Specialist Dental Tax & Accounting Advice
Dentists
Clear, hassle-free support for dentists with fixed fees.
At Shipleys Tax, we’ve been working with the dental profession for over 15 years – providing clear, proactive advice that help dentists optimise tax, protect profits, use tax efficient structures to grow, or just become a financially savvy individual.
We act for dental clients all over the UK, including:
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Associates and single-handed/squat practices
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Larger partnerships and corporates
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Dental clinics, hygienists, consultants
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Specialists such as orthodontists, endodontists, oral surgeons, and periodontists
With NHS pension and contract reforms, staff shortages, rising costs, and pressure to expand into private work, working in a dental business has never been more complex. At Shipleys Tax we help you stay compliant, reduce tax burdens, and plan strategically so you can focus on your life goals.
Sections
- Dental Principals and Practices
- Dental Associates and Self Employed DCPs
- Tax Planning services for Dentists
Dental Principals and Practices
Owning or running a dental practice brings both opportunities and risks. With NHS dentistry undergoing fundamental reforms, practice owners need to adapt to new funding models while keeping control of costs and cashflow.
At Shipleys Tax, we help principals and practice owners with:
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Specialist knowledge of NHS practice funding (including GDS/PDS contracts and NHS England reforms)
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Specialist guidance on NHS pension and superannuation issues
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Advice on UDA values, contract changes, and the evolving primary care dental market
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Handling all aspects of accounting, tax compliance, and partner drawings so you can focus on clinical care
Why choose a specialist dental accountant?
Not all accountants are the same. You need an adviser that understands the realities of dental practice management and can spot opportunities for tax savings that general accountants may miss, as well as access to specialist dental tax advisers with many years expertise in the field.
Why do you need a specialist dental accountant?
• Specialist knowledge of NHS general practice and the expert experience we have can be instrumental in planning your next move
• Understanding how practices are funded by NHS England (ex-PCTs)
• Be familiar with the GDS/PDS provider contracts, the dental contract reforms and the impact of the NHS pension scheme
• Be up to speed on UDA values in practice and the developing primary care dental market.
• Deal competently and promptly with all taxation matters and with dentists’ superannuation.
Why Shipleys Tax?
We aim to do more than produce the annual accounts and handle the principals’ tax affairs – we act as your strategic tax partner.
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Personal service – one partner-led team, not a call centre
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Timely – we work to agreed timescales and visit practices to discuss results
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Proactive – cashflow, drawings, and bookkeeping support included
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Tax planning built-in – from reducing income tax and corporation tax to CGT, inheritance tax, SDLT, and succession planning
At Shipleys Tax we understand the specific needs of dental practices and the partners involved. Wholesale reforms to the NHS mean dental practices need to re-position themselves in the new system and be able to devote maximum time to administration of patient care. That is where our team can help by providing specialist knowledge on your accounting and tax matters leaving you to concentrate on the patients and, ultimately, your life goals.
With nationwide coverage, we work with dental practices all across the UK.
Fees
What out basic annual fee covers:
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Preparation of annual statutory accounts
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Partnership tax return and tax computation
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Partners’ personal tax returns
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Profit projections and liability planning
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Meetings with principals to discuss draft accounts
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Unlimited email and phone queries
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Ongoing tax planning reviews for partners/shareholders
We also advise on:
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Incorporation and restructuring for NHS and non-NHS income
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Practice purchase or sale (structuring for maximum tax efficiency)
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HMRC enquiries and investigations
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Payroll and employment tax compliance
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Succession, IHT, CGT, and SDLT mitigation strategies
Dental Associates and Self Employed Dental Care Professionals (DCPs)
We’ve supported dental associates, hygienists, and therapists for many years and understand the challenges of balancing NHS work, self-employment, and private income.
What does the service include?
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Registering with HMRC and advising on employed vs self-employed status
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Claiming tax-deductible business expenses and subscriptions
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Annual accounts and self-assessment tax returns
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Guidance on NHS superannuation and student loan deductions
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Advice on employing a spouse and structuring income tax efficiently
- Ad-hoc telephone and email advice
Additional advisory services:
- Tax efficient structures for associates/hygienists/therapists
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Limited company incorporation and its impact on income extraction and superannuation
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Finance routes for practice acquisitions (ethical and standard)
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Tax planning for overseas dentists
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Inheritance tax and property tax planning
Many dental associates after a few years aspire to have a practice of their own. We will handhold you through the whole process including:
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The most tax-efficient way to structure ownership
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Due diligence on target practice accounts
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Introductions to specialist dental solicitors and lenders
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Advice on staff, payroll, record keeping and surgery compliance
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Tax planning to ensure the deal is optimised from day one
Why us?
