How One Business Missed Out on £28,000 in Tax Savings — And What You Can Learn From It
At Holden Associates, we work closely with established UK businesses to uncover hidden tax-saving opportunities. In one recent case, we prepared a detailed tax diagnostic report for a client who disengaged before we could review it with them.
The outcome? They walked away from over £28,000 in potential tax savings.
This was a missed opportunity that didn’t need to happen.
What Was Missed?
Our report included more than 20 tailored recommendations, including:
- £7,100 in childcare support savings
- £3,692 from tax-free staff lunches
- £980 in employee parking savings
- £710 from business travel claims
- Tax-deductible pensions, company car benefits, staff incentives, electric vehicle charging relief, and much more
These weren’t generic tips. They were specific, actionable insights designed to help the client extract value from their business in the most tax-efficient way possible.
They never acted on them.
Could You Be Missing Out Too?
If you’re an established business owner, here are 10 common areas where we consistently find untapped savings:
1. Tax-Efficient Profit Extraction
From salary and dividends to company loans and rental arrangements, getting the mix right can reduce both personal and corporate tax bills.
2. Staff Benefits That Save Money
Employee perks like private medical insurance, cycle-to-work schemes, and pension contributions can be fully deductible and highly valued.
3. Business-Paid Pensions
Company contributions to pensions avoid national insurance and reduce your corporation tax bill. A win-win.
4. Trivial Benefits
Small gifts under £50? Tax-free. Directors and employed spouses can receive up to £300 per year each.
5. Relevant Life Policies
A highly tax-efficient life cover option that also reduces inheritance tax exposure.
6. Electric Vehicles
Company electric cars are still taxed at incredibly low rates. Add tax-free charging at work and you’re maximising value.
7. Share Incentives
EMI schemes and growth shares help retain staff and align performance with business success.
8. Capital Allowances
From tech to office fittings, 100% tax relief is available under “full expensing” rules.
9. Restructuring for Efficiency
Holding companies, group VAT registration, and asset separation can all lead to significant long-term savings.
10. Compliance vs Optimisation
Just filing on time isn’t enough. Proactive tax planning makes the difference between surviving and thriving.
The Lesson?
Engaged clients get better results. When you work with us collaboratively, we uncover tax opportunities others often miss.
If your accountant isn’t talking to you about:
- Staff incentive schemes
- Company electric vehicle strategies
- Dividend vs salary optimisation
- Capital investment timing
Then you could be missing out on thousands in reliefs.
Let’s make sure you’re not leaving money on the table.
Book a Tax Planning Review Today
Discover how Holden Associates can help your business operate smarter, save more, and grow with confidence.
