Designed for non-VAT registered businesses, we'll do your bank reconciling so you can relax knowing it's done right, and on time.

Bank reconciliation - non-VAT registered companies

A 12-month plan designed for new business owners who may want some extra guidance around business structure, accounting software setup and training, and more.

We will provide you with guidance and support on what you'll need to do to establish and commence running your new business

We can provide advice on the best business structure for your needs and take care of establishment and registrations

Set up your Xero file so it's optimised for you and give you initial training so you start off in the right way

Preparation of a budget tailored to your business and input into Xero so you can track how you're going

Starter Pack

We will help get your business officially incorporated

Company formation

Designed for sole trader businesses, we'll do your bank reconciling so you can relax knowing it's done right, and on time. Take one less task off your plate.

Bank reconciliation - sole trader businesses

A 12 month plan designed for established businesses. Additional support in the form of management accounts and time with your accountant

Completing quarterly management accounts tailored to your business requirements and aligned to your VAT quarters

Quarterly meetings with your accountant to chat business planning, strategy, or questions about your management accounts

Success pack

The initial setup of your Xero accounting software tailored to your business's needs, plus a one hour training session where you'll learn the best practices for bookkeeping and financial tracking.

Xero setup & training

We prepare your quarterly VAT returns ready for you to review and pay.

Prepare VAT

Compliance or strategy? Understand the difference between financial and management reports.

INDUSTRY NEWS  •  14 AUGUST 2025  •  5 MIN READ

One report is for tax authorities, the other is for you. We break down the key differences between financial statements and management reports for UK business owners.

Management Accounts vs Financial Statements: Key Differences & Benefits

Financial reports are a fundamental part of running a business. However, not all reports are created equal. The key to decision-making is understanding the difference between the official financial statements prepared after year-end and the timely management reports needed to steer your business on a day-to-day basis.

Understanding both is essential. Financial statements are like a car’s MOT certificate, proving it’s compliant and roadworthy. Management reports are like your car’s dashboard (speedometer and fuel gauge) that help you on your journey. One ensures compliance and reflects where you’ve been, the other provides the insight you need to decide where you’re going.

In this article, we highlight the key features of each.

Financial statements are the official, formal record of your company’s financial performance and position for a particular financial year.  

Provide a high-level, trustworthy overview for external groups like HMRC, banks and investors

Are strictly governed by Financial Reporting Standards and Company Law

Present a historical view, showing a clear account of what has already happened

Are prepared annually primarily for compliance with tax and legal requirements

Year-end financial statements include the Profit and Loss, Balance Sheet and Cash Flow Statement, and are fundamental to your business’s official reporting.

Management reports are internal, customised reports created specifically to help business owners and their team run the business more effectively.

Provide a customisable and tailored view of your business, often including operational data

Unlike official statements, they are flexible and not regulated so can be adapted to focus on the information you need most

Are prepared monthly or quarterly, giving you an up-to-date view of recent performance

Management reports often include Profit and Loss, Balance Sheet, and Cash Flow Statements on a smaller scale, but also operational metrics and variance analysis.

Think of it this way, the financial statements are the birds-eye view of your business, while the management reports are the zoomed-in street view.

These two types of reports are not mutually exclusive. You can use your official financial statements to set high-level goals, then use your management reports to track the monthly/quarterly progress and daily actions needed to achieve that goal.

Top tip: don’t just wait for your annual financial statements, but use regular management reports to keep your finger on the pulse of your business’s financials and the metrics that matter most.

Is your reporting giving you the full picture?

If you’re already a client, get in touch with your accountant to discuss your reporting strategy and how our management reports service can help keep track of your key metrics and goals.

New to Beany? Book a free consultation to discuss your compliance accounting requirements, and explore valuable add-on services like management reports.

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Financial statements vs management reports

Financial literacy

Go beyond annual accounts. Use management reports to track performance and make smarter decisions.

Go beyond annual accounts. Discover how regular management reports can help you track performance, improve cash flow, and make confident, data-driven decisions.

What are Management Accounts? Turn Your Data into Business Decisions

Many businesses only look at their financial position once a year, when the annual accounts are finalised. The problem? By then, the data is historical. Relying on this alone is like only getting a health check-up from your doctor once a year and receiving the results months later. The information is valuable, but not timely. A lot can change in a year and you can’t make choices based on old news.