• Save you money – proactive services ensuring you are aware of tax savings
• Knowledge you can trust – we have a wealth of tax expertise in the healthcare sector
• Planning – ensuring you are aware of tax liabilities and payment dates enabling you to plan your cashflow
• Peace of mind – we have many years of experience in dealing with the tax affairs of medical and hospital consultants
• Help you minimising risk of HMRC enquiry
• We have nationwide coverage and act for Dentist clients based throughout the UK.
Our basic fees start from £495 + VAT for associates.
|
Package |
Annual Fees (from) |
What’s Included |
Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
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Essential |
£495+VAT |
Annual accounts & self-assessment tax return – Guidance on allowable expenses & record keeping – HMRC registration support (if required) – Telephone/email queries |
New associates or hygienists needing straightforward compliance |
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Pro |
£695 + VAT |
Everything in Essential, plus: Proactive NHS superannuation guidance – Cashflow planning & tax liability forecasts• Advice on employing a spouse & NIC structuring – Regular contact with our dental tax team |
Established associates looking for proactive planning and support |
|
Premium |
£995 + VAT |
Everything in Professional, plus: Incorporation and company tax planning advice – Mortgage & loan support (liaising with banks) – Practice acquisition guidance – Tailored inheritance tax & property tax planning |
Associates preparing to buy a practice or seeking advanced planning |
Tax Planning for Dentists
Tax law never stands still – especially in healthcare. With NHS reforms, rising costs, and increased focus on private income, proactive planning has never been more important.
The most effective tax planning is typically done before a major event, so seek advice early on in the lifecycle of a business or personal financial transaction.
Our specialist tax advisers can help with:
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Buying or selling a practice – saving on both personal and corporation tax
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Structuring dental/health clinics tax-efficiently
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Inheritance tax and estate planning for dentists
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Reducing SDLT on property purchases
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Asset protection and succession planning
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Offshore and international tax for cross-border practices
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Property development and investment structuring
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Using EIS/SEIS and corporate vehicles for expansion
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LLP and partnership planning
Why Dentists Choose Shipleys Tax
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15+ years’ proven expertise in the dental sector
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Proactive tax planning tailored to NHS and private practice needs
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Nationwide coverage with partner-led personal service
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Transparent pricing and ongoing support
Latest news & blogs…
HMRC’s New Dividend Non-Disclosure Campaign
HMRC HAVE ADVISED that they have commenced a “One to Many” letter campaign directed at shareholders who they suspect may need to declare income from dividends (and/or distributions).
Unfortunately, this typical “wide net” approach from HMRC means that many individuals, perhaps including vulnerable ones, will receive HMRC letters which could be misinterpreted as an accusation of tax avoidance. If you have receive a letter, don’t panic.
In today’s Shipleys Tax brief we look at what you need to know about HMRC’s One to Many letter campaign and how to respond effectively to avoid escalation.
What is HMRC’s One to Many Letter?
The HMRC has initiated a campaign targeting taxpayers who may not have declared income from distributions or dividends. Using data from company year-end accounts, which show significant drops in profit and loss account reserves, HMRC is pinpointing individuals who might have received a distribution or dividend but not declared it on their self assessment tax return.
HMRC… have commenced a “One to Many” letter campaign directed at shareholders who they suspect may need to declare income from dividends
The letter provides a 30-day window for recipients to either declare any undeclared income or to inform HMRC that all income has been accounted for. Ignoring the letter could lead to a compliance check and potential penalties.
Why You Might Have Received The Letter
HMRC’s usual method involves analysing publicly available company accounts to spot decreases in reserves and other factors, which could indicate dividend payments. However, this typically broad approach doesn’t account for dividends payments which may not be chargeable, e.g. they fall within personal and dividend allowances and are tax-free or issues relating to timing. Accordingly, if you’ve received such a letter, it may simply be part of this blanket strategy to ensure tax compliance but it’s best not to ignore it.
How to Respond to the Letter
If You Have Declared Everything:
- Contact HMRC using the details provided in the letter.
- Confirm that all necessary declarations have been made.
If You Need to Make a Declaration:
- Review your tax return and determine if there’s any undeclared dividend income.
- Visit the HMRC’s GOV.UK link on making a disclosure and use the specific online disclosure facility.
The Implications of Not Responding
Failing to respond to the HMRC’s letter can result in a compliance check and possibly higher penalties if undeclared income is discovered. It’s crucial to take action within the specified 30-day period stated in the letter. If they believe that they have no income to declare, the letter asks them to let HMRC know either by telephone or by email, again within 30 days. If they do not respond, the letter says that HMRC may open a compliance check and charge higher penalties.
