Most practices don’t overpay tax because the rules are mysterious—they overpay because the structure is wrong, the records are messy, and big decisions happen too late. We walk through a practical blueprint for dental practice owners to protect assets, cut risk, and keep more of what they earn without gambling on schemes.
We start with the foundation: picking the right vehicle—sole trader, partnership, or limited company—and why more owners choose companies for flexibility, asset protection, and clearer exits. If growth is on the cards, we unpack holding companies and subsidiary structures: ring‑fencing risk site by site, upstreaming cash with tax‑efficient dividends, using group relief to offset losses, and setting up clean, saleable companies that attract buyers. Then we get into cash extraction that actually works: the balance of low salary and dividends, company‑paid pension contributions into a SIPP or SSAS, short‑term director’s loans done correctly, and when benefits in kind make sense.
From there, we focus on the everyday decisions that quietly save thousands. Capital allowances and full expensing on chairs, X‑ray units, and IT can reduce corporation tax fast—if you time purchases before year end and keep immaculate records. Operational expenses—from lab bills and materials to software, training, and compliant travel—need a simple, digital capture process so nothing slips through the cracks. With accurate monthly numbers, you can forecast tax, pace dividends, and plan pension top‑ups before deadlines bite. We also map out exit readiness: Business Asset Disposal Relief basics, the substantial shareholding exemption at holding company level, and why clean ownership and early planning turn a sale from stressful to smooth.
Compliance is changing too. Making Tax Digital for Income Tax lands from April 2026 for many sole traders, moving to quarterly submissions and a final declaration. That shift can be a headache—or an advantage—if you use it to get real‑time visibility and avoid January surprises. Above all, we call time on “too good to be true” tax schemes. The safer path—structure, records, timing, and long‑term wealth via pensions and ISAs—wins over the years.
If you’re serious about stronger cash flow and a cleaner exit, listen now. Then subscribe, share with a fellow practice owner, and leave a review with your top question—we may feature it next week.
If you require any help, don't hesitate to reach out to the Samera team at www.samera.co.uk. We are all here to help you!
Thank you,
The Samera Team