General FAQs
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How do I get started?
Thanks for your interest in our accounting services! All I'd need to do is confirm which services you require and take some details. I can then book you in for a discovery call at a time that suits you. [PAUSE 10 SECONDS] Firstly, could you tell me what...
What services do you offer?
We offer year-end accounts, tax returns, bookkeeping, online accounting, VAT returns, payroll, business plans and company formation support. [PAUSE 10 SECONDS] Was there something specific you need help with?
How can I schedule an appointment or consultation?
Thanks for your interest in our accounting services! All I'd need to do is confirm which services you require and take some details. I can then book you in for a discovery call at a time that suits you. [PAUSE 10 SECONDS] Firstly, could you tell me what...
Do your bookkeeping services include reports?
Yes, bookkeeping support can include detailed monthly financial reports, real-time expense and revenue tracking, cloud access and software integration.
When does SSP start?
The first three qualifying days are unpaid waiting days, and SSP starts from the fourth qualifying day.
How much do you charge for [SERVICE NAME]?
I'm not able to give you pricing via live chat, as the cost depends on the exact nature of your requirements. However, I can get a member of the team to contact you asap to discuss and share pricing. [PAUSE 10 SECONDS] Would you like me to get someone t...
How does your service work?
We support clients by preparing, reviewing and submitting the relevant accounts, tax returns or financial records, depending on the service required. We also use online accounting solutions (Xero and Dext) where appropriate.
What’s included in your service?
It depends on the service, but our we can support you with accounts, tax returns, bookkeeping, online accounting, VAT, payroll, business plans and company formation.
Why are year-end accounts important?
Year-end accounts help with compliance, tax calculations, business performance review and future planning.
What is a P11D?
A P11D is a form used to report certain expenses and benefits provided by an employer, such as a company car or private medical insurance. The information can affect the amount of tax owed and may be relevant when completing a Self Assessment tax return.
Can you help with year-end accounts?
Yes, we prepare and submit annual financial statements and help clients meet statutory obligations.
Can you help with dormant company accounts?
Yes, dormant companies still need to file dormant accounts with Companies House and notify HMRC for Corporation Tax purposes.
Can I correct a mistake on a tax return?
Yes, tax returns can usually be amended to correct errors or omissions. If the issue is not straightforward, another member of our team can help.
Can you help with VAT returns?
Yes, we help with VAT registration and de-registration, VAT return preparation, online submission, MTD-compliant record keeping, VAT advice and HMRC queries.
How often do businesses file VAT returns?
Most businesses file VAT returns quarterly, although annual, monthly and Flat Rate Scheme options may apply depending on the business.
Can I reschedule or cancel an appointment?
Yes, if you have a discovery call or any other type of meeting that was booked online, you'll see the option to cancel or reschedule within the confirmation email. [PAUSE 10 SECONDS] If the meeting wasn't booked online, I can let the team know and someo...
What are your business hours?
We are open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.
Where are you located/what areas do you serve?
We are based in Alloa, Scotland and serve clients across Alloa, Stirling, Falkirk and the surrounding areas.
What do year-end accounts include?
Year-end accounts can include key reports such as a Profit and Loss Statement, Balance Sheet and Cash Flow Statement. Limited company accounts may also include supporting notes.
How else can I contact you, such as phone or email?
You can call us on 08082 808 947 or email mark@stewartaccounting.co.uk.
What documents are needed for a company tax return?
You need financial records such as your Profit and Loss Statement, Balance Sheet, income and expense records, asset details, director loan records, dividend records and VAT records where relevant.
Who needs to file a Self Assessment tax return?
This may include self-employed people, company directors, landlords, partners in a business partnership, people with dividends or investment income, overseas income or certain Child Benefit situations.
Do you support Making Tax Digital for VAT?
Yes, we provide support for MTD compliance, digital record keeping and online VAT return submission.
What VAT mistakes can you help avoid?
Issues such as incorrect VAT codes, late filing, reverse charge errors and poor digital record keeping are common mistakes businesses make. Using cloud-based accounting software like Xero helps make the process smoother.
What do I need to prepare a VAT return?
You will need sales invoices, purchase receipts, import and export records, bank statements, petty cash records, adjustments, discounts and credit notes.
Who are your year-end accounts services suitable for?
We support limited companies, sole traders, partnerships and property landlords with year-end accounts.
What are the main company accounts and tax deadlines?
Companies House accounts are usually due within nine months of year-end, while the Company Tax Return is due within 12 months. Corporation Tax payment is usually due nine months and one day after the accounting period ends.
What makes a company dormant?
A dormant company must have no significant accounting transactions during the year. Certain statutory items, such as payment for shares and Companies House fees, may still be allowed.
What is a CT600?
A CT600 is the Company Tax Return used to report taxable profits and calculate Corporation Tax. It must be submitted to HMRC with accounts and tax computations.
Can you help with bookkeeping?
Yes, we provide tailored bookkeeping services, including support with accurate records, bank reconciliations, invoicing and financial decision-making.
What is Statutory Sick Pay?
Statutory Sick Pay is the legal minimum an employer must pay an eligible employee who is too ill to work. Current-year rates should be confirmed by the team before advising.
