As businesses scale, tax obligations often become more intricate, sometimes without them realising. Routine compliance can quickly become a web of obligations and reputational risks.
For tax professionals, the challenge isn’t just keeping pace with regulation, but helping clients build governance frameworks that grow with them; structures that are resilient, adaptable, and ready for change.
At Saffery, our Corporate Tax Team are focused on helping clients evolve their governance approach as their business grows and preparing them for future risks.
The hidden tax risks of growth
Businesses often only realise they’re subject to stricter tax governance rules once they’re already in scope. At Saffery, we often support businesses that are unknowingly operating in a completely different risk environment to the one they were in just a year or two prior. This can happen due to inexperience, overlooked updates, or a natural focus on growth. But once in scope, the risks are real and growing.
1. Senior Accounting Officer (SAO) requirements
2. Corporate Criminal Offence (CCO) rules
3. Tax strategy disclosure requirements
Building governance that grows with you
Tax governance must scale alongside your business. Growth often demands changes to team structure, processes, and oversight. Common challenges include:
- Lack of specialist input. Tax expertise is often brought in only after compliance issues arise.
- Risk of penalties. Late or inadequate action can lead to fines and reputational damage.
- Insufficient internal capability. Businesses need to anticipate and manage governance risks, not just react to them.
- Rising regulatory scrutiny. HMRC’s expectations are rising, not easing.
Tax professionals play a critical role in helping businesses anticipate and manage these risks by tracking regulatory shifts and building proactive, scalable tax functions.
Join the conversation
Proactive and strategic tax governance is no longer optional but essential – and that makes this a particularly rewarding time to work in tax. We’re actively shaping what the future of tax looks like, for our clients and for our teams. If you’re passionate about helping businesses navigate governance challenges with clarity and confidence, we’d love to hear from you.
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