Supporting Northern Ireland Businesses
Looking for quick answers about LC Accountancy Services? Our FAQ page covers everything in one place—from the areas we serve across Northern Ireland and the kinds of clients we specialise in (SMEs, sole traders, charities and social enterprises) to the fully cloud-based services we offer, such as bookkeeping, payroll, VAT returns, management accounts and strategic financial advice. You’ll find details on our free video or phone consultations, transparent fixed-fee pricing, and founder Laureen Cuckson’s 15 years of big-company finance experience. We also explain how we handle SORP-compliant charity reporting, work seamlessly with Xero and QuickBooks, translate the numbers into plain English, and help you cut your tax bill by tracking every allowable expense in real time.
Why Choose LC Accountancy
LC Accountancy – Frequently Asked Questions
Which areas do you cover?
LC Accountancy is based in Ballymena and works with clients across Northern Ireland—including Galgorm, Ahoghill, Cullybackey, Broughshane, Kells and Belfast—so you get truly local knowledge wherever you’re trading.
What types of organisations do you work with?
We specialise in SMEs, sole traders, charities and social enterprises, tailoring our processes to fit everything from a one-person consultancy to a multi-site not-for-profit.
Which services can you handle for me?
• Cloud-based bookkeeping • Self-Assessment tax returns • Payroll & VAT submissions • Management accounts & cash-flow forecasting • Strategic financial advice. You can choose a single service or bundle several into an affordable monthly package.
Do you offer a free consultation?
Yes—book a complimentary video or phone call and we’ll map out exactly what you need before any fees are agreed.
How are your fees structured?
Every quote is fixed-fee and customised to your workload, so you’ll never be surprised by an hourly bill. Most clients opt for a flexible monthly retainer.
What experience do you have?
Founder Laureen Cuckson is a former Finance Manager with 15 years’ experience at Hendersons, Arcadia Group and GM Marketing, plus extensive work in the charity sector—bringing big-company expertise to your business.
Can you support charities and social enterprises with SORP compliance?
Absolutely—our charity clients rely on us for fund-reporting, restricted-income tracking and SORP-compliant accounts, all explained in plain English.
Which cloud accounting software do you use?
We work in Xero, QuickBooks and other HMRC-recognised packages—keeping your records fully digital and Making Tax Digital ready.
Will you explain the numbers in plain language?
Yes. “No jargon, no stress” is one of our core promises—so you’ll always understand what the figures mean and what action to take.
How do you help reduce my tax bill?
By tracking every allowable expense in real time, maximising reliefs and filing on time, we typically increase clients’ cash-in-hand while keeping them 100 % compliant with HMRC.
Do you offer bookkeeping services in Ballymena?
Yes I provide cloud-based bookkeeping support to clients across Ballymena, including Galgorm, Harryville, and Broughshane. Whether you’re a sole trader or a small business, I’ll help keep your records accurate, your cashflow healthy, and your financial admin stress-free.
Can you help my business with VAT returns in Ballymena?
Absolutely. I manage VAT returns for businesses throughout Ballymena, making sure your records are compliant and submissions are made on time. From quarterly returns to ongoing VAT advice, I’ll keep you up to date and help you avoid unnecessary penalties.
Do you handle self-assessment tax returns for Ballymena clients?
Yes, I support sole traders, landlords, and freelancers in Ballymena with their self-assessment tax returns. I’ll prepare and file your return, explain everything in clear terms, and help you claim any eligible expenses to reduce your tax bill.
Do I need an “XI” VAT number to trade goods between Northern Ireland and the EU?
Yes. Alongside your existing GB VAT registration you must quote an XI-prefix VAT number on invoices for goods moving between Northern Ireland and any EU member state. HMRC usually issues it automatically once you record an EU dispatch; contact the VAT Helpline if it hasn’t arrived before you ship.
How has the Windsor Framework changed VAT rules for NI businesses?
The 2024 Windsor Framework introduced a “green lane” for trusted traders, so most retail goods coming GB → NI no longer need extra EU VAT declarations. You still keep digital VAT records, file Intrastat, and charge UK VAT on GB-NI supplies, but many “at-risk” goods checks have been removed.
