Tidy Up Before You Wind Down: Festive Finance Tips from Blue Spire – Your Local Accountants in Chichester
As Christmas lights start twinkling across Chichester and thoughts turn to mince pies and festive fizz, it’s tempting to let your business to-do list slide into the New Year. But before you switch on the ‘Out of Office’ and settle into a well-earned break, a few quick financial wins can make January smoother and potentially save you money.
At Blue Spire, trusted accountants in Chichester and West Sussex, we know December can be a whirlwind. Fewer working days, Christmas parties, community events, school plays and last-minute client catch-ups all compete for attention. It’s also a key moment to get organised before the tax year deadlines begin to bite.
To help local businesses stay on top of things, here’s our December finance checklist:
1. Plan for Payments
With tax bills due in January and payroll deadlines approaching, now is the time to review your cashflow. Bank holidays and festive closures can delay payments, so make sure you know what’s going out and when.
2. Chase What You’re Owed
December is ideal for following up on outstanding invoices. Most clients want a clean slate for the New Year, so send out those friendly reminders. A healthier cashflow means a happier January.
3. Treat Your Team (and Save on Tax)
Planning a staff Christmas party or employee gifts? HMRC offers tax-efficient options such as the annual event allowance and trivial benefits rules. Not sure what qualifies? Our Chichester accounting team can guide you.
4. Get Your Books in Order
Even if your financial year-end isn’t December, now is a great time to tidy receipts, reconcile accounts, and log expenses while everything’s fresh. Future-you will be grateful and if you’d rather not do it alone, our bookkeeping services in Chichester are here to help.
5. Don’t Forget Yourself
December is also an opportunity to optimise your own tax position. A bonus, dividend, pension contribution, or charity donation could be a smart move before year-end. We’ll help you understand what’s most tax-efficient.
If the Festive Finance Checklist feels overwhelming, don’t worry that’s exactly what we’re here for. As a friendly, local firm of accountants in central Chichester, we take the stress out of deadlines and help businesses across West Sussex stay compliant, confident, and in control.
Wishing all our local businesses a relaxed, profitable and very merry Christmas from the team at Blue Spire.