Conclusion
The One to Many letter from HMRC is part of a proactive approach to tax compliance. If you’ve received one, take a moment to review your finances and speak to your adviser. With the right response, you can quickly resolve any issues or confirm your compliance, ensuring peace of mind and maintaining good standing with HMRC.
For further assistance or queries, please contact us by phone or email.
Please note that Shipleys Tax do not give free advice by email or telephone. The content of this article is for general guidance only and should not be considered as tax or professional advice. Always consult with a qualified professional before taking action.
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The ABC of Tax Planning with Alphabet Shares
THE USE OF so-called Alphabet shares has been a staple in the world of tax planning for some time. These types of shares generally allow for a flexible approach to how dividends are paid out to shareholders of a company, enabling a tailored distribution that can be adjusted according to the individual tax circumstances of the shareholders.
In today’s Shipleys Tax brief, we will cover the basic concept of Alphabet shares, their benefits and drawbacks, and the likely approach adopted by HMRC to their use.
What are Alphabet shares?
Alphabet shares are so named because they categorize shares into different classes, each denoted by a letter of the alphabet (e.g., Class A shares, Class B shares, etc.). This classification allows companies to assign different rights to each class, particularly concerning dividend payments. The flexibility in dividend allocation means that shareholders can be paid varying amounts, which can be adjusted to optimise their personal tax positions.
What are they used for?
Historically, Alphabet shares have been used as a popular method for family-run businesses to manage internal dynamics and tax liabilities. Families could allocate different dividend rights to members based on their involvement in the business or their financial needs, without altering the overall control or structure of the company.
They have also been employed in start-ups and growing businesses looking to reward key employees with a stake in the company without immediately giving away voting rights or an equal share in the distribution of profits. By issuing different classes of shares to employees, businesses could align staff interests with the company’s performance without giving away significant control.
Families could allocate different dividend rights to members based on their involvement in the business or their financial needs, without altering the overall control or structure of the company.
In corporate fundraising they provided a means to attract investment by offering variable dividend rights while retaining management control. This aspect is particularly attractive to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that are keen on securing capital but wary of outside influence over business decisions.
This flexibility makes Alphabet shares a valuable instrument for companies to structure their equity in a way that satisfied a multitude of shareholder requirements.
Tax Planning and Tailoring to Specific Needs
For certain commercial transactions, tax planning with Alphabet shares can be particularly useful in the right circumstances. Generally, you would find the following potential benefits:
– Minimise personal tax liability: shareholders can receive dividends up to the higher-rate tax threshold, effectively reducing their income tax liability.
– Utilise allowances and rates: shareholders can make full use of their dividend allowance and lower tax bands.
Minimise personal tax liability: shareholders can receive dividends up to the higher-rate tax threshold, effectively reducing their income tax liability.
– Planning for succession: Different classes can be allocated to future generations for long-term planning, without disrupting the current control of the company.
– Family estate planning: Alphabet shares can help in assigning income to family members in lower tax brackets where circumstances allow.
Not all a bed of roses…
While Alphabet shares offer flexibility as seen above, they come with a rack of potential drawbacks that can complicate their use.
– Administrative Burden: maintaining different classes of shares requires meticulous record-keeping and administrative oversight. Each class may have its own dividend schedules, voting rights, and restrictions, which must be managed and documented appropriately.
– Legal Challenges: alphabet shares can sometimes lead to legal challenges, especially if shareholders feel their rights are being impinged upon. Disputes may arise over the interpretation of rights attached to various classes, or if there are allegations of unfair treatment among shareholders.
– Corporate Governance: having multiple share classes can complicate corporate governance. The differing rights and privileges can lead to conflicts of interest and make decision-making processes more complex.
What sayeth the Taxman?
HMRC views Alphabet shares with a healthy degree of suspicion because they can be used to artificially manipulate income streams for tax advantages. One specific piece of anti-avoidance legislation (“the settlements legislation”) can apply if HMRC believes that Alphabet shares are being used to divert income to someone else and reduce tax liability.
In the context of family businesses, the use of Alphabet shares for estate planning must be done with caution. HMRC may challenge arrangements that appear to be designed to avoid inheritance tax, particularly if shares are rapidly transferred between family members in a way that seems to be timed to minimise tax liability for example.
HMRC views Alphabet shares with a healthy degree of suspicion because they can be used to artificially manipulate income streams for tax advantages.
As such, if not structured correctly, the arrangements can be easily challenged under these anti-avoidance regulations, leading to the tax advantages being negated, tax investigations and potential penalties.
Conclusion
Alphabet shares can be a useful tool for tax planning when used correctly. They allow for a high degree of flexibility and can be tailored to meet the specific needs of both the company and its shareholders. However, their use must be considered carefully, with a clear understanding of the potential pitfalls and the close scrutiny they attract from HMRC. As always, when considering the use of Alphabet shares, it is prudent to seek professional advice to ensure that they are implemented effectively.