Monthly or quarterly management accounts bridge the gap, giving you timely insights into performance so you can make decisions before opportunities pass or problems escalate. Think of them as your business’s regular health check-up that reviews the vital signs.

Management accounts bring together key financial data into a concise, decision-making tool. While every business’s management accounts will look slightly different depending on industry and goals, they often cover:

Profit and Loss statement - revenue, expenses and profitability

Balance sheet - assets, liabilities and equity snapshot

Cash flow statement - movement of cash in and out of the business, ensuring you have the funds to operate smoothly

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) - metrics aligned to your goals, such as gross profit margin, customer acquisition cost, or revenue per employee

Variance analysis - where the magic happens, comparing actuals against budget or prior periods to answer the critical question ”are we on track?”

Understanding the key difference in how year-end and management accounts are used is a crucial part of running a business.

Annual accounts are essential for meeting tax obligations and local regulatory requirements but they are primarily historical records.

Management accounts focus on recent performance. They help you see trends, understand the drivers behind your numbers, and make adjustments while there’s time to influence outcomes.

Management accounts aren’t just about reporting numbers, they’re a strategic tool.

Informed decision-making - insights to guide growth, investments and costs

Improve cash flow management - anticipate shortages or surpluses before they impact operations

Spotting trends or problems early - identify rising costs, falling margins or seasonal changes and take corrective action

Stakeholder confidence - provides up-to-date information for investors, lenders, and partners

Tax planning - stay on top of obligations and optimise your tax position before year-end

Performance tracking - compare actual results against budgets or forecasts

The true value of management reports is in interpreting them. Clear analysis, relevant commentary and actionable recommendations are what turn the data into a useful roadmap.

At Beany, our accountants help you understand the story behind your numbers. We turn your financial data into a practical conversation, giving you confidence and clarity to make better decisions for your business.

If you’re already a client, get in touch with your accountant for further information on cost, reporting frequency and what metrics will be the best fit for your business and goals.

New to Beany? Book a free consultation to discuss your compliance accounting requirements and explore valuable add-on services like management reports.

Learn how depreciation works, what assets can be depreciated, and how it affects your tax position.

FINANCIAL LITERACY  •  7 JULY 2025  •  6 MIN READ

Learn how depreciation works, what assets can be depreciated, and how it affects your tax position. Clear advice for business owners in the UK.

What is Depreciation? A Guide for UK Businesses

As a UK business owner you’ll often buy assets to help run your business, for example, a laptop, car, office furniture, and machinery. These items are often used in the business over a number of years, but they don’t hold their value forever. Over time, these assets lose value through wear and tear, obsolescence, or simply because they’re no longer fit for purpose. This reduction in value is known as depreciation, and understanding how it works is important when it comes to managing your finances and filing your accounts.

In simple terms, depreciation is an accounting method that allows businesses to spread the cost of an asset over a period of time (also known as ‘its useful life’).

Instead of reflecting the full cost of the asset as an expense in the year it was purchased, you spread the cost over its estimated lifespan.

For example, if you bought a piece of machinery for £50,000 and it’s expected to last 10 years, you would reflect £5,000 of costs each year for 10 years, rather than reflecting the full $50,000 in 1 year.

Depreciation helps acknowledge that your assets contribute to your business’s income over its entire lifespan rather than only in the year it was purchased.

Depreciation might sound like an accounting technicality, but it plays an important role in the financial management of a company.

In the UK, businesses use depreciation to reflect the reduction in value of their assets over time. This isn't just for internal tracking; it's also a requirement under UK accounting standards to show depreciation in company accounts. This ensures the financial statements give a true and fair view of the business's financial position.

Here are a few key reasons why depreciation matters.

Depreciation spreads the cost of an asset over its useful life, rather than recording it all as an expense in the year of purchase. This gives a clearer picture of profitability, ensuring your profit and loss account shows a more realistic cost of using the asset each year.

It also helps with consistency in reporting, which is important when comparing financial performance across different periods, especially useful for management decisions, investor confidence, or when applying for finance.

Over time, assets lose value. Depreciation helps track this by showing the current book value of each asset i.e. the original cost less accumulated depreciation.

Accumulated depreciation over a few years: £15,000

This is particularly useful for internal planning, asset management, and in some cases insurance valuations.

While depreciation appears in your company accounts, it's not a tax-deductible expense for UK corporation tax purposes. Instead, HMRC uses a separate system called capital allowances.

