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Specialist Accountants for Architects
Tax & Accounting for Architects
We help architects manage complex project accounting, VAT, and tax compliance with ease. Our tailored advice ensures your practice stays profitable and future-ready
Get Professional Help Accountants for Architects
Preparing Accounts for RIBA Architects
Preparing accounts for RIBA architects requires specialist knowledge. We assist practices in meeting compliance, handling VAT, and presenting accurate financial statements for RIBA and regulatory needs. Our services include project accounting, cash flow planning, tax returns, and business structuring. At Tax Accountant, we ensure architects save time, stay compliant, and focus on delivering outstanding design projects.
Claiming Allowable Expenses for Architects
Claiming allowable expenses is vital for architects to reduce tax bills and maximise profit. Costs such as software, travel, training, and professional fees can be deducted if recorded correctly. Many practices lose money by overlooking smaller recurring costs. At Tax Accountant, we help architects identify, track, and claim every eligible expense. Our services ensure compliance, accurate reporting, and stronger cash flow for architectural practices.
Do you need help with your Tax Return Filling?
Schedule a free 30‑minute consultation to discuss your personal tax compliance.
Whether you need help with simple tax returns or complex issues, we’ve designed our service to ensure you feel supported, informed, and in control every step of the way.
Get expert tax advice without visiting an office. Our virtual consultations can review, plan, and resolve your tax matters.
Book a consultation with a tax expert to identify any issues and receive the most effective strategy for future compliance.
Appointments can be scheduled online, by phone, or in person with a tax advisor. Contact our office to discuss your needs and next steps.
The values we live by
Honesty guides everything we do. We believe in transparent advice, accurate reporting, and doing what’s right for our clients every time.
We live and breathe tax. Our expert team delivers up-to-date, accurate advice so clients stay compliant, efficient, and ahead of the curve.
Every client matters. We take time to listen, understand your needs, and deliver personalised tax solutions with care and attention to detail.
OUR SERVICES
Our Practice Areas
We are a team of specialist tax advisors who are delivering expert guidance on tax compliance, international tax, HMRC investigations, business structuring, capital gains, inheritance tax, corporation tax and self assessment services.
We know personal taxes can be overwhelming. With us, your returns are accurate, on time, and tailored to your unique life.
We know running a business is hard enough. Let us handle your business taxes so you can focus on growth with confidence.
We know smart planning makes a difference. Our tax strategies help you stay compliant, save more, and plan for the future.
We know living abroad brings tax challenges. Whether in or out of the UK, we make your expat taxes smooth and stress-free
We know HMRC enquiries can be daunting. Count on us for expert support and peace of mind during your tax investigation.
We know unfair tax bills cause stress. If you disagree with HMRC, we’ll guide your tax appeal with precision and confidence.
We are leading network of qualified accountants, tax advisors and specialist business consultants in United Kingdom
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Your Questions - Our Answers
We are here to help you with any questions you may have
Why do architects need specialist accountants?
Architectural practices face specific financial challenges that are often overlooked by general accounting services. Unlike retail or consulting businesses, architects work on long-term projects with phased payments, compliance with RIBA guidelines, and expenses that do not fit neatly into traditional bookkeeping categories. Without specialisedspecialised support, it can be easy to lose track of profitability or misapply VAT rules.
A specialist accountant understands these nuances. At Tax Accountant, we help architects separate project income from practice overheads, track billable hours accurately, and ensure all tax obligations are met. We also assist with financial planning, so architects know exactly how projects impact their overall business health.
Working with the right accountant means more than avoiding penalties. It’s about gaining insight into cash flow, forecasting income, and building resilience for your practice. By having a partner who understands the architectural sector, you gain confidence in your numbers and free up time to focus on what matters most: your projects and clients.
What expenses can I claim as an architect?
Architects often miss out on tax savings because they don’t realise the full range of expenses they can claim. Allowable expenses include software subscriptions like CAD tools, professional memberships (such as RIBA fees), office supplies, travel for site visits, and specialist training. If you work from home, you may also claim a portion of household expenses such as utilities or internet.
The key is accurate record-keeping. HMRC requires proof, so keeping receipts, invoices, and digital records is essential. Small recurring costs, when added up, can make a significant difference to your tax bill.
At Tax Accountant, we review your expenses in detail and ensure every eligible cost is claimed. We also advise on less obvious deductions, such as marketing costs, equipment depreciation, and certain professional insurances. By maximising claims, we reduce taxable profit and increase cash available for reinvestment.
Claiming allowable expenses correctly isn’t just about lowering tax — it’s about keeping your practice financially healthy. With expert support, you won’t miss out on savings you’re entitled to.
Should I operate as a sole trader or a limited company?
The decision between working as a sole trader or forming a limited company has long-term consequences for architects. Sole traders pay Income Tax on profits, which is simple to manage but may result in higher tax bills as income grows. Limited companies, on the other hand, pay Corporation Tax and offer more flexibility in how profits are extracted — such as through salary, dividends, or pensions.
Liability is another consideration. Operating as a company can protect personal assets, while sole traders remain personally responsible for business debts. Many architects start as sole traders for simplicity, but switch to a company as their practice expands.
At Tax Accountant, we guide clients through the pros and cons of each structure. We assess turnover, growth plans, and risk exposure to recommend the best setup. For limited companies, we also provide ongoing tax planning to ensure profits are drawn efficiently. Making the right choice early can save significant tax and provide peace of mind. If you’re unsure which route to take, professional advice ensures your structure matches both your financial goals and your practice’s future.
