VAT Penalties
Do not represent yourself as registered for VAT if you are not, as this is considered to be fraud. If you do register for VAT submit your returns and pay your dues on time to avoid late filing penalties, interest and surcharges.
Missing Invoices
Always obtain a proper invoice for any business purchase and a VAT invoice if you are registered for VAT. If you fail to do so, you may find that your claim for tax relief will be denied, as will your VAT reclaim.
Company Car
Whether you are self-employed, a member of a partnership or operating as a limited company, planning for the use of a car in your business needs to be thought through carefully. Self-employed individuals and partners will need to keep a log of business mileage to backup any claim for tax relief.
Limited company owners will need to compare whether the cost of using a car owned by the company will be more cost effective than using a privately owned vehicle for business purposes. The tax implications vary considerably depending on many factors, which is why a careful review should always be undertaken in order to minimise any tax charges and maximise any reliefs.