UNITED KINGDOM

Meru Accounting specializes in outsourced accounting and bookkeeping services, tailored for the UK market. Our team of experts is proficient in UK financial regulations and adept with leading accounting software used in the region. We offer comprehensive financial management solutions to simplify your business operations and ensure compliance.

1.Value Added Tax (VAT):

Value Added Tax, commonly referred to as VAT, is a type of consumption tax imposed on the incremental value contributed to goods and services throughout their production or distribution processes. With the standard rate of 20%, with reduced rates of 5% and 0% on certain goods, products and services.

2.Customs Duty:

Customs duties  are taxes imposed on goods imported into the UK from outside the European Union. The UK established its own customs regime.

3.Excise Duties:

 Excise duties are indirect taxes levied on specific goods,  those considered harmful or non-essential needs. It is imposed to regulate and discourage the use of smoking, alcoholic drinks, tobaccos etc.

4.Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT): 

It is a tax which is levied on property transactions, which has to be payable by the buyer, with rates varying based on the value and location of property.

5.Fuel Duty:

 Taxes imposed on fuels like petrol and diesel, It is mainly imposed to discourage excessive usage of  fuel consumption and promote environmental sustainability and control pollution.

There are several popular software options used for bookkeeping and accounting by businesses of all sizes. Some of the widely used ones across UK are listed below:

1.Xero: 

Small and medium-sized enterprises widely prefer this cloud-based accounting software due to its extensive array of features and capabilities. It includes capabilities like invoicing, bank account reconciliation, expense management, and detailed financial reporting.

2.Free Agent:

It is tailored for freelancers, contractors, and small businesses. Provides various tools for effective record keeping and accounting.

3.QuickBooks Online:

It is another cloud-based accounting solution suitable for small businesses. It provides various tools for invoicing, expense tracking, payroll management, and tax preparation.

4.KashFlow:

It is aimed and feasible for small businesses because of its offers and features such as invoicing, payroll, VAT management, and reporting.

5.Wave:

 This no-cost accounting software is designed for freelancers, consultants, and small businesses, offering essential tools such as invoicing, expense monitoring, and foundational accounting reports.

The British Pound Sterling serves as the official currency of the United Kingdom. Commonly referred to as the POUND. It is represented with a “£” symbol, often abbreviated as GBP. When maintaining financial records for UK-based entities, transactions are recorded in pounds sterling. It's essential for accountants and bookkeepers to accurately reflect currency exchanges, if applicable, and to ensure compliance with UK accounting standards and regulations, such as those set by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) and the Financial Reporting Council (FRC).

For accounting and bookkeeping, the primary language spoken in the United Kingdom is English. This linguistic uniformity is crucial for effective communication and comprehension in financial reporting, as it ensures clarity in documentation, financial statements, and correspondence. English is used extensively in preparing financial reports, conducting audits, communicating with stakeholders, and complying with regulatory requirements. 

In the United Kingdom, audit requirements are primarily governed and monitored by the Companies Act 2006 and related regulations issued by the Financial Reporting Council (FRC).

1.Mandatory Audits: 

Under all companies incorporated  and set up in the UK are generally required to have their own annual financial statements audited after they meet some certain exemptions.

2.Financial Reporting Standards:

Audits in the UK are generally conducted in accordance with some kind of applicable financial reporting standards, such as UK GAAP which is dependent on the size and nature of the company.

3.Audit Report: 

After the completion of the audit once,the auditor issues an audit report expressing an opinion on whether the financial statements are fair or not.

4.Group Audits:

Companies that are part of a group structure may be subject to group audit requirements, the financial statements of the group as a whole are audited along with those of individual subsidiaries.

5.Public Companies:

Public companies in the UK are required to undergo an annual audit of their financial statements, which aims at providing assurance to shareholders and the public regarding the reliability of the company's financial reporting.

6.Charities and Not-for-profit Organizations:

Charities and not-for-profit organizations in the UK may have specific audit requirements depending on their income and funding source.

In the UK, payroll processes are governed by specific regulations and standards which are set by HM Revenue and Customs.

1.PAYE (Pay As You Earn):

Employers are required to deduct income tax and National Insurance contributions  from employees earnings before paying them. Which ensures that taxes are collected from employees' paychecks throughout the year.

2.National Insurance Contributions (NICs):

They  are contributions paid by employees and employers to fund various state benefits, including the state pension, statutory sick pay, and maternity pay.

3.Real-Time Information (RTI):

Employers are required to submit payroll information to HMRC electronically every time they pay their employees,it includes details such as earnings, deductions, and taxes withheld.

4.Auto Enrolment:

Eligible employees in a workplace pension scheme can make contributions to their pension savings. This requirement aims to ensure that more people are saving for retirement.

5.Payslips:

Employers must provide employees with detailed payslips that show earnings, deductions, and any other relevant information. This allows transparency.

6.Software and Tools:

Many employers use payroll software or outsourcing services to manage  and monitor their payroll processes efficiently. 

Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)

Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) represent the standard framework of guidelines governing financial accounting practices.

In the UK, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) is a term more commonly associated with accounting standards than in the United States.

1.Financial Reporting Standards: 

This is the main accounting standard employed for financial reporting in the UK, defining the guidelines for the preparation and presentation of financial statements. It details the outlines for the preparation and presentation of financial reports.

2.International Financial Reporting Standards: 

Not mandatory for all UK entities, many larger companies listed on stock exchanges may choose to adopt IFRS, which are developed and issued by the International Accounting Standards Board.

3.Statement of Recommended Practice:

Charities in the UK follow some accounting standards in the Charities SORP, it provides guidance on financial reporting for charitable organizations.

4.Financial Reporting Standard for Smaller Entities:

It allows them to prepare and present financial statements with less complex tools.

5.Financial Reporting Council:

A regulatory body for setting accounting standards and promoting good corporate governance and financial reporting in the UK.

Meru Accounting offers a full range of financial services designed to meet the varied requirements of businesses throughout the United Kingdom. We specialize in managing complex tax regimes such as VAT, Customs Duties, and Excise Duties, ensuring strict compliance and strategic financial planning. 

Our precise payroll management adheres to PAYE and National Insurance Contributions guidelines, prioritizing both regulatory compliance and employee welfare. With a commitment to excellence in GAAP and UK financial reporting standards, Meru Accounting supports businesses in achieving financial clarity and sustainable growth.