{"id":5346,"date":"2018-09-03T17:53:44","date_gmt":"2018-09-03T16:53:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sagestaging.wpengine.com\/en-gb\/blog\/?p=5222"},"modified":"2025-12-24T10:21:29","modified_gmt":"2025-12-24T10:21:29","slug":"hmrc-compliant-business","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/hmrc-compliant-business\/","title":{"rendered":"How to ensure your business keeps up with HMRC requirements"},"content":{"rendered":"<header class=\"entry-header has-dark-background-color entry-header--has-illustration entry-header--has-illustration--generic\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"entry-header__row row align-center\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-lg-7 col-xlg-6 entry-header__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"component component-single-header\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"entry-header__misc text--subtitle text--uppercase text--small\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/category\/strategy-legal-operations\/\" class=\"entry-header__link\">Strategy, Legal &amp; Operations<\/a>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"entry-title-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h1 class=\"entry-title\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tHow to ensure your business keeps up with HMRC requirements\t\t\t\t\t<\/h1>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"entry-header__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"single-post-details container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"col\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2018-09-03T17:53:44+01:00\">3 September, 2018<\/time><\/span><span class=\"reading-time\"> min read<\/span>\n\t\t<button\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\tclass=\"social-share-button button button--icon button--secondary js-social-share-button\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-title=\"How to ensure your business keeps up with HMRC requirements\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-url=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/hmrc-compliant-business\/\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-text=\"Please read this interesting article\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__share-label\">Share<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__copy-label\" hidden>Copy Link<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__copy-tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\" hidden>Copied<\/span>\n\t\t<\/button>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/header>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-author has-dark-background-color alignfull\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"co-authors\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"entry-author-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<a class=\"entry-author\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/author\/keirthomasbryant\/\">\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"40\" height=\"40\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/06\/keir-short-hair-350x350.jpg\" class=\"entry-author__image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/06\/keir-short-hair-350x350.jpg 350w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/06\/keir-short-hair.jpg 760w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 40px) 100vw, 40px\" \/>\t\t\t\t<span class=\"entry-author__name\">Keir Thomas-Bryant<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>If you run a small or medium-sized business, it is essential that you are paying the right amount of tax, meeting HMRC requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Read this article for advice on being and staying compliant as your business grows. Learn about the taxes you need to pay and stay on top of. And discover how <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/accounting-software\/\">accounting software<\/a> can help you stay on top of legislation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-does-it-mean-to-fulfil-hmrc-requirements-for-businesses\"><strong>What does it mean to fulfil HMRC requirements for businesses?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><mark class=\"highlight-and-share\">All businesses and individuals in the UK have a responsibility to ensure they are paying the right amount of tax to HMRC<\/mark> and claiming the correct amount of benefits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It also means making sure you keep up to date with the latest regulations so your business continues to stay on the right side of the law and you don\u2019t get any penalties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-does-hmrc-check-that-your-business-is-compliant\"><strong>How does HMRC check that your business is compliant?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>HMRC acts on the assumption that everyone is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/guidance\/compliance-checks-an-overview-for-agents-and-advisers\">honest in their tax affairs<\/a>. But to make sure that everyone meets their responsibilities, it carries out routine checks \u2013 this could be to investigate specific <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/file-a-tax-return-online\/\">tax returns<\/a>, or to prevent tax evasion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A visit from HMRC can take place in your home, at work or at your accountant\u2019s office and afterwards, you will receive a letter with the results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-tax-compliance-checklist\"><strong>Tax compliance checklist<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>To assess if you are tax compliant, HMRC will want to check the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The taxes you pay<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Accounts and tax calculations<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Your self-assessment tax return<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Your company tax return<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>PAYE records and returns<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>So even if you are not due a visit from HMRC, if you keep on top of these factors in the everyday running of your business, you will be fully prepared should it want to run a check to see if your tax affairs are in order.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-if-you-are-not-tax-compliant\"><strong>What if you are not tax compliant?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>One benefit of having a compliancy check is you may find out you&#8217;re actually owed money. <mark class=\"highlight-and-share\">If you\u2019ve paid too much tax, you will get a rebate, plus interest on the amount you\u2019re owed<\/mark>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, if you haven\u2019t paid enough tax, you\u2019ll be given 30 days to pay the additional amount, plus interest from the date the tax was due.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You may also have to pay a penalty. HMRC will consider:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Why you underpaid or claimed too much tax back<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Whether you informed them about the situation as soon as possible<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If you\u2019ve been helpful during the check<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>You can also receive penalties without going through a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/collections\/hm-revenue-and-customs-compliance-checks-factsheets\">compliancy check<\/a>, for example filing your tax return late or making an error on an official form.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-taxes-will-you-pay-as-an-sme-or-business-owner\"><strong>What taxes will you pay as an SME or business owner?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-corporation-tax\"><strong>Corporation tax<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A tax on limited companies\u2019 taxable income or profits.