Accountancy for Rainham and the Medway towns
Rainham, on the eastern side of Gillingham in Medway, is largely residential, with a busy shopping centre, good rail links into London and easy access to the M2. That makes it home to a lot of tradespeople, contractors, consultants and commuters who also run something of their own. Our Rainham clients tend to want clear, efficient support that fits around a full working week.
We work with Rainham clients remotely, through secure document sharing, cloud software and video calls.
Contractors and consultants
If you work through your own limited company for clients in London or Kent, you need to think about IR35. Where the off-payroll working rules apply, the way you are taxed changes significantly. Our IR35 and contractor tax service helps you understand your position, keep the right records and prepare company and personal returns that reflect it. For outside-IR35 contractors, we also look at dividend planning and how you take money out of the company.
Tradespeople and the self-employed
For electricians, plumbers, decorators and other trades, we prepare your Self Assessment tax return, claim allowable costs such as tools, materials and vans, and help with CIS deductions where you work for contractors. If your turnover is heading towards the VAT threshold, we will tell you in good time.
Making Tax Digital
Making Tax Digital for Income Tax now applies to some sole traders and landlords, with lower income levels brought in over the next few years. If you are self-employed or let property, it is worth checking your position early. Our Making Tax Digital for Income Tax service covers eligibility, software choice and quarterly updates.
What working with us looks like
- A free initial chat to understand how you work.
- A clear written scope and quote.
- Accountant access to your software through its official invitation, never your password.
- Deadline reminders and plain-English explanations of every return we file.
Information we will need
Your UTR or company details, bank statements, invoices and expense records, contracts if IR35 is a question, CIS statements if relevant and any HMRC letters. If you already use bookkeeping software, an accountant invitation is often all we need to get started.
Keeping things simple for busy people
Most of our Rainham clients do not want to spend evenings on paperwork. We keep the process light: a clear list of what we need, secure uploads from your phone or computer, and a short explanation of the figures before anything is filed. If you prefer, we can also keep your bookkeeping up to date during the year so the annual return holds no surprises.
We also work with clients across Medway and north Kent, including Rochester and Northfleet. If you are based in Rainham, send us a message and we will get back to you.
Accountants in Rainham: common questions
Who decides whether IR35 applies to my contract?
For most medium and large private sector clients and public sector bodies, the client decides your status and must give you a status determination statement. For small private sector clients, your own company decides. We can review your contract and working practices and explain what the decision means.
Is a limited company still worth it for a contractor?
It depends on your income, how IR35 applies to your work and your plans. Higher dividend tax rates and Corporation Tax changes have affected the comparison. We can model your figures under different structures so you can make an informed choice.
Can I claim my van as a business expense?
If you use a van for your trade, you can usually claim the costs, either through capital allowances and running costs or, for some sole traders, simplified mileage rates. Private use needs to be accounted for. We look at your records and choose the approach that fits.
I am a commuter with a small side business. Do I need a tax return?
If your side business earns more than the trading allowance, or you have other untaxed income, you will usually need to register for Self Assessment. We can check whether you need to file and help you keep simple records from the start.