How should I handle VAT on architectural services?
VAT for architects is more complex than simply charging 20% on all invoices. Different projects are treated differently. For instance, architectural work on new residential builds may qualify for zero rating, while renovations and commercial projects are usually standard-rated. If you work internationally, additional VAT rules may apply.
Incorrect VAT treatment can lead to disputes with clients or penalties from HMRC. It can also affect your cash flow if you misjudge how much VAT you owe or can reclaim.
At Tax Accountant, we help architects determine the correct VAT treatment for each project. We handle VAT registration, quarterly returns, and international VAT compliance where required. We also ensure input VAT on expenses like travel, equipment, and subcontractors is fully reclaimed.
Understanding VAT is not just about compliance — it’s about maintaining profitability and client trust. With expert advice, architects can manage VAT confidently, avoid costly errors, and keep projects running smoothly.
How can architects effectively handle fluctuating income?
Architectural income is rarely steady. Payments often come in stages, projects can be delayed, and clients may take longer than expected to settle invoices. This makes budgeting and cash flow management a constant challenge. One of the best strategies is forecasting. By mapping out expected income against fixed costs such as salaries, rent, and software, architects can plan and spot shortfalls early. Setting aside reserves during high-income months also helps smooth leaner periods.
At Tax Accountant, we provide cash flow forecasts tailored to architectural practices. We analyse historic income patterns, expected project timelines, and ongoing expenses to create realistic projections. We also advise on tax planning, so money is set aside for VAT and Income or Corporation Tax liabilities.
Managing fluctuating income isn’t just about surviving slow months — it’s about building stability. With professional support, architects can maintain steady cash flow, reduce financial stress, and focus on delivering high-quality work to clients.
Can architects claim R&D tax credits?
Yes, and many architects don’t realise it. Research and Development (R&D) tax credits are not limited to laboratories or tech companies. If your architectural practice develops innovative designs, explores new materials, or creates sustainable construction methods, you may qualify. Eligible activities include developing energy-efficient building techniques, experimenting with new design processes, or overcoming technical challenges unique to a project. These efforts often involve uncertainty and problem-solving, which are key criteria for R&D tax relief.
At Tax Accountant, we identify qualifying projects and prepare detailed claims. We ensure records meet HMRC requirements and maximise the relief available. The benefit can be significant, reducing your Corporation Tax bill or even generating a cash repayment. R&D tax credits reward innovation, and architecture is full of it. By claiming what you’re entitled to, your practice can free up resources to invest further in design and growth.
How do I handle taxes for international architectural projects?
Many architects work abroad, whether designing overseas developments or collaborating with international clients. These projects raise tax questions, such as where income is taxed and how VAT applies. Double Tax Treaties may reduce exposure, but navigating them without guidance is risky.
International projects can also trigger foreign tax registrations, depending on where the work is performed. Even if you remain UK-based, you must declare overseas income to HMRC and claim relief where applicable.
At Tax Accountant, we specialise in cross-border tax planning for architects. We review contracts, advise on VAT for international services, and ensure income is reported correctly. We also help clients claim relief under Double Tax Treaties, avoiding double taxation while staying compliant.
Handling international projects properly ensures you get paid without unexpected tax bills. With professional advice, architects can expand globally with confidence.
What records should I keep for my architectural practice?
Accurate record-keeping is essential for architects, not only for HMRC but also for RIBA and client trust. Records should include invoices issued, receipts for expenses, bank statements, project accounts, timesheets, and correspondence on major projects. Digital tools make this easier, but consistency is key. HMRC requires records to be kept for at least six years, and gaps in documentation can trigger penalties or complicate tax investigations.
At Tax Accountant, we set up bookkeeping systems that integrate with architectural workflows. We ensure expenses are tracked, VAT is recorded correctly, and financial data is always ready for tax returns or client reporting. Keeping good records isn’t just about compliance — it provides the data needed for profitability analysis, forecasting, and valuations. For architects, clear records mean stronger financial control and less stress at year-end.
What tax-efficient ways are there to extract profits from my architectural practice?
For sole traders, profits are taxed directly under Income Tax. For limited companies, however, there are several options to withdraw profits in a tax-efficient way. The most common strategies are taking a combination of salary and dividends, making pension contributions, or reinvesting profits for future growth. Each method has tax implications. Dividends are taxed differently from salary, while pension contributions can provide significant relief. Reinvestment may reduce current withdrawals but builds long-term value.
At Tax Accountant, we tailor profit extraction strategies for architects. We balance your personal financial needs with the practice’s cash flow and tax position. This ensures you take home more while keeping the business stable. Extracting profits wisely is not just about saving tax today. It’s about aligning with your long-term goals, whether that means expansion, retirement, or securing financial independence.
How do I manage taxes for long-term architectural projects?
Long-term projects often span multiple years, with income received in phases. This makes tax planning more complicated, as revenue and expenses may not fall neatly into one accounting period. Without careful planning, architects risk mismatched income and costs, leading to distorted profit figures and higher tax bills.
One solution is project-based accounting, where costs and income are matched to the relevant project. Another is forecasting tax liabilities across the project timeline to ensure reserves are available when needed. At Tax Accountant, we specialise in handling long-term projects for architects. We align income with expenses, prepare accurate accounts, and manage VAT treatment over the project’s duration. This avoids sudden spikes in taxable profit and keeps cash flow predictable. By planning, architects can manage long projects smoothly, reduce surprises, and maintain profitability throughout.