In many fast growing businesses tax is treated as a compliance function, a box to tick at year end or an obligation to get through as quickly as possible. But for finance teams with a strategic mindset, tax can be a source of competitive advantage.
The difference between a reactive tax approach and a resilient one comes down to timing. When you identify opportunities early rather than reacting to problems or changes after the fact you don’t just save money; you reduce risk, improve decision-making and create more room for growth.
Where tax planning adds the most value
Certain points in a company’s growth journey act as inflection points; moments when the right tax planning can have an outsized impact on outcomes. Three of the most common include:
Funding rounds
Raising capital whether through private investment or an IPO is a chance to revisit your tax structure. The right approach can improve investor confidence, optimise the timing of tax liabilities, and ensure you’re not leaving reliefs on the table. For example, Research & Development tax credits can be a valuable tool for innovation-heavy businesses, while structuring investment vehicles correctly can prevent costly inefficiencies later.
Share schemes
Attracting and retaining top talent often means offering equity incentives. But without careful planning, share schemes can lead to unexpected tax liabilities for both the business and employees. Timing, valuation and scheme design all matter, and getting them right can turn a good incentive into a powerful long-term retention tool.
Cross border trade
Expanding internationally opens up opportunities but also introduces complexity in VAT customs and transfer pricing rules. The difference between proactive planning and reactive fixes could be the difference between smooth market entry and months of back and forth with tax authorities.
The triggers for reassessing your tax approach
Not all tax opportunities are obvious. Often, they emerge when something in the business changes. The earlier you spot the change the more options you have.
Common triggers include:
- Changes to your business model, such as moving from services to product sales
- Significant shifts in workforce structure, such as remote teams or overseas hires
- Supply chain changes or new logistics partners
- Acquisitions or disposals of subsidiaries
- Large swings in revenue or margins
In each of these situations, reviewing your tax strategy early can help avoid unintended liabilities, unlock reliefs and improve cash flow planning.
Why early detection pays off
When tax issues are spotted early three things happen:
Smoother audits
Proactive planning means documentation and evidence are ready for review. Auditors spend less time chasing explanations and more time validating numbers.
Better margins
Tax efficiency isn’t just about paying less, it’s about paying at the right time and in the right way to protect cash flow. Well planned reliefs and deductions can have a direct impact on operating margins.
Fewer headaches
Last minute tax work is stressful and prone to errors. A resilient tax approach builds in regular review points, so changes are managed calmly and methodically.
Moving from reactive to resilient
To shift towards a more resilient tax strategy, finance teams can take a few practical steps:
- Build tax reviews into your quarterly or biannual planning cycle
- Involve tax specialists early when strategic changes are on the horizon
- Keep leadership informed about upcoming legislative changes that could affect operations or cash flow
- Use scenario planning to test the impact of different tax treatments before committing to major decisions
Outsourced support as a resilience multiplier
For many finance teams especially in scale ups resource is the main barrier to proactive tax planning. Outsourcing part of your tax function whether for compliance reviews, advisory work or specialist technical support can free up internal teams while ensuring opportunities aren’t missed.
The most effective outsourced partners don’t just do the tax work they help you embed tax thinking into wider decision-making, embedding resilience as a habit rather than a reaction.
Introducing My Tax Partner
Everything we’ve explored in this article – from spotting opportunities early, to embedding resilience into your tax approach – comes down to having the right expertise at the right time. That’s where HaysMac’s My Tax Partner service comes in. Designed for CFOs and finance leaders who need senior-level tax insight without the cost of a full-time hire, My Tax Partner acts as your embedded strategic tax director. We help you anticipate challenges, unlock reliefs, and build a forward-looking tax strategy that supports your wider business goals.
Whether you’re navigating funding rounds, structuring share schemes, or expanding into new markets, we bring the clarity, confidence and proactive support you need. With regular agenda-led sessions, we make tax planning part of your decision-making rhythm, not a last-minute scramble. My Tax Partner gives you the resilience, efficiency and peace of mind to focus on growth, while we take care of the tax.
To discuss how to make your finance team more resilient, reach out and let’s talk about your needs.
