Introduction – Why January Doesn’t Need to Be Stressful
For many plumbing and heating engineers, January is the dreaded month. The Self Assessment deadline approaches, the tax bill arrives, and suddenly the focus shifts from boilers and breakdowns to finding cash that should have been set aside earlier.
It’s a familiar cycle: long days on the tools, evenings spent quoting, organising jobs, and keeping paperwork in order—and then, right after the busy winter season, the tax bill lands.
But it doesn’t have to be like this.
At Hammond & Co, Month-9 Tax Planning helps you understand your tax position well before year-end, gives you time to make adjustments, and removes that last-minute financial panic.
Why Month-9 Is the Perfect Time to Plan
Most businesses work on a 12-month accounting year. By Month-9, around 75% of the year’s trading is complete, which means we can predict your likely profit with confidence.
This gives you time to:
- See how the year is shaping up
- Identify potential tax liabilities early
- Take action to legally reduce your tax before year-end
If you wait until the accounts are done after the year closes, options are limited. Month-9 gives you room to manoeuvre.
What Month-9 Planning Looks Like
Here’s how Hammond & Co approach it:
- We review your year-to-date figures using your bookkeeping software
- We forecast the final three months using seasonal trends from your business
- We project your expected year-end profit
- We calculate estimated tax, including any payments on account
This gives you a clear, early view of what your tax bill is likely to be—well before it’s due.
Making Smart Adjustments Before Year-End
Once we know your forecasted position, we can help you make meaningful, legal adjustments such as:
- Dividends: Making sure you draw income in the most tax-efficient way
- Wages: Reviewing your director salary to optimise tax and National Insurance
- Pensions: Using contributions to reduce Corporation Tax while building for the future
- Expenses: Ensuring every allowable business cost is included—tools, vans, mileage, training, insurance, uniforms and more
These are decisions you can’t make once the year has ended. Month-9 gives you choice and control.
The Benefits – Certainty, Cash Flow, and Control
Month-9 planning means:
- No unexpected tax bills
- Better cash-flow preparation
- Clear understanding of what you owe and when
- Confidence in your financial decisions
Many plumbing and heating businesses choose to move their estimated tax into a separate account each month—simple, stress-free, and far easier than scrambling in January.
Key Tax Opportunities for Plumbing & Heating Engineers
From our work with trades, we know the plumbing and heating sector has some valuable tax opportunities:
- Capital allowances on vans, tools, and specialist equipment
- Mileage deductions if using personal vehicles
- Training costs, such as Gas Safe renewals and boiler training
- Protective clothing and uniform allowances
- CIS subcontractor deductions recorded correctly
- Choosing the right VAT scheme, which can save thousands if switched at the right time
These are often overlooked when accountants only review numbers once the year is already over.
Example – How Month-9 Planning Saved a Client Thousands
A heating engineer we worked with (name changed for confidentiality) was worried about a large Corporation Tax bill.
After completing Month-9 planning, we:
- Increased pension contributions
- Claimed full relief on a new van purchase
- Adjusted dividends to stay within the lower tax band
By planning ahead, the client reduced their tax bill by several thousand pounds and had months to prepare for the final payment—no stress, no surprises.
How Hammond & Co Keep It Simple
Our Month-9 process is built around clarity:
- We meet with you—online or in person
- We walk you through your figures in plain English
- We outline your options clearly
- You decide what works best
- We update your forecasts and support you through to year-end
No jargon. No overwhelming spreadsheets. Just practical guidance for busy tradespeople.
The Peace of Mind That Comes From Planning Ahead
Running a plumbing or heating business means juggling call-outs, staff, suppliers, and everything in between. Tax shouldn’t be another source of pressure.
Month-9 planning gives you:
- Clarity – you know exactly where you stand
- Confidence – you’ve made informed decisions
- Control – no hidden bills or sudden shocks
It’s one of the simplest ways to reduce financial stress.
Take Control – Book Your Month-9 Review with Hammond & Co
If you’re a plumbing or heating engineer, don’t wait for January to find out your tax bill. Month-9 is your chance to plan ahead, reduce tax where possible, and protect your cash flow.
Hammond & Co can help you:
✔ Forecast profits and tax before year-end
✔ Identify opportunities to reduce your liability
✔ Plan your cash flow with confidence
✔ Understand your numbers without the stress
📞 Call: 01246 563 414
📧 Email: admin@hammondbusiness.co.uk
Take control of your tax before it takes control of you.
Book your Month-9 tax planning meeting with Hammond & Co today.