Accountants for Dentists in Alresford: Specialist Tax and Accounting Support for Dental Professionals

There is no rule that says a self-employed dentist must appoint an accountant, but many choose to because of the number of moving parts involved. If you work as a self-employed associate, you will usually report your income through Self Assessment, keep records of practice-related costs and be able to show how the figures were calculated if HMRC asks. Where you work across several practices, or combine associate income with other earnings, an accountant can help keep the records consistent and make sure the numbers on your return tie back to the underlying paperwork. Whether that support is worthwhile depends on how complex your circumstances are.

NHS contract payments and private fees usually arrive in different ways and on different schedules, so it helps to keep them visible as separate income streams in your records. That makes it easier to monitor performance, spot changes in either side of the business and answer questions from HMRC or a lender without unpicking a single merged figure. How the income is taxed generally follows how it is earned and the structure you trade through, so the treatment can differ between a sole trader, a partnership and a limited company. We can review how your income is currently recorded and suggest a clearer approach where needed.

Yes. It is common for dentists to hold more than one source of income, for example associate income plus a share of practice profits, rental income from a property, or dividends from a company. Each source may need to be reported separately, and the interaction between them can affect the overall tax position. We gather the information for each stream, prepare the return and explain how the figures have been arrived at, so the result is not simply a black box. If your circumstances change during the year, it is worth telling us early so the reporting can be adjusted.

For practice owners, the work usually goes beyond personal tax. It can include annual accounts, Corporation Tax where the practice trades as a limited company, payroll for employed staff, VAT where applicable, and monitoring of cash flow against fixed running costs such as premises, equipment finance and materials. Profit extraction and how drawings or dividends are handled often form part of the conversation too. The exact mix depends on your structure, the size of the practice and whether you hold an NHS contract, so we scope the work around what you actually need.

The right structure depends on your circumstances, including how many people are involved, how profits are shared, how you want to be paid and what you plan for the future. A limited company, a partnership and a sole trader arrangement each carry different reporting obligations and different tax considerations, and the balance can shift as a practice grows or takes on new associates. Rather than recommending a structure in isolation, we explain the implications of each option and how they would apply to your situation, so you can make an informed decision with your wider plans in mind.

VAT registration depends on your turnover and the nature of the services you provide, and the position is not identical for every practice. Some dental treatments may be exempt from VAT while others, such as certain cosmetic or non-clinical services, may be treated differently depending on the circumstances. Because the rules turn on the specifics of what is provided and to whom, it is worth reviewing your service list rather than assuming a general answer applies. We can look at what your practice offers and explain how VAT is likely to affect your pricing and record keeping.

Yes. Practice payroll often includes a mix of roles, such as nurses, hygienists, receptionists and practice managers, and each may have different pay arrangements, hours or pension obligations. We can handle the routine calculations, payslips and reporting to HMRC, and keep the payroll records aligned with the figures used in your annual accounts. Where associates are engaged on a self-employed basis rather than as employees, that distinction matters, and we can help you keep the treatment of each arrangement consistent.

To begin, it helps to have your most recent accounts or tax return, details of your income sources, records of business costs and any correspondence from HMRC you are unsure about. If you are moving from another accountant, we can usually take care of the handover, including requesting the professional clearance and information needed to pick up your records properly. You do not need everything perfectly organised before getting in touch; part of the process is working out what is missing and putting a sensible system in place.