Setting up the compliance foundations

Marcus Wolfgram • February 19, 2022

To trade as a business, you need to meet the right compliance requirements. It’s certainly not the most exciting part of creating a business, but setting up the right legal, accounting and tax compliance foundations ensures that you’re doing everything by the letter of the law.

Here are the main compliance steps to think about, and why they’re so important to the smooth running of your business.


Decide on a legal structure for the business

First off, you’ll need to make a decision about the legal structure of the company. There are two key choices here – incorporated (a limited company) or unincorporated (usually either a sole trader or a partnership). The key difference here is around liability. In other words, do you want your business to be a limited company, where you and the business are treated as separate legal entities? Or do you want to be unincorporated, like a sole trader, where you and your business are seen as one single entity.

Most startups will opt for the incorporated limited company route, keeping your personal and business finances separate and lowering your personal liability and risk.


Open a business bank account

To trade, take payments and pay your suppliers, you need to have a business bank account that’s separate from your own current account. This helps to create a tangible divide between the money you’ve generated from the business, and your own personal cash.

Most high-street banks won’t let you use a personal current account for business purposes. Banks will offer a variety of different business accounts, with varying levels of fees, overdraft levels and additional business features. Set up the business account and then use this account for ALL transactions going in or out of the company.


Set up a bookkeeping and accounting system

It’s a legal requirement for your limited company to keep adequate records and to submit annual statutory accounts. To be able to meet these requirements, it’s essential that you have a bookkeeping process and a reliable accounting system in place.



There’s a dazzling choice of different cloud-based accounting platforms aimed at the ambitious startup owner. Xero, QuickBooks, MYOB and Sage are big names in this space, and all offer easy-to-use systems that make the accounting process relatively straightforward. It’s a good idea to engage an accountant, right from the start, to get the best possible accounting advice.


Register for the relevant business taxes

Tax is an unavoidable part of running any business. It’s mandatory for you to register for the relevant business taxes, and you’ll also need to factor in that a certain percentage of your startup’s profits will end up going to the tax authorities at the end of each financial year.


If you’ve opted for the limited company route, you must register for corporation tax in your home territory. Corporation tax is paid based on a percentage of your year-end profits, once reliefs and other allowances have been taken into account. Approximately a quarter of your end profits will end up being paid over in tax, so it’s imperative that you put this money away in a separate tax accounting, or ring-fence it in your accounts, so you have the money to pay the bill at year-end.

Other taxes to register for include:


  • Self-assessment income tax – although you’ll pay corporation tax on your company’s profits, directors are also taxed on their own personal earnings too. If you’re an unincorporated sole trader, this is also the way you’ll be taxed on your business profits, as your personal and business income are treated as the same thing.


  • Goods & Services Tax (GST) – GST (or VAT in the UK and Europe) is an indirect value-added tax or consumption tax for goods and services. If you sell products or services that qualify for GST/VAT, you’re responsible for collecting these taxes and paying them to the tax authority on a monthly, quarterly or annual basis.


  • Pay-as-you-earn(PAYE)/Pay-as-you-go (PAYG) – if you have employees, and your home territory operates a PAYE/PAYG system, you’ll need to make income tax deductions from your employees’ wages and pay these taxes directly to the relevant tax authority. This is all done via your regular payroll run.


Get in touch to talk through your compliance needs. We’ll help you understand which taxes apply and how you register for them.