&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/corporation-tax-rates\">Corporation tax<\/a> is due nine months after the last day of your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/top-tips-for-financial-year-end-success\/\">financial year end<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-value-added-tax-vat\"><strong>Value Added Tax (VAT)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/glossary\/what-is-vat\/\">VAT<\/a> is a tax on certain goods and services. It is compulsory to register if your turnover is greater than the current VAT threshold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can also <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/register-for-vat-online\/\">register for VAT<\/a> voluntarily. There are several <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/vat-flat-rate-scheme\/\">different schemes<\/a> to choose from, according to the nature of your business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You must submit your VAT return online and pay electronically. When you make a payment depends on the scheme you are on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-national-insurance\"><strong>National Insurance<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This is deducted from all employees\u2019 earnings. If you\u2019re a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/sole-trader-guide\/\">sole trader<\/a> you will pay it on your business profits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It is deducted from your staff salaries and you <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/pay-paye-tax\/overview\">must pay HMRC<\/a> by the 22<sup>nd<\/sup> of the following month.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-pay-as-you-earn-paye\"><strong>Pay As You Earn (PAYE)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>PAYE takes income tax from your employees as they earn it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-real-time-information-rti\"><strong>Real-Time Information (RTI)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/real-time-information-rti-the-basics\/\">RTI<\/a> means you need to submit your payroll data each month when you pay your team, rather than at the end of the tax year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-self-assessment\"><strong>Self-assessment<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have other income outside your wages, you must report it in a self-assessment tax return and file it online. HMRC uses self-assessment to collect income tax and you need to file your tax return after the end of the tax year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The deadline to submit your paper&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/file-a-tax-return-online\/\">self-assessment tax return<\/a>&nbsp;is midnight on 31 October. If you&#8217;re submitting it online, you have a bit longer \u2013 midnight on 31 January. If you fail to submit it by the latter deadline, you will face a penalty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It helps to know what <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/self-assessment-tax-return-guide\/\">allowable expenses you can claim for<\/a> too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"single-cta gated-content\">\n\t<div class=\"single-cta__positioner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__wrapper has-dark-background-color\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"single-cta__title h3\">Taking care of tax if you&#8217;re self-employed<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Getting your taxes right is vital. Read this guide for support with Self Assessment, and learn how Making Tax Digital will change how you manage your tax returns from April 2026.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#gate-5aff0df7-d321-42c9-a8d0-a4b5afc0fee8\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"single-cta__button button button--primary\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>Get your free guide<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"920\" height=\"567\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2019\/01\/taking-care-of-tax-CTA.jpg\" class=\"single-cta__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2019\/01\/taking-care-of-tax-CTA.jpg 920w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 33vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-stamp-duty\"><strong>Stamp duty<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This is for transactions relating to land and property.&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/topic\/business-tax\/stamp-taxes\">Stamp duty is usually due<\/a> within 30 days of the transaction being made, and the rates depend on whether you are paying stamp duty land tax or stamp duty reserve tax.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-capital-gains-tax\"><strong>Capital gains tax<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This is a tax on the profit when you sell an asset that\u2019s gone up in value.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-do-you-pay-your-tax\"><strong>How do you pay your tax?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You are required to pay your tax electronically if you are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A large employer (an employer with 250 or more employees)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A VAT-registered business<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A company or organisation liable to pay corporation tax<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>You can do this by direct debit. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/log-in-register-hmrc-online-services\/register\">Register at HMRC<\/a> to pay taxes online.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Make sure you give the correct reference number when making a payment to HMRC. This could be your VAT number, the PAYE number issued to your business or the 17-character reference printed on the payslip for your corporation tax.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Write it exactly how it is shown in official correspondence. Don\u2019t include any extra spaces or characters, otherwise it might not be recognised by the system and you could be fined.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-when-do-you-pay-your-tax\"><strong>When do you pay your tax?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-vat\"><strong>VAT<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Cleared funds must reach HMRC by the seventh calendar day after your standard due date. Plus three days if you\u2019re paying by direct debit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-employers-paye-and-national-insurance-contributions\"><strong>Employers PAYE and National Insurance contributions<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>When paying electronically, payment is due either monthly or quarterly and cleared funds must reach HMRC no later than the 22nd of the month following the end of the tax month or quarter to which it relates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-corporation-tax-0\"><strong>Corporation tax<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Payment is generally due annually. It must be paid electronically. It is due nine months and one day after the end of the company\u2019s accounting period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-self-assessment-0\"><strong>Self-assessment<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>These payments are due by 31 January and 31 July each year.&nbsp;Even if you have no payment to make, you must let HMRC know.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-can-accounting-software-help-you-stay-tax-compliant-with-hmrc\"><strong>How can accounting software help you stay tax compliant with HMRC?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>It&#8217;s important to have a good record-keeping system in place for your business, ideally from the point that you first start it. Using <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/accounting-software\/\">online accounting software<\/a>&nbsp;can help you do this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-keeping-records\"><strong>Keeping records<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>By law, all businesses need to keep the records and documents upon which the figures in your tax returns are based. They should be complete, readable and accurate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By using accounting software, you will be organised from day one, with each transaction recorded. Even if a transaction is deleted for some reason, this is still recorded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What records do you need to keep?