VAT and Taxation Advice for Charities in Leamington Spa

Based in Leamington Spa, Michael Harwood & Co work with both local and national charities and not-for-profit organisations. The team are well placed to assist with a variety of taxation issues including Gift Aid, VAT and Corporation Tax.

VAT

Value Added Tax is a complex matter for charities. There may be a risk that the charity has not registered for VAT. More importantly, the charity needs to be certain of the mix of charitable and trading activity which can have tax consequences if not properly assessed.

We provide an efficient VAT service, which includes:

  • Negotiating with HM Revenue & Customs in disputes and representing you at VAT tribunals
  • Planning to minimise future problems with HM Revenue & Customs
  • Advice on VAT planning and administration
  • Use of the most appropriate scheme
  • Assistance with VAT registration
  • Help with completing VAT returns
  • VAT control and reconciliation

Through our 'VAT Health Check' service, we will help you to identify any VAT reliefs and planning opportunities which may be available to you. The specialist advisers at Michael Harwood & Co can also ensure that your charitable organisation is accounting correctly for VAT.

Trading activities

A charity may find itself with an unwelcome income tax or corporation tax bill if its trading activities are not organised correctly. We can help you avoid this by advising on how to undertake trading to achieve a tax-efficient result.

Tax returns

Charity trustees have a legal responsibility to work out the corporation tax owed. Michael Harwood & Co can calculate this on your behalf and prepare the necessary tax returns.

How you chose to structure your charity will determine which type of tax return you will need to complete.

Most charities are treated as companies for tax purposes as they were set up by:

  • an Act of Parliament
  • a Memorandum & Articles of Association
  • a Constitution
  • a Royal Charter

Because they're treated as companies charities are liable for Corporation Tax. A charity is a trust if it was set up by a trust deed or will. Charitable trusts pay Income Tax and Capital Gains Tax under Self Assessment.

General tax advice

Our experienced advisers will work alongside you and your organisation to make sure you do not pay more tax than is necessary, whilst complying with the appropriate legislation. Furthermore, our experts will keep you up-to-date on any changes in tax law which may affect you.

Contact Michael Harwood & Co in Leamington Spa for advice on a range of taxation issues affecting charities and the not-for-profit sector. Our charities team take pleasure in assisting organisations to minimise their tax liability and would be happy to share their expertise.