Sandown Motors Limited is a privately owned group in the South of England. It is the holding company for a small number of businesses operating in the automotive retail sector. The group operates a network of franchised motor dealerships representing the Mercedes-Benz and smart brands. This document sets out the strategic tax objectives of Sandown Motors Limited and its subsidiaries (‘the Group’).
We are committed to meeting all our legal and regulatory requirements in paying the correct amount of tax and meeting our tax compliance obligations. As part of this commitment, we comply with the Senior Accounting Officer (‘SAO’) requirements. We undertake a review of our tax risks and processes (for Corporation Tax, VAT and Employment Taxes).
The Board of Directors bears ultimate responsibility for the Groups tax strategy and compliance. Delivery of the tax strategy is the responsibility of the Group Financial Controller who is the Senior Accounting Officer.
The Group uses professional third party advisors to provide the guidance necessary to assess tax risks and ensure compliance to applicable laws, rules, regulations and reporting and disclosure requirements.
The Group has a capable finance team. All employees have clear roles and responsibilities to ensure compliance with tax requirements. Employees are suitably skilled, and training is offered when required. In cases of uncertainty, matters will be referred to the Group Finance Controller or Group Financial Director who may seek advice from external professional advisors, or seek advice from HMRC directly, in interpretation or application of tax rules.
We have a low risk appetite towards UK taxation, with the Group taking a conservative approach to tax planning and the Board of Directors do not pursue aggressive arrangements.
Tax planning aims to support the commercial needs of the business by ensuring that the Group pays the correct amount of tax. We take professional tax advice before the Board of Directors makes any final decisions on any matters relating to tax planning.
The Group is committed to working with HMRC in an open, honest and transparent manner. We adopt the principles of openness and transparency in our approach to dealing with HMRC.
The Group is committed to making fair, accurate and timely disclosure in correspondence and returns, and respond to queries raised by HMRC in a timely manner with the aim to resolve issues quickly and efficiently, with certainty wherever possible.
Systems are in place to ensure that we submit all required returns and payments to HMRC accurately and on time.
This document meets the requirement to publish its Tax Strategy as required by section 161 and section 16(2) of Schedule 19 of Finance Act 2016. It is effective for the year ended 31 December 2017 and covers Sandown Motors Limited and all of its subsidiaries.
This Tax Strategy has been developed by the Group Financial Controller and approved by the Board of Directors.
Sandown Surrey and Hampshire Limited & Sandown Dorset and Wiltshire Limited are appointed representatives of ITC Compliance Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (their registration number is 313486). Permitted activities include advising on and arranging general insurance contracts and acting as a credit broker not a lender. We can introduce you to a limited number of finance providers and do not charge fees for our Consumer Credit services. We may receive a payment(s) or other benefits from finance providers should you decide to enter into an agreement with them. The payment we receive may vary between finance providers and product types. The payment received does not impact the finance rate offered. All finance applications are subject to status, terms and conditions apply, UK residents only, 18's or over, Guarantees may be required.
