the local business landscape. We work with firms in the city centre, the Bay, and right across the South Wales valleys. You'll have a named point of contact who knows your business, returns your calls, and keeps you in the loop about any changes that affect you. Once your return is filed, we don't disappear. We stay in touch throughout the year, update you on new reliefs or rule changes, and review your strategy as your business grows. If HMRC ever raises questions, we handle the correspondence and represent you every step of the way. You get back to running your business while we make sure the tax side is watertight and as efficient as it can be. ### Ready to talk? Book a free consultation and we'll walk you through how we can reduce your corporation tax bill. [Book a free consultation](https://calendly.com/hlsaccounting/new-client-meeting) ### Worth considering - [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)→ ## You might also need 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 ### Business Tax Planning Plan ahead for Corporation Tax or Self Assessment, forecast what you will owe, and use allowances, expenses and profit extraction sensibly. [Business Tax Planning→](/services/business-tax-planning) 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 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 get in touch These are the questions Cardiff business owners most often ask us about corporation tax planning. How much corporation tax will I pay? The standard rate is 19% on profits up to £50,000, rising to 25% above £250,000. We'll calculate your exact liability and show you how to reduce it legally. When do I need to file my corporation tax return? You must file within 12 months of your accounting year end, and pay any tax due within nine months and one day. We manage both deadlines for you and give you plenty of notice. Can you help me claim R&D tax credits? Yes. If your business has developed new products, processes or services, you may qualify for generous R&D relief. We'll assess your eligibility and prepare the claim. What reliefs might I be missing out on? Common ones include capital allowances on equipment, trading loss relief, and sector-specific schemes like creative industries relief. We review your situation and identify everything you're entitled to. Do I need to come to your Cardiff office? Not unless you'd like to. We're happy to meet in person, over video call, or handle everything by email and phone, whatever works best for you. How do you charge for corporation tax planning? We offer fixed monthly fees that include your return, ongoing advice and unlimited support. You'll know exactly what you're paying with no surprise bills. What happens if HMRC queries my return? We handle all correspondence with HMRC on your behalf and represent you throughout any enquiry. It's included in our service, not an extra charge. Can you help with both corporation tax and my personal tax? Absolutely. Most of our clients use us for their company accounts, corporation tax, and self-assessment, so we can plan everything together for maximum efficiency. ## Let's talk about your corporation tax Book a free consultation and we'll show you exactly where you can save and how we'll keep you compliant. [Book a free consultation](https://calendly.com/hlsaccounting/new-client-meeting)