E-Commerce

Sector challenges we advise on

The digital age has brought an explosion of business over the internet — and with it accounting and tax implications that are easy to overlook until HMRC, a marketplace or an investor asks hard questions.

You may trade solely online, run a physical outlet with a virtual shop front, use affiliate networks, invest in a new e-commerce venture, or plan the sale of a website and related intellectual property. Each path has different VAT, reporting and structuring consequences.

Our team works with online traders across marketplaces and own-brand sites to navigate the commercial and tax issues that define this sector — then connect you to the day-to-day accounting services that keep operations running.

• Cross-border trading and VAT complications (distance selling thresholds, reverse charge, OSS)
• Intellectual property — accounting and tax implications
• Capital allowances on tech, stock systems and fit-out
• Income recognition across marketplaces and payment delays
• Research and development tax credits for platform and product work
• Incorporation of a sole trader or partnership online business
• Payment processors, gateways and chargeback exposure
• Website and back-end reporting for investor or buyer due diligence