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Tax Secrets Every UK Dropshipper Needs to Know With Joseph Cox (Episode 84)

Tax Secrets Every UK Dropshipper Needs to Know With Joseph Cox (Episode 84)

August 19, 20248 min read
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🗣Hosts Lewis Smith and James Eardley welcome Joseph Cox, Founder & Managing Partner of Ecommerce Accountants. Joseph shares his expertise on the crucial tax secrets every UK dropshipper needs to know.

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Links and Resources Mentioned:

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Key Takeaways:

★ Specialised Knowledge: Ecommerce businesses have unique needs that require specialised accounting knowledge. Finding accountants with ecommerce expertise can help navigate complex financial challenges.

★ Financial Best Practices: Effective cash flow management and regular financial reviews are critical.

Use financial data to make strategic business decisions and ensure long-term success.

★ Compliance and Avoiding Mistakes: Stay aware of filing deadlines and requirements to avoid penalties. Common mistakes in tax compliance can be costly; seek professional advice to avoid them.

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Learn More:

 ➡️ When people are ready to create time and financial freedom for themselves, they visit - https://www.dropshipunlocked.com/free?el=blog-84-ecom-accounting-with-joe-cox

 ➡️ Subscribe to The Dropship Unlocked Podcast to stay up-to-date on the latest episodes, and leave a like to help others discover the show.

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Topics Discussed:

In the "Tax Secrets Every UK Dropshipper Needs to Know" episode 84 of the Dropship Unlocked Podcast, Joseph Cox, the founder and managing partner of e-commerce accountants LLP, shares valuable insights into tax and accounting for UK-based dropshippers. He discusses the importance of being aware of various taxes, including income tax, National Insurance, corporation tax, and VAT. Cox advises against registering a limited company right away for tax advantages and instead focuses on building a profitable business first. He also explains the tax implications for sole traders, such as combined income tax and National Insurance rates, and the benefits of offsetting business losses against other income. Cox emphasises the importance of managing cash flow, keeping accurate financial records, and considering tax implications when making business decisions. He also discusses the importance of working with an accountant specialising in e-commerce and the benefits of joining the Dropship Unlocked masterclass for step-by-step guidance and personalised advice.

  • 00:00:00 In this section, Joe Cox, the founder and managing partner of e-commerce accountants LLP, shares crucial insights into tax and accounting for Shopify Drop Shipping business owners in the UK. With extensive experience in e-commerce tax and accounting, Cox's firm is known for helping online businesses navigate complex financial management. For beginners, it's essential to be aware of various taxes, including income tax or National Insurance for individuals, corporation tax for companies, and VAT. Cox advises against registering a limited company right away for tax advantages, as the benefits are minimal these days. Instead, focus on building a profitable business before considering legal entity structures.

  • 00:05:00 In this section, Joseph Cox discusses the tax implications for UK-based dropshippers who choose to start as sole traders instead of incorporating their business from the outset. As a sole trader, a person's income, including their income from a full-time job, is combined for tax purposes. The income is taxed under income tax and National Insurance, with tax rates at 20% for income up to £40,000-£50,000 and 40% for income above that threshold. The National Insurance rate is around 9%. It's important to note that income gets combined, meaning the more income earned from a day job, the higher the tax on the income generated from the dropshipping business. Cox advises focusing on starting the business first and worrying about tax efficiency later. The tax year in the UK runs from April 6th to April 5th the following year, and the earliest a sole trader can file their tax return is 9 months after the tax year ends. One benefit of trading as a sole trader is the ability to offset business losses against taxable income from a full-time job. However, it's essential to consult an accountant for tax advice.

  • 00:10:00 In this section, specifically those who are sole traders. He explains that if a dropshipper makes a loss in the first year, those losses can be offset against other income. Regarding the timeline for registering a business and filing taxes, Cox notes that it's not necessary to wait a full 12 months before getting an accountant or completing the first return. Instead, one can start trading at any point in the tax year and have until April to file the first return. He also mentions the upcoming legislation called "making tax digital for income tax and self assessment," which encourages aligning everything and not taking the old approach. Cox shares his background in e-commerce, having started an online business himself and later founding an accounting firm specialising in e-commerce entrepreneurs due to the lack of such services at the time. He emphasises the importance of outsourcing accounting tasks for business owners and how his personal experience running an e-commerce business has significantly helped him in his accountancy practice.

