Q4 tax planning - strategies for business owners - The final quarter counts
Q4 isn’t just another three months on the calendar. It’s the home stretch - your last chance to tidy up the books before the tax year ends.
Get it right now and you could trim your tax bill, ease the pressure on cashflow, and start the new year without a big financial headache.
Here’s how to make the most of the weeks ahead.
Understand Q4’s tax landscape
Before you start shifting money around, know the ground you’re standing on.
Check the deadlines that matter for your tax year. Some fall before year-end, others just after - miss them and the penalties will hurt.
Avoid the usual traps too. Leaving your paperwork until January, ignoring your P&L forecast, or forgetting to factor in VAT can all trip you up. A little awareness now will save a lot of grief later.
Maximise deductions and expenses
Need new equipment, software, or a van? Buying before year-end could reduce this year’s taxable profit.
Think about repairs you’ve been putting off, training you’ve been meaning to book, or marketing campaigns you’ve shelved - if they’re allowable, ticking them off now could help.
Just be clear on what HMRC sees as an allowable expense. A five-minute chat with your accountant now will stop you from making a costly mistake.
Review your profit and loss
Your P&L isn’t just there to please the bank. It’s a tool you can actually use.
Forecast where you’ll land by year-end and you’ll see what’s coming in Corporation Tax, Income Tax, or Class 4 NICs.
Once you know the numbers, you might be able to time certain invoices or purchases to make things easier - just check the knock-on effect so you’re not creating a bigger problem next year.
Plan for tax payments and cashflow
Nobody likes a surprise from HMRC.
Write down exactly what’s due - Corporation Tax, VAT, PAYE - and the dates each payment will hit.
If the figures make you wince, talk to your accountant about instalment plans or start drip-feeding money into a tax pot now. Even small transfers add up and stop that sinking feeling when the bill lands.
Use tax-saving vehicles
Pension contributions are still one of the most effective ways to lower your liability while building your future.
If you qualify, R&D relief can give you a welcome boost. Capital allowances might also help if you’re investing in plant, machinery, or greener technology.
These aren’t just for big companies - small businesses can get in on them too.
Check your structure and future-proof
The way you’re set up affects the tax you pay.
If you’ve grown, added partners, or changed direction this year, now’s the time to check if your structure still makes sense.
A simple review could reveal a more tax-efficient way forward - and Q4 gives you time to put it in place.
Engage your accountant now
January is the worst time to look for advice - everyone’s busy and your options are limited.
Talk to your accountant now while there’s still time to make changes.
At Liondaris, we’ll walk you through your year-end position, spot opportunities, and help you start the next year on the front foot.
Key takeaways
Before year-end, make sure you -
Know your deadlines.
Use allowable deductions.
Forecast profit and tax due.
Plan cashflow around payments.
Review your business structure.
Your next step
The sooner you act, the more options you have.
Q4 is your window to make smart moves before the year closes - after that, your numbers are set in stone.
A Q4 tax check-up with us isn’t just about ticking boxes. We’ll -
Look at your current figures and forecast where you’ll finish the year.
Spot any quick wins you can still make use of.
Flag risks before they turn into expensive surprises.
Book your review now and give yourself time to make the right calls.
Contact Liondaris. We’re ready to help!