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Reshaping Our Future

By Marcus Wolfgram • March 18, 2025
n today's rapidly evolving business landscape, technological disruption and digital transformation have become more than just buzzwords—they represent fundamental shifts in how organizations operate, compete, and deliver value. As we navigate through 2025, these forces continue to reshape industries at an unprecedented pace. Digital transformation refers to the integration of digital technology into all areas of business, fundamentally changing operations and value delivery. Meanwhile, technological disruption describes how emerging technologies can render existing business models obsolete, creating new markets and value networks. The intersection of these two phenomena is where the most significant changes occur. Companies that embrace digital transformation proactively can become disruptors themselves, while those that resist change risk becoming obsolete. Key areas where we're seeing profound impacts include: Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning : From predictive analytics to autonomous systems, AI is revolutionizing decision-making processes and automation capabilities. Cloud Computing and Edge Technologies : The shift from on-premises infrastructure to cloud-based solutions has democratized access to computing resources. Internet of Things (IoT) : Connected devices are generating unprecedented amounts of data, enabling new business models and operational efficiencies. Blockchain and Decentralized Systems : These technologies are reimagining trust mechanisms in transactions and record-keeping. For organizations looking to thrive in this environment, digital transformation isn't optional—it's imperative. The most successful companies approach transformation holistically, considering not just technology implementation but also organizational culture, talent development, and business model innovation. As we look toward the future, the pace of technological disruption shows no signs of slowing. The organizations that will succeed will be those that can adapt quickly, innovate continuously, and harness emerging technologies to create new value for their customers.

Global Tax

By Marcus Wolfgram • March 3, 2025
Navigating Global Tax Complexities: Key Considerations for Businesses As businesses expand beyond borders, managing tax obligations across multiple jurisdictions becomes increasingly complex. Global taxation is a critical area that affects profitability, compliance, and operational efficiency. Understanding the key considerations for global taxation can help businesses minimize risks and optimize their tax strategies. 1. Understanding International Tax Frameworks Different countries have distinct tax laws that impact cross-border transactions. Businesses need to familiarize themselves with key international tax frameworks such as the OECD’s Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) initiative, transfer pricing regulations, and double taxation agreements (DTAs) that mitigate tax liabilities across multiple countries. 2. Corporate Tax Rates and Structures Each country imposes its own corporate tax rate, ranging from low-tax jurisdictions like Ireland (12.5%) to higher-tax countries such as France (26.5%). Multinational companies must evaluate the impact of these rates on profitability and consider tax-efficient structuring to optimize their liabilities. 3. Transfer Pricing Compliance Transfer pricing rules ensure that transactions between related entities are conducted at arm’s length prices. Non-compliance can lead to significant penalties. Companies operating in multiple jurisdictions must maintain proper documentation to justify pricing methodologies and avoid disputes with tax authorities. 4. Permanent Establishment (PE) Risks Establishing a presence in a foreign country may trigger a Permanent Establishment (PE), subjecting a business to local tax obligations. It is crucial to assess whether business activities in a jurisdiction create a taxable presence and structure operations accordingly to manage tax exposure. 5. Value-Added Tax (VAT) and Goods & Services Tax (GST) Many countries impose indirect taxes such as VAT or GST on goods and services. Businesses must navigate varying VAT/GST registration thresholds, reporting obligations, and input tax credit mechanisms to ensure compliance and avoid financial penalties.

Cash is King

By Marcus Wolfgram • November 17, 2024
Mastering Cash Flow: The Lifeblood of Your Business Cash flow isn’t just an accounting term—it's the heartbeat of your business. Whether you're a startup or a growing enterprise, managing cash flow effectively can make or break your success. Here are a few key strategies to ensure healthy cash flow: Understand Your Cash Flow Cycle: Know when money comes in and goes out. Having a clear picture of your inflows and outflows helps you predict potential gaps and avoid surprises. Prioritize Your Receivables: Timely collections are crucial. Set clear terms and follow up with customers promptly. A solid receivables process can significantly improve cash flow. Cut Unnecessary Expenses: Regularly review your spending. Are there areas you can streamline or eliminate? Every dollar saved adds to your cash reserves. Build a Cash Cushion: It's always wise to keep a buffer for unexpected expenses. Having this cushion can help you ride out lean months. Monitor, Adjust, and Plan Ahead: Cash flow isn’t static. Keep a close eye on it, adjust your strategies when needed, and plan ahead for both growth and downturns. A steady, positive cash flow allows you to reinvest in your business, pay bills on time, and scale with confidence.