  • 00:15:00 In this section, Joseph Cox shares his experiences as a young entrepreneur in the dropshipping industry and the importance of taking young business owners seriously. He also discusses the need for e-commerce business owners to understand the unique reporting requirements of various platforms and the benefits of working with an accountant specialising in e-commerce. Cox emphasises the importance of accounting for VAT (Value-Added Tax) in financial management and making a profit from the start. He concludes by reminding business owners that their accountant's role is to help manage financial records, not to ensure profitability.

  • 00:20:00 In this section, Joseph Cox discusses the importance of managing cash flow and keeping accurate financial records for a dropshipping business. He suggests starting with Shopify reports and keeping a spreadsheet until the business is more established, and then considering software tools like QuickBooks or Zero. Cox also recommends setting aside a percentage of revenue for profit, marketing, and operating expenses based on the business owner's risk tolerance and financial goals. He emphasises the importance of bookkeeping and accounting for compliance, but also the need for advisory services to help businesses run more effectively.

  • 00:25:00 In this section, Joe Cox discusses the taxes that business owners with a limited company in the UK need to be aware of. Business owners pay corporation tax on their profits, which ranges from 19% to 25%. They can then pay dividends from the remaining profits, which are taxed at different rates for income tax. The decision of whether to run a company or be a sole trader is usually tax-neutral, but the main benefit of being a company is the ability to reinvest profits without being taxed again. Business owners can also choose when to pay tax by deciding how much to withdraw and how much to reinvest. Some ways to reinvest profits tax-efficiently include purchasing business equipment or passing certain expenses as business-related. It's essential to plan ahead and discuss tax strategies with a professional before the year end.

  • 00:30:00 In this section, Joseph Cox discusses the importance of considering tax implications when making business decisions, particularly those affecting expenditures that may occur in the upcoming months. He also explains that for individuals, the UK tax year ends on the 5th of April, and a self-assessment tax return must be submitted and paid by January each year. For companies, there is a requirement to file accounts with Company's House and a tax return with HMRC every 12 months, along with a confirmation statement. The process involves completing bookkeeping, sending statements to the accountant, and ensuring financial stats are correct before submission. To make a payment to HMRC, individuals are given a link to the HMRC website with clear instructions on how to pay. The requirements for sole traders or individuals are similar to those for companies, with the submission of an annual tax return. There is no specific tax advantage to having only a racehorse, but they are considered wasting assets, meaning capital gains tax is not payable when they are sold.

  • 00:35:00 In this section, Joe from e-commerce accountant LLP discusses tax-exempt items such as racehorses and the onboarding process for working with his company. He explains that racehorses are tax-exempt due to their short lifespan and the fact that their value can decrease rapidly. To work with e-commerce accountant LLP, potential clients first have a discovery call to determine if the company can help and when it would be necessary to get an accountant. After this call, a proposal is sent outlining costs, and the onboarding process begins. Joe emphasises that his company does not pressure sales and instead provides valuable advice. The episode covers important tax obligations for UK e-commerce business owners and offers practical advice for managing finances.

  • 00:40:00 In this section, Joseph Cox discusses the benefits of joining the Dropship Unlocked masterclass. The program offers step-by-step video modules, a supportive community, and access to proven strategies used by successful e-commerce business owners. The six-week framework provides a structured plan, and members have direct access to coaching calls for personalised advice and accountability. By investing in the masterclass, dropshippers can fast-track their success, learn from others' mistakes, and build a sustainable business.

  • 00:45:00 In this section, the hosts express their gratitude to their listeners for tuning in and leaving positive reviews. They promise to acknowledge five-star reviews in upcoming episodes and look forward to sharing more insights on tax-related matters specific to UK dropshippers in their next episode.

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