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Sales and takings, including cash receipts. This could be till rolls, sales invoices, bank statements and paying-in slips.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Purchases and expenses, including cash purchases. This could be receipts, purchase invoices, bank and credit card statements, motoring expenses and mileage records.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>VAT sales and purchase invoices, import and export documents, delivery notes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Payments made to all subcontractors for work done and materials subcontractors have purchased.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Details of assets, liabilities, income and expenditure plus business records such as bank statements and paying-in slips, accounts books, purchases and sales information.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>All PAYE records, including payments made to employees, deductions for income tax, National Insurance contributions, student loan payments, employee benefits and expenses, and statutory payments.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-stay-up-to-date-with-legislation\"><strong>Stay up to date with legislation<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Legislation is always changing and your business needs to keep up. Good accounting software will keep you up to date with the latest legislation for accounts and payroll, whether it\u2019s changes to VAT, pensions or auto-enrolment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-secure-data\"><strong>Secure data<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you use <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/accounting-software\/\">cloud-based software<\/a>, means your data will be protected by bank-level security, so you don\u2019t have to worry about taking backups or losing any information. Essential when you are making sure you keep comprehensive records of your accounts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-pay-the-right-amount-of-tax\"><strong>Pay the right amount of tax<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Good accounting software will keep you up to date with the latest regulations relating to tax and will calculate the right amounts accordingly. You can keep track of your expenses and overheads, which can help reduce your company\u2019s tax burden.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-final-thoughts-on-keeping-up-with-hmrc-requirements\"><strong>Final thoughts on keeping up with HMRC requirements<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Staying on top of your business admin is one of the biggest challenges of being a business owner. However, it&#8217;s important that you do so. And making sure your business keeps up with requirements from HMRC will go a long way to keeping you on track.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Make sure you dedicate time to staying on top of your taxes and keep good records so when the time comes to file a tax return, for example, you have the necessary information to hand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And as your business grows, it&#8217;s important to stay on top of legislation so you are doing the right things at the right time&nbsp;\u2013 and keeping HMRC happy in the process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"single-cta gated-content\">\n\t<div class=\"single-cta__positioner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__wrapper has-dark-background-color\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"single-cta__title h3\">Small business guide to VAT<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Managing VAT can be a pain for many small businesses &#8211; but it doesn&#8217;t have to be!\u00a0Everything you need to register and submit VAT and staying compliant is right here.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#gate-2ea81a0f-2851-4b82-b4df-59f967170dbb\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"single-cta__button button button--primary\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>Get your free guide<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__downloads\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t1,279 readers have downloaded this guide\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"780\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2017\/08\/small-business-guide-to-vatCTA.jpg\" class=\"single-cta__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2017\/08\/small-business-guide-to-vatCTA.jpg 780w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 33vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"single-cta\">\n\t<div class=\"single-cta__positioner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__wrapper has-dark-background-color\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"single-cta__title h3\">Subscribe to the Sage Advice newsletter<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Join more than 500,000 UK readers and get the best business admin strategies and tactics, as well as actionable advice to help your company thrive, in your inbox every month.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#gate-b1a63862-3fa0-4a5e-bb67-c76b88bbc6b8\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"single-cta__button button button--primary\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>Subscribe now<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1440\" height=\"810\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1073797282-1-1440x810.jpg\" class=\"single-cta__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1073797282-1-1440x810.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 33vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Want to stay on the right side of the tax authorities when it comes to your business affairs? Read this article for advice on being compliant.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":280,"featured_media":4340,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_sage_video":false,"post_featured_image_hide":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[9],"tags":[27,28],"business_type":[4,3],"lilypad":[],"context":[],"industry":[],"persona":[71,73,74],"imagine_tag":[96,109],"coauthors":[369],"class_list":["post-5346","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-strategy-legal-operations","tag-tax","tag-vat","business_type-small-business","business_type-medium-sized-business"],"sage_meta":{"region":"en-gb","author_name":"Keir Thomas-Bryant","featured_image":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2018\/05\/5E3A1202_All-Uses.jpg","imagine_tags":{"96":"Medium businesses","109":"Small business"}},"distributor_meta":false,"distributor_terms":false,"distributor_media":false,"distributor_original_site_name":"Sage Advice UK","distributor_original_site_url":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog","push-errors":false,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5346","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/users\/280"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5346"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5346\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/media\/4340"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5346"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5346"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5346"},{"taxonomy":"business_type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/business_type?post=5346"},{"taxonomy":"lilypad","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/lilypad?post=5346"},{"taxonomy":"context","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/context?post=5346"},{"taxonomy":"industry","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/industry?post=5346"},{"taxonomy":"persona","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/persona?post=5346"},{"taxonomy":"imagine_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/imagine_tag?post=5346"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=5346"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}