Business tax
Official HMRC business-tax guidance.
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Corporation Tax is a tax paid by limited companies and certain organisations on taxable profits.
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Corporation Tax, PAYE, VAT, Payroll, Workplace Pensions, Employer Duties and Legal Protections Purpose: This guide provides factual information based on UK legislation, official government guidance, and recognised independent sources. It explains the responsibilities of businesses and employers, the rights of workers, and the legal safeguards that apply when dealing with HMRC and other public bodies.
Contents
- Corporation Tax
- PAYE for Employers
- Employer Responsibilities
- Workplace Pensions
- VAT Basics
- Business Expenses
- Payroll Responsibilities
- Record Keeping
- Closing a Business
- Rights and Protections When Dealing With HMRC
- Data Protection and Employer Responsibilities
- Independent Advice and Support
1. Corporation Tax
What is Corporation Tax?
Corporation Tax is a tax paid by limited companies and certain organisations on taxable profits.
Profits can include:
- Trading profits
- Investment income
- Chargeable gains
Corporation Tax is governed by legislation passed by Parliament and administered by HMRC.
Official guidance:
Corporation Tax Responsibilities
Companies must usually:
- Register for Corporation Tax
- Keep accounting records
- Prepare accounts
- Submit Corporation Tax returns
- Pay tax owed on time
Official guidance:
- Register for Corporation Tax
Corporation Tax Rights
Businesses have rights to:
- Receive explanations of HMRC decisions
- Challenge assessments
- Request reviews
- Appeal decisions before an independent tribunal
Official guidance:
2. PAYE for Employers
What is PAYE?
PAYE (Pay As You Earn) is the system employers use to deduct:
- Income Tax
- National Insurance Contributions
- Student Loan repayments (where applicable)
before employees are paid.
Official guidance:
Employer PAYE Duties
Employers must:
- Register with HMRC if required
- Operate payroll correctly
- Issue payslips
- Report payroll information to HMRC
- Pay deductions to HMRC
Official guidance:
3. Employer Responsibilities
Employers have legal responsibilities beyond taxation.
These include:
Paying Workers Correctly
Including:
- National Minimum Wage
- National Living Wage
Official guidance:
- National Minimum Wage for Employers
Employment Rights
Employers must comply with:
- Employment legislation
- Equality legislation
- Health and safety requirements
Relevant legislation includes:
- Employment Rights Act 1996
- Equality Act 2010
Official guidance:
Health and Safety
Employers must provide a reasonably safe workplace.
Official guidance:
4. Workplace Pensions
Automatic Enrolment
Most employers must automatically enrol eligible workers into a workplace pension scheme.
Employers must:
- Assess worker eligibility
- Make required contributions
- Provide information to staff
Official guidance:
Regulator:
Employee Rights
Workers generally have rights to:
- Be automatically enrolled if eligible
- Receive employer pension contributions
- Opt out if permitted under pension rules
Official guidance:
5. VAT Basics
What is VAT?
VAT (Value Added Tax) is a tax applied to many goods and services.
Businesses may need to register if turnover exceeds the legal registration threshold.
Official guidance:
VAT Responsibilities
Registered businesses may need to:
- Charge VAT
- Keep VAT records
- Submit VAT returns
- Pay VAT owed
Official guidance:
VAT Rights
Businesses may:
- Correct VAT errors
- Challenge VAT decisions
- Appeal assessments
Official guidance:
6. Business Expenses
Businesses can often deduct allowable expenses when calculating taxable profits.
Examples may include:
Premises Costs
- Rent
- Utilities
- Business insurance
Staff Costs
- Salaries
- Employer National Insurance
- Pension contributions
Professional Costs
- Accountancy fees
- Legal fees
- Professional subscriptions
Equipment
- Computers
- Machinery
- Tools
Expenses generally need to be incurred wholly and exclusively for business purposes.
Official guidance:
7. Payroll Responsibilities
Payroll systems must normally:
- Calculate deductions accurately
- Record payments
- Provide payslips
- Submit reports to HMRC
Employers should keep payroll systems accurate and up to date.
Official guidance:
Employee Rights Regarding Payroll
Workers generally have rights to:
- Itemised payslips
- Correct payment
- Access payroll information
Official guidance:
8. Record Keeping
Business Records
Businesses may need to keep:
- Accounts
- Invoices
- Receipts
- Payroll records
- VAT records
HMRC can request records in accordance with statutory powers.
Official guidance:
Why Records Matter
Accurate records help:
- Demonstrate compliance
- Support tax returns
- Resolve disputes
- Defend appeals
9. Closing a Business
Closing a business may involve:
Informing HMRC
Depending on business structure.
Final Returns
Submitting final tax returns.
Paying Outstanding Liabilities
Including:
- Corporation Tax
- VAT
- PAYE obligations
Keeping Records
Businesses often remain legally required to retain records for specified periods.
Official guidance:
- Closing a Limited Company
- Closing a Business
Rights and Protections When Dealing With HMRC
HMRC has statutory powers granted by Parliament, but taxpayers also have legal protections.
Businesses have rights to:
Fair Treatment
HMRC should act professionally and fairly.
Transparency
Businesses may request explanations and supporting information.
Reviews
Certain decisions can be reviewed internally.
Appeals
Independent tribunals can hear disputes.
Representation
Businesses may appoint:
- Accountants
- Tax advisers
- Solicitors
Official guidance:
Data Protection and Employer Responsibilities
Employers handling personal data must comply with:
- UK GDPR
- Data Protection Act 2018
Employees generally have rights to:
Access Information
Request copies of personal data.
Correct Inaccuracies
Challenge incorrect records.
Complain
Raise concerns with the regulator.
Official resources:
Employment Disputes and Worker Protections
Workers may seek assistance through:
Internal Procedures
Employer grievance procedures.
ACAS
Independent conciliation service.
Employment Tribunals
Independent judicial process.
Official resources:
Independent Advice and Support
Government Information
Employment Advice
Tax Guidance
Citizens Advice
Data Protection
Key Legal Principles
Under UK law, businesses and employers must meet tax, payroll, pension, employment, and record-keeping obligations established by Parliament. Employees and businesses also have rights to fair treatment, transparency, privacy, independent review, and appeal. HMRC, regulators, and public authorities must operate within their legal powers and are subject to oversight by courts, tribunals, data protection regulators, and parliamentary processes.
Always verify current rates, thresholds, filing requirements, and deadlines using official guidance, as UK tax and employment law can change over time.