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Do you know what your next tax bill will be?

Do you know what your next tax bill will be?

Why pre-year end tax planning is essential for SME business owners

As a business owner, the run-up to the end of the tax year can feel like just another thing on an already long to-do list. When you're busy running a company, dealing with clients, staff, and day-to-day decisions, tax planning is easy to push to the bottom of the pile.

But a little time spent before the year end can make a big difference - both to your business finances and to your personal tax bill.

What is pre-year end tax planning?

In simple terms, it's about looking ahead before the tax year ends, rather than reacting afterwards. Once the year is over, most tax decisions are already locked in. Planning early gives you choices and control.

It's not about complicated schemes or clever tricks. It's about making sure you're using the options already available to you in the most sensible way.

Why planning ahead helps your business

For limited companies, timing matters. The decisions you make before the year end can affect how much tax your company pays and how much cash it keeps.

For example, you might be able to:

  • Bring forward certain business costs so they count in this tax year
  • Review profits and make sure they're taxed in the most efficient way
  • Plan for future investments without putting pressure on cash flow

The aim isn't just to reduce tax, but to avoid surprises. Knowing where you stand before the year end means no nasty shocks later and better confidence when planning ahead.

Don't forget your personal tax position

As an SME business owner, your business and personal finances are often closely linked. Decisions about salary, dividends, or taking money out of the business can affect your personal tax bill as well as the company's.

Looking at both together helps ensure:

  • You're not paying more tax than you need to personally
  • Your income is structured in a way that suits your lifestyle and plans
  • You're thinking ahead, not just for this year, but for the next few years too

This joined-up approach is where pre-year end planning really adds value.

It's about peace of mind, not just numbers

Many business owners tell us the biggest benefit isn't the tax saved - it's the peace of mind.

Knowing that:

  • You've planned ahead
  • You've made informed decisions
  • There won't be last-minute scrambles or unexpected bills

That clarity lets you focus on what you do best: running and growing your business.

When should you start?

Ideally, a few months before your company year end. That gives enough time to review the numbers, talk through options, and make decisions without pressure. Waiting until after the year end often means missed opportunities.

A final thought

Pre-year end tax planning isn't about being clever or complicated. It's about being prepared. For business owners, that preparation can lead to better cash flow, fewer surprises, and more confidence about the future.

If you haven't reviewed your position yet, now is the perfect time to start. Talk to us about our pre-year end tax planning service that will help you plan ahead and give you peace of mind. Click here to get in touch with us.

Moving to Panthera is easy

It’s a big decision to move accountants. We get it. That’s why we have a clearly defined process in place to make it as straightforward as possible.

Step 1: We have a short initial discovery meeting to understand your needs so we can create the perfect service package for your business

Step 2: You receive your tailored proposal with one simple monthly fee and you e-sign the letter of engagement

Step 3: You provide your current accountant with notice – and you leave the rest to us!

We liaise directly with your previous accountant regarding the transfer of information. We request authority from HMRC to act on your behalf. We handle as much of the admin as possible, so you can get on with running your business – safe in the knowledge that everything is going on in the background. And if there’s any action for you, we let you know.

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