When will Making Tax Digital for Income Tax hit sole traders and landlords in NI?
If your combined business or property income is over £50,000 you join MTD ITSA on 6 April 2026; £30k–£50k starts 6 April 2027. Below £30k has no date yet. You’ll keep digital records and send quarterly updates through HMRC-approved software.
What is the Internal Market Scheme (formerly UK Trader Scheme) — and do I need it?
Join the scheme if you move goods into NI from Great Britain only for final use in NI/GB. Declaring items “not at risk” lets you avoid EU customs duty. Apply through your Government Gateway; approval usually takes 5–10 working days.
Which government grants are open to Northern Ireland start-ups in 2025?
Key programmes: **Invest NI Business Innovation Grant** (up to £50k), Go Succeed micro-grants (50 % of costs up to £3k) and Ambition to Grow (up to £45k for export-focused SMEs). All demand clean cloud-based accounts and cash-flow forecasts.
How can an NI company claim R&D tax relief under the 2024 ERIS rules?
From 1 April 2024 the SME and RDEC schemes merged. Loss-making NI SMEs spending 30 %+ of total costs on qualifying R&D can claim Enhanced R&D Intensive Support (ERIS) worth up to 27 p per £1. File the new “additional information” form before submitting your CT600.
What payroll updates do I need for the April 2025 National Living Wage rise?
From 1 April 2025: NLW (21+) £12.21; 18–20 rate £10.00; under-18 and apprentices £7.55. Update payroll software, director pay and any salary-sacrifice agreements before the first April run to avoid penalties.
Do NI-registered limited companies still file accounts with Companies House?
Yes — every UK company, including those incorporated in Belfast, must file statutory accounts and a confirmation statement with Companies House. Private companies have nine months after year-end to file; late penalties are identical across the UK.
What are the Charity Commission NI filing deadlines?
Registered NI charities must upload accounts, trustees’ report and a monitoring return within 10 months of their financial year-end (e.g. year-end 31 March → due 31 January).
What mileage rate can I claim in 2025?
HMRC’s Approved Mileage Allowance Payments stay at 45 p per mile for the first 10,000 business miles in cars/vans (25 p thereafter), 24 p for motorcycles and 20 p for bicycles. Claim any shortfall between these rates and what your employer pays via Self Assessment.
When must my NI business register for VAT?
You must register when your rolling 12-month taxable turnover exceeds £90,000, or if you expect to pass £90k in the next 30 days. The same £90k threshold applies to goods you acquire from the EU into NI. Voluntary registration below that level is allowed.
How should I prepare for an HMRC VAT inspection?
HMRC usually gives 7 days’ notice. Make sure your digital VAT records, sales and purchase invoices, bank feeds, and any flat-rate or margin-scheme calculations are tidy and accessible. Consider a pre-visit health-check so errors can be corrected on form VAT652 beforehand.
What bookkeeping records must sole traders keep, and for how long?
Keep invoices, receipts, bank statements and mileage logs for six years. Digital copies are fine if they’re legible and safely backed up. Under MTD you’ll also need transaction-level data stored in compatible software.
What are the Self-Assessment deadlines and penalties for the 2024-25 return?
Register by 5 October 2025 if it’s your first return. Paper filing deadline 31 October 2025; online filing and tax payment 31 January 2026. A £100 late-filing penalty applies immediately, rising after three, six and twelve months, plus interest on late tax.
How do I switch accountants in Northern Ireland without disrupting my business?
Choose your new accountant first; we’ll send a professional-clearance request to your previous firm and obtain ledgers, tax references and payroll data. Sign our engagement letter and HMRC 64-8 authorisation. Most handovers complete within two weeks with no loss of HMRC access.
I live in NI but work in the Republic — where do I pay tax?
Your Irish employer deducts Irish PAYE first. You then file a UK Self Assessment return declaring the income; HMRC gives credit for the Irish tax already paid. You may owe a top-up if UK tax on the income is higher than the Irish deductions.