Ward Goodman

Ward Goodman At Ward Goodman, we are dedicated to guiding individuals, businesses, and charities across Dorset towards financial clarity and growth.

Our team of accountants and financial planners offers integrated financial and business advisory services. Ferndown office: 4 Cedar Park, Cobham Road, Ferndown Industrial Estate, Wimborne, BH21 7SF
Phone:+44 (0)1202 875 900
Fax:+44 (0)1202 876 288

Shaftsbury office: First Floor, 34 High St, Shaftesbury, Dorset SP7 8JG
Phone:+44 (0)1747 835 435

Wareham office:18 West Street, Wareham, Dorset, BH2

0 4JX
Phone: +44 (0)1929 551 551

Wimborne office: 22A W Borough, Town Centre, Wimborne Minster BH21 1NF
Phone:+44 (0)1202 849 731

Do You Need to Charge VAT on Deposits?Not all deposits are treated the same for VAT purposes - and getting it wrong coul...
03/06/2026

Do You Need to Charge VAT on Deposits?

Not all deposits are treated the same for VAT purposes - and getting it wrong could affect your VAT return.

Key points businesses should know:

• Refundable security deposits are usually not subject to VAT.
• Non-returnable deposits or advance payments for goods/services are normally VATable.
• If a sale falls through, the VAT treatment depends on whether the deposit is retained or refunded.

Understanding the difference between a security deposit and an advance payment is essential to staying compliant and avoiding costly mistakes.

At Ward Goodman. we help businesses navigate VAT rules with clear, practical advice.

Contact us today on 01202 875 900
Visit: www.wardgoodman.co.uk/contact

Thinking of putting your Airbnb into a limited company? 🏡While it can offer tax planning opportunities and long-term fle...
01/06/2026

Thinking of putting your Airbnb into a limited company? 🏡

While it can offer tax planning opportunities and long-term flexibility, there are key considerations every host should understand - including CGT, SDLT, Corporation Tax, BiK rules, mortgage changes, and inheritance tax implications.

A company structure may work well for some property owners, but it’s not always the most tax-efficient option once dividend tax and compliance costs are considered.

Before making the move, it’s important to review your goals, projected profits, financing, and local short-let regulations.

Need guidance? Read our latest blog below and contact us today on 01202 875 900.

https://wardgoodman.co.uk/?p=28168&preview=true

The Chancellor has announced a series of temporary tax measures aimed at supporting businesses and households this summe...
28/05/2026

The Chancellor has announced a series of temporary tax measures aimed at supporting businesses and households this summer.
Key changes include:
✔️ A temporary 5% VAT rate on children’s meals and attractions
✔️ An increase in the approved mileage allowance from 45p to 55p per mile
✔️ Continued fuel duty support measures
✔️ New corporation tax rules for oil & gas foreign branches
While the VAT reductions may provide a welcome boost for the hospitality and leisure sectors, businesses will need to act quickly to update systems and ensure compliance before the changes take effect.
The increase to mileage rates, the first in over 15 years, will also be welcomed by employers and employees facing rising fuel costs.
Our latest blog breaks down the key announcements and what businesses should be considering now
https://wardgoodman.co.uk/blog/chancellor-announces-vat-cuts-for-childrens-meals-and-increase-to-mileage-rates/
For more information, contact us today on 01202 875 900 or Contact | Ward Goodman

Bank Holiday Mode: Activated! 🎉Our offices are closed today, but don’t worry… we’ll be back tomorrow, refreshed, recharg...
25/05/2026

Bank Holiday Mode: Activated! 🎉

Our offices are closed today, but don’t worry… we’ll be back tomorrow, refreshed, recharged, and ready to help as usual.

Enjoy the Bank Holiday and we’ll see you when we reopen tomorrow!

Registering for VAT later than expected? You may still be able to reclaim more than you think.If your business has recen...
22/05/2026

Registering for VAT later than expected? You may still be able to reclaim more than you think.

If your business has recently registered for Value Added Tax, you can often recover VAT on assets you already own but the rules can get more complex when the Capital Goods Scheme (CGS) applies.

Here are some key considerations:
• You may reclaim VAT on assets held at registration
• Higher-value items (like property or equipment) may fall under CGS rules
• Future changes in how assets are used can trigger VAT adjustments
• Different time periods apply depending on the type of asset

Understanding how these rules apply can make a significant difference to your cash flow and compliance.

