Corporate tax is charged on company profits at rates of 19% (small profits rate) or 25% (main rate) for companies with profits over £50,000. It affects cash flow, business planning decisions, and investment strategies. Professional corporate tax advice ensures compliance, optimises tax efficiency, and helps with strategic business planning to minimise legitimate tax liability.

Legal ways to reduce corporation tax include: claiming all allowable business expenses, utilising capital allowances for equipment purchases, maximising R&D tax credits, strategic timing of income and expenses, pension contributions for directors, optimal salary/dividend strategies, and utilising available reliefs like entrepreneurs' relief. All strategies must comply with corporate tax rules.

R&D tax credits provide tax relief for companies investing in research and development. Small/medium companies can claim 230% deduction on qualifying costs, while large companies get 130%. You can claim for developing new products, processes, or services. Professional advice ensures maximum claims and compliance with HMRC's strict criteria for qualifying activities.

HMRC corporate tax investigations examine your company's tax affairs, records, and compliance. They can result in additional tax assessments, penalties, and business disruption. Professional representation protects your company's interests, ensures proper procedures are followed, manages communications with HMRC, and works towards the best possible outcome for your business.

Corporate tax planning for business transactions includes structuring acquisitions and disposals tax-efficiently, utilising available reliefs like substantial shareholding exemption, managing timing of transactions, considering VAT implications, and planning for post-transaction integration. Professional advice can save significant amounts and ensure optimal transaction structures.

UK companies must file corporation tax returns within 12 months of accounting period end, pay corporation tax 9 months after period end, maintain adequate accounting records, comply with transfer pricing rules for international transactions, and meet various disclosure requirements. Late filing and payment result in penalties and interest charges.

Yes, corporate tax planning is essential for business restructuring to ensure tax efficiency. This includes utilising incorporation reliefs, demerger provisions, reconstruction reliefs, and strategic use of losses. Professional planning can achieve commercial objectives while minimising tax costs and ensuring compliance with anti-avoidance rules.