What SSP records should employers keep?
Employers should keep sickness dates, SSP payments and reasons for any unpaid SSP days. It also says SSP records should be kept for at least three years after the end of the relevant tax year.
Do zero-hours workers qualify for SSP?
Zero-hours workers can qualify for SSP if they meet the same eligibility rules, including the earnings requirement.
Can you help with business plans?
Yes, we help startups seeking funding and established businesses planning for growth by preparing business plans with objectives, strategies and financial projections.
What types of clients do you work with?
We provide support for small and medium-sized businesses, individuals, limited companies, sole traders, partnerships, freelancers and landlords.
Can you help form a new company?
Yes, we provide guidance through the company formation process and help ensure legal requirements are met.
Can you help landlords?
Yes, we help property landlords in year-end accounts and rental income within Self Assessment guidance.
Can you help contractors and freelancers?
Yes, we can help freelancers, sole traders and small business owners. If you need contractor-specific advice, I can get a member of the team to contact you to discuss how we can help.
Where do you operate?
We are based in Alloa, Scotland, and work with businesses across the Alloa, Stirling and Falkirk areas. As many of our services are delivered digitally, we can also support clients throughout Scotland and across the rest of the UK, including England and...
Can you help partnerships?
Yes, we help partnerships in year-end accounts, and the Self Assessment guidance says partners in a business partnership may need to file a tax return.
Can you help limited companies?
Yes, we help limited companies with year-end accounts, Company Tax Returns, VAT, payroll and company formation support.
What documents should I prepare for year-end accounts?
You should have organised records such as bank statements, sales invoices, purchase invoices, receipts and payroll records.
Do limited companies need to file accounts with both Companies House and HMRC?
Yes, limited companies submit statutory accounts to Companies House and a Company Tax Return, known as a CT600, to HMRC.
What happens if company accounts are filed late?
Companies House late filing penalties start at £150 and increase the longer accounts are late. HMRC may also issue penalties for late Company Tax Returns.
When should I move beyond free bookkeeping software?
Pprofessional support may be helpful when you hire staff, have complex transactions, need strategic planning or spend too much time on bookkeeping admin.
Can you handle dormant company filings for me?
Yes, we can help confirm dormancy, prepare the correct filing and keep HMRC updated.
Can you help with company tax returns?
Yes, we handle preparation and submission of personal and corporate tax returns and help clients meet deadlines.
Does a company still file a tax return if it made a loss?
Yes, a company must still file a Company Tax Return even if it made a loss. Declared losses may be carried back or forward, depending on the situation.
Can a company tax return be amended?
Yes, company tax returns can generally be amended within 12 months of the filing deadline.
Can you help with Self Assessment tax returns?
Yes, we help individuals and small business owners complete Self Assessment tax returns accurately and on time.
What are the Self Assessment deadlines?
The deadline is the 5th of October for HMRC registration, 31st of October for paper returns, 31st of January for online returns and tax payment, and 31st of July for the second payment on account if due.
What documents are needed for Self Assessment?
Useful records include bank statements, invoices, receipts, P60s, P45s, P11Ds, savings or investment income details, property income details and allowable business expenses.
What is a P60?
A P60 is an end-of-tax-year certificate that shows the total pay and tax deducted from an employee’s earnings for that tax year. It is usually provided by an employer and can be useful when completing a Self Assessment tax return.
What is a P45?
A P45 is a document given to an employee when they leave a job. It shows details of pay and tax deducted in the tax year up to the date they left, and it may be needed for a new employer, benefits claim or Self Assessment tax return.
When does a business need to register for VAT?
As of 2025, businesses with taxable turnover of more than £90,000 must register for VAT with HMRC. It is possible to register for VAT if a business turns over less than £90,000, but it's not required by HMRC.
What is a VAT return?
A VAT return is a report to HMRC showing VAT charged on sales, VAT paid on business purchases and the net amount to pay or reclaim.
How often do small businesses need bookkeeping?
Most small businesses benefit from monthly bookkeeping to keep financial records current and avoid backlog.
What information do I need to provide for bookkeeping?
You would typically provide bank statements, receipts, invoices and payroll records, with our team guiding you through the process.
How can bookkeeping help my business grow?
Reliable bookkeeping helps with accurate records, tax readiness, better financial decisions, budgeting, forecasting and cash flow management.
Do you offer cloud accounting or Xero support?
Yes, we are accredited Xero partners and offer cloud-based accounting services with real-time access to financial data.
Can you advise on free bookkeeping software?
Our website includes a guide comparing free bookkeeping software options for UK small businesses. You can read this here - https://stewartaccounting.co.uk/best-free-mtd-software-for-your-business/
Can you help with payroll?
Yes, we provide payroll services, including pension administration and compliance with HMRC regulations, so employees are paid accurately and on time.
What financial reports help show business viability?
The income statement, balance sheet, cash flow statement, statement of retained earnings and financial ratios as useful reports.
How do financial reports help with funding?
Investors and lenders use financial reports to assess business health, risk, growth prospects and the likelihood of repayment or returns.