Meades Contractors

02/06/2026

If you’re thinking about closing your business, it’s important to know that you cannot simply stop trading and walk away. 🤔

There are formal processes to follow, whether your company is solvent or struggling financially.

This might include settling outstanding debts, submitting final accounts and tax returns, paying any remaining corporation tax, and applying to have the company struck off or formally liquidated.

Closing a company properly helps you avoid future penalties, unexpected tax bills, or ongoing compliance issues. It can also open up opportunities for tax-efficient extraction of remaining funds, depending on your situation.

Ask yourself: Do I understand the correct and most tax-efficient way to close my business?

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26/05/2026

If you run more than one business, working out how to pay yourself can feel more complicated than it needs to be. 🤔

Each company is treated separately for tax purposes, which means the way you take a salary needs careful planning. Paying yourself from the wrong company or at the wrong level can create unnecessary tax, National Insurance, or compliance issues.

Understanding how your salary fits across multiple businesses can help you stay compliant, optimise your tax position, and make sure each company remains financially healthy.

Ask yourself: Am I paying myself in the most tax-efficient and compliant way across all my businesses?

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19/05/2026

If you run a Limited Company, understanding how corporation tax is calculated is essential, but it can feel confusing at first. 🤔

Corporation tax is based on your company’s profits, not the money sitting in your bank account. You start with your income, subtract allowable business expenses, and then make any required adjustments for things like capital allowances or disallowable costs.

Getting this right helps you avoid surprises, plan for tax payments in advance, and make smarter decisions about spending and reinvesting in your business.

Ask yourself: Do I know what my true taxable profit is and how much corporation tax I should be setting aside?

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12/05/2026

Ever wondered what your business actually made last month - not just what came into the bank? 🤔

A Profit & Loss (P&L) report breaks it all down, showing your income, expenses, and the real profit you’re generating.
It’s more than just an accounting document - it’s a powerful tool to understand performance, spot trends, and make smarter decisions about pricing, spending, and growth.

Ask yourself: Do I truly know what my P&L is telling me about my business?

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05/05/2026

If you’re a contractor or Limited Company Director, you might be wondering whether life insurance can be funded through your business rather than out of your personal income. 🤔

In many cases, the answer is yes - but it depends on the type of policy. Certain policies, like relevant life insurance, can be paid for by your company and may offer tax efficiencies compared to paying personally.

Understanding the rules and benefits can help you protect your family while saving money and staying compliant.

Ask yourself: Am I making the most tax-efficient choice when it comes to life insurance?

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28/04/2026

If you run your own Limited Company, you’ve probably heard the term dividends - but what exactly are they? 🤔

Dividends are payments you can take from the profits your company has already made after all taxes and expenses are covered.

They’re a key part of tax-efficient pay for many contractors and business owners - but only when used correctly and sustainably.

Understanding how dividends work can help you pay yourself smarter, stay compliant, and make better decisions about your financial future.

Ask yourself: Do I fully understand how dividends fit into my overall remuneration strategy?

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21/04/2026

What should I do with excess cash sitting in my personal account?
Is there cash sitting idle in your personal account that could be working harder for you? 🤔

While it might feel safer to keep extra funds in your personal account, could there be smarter ways to use this money to benefit your financial future or your business?

Hint: Think about how this excess cash could be better utilised, whether through investments, savings plans, or other opportunities.

Ask: What should I do with excess cash sitting in my personal account?

Download the full list of over 60+ Key Questions for Contractors to Unlock Their Earning Potential​. [No Sign Up Required!] https://meadescontractors.co.uk/60-key-questions/

14/04/2026

If you work from home through your Limited Company, you may have heard of the Use of Home as Office allowance. 🤔

This allows you to reclaim some of the costs of running your home where it is used for business purposes. That can include things like electricity, heating, broadband, and other household expenses, as long as the claim is reasonable and properly calculated.

There are different ways to claim, including a simplified flat rate method or a more detailed calculation based on actual costs and usage. The right approach depends on your circumstances and how much of your home is genuinely used for business.

Used correctly, it can be a simple and tax-efficient way to ensure your company covers part of your household costs without creating tax issues.

Ask yourself: Am I claiming the correct amount for working from home, and is it properly supported?

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07/04/2026

If you’re VAT registered, being on the wrong VAT scheme could quietly be costing you money. 🤔

There are several VAT schemes available, including the standard scheme, Flat Rate Scheme, Cash Accounting Scheme, and Annual Accounting Scheme. Each works differently and can impact your cash flow, admin time, and the amount of VAT you ultimately pay.

The right scheme depends on factors like your turnover, industry, level of expenses, and how your clients are structured. What worked when you first registered may not be the best option now.

Reviewing your VAT position regularly can help you stay compliant, improve cash flow, and avoid overpaying.

Ask yourself: Is my current VAT scheme still the most efficient choice for my business today?

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31/03/2026

If you run a Limited Company, you might have heard the term trivial gifts and wondered what it actually means. 🤔

Trivial gifts are small gifts your company can give to employees or directors without creating a tax charge, as long as certain conditions are met. The gift must cost £50 or less, cannot be cash or a cash voucher, and cannot be a reward for work or performance.

For directors of close companies, there is also an annual cap to be aware of. When used correctly, trivial gifts can be a simple and tax-efficient way to treat yourself or your team.

The key is understanding the rules so you stay compliant and avoid unexpected tax consequences.

Ask yourself: Am I making use of the allowances available to me in a compliant way?

👉 Want more smart, tax-aware questions like this?

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