- "In the last 20 years our business has changed considerably…and as the focus of our business has changed, Bird Luckin have moved with us."
Alex Tanner, George Tanner (Shalford) Ltd - "Bird Luckin has looked after us incredibly well for over 60 years, they are pro-active and innovational - meeting all our needs to help us achieve our aims."
Richard Stubbings, Cliffords Limited - "I can honestly say that Bird Luckin are the best firm of accountants and auditors I have ever dealt with - and I don't say that lightly!"
Colin Webb, Walthamstow Stadium - "It's important for us to know that we will always be able to contact the right people to give us the right advice and support."
Jane Bennett, Bennetts Funeral Directors - "Although we deal mainly with one Partner … we also know that if we need to contact someone else who is a specialist in another area, we can get the advice we need quickly and easily"
Jeremy Ruggles, J.S. Wright & Sons Ltd - "Bird Luckin got us to a stage which would have taken us months - if not years - to reach on our own, and they got us there in a matter of weeks"
Matthew Sullivan, SNC Ltd - "You can be a good accountant, but if you don't have an understanding of the industry it can be very difficult. "There are two or three people we have regular contact with at Bird Luckin who know our business well, and it makes a difference.""
Robert Church, W A Church (Bures) Ltd - "The work which Bird Luckin has done for Boddingtons over the past few months has helped shape our future direction for the better."
John Warner, Chief Executive, Boddingtons Ltd - "Bird Luckin has acted for us since our inception 10 years ago. They have a very 'can do' yet highly professional attitude - we are very appreciative of their support and advice over the years."
Marlon Fox, Outlook Property Ltd
Flat rate scheme
This scheme is designed to reduce the cost of complying with VAT obligations by simplifying the way small businesses calculate their VAT. It is available to businesses who expect their VAT exclusive turnover in the next 12 months to be no more than £150,000 in taxable supplies.
Taxable supplies are calculated by looking at the total of supplies at the positive and zero rates, excluding VAT and the value of any capital assets expected to be sold. Total business income includes taxable supplies and the value of exempt and other non-taxable income.
A business must leave the scheme arises when turnover increases to £230,000.
The flat rate scheme saves time by removing the need to calculate and record output tax and input tax in calculating the net VAT due to HM Revenue & Customs. The VAT in a period is calculated by applying the flat rate percentage to the tax inclusive turnover for the period. However, the flat rate scheme can cost extra VAT if you make supplies which are exempt from VAT as flat rate VAT will be payable on the value of all supplies made, including exempt supplies.
HM Revenue & Customs has published a table showing rates applicable to many business sectors. Some examples are:
| Category of business carried on |
Appropriate percentage |
|---|---|
| Retail of food, newspapers, confectionery | 4 |
| Retail of vehicles or fuel | 6.5 |
| Photography | 11 |
| Estate agency | 12 |
| Hairdressing | 13 |
| Legal services | 14.5 |
| Computer and IT consultancy | 14.5 |
| For all other flat rate scheme please refer to the Flat Rate Scheme - New Percentage Rates | |
The flat rate to be used depends on which trade sector most accurately reflects any particular business. If a business includes supplies in two or more sectors, the percentage to be used is that appropriate to the main business activity as measured by expected turnover in the year ahead.
If you are making supplies to other VAT registered businesses, you give them a VAT invoice charging VAT at the normal rate for the supply (not the flat rate percentage).
Most traders with qualifying turnover are eligible to join the scheme, but there are a number of exclusions designed to prevent abuse of the scheme as well as a few to avoid complex interaction with other schemes. The scheme is optional, but traders wishing to join should complete Form VAT 600 (FRS) (which can be printed off the HM Revenue & Customs website at www.hmrc.gov.uk).
Do contact us if you would like further help or advice on this subject.