Issue 22 | Page 70

#THSTogether www.teessidehigh.co.uk EDUCATION AS IT SHOULD BE. Teesside High School is a thriving independent school for boys and girls aged 3-18. We combine small class sizes, inspirational teaching, outstanding pastoral care, excellent co-curricular activities and a caring environment where each individual truly matters. Get in touch and find out more about our wonderful school. Email [email protected] to arrange an appointment today. (Social distancing measures are in place.) Work with your accountant to improve cash flow now and in the coming months Ian Kelly, Tax Partner at Davies Tracey, says that an ongoing dialogue between businesses and their accountant is, arguably, more important than ever. As the year seems to have quickly gathered momentum as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic, many have said that it's hard to keep track of what day of the week it is in the current climate. But it is important that businesses can keep track of cash flow, and even more important that accountants are actively helping you find ways to improve yours. Now is the time to ask for ideas. In our last column, we covered Research & Development tax relief, which is one source of cash to take advantage of at the minute, should you qualify. There are other areas that might be appropriate - ones that existed before any Coronavirus related business funding. We're talking carry back losses, capital allowances, averaging profits and more. You may not be familiar with these, but your accountant certainly should be and if the pandemic has affected your profit line (you're the exception if it hasn't), then it is worth looking at what difference such things could make in the short term. Looking ahead, some planning can be undertaken given current speculation as to whether there will be a mini-Budget in the summer or autumn. We had a Budget back in March which was quickly over-shadowed by lockdown. Rishi Sunak set out to spend, spend, spend and there are those who advocate more of the same, whilst others say that a start must be made on recouping the cost of the support given to businesses. The Job Retention Scheme is still with us but moving to an end date, with some concern about what might then happen, and businesses who have had tax payments deferred into the first quarter of 2021 will need to be mindful that these will sit alongside future liabilities. Any steps taken to improve cash flow must of course be HMRC compliant (there has already been press coverage on the likely increase in tax enquiries). So do look at your accounts and Tax Returns with your accountant soon, and question their plans to better manage your cash flow. For accountancy, tax planning and business advice... You're in safe hands with us. Our team provide a confidential, reliable and tailored service. For a FREE, no obligation, initial consultation contact us on 01642 606003 www.daviestracey.co.uk [email protected] Swan House, Westpoint Road, Teesdale Business Park, Stockton-on-Tees, TS17 6BP twitter.com/daviestracey