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Accounting requirements · Northern Ireland

Hair & Beauty Salon

Bookkeeping, VAT, payroll and tax guidance for a hair & beauty salon operating in Northern Ireland.

Tailored accounting checklist — Hair & Beauty Salon

Specific to your business activities, on top of UK fundamentals.

  • Record cash takings daily — HMRC scrutinises cash-heavy trades
  • Track product stock (colours, oils, retail products) separately from services
  • If renting a chair or room, keep the rental agreement and receipts
  • Set aside 20–25% of profit for income tax and Class 4 NICs

Northern Ireland-specific notes

Accounting points that apply because you trade in Northern Ireland.

  • VAT under HMRC, but goods movement uses the Windsor Framework rules
  • Rates (not Council Tax / Business Rates) administered by Land & Property Services
  • Corporation Tax remains UK-wide

UK accounting fundamentals

Expand each section for the rules that apply to almost every UK small business.

Operational essentials

General Checklist

Practical setup and compliance steps every UK small business should complete in the first 90 days and review regularly.

  • Register the business correctly

    Choose sole trader or limited company and register with HMRC.

  • Keep records from day one

    Track income, expenses and contracts digitally under MTD.

  • Separate business and personal spending

    Open a dedicated business bank account before trading.

  • Track income and expenses regularly

    Reconcile weekly so nothing slips through the year.

  • Review VAT and payroll responsibilities

    Watch the £90,000 VAT threshold and PAYE duties.

  • Maintain insurance and licences

    Renew before expiry — keep certificates accessible.

  • Save invoices and receipts digitally

    Cloud storage with backups for at least 6 years.

  • Review deadlines monthly

    Diarise VAT, PAYE, Confirmation Statement and Self Assessment.

Guidance aligned with official UK sources

  • HM Revenue
    & Customs
  • GOV.UK
  • Companies
    House
  • ico.Information
    Commissioner’s Office
  • AcasAdvice. Conciliation.
  • HSEHealth & Safety
    Executive
Last reviewed: May 2026Information updated regularly

This information is general guidance only and does not replace regulated accounting, legal or tax advice.