Tax for Not for Profits

Overview
We understand that completing VAT, corporation tax or trust returns – plus PAYE filings – can be a major administrative burden for not-for-profit organisations.

Why it matters
While many charities are used to VAT returns, filing corporation tax and trust returns (including the relevant supplementary pages) can be unfamiliar and time-consuming.

How we help
Our experienced not-for-profit tax team takes care of it all – from preparation to submission – ensuring you meet HMRC requirements without the stress.

Overview
Charities often want to trade to raise funds, but if the activity falls outside your charitable objectives, it can trigger unexpected tax consequences.

Why it matters
Without the right approach, charities could be exposed to unnecessary corporation tax or VAT liabilities and scrutiny from HMRC.

How we help
We’ll guide you on whether to set up a trading subsidiary, and help make sure your structure supports your goals and stands up to HMRC review.

Overview
We know how frustrating it is when charities can’t recover all the VAT they incur and how costly this is for them.

Why it matters
Missing out on VAT reliefs or under-recovering can mean significant lost income.

How we help
We help identify where reliefs apply, support your evidence-gathering, and carry out VAT recovery calculations, including negotiating with HMRC where needed.

Overview
VAT recovery can be especially difficult for charities with non-business or exempt activities — and the rules aren’t always clear.

Why it matters
Misjudging your recovery position can lead to lost funds or incorrect returns.

How we help
Reviewing calculations annually can catch errors and improve your VAT position. We carry out VAT recovery calculations and reviews, and we’ve successfully negotiated partial exemption special methods with HMRC to help charities reclaim more where possible.

Overview
Buying, developing or selling property is a big step for any charity — and a costly one. We understand how complex the tax implications can be.

Why it matters
Without early planning, you risk missing out on valuable tax reliefs, or facing unexpected tax charges later on.

How we help
We’ll work with you from the start to identify all available reliefs (e.g. from VAT and Stamp Duty Land Tax), manage Capital Goods Scheme obligations, and minimise tax on sales, including tricky ‘overage’ clauses.

Overview
HMRC is increasingly focused on whether not-for-profit organisations have the right tax processes in place. That can be a worry for already stretched teams.

Why it matters
Errors, late payments and late filings can lead to penalties or more intensive scrutiny by HMRC. A proactive review helps avoid that.

How we help
Our tax process reviews cover everything from Gift Aid to VAT. We highlight gaps, recommend improvements, offer staff training, and help streamline your systems.

Overview
Gift Aid is vital income for many charities—but strict rules and admin requirements mean it’s easy to get wrong.

Why it matters
If declarations don’t match up or audit trails are weak, HMRC may claw back amounts previously claimed. That can have a big financial impact.

How we help
We’ll help you put robust processes in place, reduce risk, and structure campaigns to maximise your Gift Aid claims — all in line with HMRC guidance.

Overview
We are seeing charities and other not-for-profit organisations being subject to an increasing number of interventions, reviews and inspections by HM Revenue & Customs.

Why it matters
Dealing with HMRC enquiries can be costly and time-consuming.

How we help
We assist organisations in responding to HMRC checks, making disclosures or error notifications if required, and with reaching agreement on the tax, interest and penalties due.

Overview
We understand that VAT compliance can be complex for Academies and Local Authorities, each with its own set of rules.

Why it matters
Academies must manage VAT126 claims carefully to avoid under- or over-claiming VAT. Local Authorities need to monitor non-statutory income to protect their VAT recovery position.

How we help
We support academies with VAT126 claims and review whether VAT registration is needed. For Local Authorities, we offer tailored advice to help maintain accurate and compliant VAT reporting.

Overview
Cultural charities may be entitled to claim valuable tax reliefs specific to the creative industries—but the process can be technical.

Why it matters
Theatre, Orchestra, and Museums and Galleries Exhibition Tax Reliefs can provide vital funding, but incorrect claims can cause delays or rejections.

How we help
We guide you through eligibility, help calculate and prepare claims, and support submission to HMRC, ensuring everything is handled smoothly and correctly.