At Ward Goodman, we can help you maximise your recovery while staying on the right side of HMRC guidance. For more information contact us today: www.wardgoodman.co.uk/contact or 01202 875 900

Selling a business is not a last minute decision - it’s a 2–5 year strategy!Whether you’re planning a trade sale or Mana...
20/05/2026

Selling a business is not a last minute decision - it’s a 2–5 year strategy!

Whether you’re planning a trade sale or Management Buy-Out (MBO), the businesses that achieve premium valuations are the ones that prepare early.

Key takeaways from our latest blog:
• Start planning your exit 2–5 years in advance
• Reduce owner-dependency to increase buyer confidence
• Get your financials clean, compliant, and “buyer-ready”
• Strengthen systems and document processes
• Build a compelling future growth story - not just past performance

For UK business owners, early planning also helps optimise tax efficiency and navigate HMRC requirements such as Business Asset Disposal Relief.

A strong exit isn’t about timing the market - t’s about preparing the business.

Read the full blog here: https://wardgoodman.co.uk/blog/selling-a-business-your-2-5-year-exit-strategy-roadmap/

or get in touch with Ward Goodman to start shaping your exit strategy:
www.wardgoodman.co.uk or 01202 875 900

We are proud to sponsor East Dorset Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club and, staying true to our philosophy that ‘your success i...
18/05/2026

We are proud to sponsor East Dorset Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club and, staying true to our philosophy that ‘your success is our business’, it was a pleasure to celebrate the Box League winners at the Awards Evening on Friday 15th May.

A fantastic night recognising sporting achievements and great to meet – a fellow local independent specialist proudly based here in Dorset.

The paraplanning team at Ward Goodman attended the Purely Paraplanning Conference at the De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms i...
15/05/2026

The paraplanning team at Ward Goodman attended the Purely Paraplanning Conference at the De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London on Tuesday.

The conference brought together a fantastic line-up of speakers covering a wide range of topics, including pensions and inheritance tax, long-term care, vulnerability, and the growing role of AI in financial planning. There was also an inspiring keynote session from Nick Elston, ‘How to Forge Ahead’.

One of the highlights of the day was a live recording of Inside Paraplanning, part of the PFP Podcast, with Sophie taking part in the discussion alongside fellow PFS Paraplanner Panel members.

Lisa Low, our Trainee Paraplanner, summed up the event perfectly:

"Insightful discussions with a great balance between technical expertise and the more personal, human side of financial planning."

A brilliant day of learning, collaboration, and industry insight 👏

Could your business be caught in the associated company tax trap?As your business grows, setting up additional companies...
13/05/2026

Could your business be caught in the associated company tax trap?

As your business grows, setting up additional companies can make commercial sense but it may also affect how much Corporation Tax you pay.

Since April 2023, the rules around associated companies have widened. If your companies are classed as associated, important tax thresholds are split between them, which could result in:

Profits being taxed at higher rates sooner
Reduced Corporation Tax thresholds
Earlier payment deadlines
Increased pressure on cash flow

Many business owners are surprised to learn their companies are associated, even where ownership appears separate. In some circumstances, shares owned by family members or business partners are taken into account in determining whether there is common control.

If you control multiple companies, or they share common control, now is the time to review your structure and avoid unexpected tax liabilities.

Our team can help you understand how the rules apply to your business and ensure you stay compliant.

Find out more or get in touch today www.wardgoodman.co.uk/contact

Can HMRC refuse tax relief on travel expenses?If you’ve recently moved from sole trader to limited company, you might be...
11/05/2026

Can HMRC refuse tax relief on travel expenses?

If you’ve recently moved from sole trader to limited company, you might be in for a surprise…

Key insight:
Not all travel costs qualify for tax relief and your company structure can make a big difference.

What to watch out for:
• Travel between home and a permanent workplace = Not allowable
• Travel to a temporary workplace = May qualify
• If a workplace lasts over 24 months, it may become permanent
• Starting or ending your journey at home could count as ordinary commuting

Important:
If you operate through a limited company or intermediary, rules like IR35 may apply - potentially denying tax relief altogether.

Bottom line:
Changing from sole trader to limited company can affect what you can claim. Getting it wrong could mean missed relief or unexpected tax costs.

Make sure you review your travel claims and stay compliant with HMRC rules.

Talk to us today for more information: www.wardgoodman.co.uk/contact or 01202 875 900

Address

4 Cedar Park, Cobham Road, Ferndown Ind Est
Wimborne
BH217SF

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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