This means you "add back" depreciation when calculating your taxable profits, and then claim capital allowances, which offer tax relief on certain qualifyin purchases of equipment, vehicles, and other assets. These don't always match the depreciation rate used in your accounts, but they still offer valuable tax savings over time.

So while you won't get tax relief based on your depreciation figures, you do still benefit from tax deductions on capital expenditure.

Generally, you can depreciate assets that:

You own (or have leased under a finance lease arrangement),

Are expected to decline in value over time, and,

You can’t depreciate things like stock, land, or everyday expenses like internet or electricity. (Land is generally not a depreciating asset as it typically doesn’t decline in value).

There are a few different ways depreciation can be calculated, but you don’t need to do all the maths yourself. That’s what your accountant is for.

Here are two common methods used by UK businesses:

This method lets you claim more depreciation in the early years of owning an asset, and less as it gets older. It’s similar to how a car loses value more quickly in the first few years.

Depreciation is calculated as a percentage of the asset's net book value each year, not the original cost.

You buy a car for £20,000 and apply a 20% depreciation rate on a reducing balance basis.

Year 1: 20% of £20,000 = £4,000. Net book value = £16,000.

Year 2: 20% of £16,000 = £3,200. Net book value = £12,800

Year 3:20% of £12,800 = £2,560. Net book value = £10,240

Each year, the depreciation is based on the remaining value, not the original purcahse price.

This method spreads the depreciation evenly over the asset's useful life. It's a simpler and more predictable approach.

You purchase machinery for £50,000 with a useful life of 10 years. Using this method, you'd depreciate it by £5,000 each year.

You claim the same amount of depreciation each year until the asset's value is fully written off.

Depreciation is more than just an accounting term. It’s a valuable tool that can impact your business's profitability.

Understanding how it works and why it’s important is useful for effectively managing your business assets, operational efficiency, and finances.

For tailored assistance on how depreciation applies to your business assets and to ensure you’re maximising eligible deductions, it's always recommended to consult your accountant.

Beany are an online accounting firm in the UK that delivers big firm expertise without the big cost. We handle everything accounting-related (such as annual compliance, bookkeeping, financial insights and strategy), and help business owners make smarter decisions for their business and lifestyle through our responsive, friendly expertise.

What is depreciation (and why does it matter)?

Learn how HMRC defines the role of company director and what it means for tax and National Insurance.

FINANCIAL LITERACY  •  9 JUNE 2025  •  5 MIN READ

Wondering if you're classed as self‑employed as a company director? Learn how HMRC defines your role and what it means for tax and National Insurance.

Are Company Directors Self-Employed in the UK?

Many company directors, especially of small and owner-managed businesses, often wonder if they are deemed to be self-employed for tax purposes. 

The term ‘self-employed’ is often used loosely in everyday language, but HMRC gives specific guidance around who is deemed to be self-employed. Spoiler, being a company director does not equate to being self-employed. 

Understanding the difference is important as it affects how you pay tax, your responsibilities and your reporting obligations. 

We’re going to clear up the confusion, explain how directors are classified and what that means in practice. 

The short answer is no, being a company director does not mean you are self-employed. 

By HMRC’s definition, a person is self-employed if they run their business for themselves, and take responsibility for its success or failure. This is applicable to sole traders, where the person and business are legally one and the same. 

Company directors run limited companies on behalf of shareholders, and are classed as office holders for tax and National Insurance Contribution purposes. 

Now you might be wondering, what if I’m the sole director and shareholder of my limited company, surely that means I fall under the definition of self-employed? The answer is no, because in the eyes of the law, the limited company is an entirely separate legal entity, distinct from directors and shareholders.

Directors are often employees of the limited company, in addition to being an office holder. You are therefore working for and on behalf of the company and its shareholders, and in exchange you might receive a salary which is taxed through PAYE (pay as you earn). 

When might a company director also be self-employed?

A company director may also be self-employed, but it would be in a separate capacity to their work associated with the limited company.

For example, if they were a director of a tech company but also ran a sole trader business (e.g. freelance wedding photography), the sole trader income would be classed as self-employment as it's entirely separate from their work with the limited company.

If self-employed work is being done for the company, and the director was to invoice for work they carry out as company director (rather than take a director's salary), this would likely be contested by HMRC and disallowed as self-employment income.

