Accountants for Strood businesses
Strood is on the western bank of the Medway, facing Rochester across the river. It combines an older high street with retail parks, a large residential area and easy access to the A2, M2 and the Medway City Estate, which is home to a wide range of industrial, trade and office businesses. Its station is served by high speed trains to London as well as Medway Valley line services, which makes it a practical base for commuters running businesses on the side.
Many of the Strood businesses we speak to are in construction, trade supply, motor services, retail or professional services, and many are at the point where things are getting more complicated: first employees, a VAT registration, or a move from sole trader to limited company.
What we help Strood clients with
- Construction and trades: CIS registration for contractors, subcontractor verification and the monthly returns that follow.
- VAT: registration when you reach the threshold, quarterly VAT returns and advice on whether a special scheme would suit your business.
- Limited companies: Corporation Tax returns and year-end accounts, plus guidance on drawing salary and dividends.
- Employers: payroll with RTI submissions, payslips and workplace pension duties.
Growing without losing control
Growth often brings cash flow pressure. You may be paying wages and suppliers before customers pay you, or holding stock on a trade counter. We can help you see what is coming in and going out, set aside money for VAT and Corporation Tax, and flag issues early so they do not turn into a problem at the next quarter end.
We are also happy to be a sounding board when you are weighing up a new van, a bigger unit or another member of staff. Knowing the tax effect before you commit makes the decision easier.
How we work with you
We do not have an office in Strood. Clients work with us online, sharing records through their accounting software, by secure upload or by email. You can request a call back or a video call when you want to talk, and meetings can be arranged by agreement. We access your software through its accountant invitation rather than asking for passwords.
You will always know what we need from you and by when, and you will see draft figures before anything goes to HMRC or Companies House.
Penalties and late filings
If a company's accounts or a tax return are already late, we can help put things right. We find out what is outstanding, prepare the missing filings in order of urgency and explain any penalties that have been issued, including whether there may be grounds to appeal.
Strood and the Medway Towns
We work with clients across Medway, including Rochester, Chatham and Gillingham. Send us a message to tell us about your business and what you need.
Accountants in Strood: common questions
Do you have an office in Strood?
No. We work with Strood clients online and by email, with records shared through your accounting software or secure upload. You can request a call back or a video call whenever you need us, and a meeting can be arranged by agreement if it would be useful.
I have started taking on subcontractors. Do I need to register as a CIS contractor?
If you pay subcontractors for construction work, you will usually need to register as a contractor under CIS before you make those payments. You then verify each subcontractor, make deductions where required and file monthly returns. We can register you and run the process each month.
When should I register my Strood business for VAT?
You must register when your taxable turnover over the previous 12 months goes over the VAT registration threshold, or if you expect to exceed it in the next 30 days alone. We monitor your turnover so you know in advance and can plan pricing before registration.
Can you help me pay myself tax-efficiently from my company?
Yes. We look at the right mix of salary and dividends for you, taking account of your other income, available profits and the company's tax position. We explain the paperwork needed for dividends and check that payments are properly recorded so you do not end up with an overdrawn loan account.