How to Plan Your Business Compliance Calendar

Most penalties small businesses pay are not caused by complex tax issues, but by missed deadlines. A simple compliance calendar helps you see every obligation in advance and plan your cash and paperwork around it.

Step 1: List your obligations

Start by writing down every recurring obligation your business has. Group them by frequency:

• Monthly: payroll declarations and contributions, VAT declarations and payments (if VAT-registered), and other taxes withheld.
• Periodic: advance payments of corporate income tax and other quarterly obligations, where they apply.
• Annual: the annual corporate income tax declaration, financial statements, and the annual personal income declaration where required.

Step 2: Add the exact dates

For each obligation, add the legal deadline to your calendar. Deadlines can change, and some fall on weekends or public holidays, so check them at the start of each year. Our Business Calendar lists the upcoming deadlines in one place.

Step 3: Work backwards

Do not plan for the deadline day itself. Set an internal date a few days earlier for sending documents to your accountant, and another for approving and paying.

Step 4: Plan your cash

Many payments fall in the same week each month. Mark them in your cash flow forecast, so the money is ready when it is needed.

Step 5: Set reminders and review

• Use calendar reminders for every internal and legal date.
• Share the calendar with your accountant and anyone responsible for payments.
• Review it each quarter and whenever the law changes.

With a clear calendar, deadlines stop being surprises and become a routine part of running your business.

Need help?

We will be there for any questions you may have, as they affect both your tax and financial situations. Contact Abacus at any time.