A company director usually receives at least some of their income by way of a salary (and perhaps bonuses). These are paid via the company payroll and are subject to PAYE tax and national insurance.

If a director is also a shareholder of the company, they can also get paid via dividends. Often directors will take a small salary and the balance as dividends, as this is often the most tax-efficient.

Directors may also receive benefits in kind, such as a company car or private medical insurance.

Do company directors need to complete a self assessment tax return?

Company directors will need to complete a self-assessment tax return if any of the following apply:

They have other untaxed income in addition to their director’s salary

Their director’s salary is over £150,000 a year

Key tax responsibilities for company directors

If the director is receiving a salary from the company, the company must deduct income tax and National Insurance Contributions via PAYE and report this to HMRC. 

The company must also report to HMRC (and pay the associated tax and national insurance contributions), in relation to any benefits in kind that the director receives.

Directors are individually responsible for completing and filing their own self assessment tax return (if required).

The self assessment filing deadline is 31 January following the end of the tax year, meaning for the 24/25 tax year the deadline is 31 January 2026.

If the director has additional tax to pay (for example tax on the dividend income) this will need to be paid by 31 January 2026, and payments on account may also be needed.

Tips for managing your taxes as a company director

Record keeping is one of the most important things company directors can do to ensure their affairs are in order. Make sure you’re keeping a record of all your income, expenses, dividends (if you receive them) and any other business-related transactions.

This includes keeping invoices, receipts and bank statements. This will help you, or your accountant pull together your self assessment tax return and means you’ll have all the supporting documents available should HMRC need to see them.

If you're a company director and a shareholder, you should plan your salary and dividends carefully to make the most of tax allowances and minimise overall tax and national insurance contributions. This is where it’s useful to engage an accountant as they keep up to date with all the rules and regulations and should be able to help you determine the most beneficial split between salary and dividends. 

If you are also receiving dividends then you should put aside money for tax and plan for these payments, as the tax on dividend income is not deducted at the source.

Lastly, it’s advisable to get accounting advice early, rather than leaving it too late, so the accountant can provide the most value and ensure you're being paid in a way that is tax-efficient and in line with your goals and those of the company.

In summary, company directors are not deemed to be self-employed on account of their position as director. They are office holders and may also be employees. 

However, a company director may also be self-employed if they operate a sole trade business outside of their capacity as company director.

We understand accounting and tax can be complicated. Beany's certified accountants and friendly team can prepare and file your business tax return plus returns for shareholders/directors. We carefully interpret and apply accounting and tax legislation to enable you to pay the least amount of tax legally possible.​

Our expertise comes without the jargon and is designed to help you save both time and money. To find out more about how we can help, book a call to discuss your requirements.

Are company directors self-employed? Understanding your tax and self assessment responsibilities

Do you know all there is to know on filing UK tax returns? This list provides a quick rundown of the important info such as deadlines, recordkeeping and more.

Understand UK tax return requirements for sole traders and companies. Read our quick fire list of all the important things you should know about filing income tax in the UK.

UK Tax Returns Guide | Self Assessment & Company Tax Explained

The facts to know when filing a tax return in the UK

Do you know all there is to know about filing UK tax returns? There are always misconceptions floating around, so we’ve put together a handy fact sheet to cut through the noise. Whether you're filing for the first time or a seasoned professional, you need to file your tax return correctly, on time, and (ideally)  with the best outcome possible. 

This list provides a quick rundown on the key definitions, deadlines, and aspects you should know, as well as pitfalls to be aware of. As they say, knowledge is power - so read on to keep yourself informed.

Taxable income and deductions must be reported in pound sterlings

Late filing of tax returns will result in penalties and late payment of your tax liability will result in interest charges.​

Income tax returns are used to calculate the amount of income tax owed for the tax year.  Even if you're filing frequent VAT returns, you still must file an income tax return, as it is a separate tax.​

Tax returns can be amended up to 12 months from the filing deadline if you find errors or omissions after they've been filed.​

The rundown on self assessment tax returns

The tax year in the UK runs from the 6th of April to the following 5th of April. 

You must file a tax return if you derived over £1,000 of any form of sole trader business income, self-employment income, or contracting income. You also need to file a tax return if you have earned income that has not already been taxed in the UK - this includes rental income (including AirBnB), income from savings, investments and dividends, tips and commission, and overseas income. 

