How can professional tax advice help in 2025?

How can professional tax advice help in 2025?

Keeping up with tax regulations can feel like a full-time job. With rules changing frequently and the Government introducing new measures, missing something important can easily happen. Professional tax advice can offer clarity, reduce stress, and uncover opportunities that might otherwise go unnoticed by individuals and businesses.

Whether you are navigating corporate tax requirements, managing personal finances, or planning for the future, working with a tax adviser ensures you meet your obligations and take advantage of available reliefs and allowances.

Tax advice and the importance of compliance

HMRC has strengthened its compliance efforts, making it more important than ever to ensure your tax affairs are in order. Recent figures reveal that HMRC collected £43 billion through compliance activities in 2023/24, a clear sign that businesses and individuals are being scrutinised more closely.

Penalties for non-compliance can be significant, particularly for late submissions or inaccuracies. For instance, failing to file a self assessment tax return on time can result in an immediate £100 fine, increasing significantly for prolonged delays. In cases where errors are deemed deliberate, HMRC can charge penalties of up to 100% of the tax due.

Tax advisers help ensure your filings are accurate and submitted on time, minimising the risk of penalties. They can also provide representation if HMRC opens an investigation into your affairs, giving you peace of mind during what could otherwise be a stressful experience.

Planning ahead to reduce your tax bill

Effective tax planning isn’t just about meeting deadlines – it’s about looking ahead to identify potential savings and efficiencies. This might involve making the most of annual allowances, such as the £20,000 ISA limit for individuals or the £1m Annual Investment Allowance (AIA) for businesses, which remains in place for 2025.

Advisers can also help you structure your finances in tax-efficient ways. For business owners, this might include optimising how profits are taken – whether through salary, dividends, or pension contributions. For individuals, planning could involve using gift allowances or considering inheritance tax strategies to protect family wealth.

With corporation tax rates now tiered, having a clear strategy is more important than ever. Corporation tax rates range from a small profits rate of 19% for businesses with profits of £50,000 or less to the full rate of 25% for businesses with profits exceeding £250,000. For profits between £50,001 and £250,000, a tapered rate applies. Tax advisers can help you understand where your business sits within these thresholds and explore ways to maximise reliefs, such as R&D tax credits.

Tax advice – unlocking tax reliefs and allowances

One of the biggest benefits of professional advice is the ability to uncover tax reliefs you might otherwise overlook. In 2023, HMRC data showed that businesses claimed a record £7.7bn in R&D tax credits, yet many still fail to claim their rights.

Other commonly missed opportunities include:

  • Capital allowances: Many businesses don’t fully claim on plant, machinery, or even qualifying building improvements.
  • Employment incentives: Reliefs such as the Employment Allowance or apprenticeship support can reduce payroll costs.
  • Charitable giving: Gift Aid and other schemes can make donations more tax-efficient for individuals and companies.

An adviser can ensure you claim all available reliefs, helping you save money and reinvest in your business or personal goals.

Keeping up with changes

Tax regulations are not static. Policies often shift with new budgets, and 2025 is no exception. Key changes to look out for include:

  • Making Tax Digital (MTD): MTD for Income Tax Self-Assessment (ITSA) will become mandatory for more businesses and landlords. While the Government recently pushed back some deadlines, ensuring you’re compliant with digital record-keeping now will save headaches later.
  • Energy reliefs and incentives: As sustainability continues to be a focus, additional tax incentives for green energy investments are expected.
  • Pensions: Following the removal of the Lifetime Allowance, high earners should review their pension contributions to maximise tax efficiency.

Staying on top of these changes requires time and expertise. Tax advisers provide up-to-date guidance tailored to your circumstances, ensuring you’re prepared for any new rules or opportunities.

How to choose the right adviser

When choosing a tax adviser, look for someone who understands your specific needs. Whether you’re a business owner, landlord, or individual managing family wealth, your adviser should have relevant expertise.

Reputation matters, too. Check for professional accreditation, such as membership with the Chartered Institute of Taxation (CIOT)  Association of Taxation Technicians (ATT), Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) or Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA). And don’t be afraid to ask about their experience with cases similar to yours.

A good tax adviser won’t just focus on the short term. They’ll take the time to understand your goals and provide advice supporting your immediate needs and long-term ambitions.

Making tax work for you

Ultimately, professional tax advice is about more than compliance. It’s about creating opportunities to save money, reduce stress, and focus on what matters most to you – whether that’s growing your business, securing your family’s future, or simply enjoying peace of mind.

At RPG Crouch Chapman, we specialise in helping individuals and businesses confidently manage their tax affairs. Our expert team stay up-to-date with the latest developments, ensuring you receive practical, actionable tax advice tailored to your needs.

Contact us today to learn how we can help you make the most of the tax planning opportunities that exist in 2025.

Talk to us

We’re here to help and nothing helps more than a one-to-one conversation. Let’s talk today to find out how we can make your business and your life run more smoothly.

ICAEW logo
xero logo
Parker Russell International logo
Quickbooks logo