A partnership is a business which is owned and managed by more than one person. The partners are jointly responsible for all aspects of the business and will share the profits. Partnerships have a requirement to complete and submit a self-assessment tax return to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).
What is a partnership tax return?
There are two returns that must be completed for partnerships:
- Partnership tax return
All partners are jointly responsible for the completion of the partnership tax return. The total partnership profits, losses and other income are allocated to the individual partners on the return according to their profit share entitlement.
- Individual tax return
Each partner is responsible for the completion of his or her own individual tax return. They must complete the partnership pages from the details entered into the partnership return.
Tax doesn't need to be taxing
We'll email you expert tips to help you manage your business finances. You can unsubscribe at any time.
How do I complete a partnership tax return?
The key parts of the partnership return which need to be completed are:
Box to be completed | Comments |
---|---|
Name of business – Boxes 3.1 Name of business and 3.2 Description of partnership trade or profession | An example of the trade or profession could be hairdressing. |
Accounting period -Boxes 3.4 and 3.5 | These are the dates that the accounting period starts and finishes. For example, the year ending 31 March 2025 will start on 1 April 2024 and finish on 31 March 2025. |
Boxes 3.7 Date of commencement (if after 5 April 2015) and 3.8 Date of cessation (if before 6 April 2016) | These boxes are not always completed. |
Capital allowances – Boxes 3.13A through to 3.23 | If any capital allowances are claimed they need to be entered here. You will probably need the services of an accountant to deal with areas like this. |
Capital allowances – Boxes 3.24 through to 3.25 | These boxes can be used if the partnership turnover was less than £85,000. |
Box 3.83 | This figure will often be the same as box 3.26. |
Partnership information incl. mixed partnerships – Boxes 1 – 5 and A – 11 | The details are transferred from the boxes we have already looked at. There are some complex rules regarding mixed partnerships. It is advisable to speak to an accountant regarding boxes 4 and 5. |
Individual partner details – boxes 6 – 10 and Profit box 11 | The individual details will need to be completed for every partner. Each partner will need to enter their profit share. |
The Partnership Tax Return form 2024 for the year ended 5 April 2024 (SA800) can be accessed here.
How do I complete the partnership pages of my individual tax return?
In the individual’s return, a separate page must be completed for each partnership an individual belongs to. The key parts to complete are:
Box to be completed | Comments |
---|---|
Box 1 Partnership reference number and Box 2 Description of partnership trade or profession | The is the unique tax reference (UTR) of the partnership, for example, 4564564564. An example of a trade or profession could be hairdressing. |
Boxes 3 and 4 | These boxes should only be completed if the individual has joined or left a partnership during the tax year. |
Boxes 6 and 7 | These are the dates that the accounting period of the partnerships starts and finishes. For example, the year ending 31 December 2024 will start on 1 January 2024 and finish on 31 December 2024. If a partner has joined or left in a tax year, their basis period may be different. |
Box 8 | The figure here is the individual’s share of the partnership profits. |
Box 9 | If the individual has joined or left a partnership during the tax year, their basis period may not be the same as the partnership’s accounting period. An adjustment (which may be positive or negative) may need to be made. |
Box 20 | The individual’s taxable profits are calculated after any adjustments and losses available. In many cases, the figure will simply be the partner’s share of profit for the accounting period. |
The Partnership Tax Return 2024 short form for the year ended 5 April 2024 (SA104S) can be accessed here.
How do I calculate the share of profits?
A partners share of profit is calculated in the following way:
- Calculate the partnership profit
In the partnership accounts, expenses are deducted from the income to arrive at the profit. It is advisable to use the services of an accountant when calculating this.
- Business expenses
In order for expenses to be allowable for tax purposes they must be “wholly and exclusively” incurred for business purposes.
- Non business expenses
For tax purposes any expenses which are disallowed must be added back and this will increase the profit which is taxable.
- Split the profit
The profit is split between the partners in accordance with their agreement. This may simply be an equal share to each partner.
How do I file my partnership tax return?
A partnership tax return can be filed online with HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC), but you will need to purchase commercial software in order to do this. The tax return deadline is 31 January following the end of the tax year.
Alternatively, a paper form can be completed; the filing deadline is 31 October following the end of the tax year.
Focus on what matters most with ANNA Money
ANNA is the business account and tax app that helps you automate everyday admin. Their in-app assistant creates and sends invoices, sorts your expenses, and takes care of your company tax returns – plus there's 24/7 customer support.
Free yourself by setting up an account in less than five minutes.
Get startedShare this content
Brought to you by:
Sage
Sage Business Cloud Accounting is online accounting software that provides anytime, anywhere access to essential small business tools. Its features help you manage cash flow and send and track invoices, all through the cloud or via a mobile app.
Get limited time offer