You also need to file a self assessment tax return if you were a partner in a business partnership or you earned £150,000 or more.

If you’re an individual and your only source of income is a UK-earned salary or wage, and you earn less than £150,000 a year, you don’t need to file a tax return.  HMRC will contact you directly if they owe you money (or if you owe them!)

Taxable income includes salary and wages, interest, dividends, business income, and rental income.  

You can claim a tax credit for tax deducted before it was paid to you - for example, PAYE deductions made by your employer, Withholding Tax (WHT), or if you’re a CIS worker.

The deadline for filing your self assessment income tax return on paper is the 31st of October after the end of the tax year. However, if you choose to file it online the deadline is the 31st of January after the end of the tax year.

Your tax liability must also be paid by the 31st of January after the end of the tax year.

Payments on account for Self Assessment are typically due in two instalments: 31 January during the tax year and 31 July following the end of the tax year. These payments are based on the tax due for the previous year. If your total tax bill for the previous year exceeds £1,000, you will usually need to make these payments. If your actual tax bill for the year is lower than the payments you’ve made, HMRC will refund the excess. If your tax bill is higher, the remaining balance must be paid by 31 January following the end of the tax year.

Business expenses can be claimed in a tax return against business income as long as they are incurred in the course of your business or trade. You’re not eligible to claim expenses that are for personal use, and if there is an expense that has a personal and business element you will need to split out the business element and claim a deduction for this only.

If your expenses are minimal or you did not keep records of your expenses, including receipts and invoices, you could claim the £1000 trading allowance instead.

If your company is trading, you must file a corporate tax return, regardless of whether or not your company made a profit. 

Your tax liability needs to be paid 9 months and 1 day after the end of your accounting period (except if the company is deemed to be a large or very large company in which case quarterly installment payments are needed). ​

Your tax return is due 12 months after the end of your accounting period. 

A company tax return is used to calculate the amount of corporation tax owed for the tax year. 

If your company generates a loss during the period the tax return calculates the taxable loss that can be carried forward and offset against future taxable profits, therefore reducing your tax liability in future periods. ​Taxable losses can also be carried back and used against profits generated in previous years to claim a corporation tax repayment.

Taxable income includes trading profit, interest income, investment income and income from gains made on the disposal of capital assets. 

Tax credits are sometimes available, for example, if you carry out research & development and hit certain criteria relating to innovation and making advancements in science or technology then tax credits can be claimed. 

Business expenses can be claimed in a tax return against business income as long as they are incurred wholly and exclusively for the purposes of the trade. 

HM Revenue & Customs is responsible for collecting taxes from both individuals and businesses, as well as administering tax laws passed down by the UK government. They also manage benefits, tax credits, and other financial support for UK citizens (such as student loans and child support). Understanding how HMRC works is a vital part of submitting a tax return correctly, so here are some key points to keep in mind.

HMRC can open enquiries into tax returns to ensure compliance with tax laws.

HMRC can impose fines and penalties for non-compliance with tax laws.

HMRC provides tax tables and calculators to help calculate the amount of tax owed.

Employers are required to deduct Pay As You Earn (PAYE) tax from employees' salaries and wages and remit it to HMRC.

HMRC can negotiate payment plans for taxpayers unable to pay their tax debt in full.

HMRC can issue tax assessments if it finds errors or omissions in tax returns.

Tax refunds can be claimed by filing a tax return or by contacting HMRC.

HMRC refunds overpaid tax, including PAYE and VAT. 

HMRC can offset tax refunds against outstanding tax debts.

Sole traders are required to keep their financial records for 5 years from the 31 January filing deadline following the end of the tax year they relate to. For example, records for the 2022/23 tax year must be kept until 31 January 2029. 

Limited companies must retain their financial records for 6 years from the end of the financial year to which they relate.

Employers must keep records of employees' salaries and wages, PAYE tax deducted, and auto-enrolment contributions for 3 years from the end of the tax year to which they relate.

Professional help from an accountant can minimise the risk of errors and penalties and help ensure compliance with tax laws.

How can Beany help with UK business tax returns?

We understand accounting and tax can be complicated and we're here to help. Beany's certified accountants and friendly team can prepare and file your business tax return plus returns for shareholders/directors. We carefully interpret and apply accounting and tax legislation to enable you to pay the least amount of tax legally possible.

The ultimate fact sheet on UK tax returns and HMRC

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