Tax & VAT Advisors & Accountants

Ensuring your corporate affairs are structured correctly to ensure tax liabilities are managed and charged at the appropriate level, taking advantage of reliefs, exemptions and other opportunities and to maximise commercial opportunities and operational efficiency.  We regularly assist clients with R&D Tax Credits, incorporations, Capital Allowances, SSE opportunities, corporate losses and interest restrictions, creative taxes, partnership taxes, stamp taxes, anti-avoidance advisory, EIS and SEIS share issuances and transfer of ownership advice.

Whether you are planning to or are already trading or investing in the UK, becoming party to the complex UK corporate tax system is a minefield. We can navigate around the obligations, risks and opportunities which arise for international businesses. Likewise where UK companies wish to expand overseas we can advise on the tax impact in relation to their UK tax affairs. We assist clients with tax services during the incorporation and management of subsidiaries, branches or liaison offices as well as permanent establishments.

We also advise on the application of double taxation treaties, VAT, withholding tax on cross border transactions, assistance in the preparation of documentation, transfer pricing or profit fragmentation, and the application of the CFC regime.

Undertaking any transaction is an important business decision, and it is key that management and other stakeholders understand the tax implications of the transaction. Whether it is a financing deal, a merger, an acquisition, disposal, or restructuring, the tax cost and treatment is a key factor in order to make an informed decision. Our tax experts have assisted on transactions of all sizes from first time acquisitions through to assisting financial institutions.

Our tax services can support a number of areas:

• Deal and consideration structuring.
• Due diligence.
• HMRC clearances or time-to-pay arrangements where necessary.
• Heads of Terms and Share Purchase Agreement advice and drafting of warranties and indemnities.
• Demergers.
• Stamp duty and SDLT advice.
• Exit tax reliefs such as substantial shareholding exemption or entrepreneurs relief.
• Advice on tax relief for deal costs including VAT recovery.
• Post-completion actions such as return submissions.

We guide clients with buying, selling, developing, investing, and asset managing their property portfolios. Our tax services cover tax structuring, SDLT and VAT, capital allowances, the Construction Industry Scheme, equity and debt financing, as well as joint ventures and corporate streamlining. In addition we can assist with specific corporate tax issues that may also be relevant for real estate clients including corporate interest restrictions, cross-border transactions, and substantial shareholding exemption relief.  Our tax experts can assist at all stages in the life cycle of any development or investment strategy ensuring all tax risks and opportunities are managed to maximise value.

We understand that most individuals’ ultimate objectives are to maximise wealth and protection for generations to come, however the interaction of a number of taxes along with complex legislation may erode your wealth. We understand the need to fully appreciate your goals and intentions to ensure wealth is protected and maximised where possible, and we can support your overall strategy and input the tax considerations where needed before you make any financial decisions in order to achieve your objectives. Our advice will cover capital gains tax, exit planning, shareholder advice, inheritance tax advice, and trust planning.

The potential outcome of an HMRC investigation or dispute can be costly with the level of penalties available to HMRC sometimes being greater than the tax due. Managing the risk and relationship with HMRC is paramount and we work closely with you and your business, your other advisers, and HMRC to ensure a suitable approach and outcome is reached and where possible, on your behalf, negotiate the terms for a settlement including the penalty position.

Ever-changing VAT legislation and official guidance, case law and VAT systems create a complex environment wherever VAT is concerned. The VAT involved on international or property transactions can be significant so it is paramount that you apply the correct treatment. Williamson & Croft can provide the appropriate advice to ensure these risks are managed and VAT liabilities are accurately calculated to avoid errors and manage wider risks such as cash flow issues and identify efficient opportunities in relation to your business and its VAT position.