For further assistance or queries, please call 0114 272 4984 or email info@shipleystax.com.
Please note that Shipleys Tax do not give free advice by email or telephone. The content of this article is for general guidance only and should not be considered as tax or professional advice. Always consult with a qualified professional before taking any action.
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Taxman Targets Online Sellers
WITH THE GROWING popularity of online selling platforms like TikTok and Etsy, HMRC has increased attention on the tax implications for those earning income from these sources.
In today’s Shipleys Tax note we briefly look at what’s happening and what you should do avoid falling foul of these new tax measures.
What’s the deal?
From the 1st of January 2024, digital marketplaces such as eBay, Vinted, Airbnb, and Etsy, have been mandated to gather and report details of seller transactions and income to HMRC. These platforms have until January 2025 to report sellers’ income from the previous year. This measure is part of a broader initiative to ensure tax compliance and to capture undeclared income from individuals who trade with the intention of making a profit but fail to report their earnings correctly.
The targeted platforms include:
- eBay
- Vinted
- Airbnb
- Etsy
- TikTok
From the 1st of January 2024, digital marketplaces such as eBay, Vinted, Airbnb, and Etsy, have been mandated to gather and report details of seller transactions and income to HMRC.
These platforms will need to collect and report the following information:
- Seller Details: Identification of the sellers.
- Transaction Details: Information on the transactions made by the sellers.
- Income Information: The income generated by the sellers through these platforms.
This measure is part of the UK’s implementation of the OECD rules to improve international cooperation and tax compliance.
While there’s been talk in the media of a new ‘side hustle’ tax, it’s important to clarify that no new taxes have been introduced. However, understanding the existing tax laws and how they apply to online selling is crucial.
What should you do?
As an online seller in the face of HMRC’s focus on side hustles, it’s important to take proactive steps to ensure you’re on the right side of tax laws. Below we have summarised the key issues you need to consider.
Are you Trading or Hobby-ing?
First and foremost, determine whether your online selling activities constitute a hobby or a trade. This is tricky at best and HMRC considers several factors to make this distinction. These include the frequency of transactions, profit motive, nature of the goods, and sale method. Regular sales of new or self-made items with the intent of profit are typically considered trading, whereas selling personal, used items occasionally is generally seen as a hobby. For online sellers, understanding these nuances is critical to accurately ascertain tax obligations.
Trading Allowance
One key aspect is the trading allowance, which allows individuals to earn up to £1,000 annually from self-employment, including online selling, without the need to declare this income to HMRC. This is particularly beneficial for small-scale traders or those starting out. However, it’s vital to note that once your income surpasses this threshold, the entire amount becomes reportable.
First and foremost, determine whether your online selling activities constitute a hobby or a trade. This is tricky at best and HMRC considers several factors to make this distinction
For those earning profits exceeding £1,000 from online selling, income tax and National Insurance contributions may be applicable. These profits must be reported via a self-assessment tax return, even if no tax is due, such as when profits fall below the personal allowance (currently £12,570. This rule also applies if you are using online selling as a secondary income source, with the £1,000 limit still relevant.
If you have already received income over the £1,000 allowance, or if you have received a ‘nudge’ letter from HMRC indicating you may have undeclared income, take immediate action. Do not ignore these letters; they are a prompt for you to review your tax situation.
Record it
Maintain good records of all your online selling activities, including receipts, listings, and correspondence. This documentation will be invaluable for completing your tax return accurately. If your online selling is a side hustle in addition to your main job, remember that different rules might apply, especially if your main income already exceeds your personal allowance.
Consider the use of digital tools and accounting software that can assist in tracking your earnings and expenses, making the process of reporting to HMRC more straightforward.
Information Sharing by Online Platforms
It’s also important to be aware that online selling platforms may share information with HMRC, including seller identities, transaction volumes, and values. This increased transparency aims to ensure tax compliance and makes accurate self-reporting by sellers more important than ever.
Maintain good records of all your online selling activities, including receipts, listings, and correspondence. This documentation will be invaluable for completing your tax return accurately.
Conclusion
If you’re unsure about your tax position or obligations, consult with a tax professional. A tax expert can provide clarity on your individual circumstances, help you understand your tax liabilities, and ensure you’re taking advantage of any allowable deductions or exemptions. This step is not just about compliance; it’s also about optimizing your tax situation.
For further assistance or queries, please call 0114 272 4984 or email info@shipleystax.com.
Please note that Shipleys Tax do not give free advice by email or telephone. The content of this article is for general guidance only and should not be considered as tax or professional advice. Always consult with a qualified professional before taking action.
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