Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
I'm a Plaistow CIS subcontractor. Am I owed a refund?
Almost certainly, if you've had 20% deducted and haven't claimed it back. After your £12,570 allowance and legitimate expenses (van or mileage, tools, PPE, materials, phone, CSCS, accountancy), the actual tax due is usually far less. Full-year refunds are typically £2,000-£6,000. We explain everything in plain language and maximise your refund.
I've not filed my Plaistow returns and HMRC are sending estimates and penalties. What do I do?
File the actual returns immediately. HMRC's estimates are deliberately high to make you file. For CIS subcontractors the real returns often show a refund, meaning no tax lost and penalties usually cancellable. We file, request penalty reductions and arrange Time to Pay if tax is owed. Acting quickly is key.
I run a Plaistow takeaway. Hot food vs cold food VAT?
Hot takeaway food (provided hot for immediate consumption) is standard-rated at 20%; cold takeaway food consumed away from the premises is zero-rated. We review your menu, set up your till categorisation to capture the split, and handle VAT registration and returns once you reach the £90,000 threshold.
I'm a Plaistow self-employed driver. What can I claim?
Vehicle costs by either the 45p/25p (now 55p/25p for 2026/27) HMRC mileage rate or actual costs (fuel, insurance, service, MOT, finance, capital allowances). Plus phone proportion for the apps, ULEZ business proportion, congestion charge, operator commission or rental, PCO licence for private hire, cleaning. We'll pick the better vehicle method each year and capture everything.
My Plaistow business is family-run. How do we pay family members?
Through proper PAYE for genuine work at market rates, with payslips and RTI submissions. Family shareholders receive dividends reflecting their shareholding. Roles and rates should be documented so HMRC sees the economic reality matches the tax treatment. We'll set it up correctly.
Should my Plaistow business be a Ltd company?
At profits above £40,000-£50,000 a Ltd company typically saves £2,500-£5,000+ a year through salary-plus-dividend structuring, plus limited liability. Below £30,000 the saving rarely justifies the extra admin. We'll model both with your numbers.
I'm a Plaistow landlord. What can I claim against rental income?
Repairs and maintenance, letting agent fees, landlord insurance, ground rent and service charges if leasehold, gas and electrical safety certification, mortgage interest (with the Section 24 restriction), and Replacement of Domestic Items relief on furniture. We capture everything and file your self-assessment.
How do I get started?
Book a free 15-minute call via Calendly, or call our office on 020 8050 4564 or mobile 07478 645331. We work with Plaistow clients fully online, we're experienced with CIS trades and the diverse E13 business community, and we handle urgent late-filing including same-day filing.