For many businesses in the creative industries and tech sector, managing HMRC payments is one of the most stressful parts of running a company. Between PAYE, VAT, Corporation Tax, and Income Tax, the deadlines keep coming and when cashflow is unpredictable, it can feel overwhelming.
We specialise in supporting creative studios, freelancers, and startups. We understand that cashflow challenges are often part of growing and scaling, and we help businesses manage their HMRC obligations with practical strategies and support.
HMRC Services & Payments:
PAYE (Pay As You Earn)
As your creative studio or tech startup grows, so does your team. PAYE requires you to deduct Income Tax and National Insurance from employee wages and pay this to HMRC, usually monthly. For fast-scaling businesses, it’s easy for PAYE liabilities to increase quickly making cashflow planning essential.
VAT (Value Added Tax)
Many studios invoice for large project fees, while tech companies often have recurring subscriptions or licensing models. Either way, VAT returns (normally quarterly) need to be submitted and paid. Because VAT is money collected on HMRC’s behalf, dipping into it to cover working capital is one of the biggest risks to cashflow.
Corporation Tax
Corporation Tax is due nine months and one day after the end of your financial year. For startups reinvesting heavily in growth or creative studios juggling project income, this deadline can creep up faster than expected. (Tip: don’t forget to explore R&D tax credits if you’re in the creative/tech sector; these can help reduce Corporation Tax bills.)
Income Tax (Self Assessment)
Freelancers in the creative sector or directors taking dividends must complete Self Assessment tax returns. Payments are due by 31 January each year (with a possible second instalment in July). For many in the creative industries, irregular income makes these payments tricky without forward planning.
When Cashflow Gets Tight
Creative and tech businesses are particularly vulnerable to cashflow fluctuations:
- An animation studio waiting on late invoice payments.
- A freelancer facing seasonal gaps between projects.
- A tech startup investing heavily in staff and product development.
If you find it difficult to pay HMRC on time, the most important step is to act early.
HMRC Time to Pay (TTP) Arrangements
HMRC offers Time to Pay arrangements for businesses and individuals who can’t pay their tax bill in full. This allows you to spread your payments into manageable instalments.
How it works:
- Contact HMRC as soon as possible to discuss your options.
- HMRC will ask about your income, expenses, assets, and debts.
- If accepted, you’ll agree on a repayment plan, typically monthly.
Why it matters for creative & tech businesses:
- It can relieve pressure during a project gap or funding round.
- It shows HMRC you are proactive and responsible.
- It helps protect your reputation and financial stability.
Practical Tips for Creative & Tech Businesses
- Ring-fence PAYE and VAT: treat them as HMRC’s money, not yours.
- Forecast cashflow: especially important for studios and startups with project-based or seasonal income.
- Plan ahead for Corporation Tax: factor it into your budgets early.
- Work with an accountant who understands your sector, they can negotiate Time to Pay and highlight tax reliefs such as AVEC/VGEC or R&D tax reliefs you might be missing.
HMRC Contact Details
If you need to discuss payments or set up a Time to Pay arrangement:
- HMRC Payment Support Service: 0300 200 3835 (Mon–Fri, 8am–6pm)
- PAYE helpline: 0300 200 3200
- VAT helpline: 0300 200 3700
- Self Assessment helpline: 0300 200 3310
- Corporation Tax helpline: 0300 200 3410
How DASH Can Help
At DASH, we work with creative studios, agencies, and tech startups to manage HMRC payments, cashflow, and tax planning. Whether it’s setting up a Time to Pay arrangement or building financial strategies for growth, we’ll help you stay compliant while keeping your business financially healthy.
