How to do a partnership tax return in BrightTax

If you’re an accountant wondering how to do a partnership tax return in BrightTax, we’ve got you covered. Save time, reduce errors, and manage partnership tax returns seamlessly with BrightTax. Its shiny new partnership tax return functionality fills a crucial gap, making it easier than ever to handle diverse client needs. With automation, integration, and comprehensive compliance features, BrightTax ensures you can simplify your workflow while delivering exceptional service. Let’s dive in and show you how it works (without breaking a sweat!). 

What makes partnership tax returns unique? 

A partnership tax return shares similarities with returns for sole traders but introduces key differences: 

1. Shared profits: a partnership doesn’t have its own legal identity, unlike a limited company, but earnings must be split between partners based on their agreed shares. Think of it as slicing the pie fairly (no fighting over who gets the biggest piece).
2. Profit allocation: the tax return requires details of the profit share, ensuring each partner pays the correct amount of personal tax on their earnings. 
3. Individual returns: while individual partners file self-assessment tax returns, the partnership return calculates and allocates the total business income or loss. 

Why have we introduced partnership tax returns in BrightTax?  

Bright’s ongoing commitment to customer feedback has driven the development of this feature, empowering accountants to service a broader range of clients more effectively. 

This latest enhancement reflects Bright’s mission to deliver practical, innovative tools designed to help accountants and bookkeepers across the UK and Ireland. 

Step-by-step guide to filing a partnership tax return in BrightTax  

1. Set up the partnership in BrightTax

• Create a client record for the partnership within BrightTax 

• Input details about the partnership structure, including the names and percentage shares of all partners 

2. Add and reconcile income and expenses

• Accurately add your income and expenses are accurately recorded and reconcile with the partnership’s bank accounts 

3. Prepare the partnership income statement

• Generate a profit and loss statement summarising the partnership’s income and expenses 

• Include all revenue (e.g., sales, fees) and deductions (e.g., supplier payments, operational costs) 

4. Allocate profit or loss to partners

• Use BrightTax to apportion the total profits or losses among the partners according to their agreed profit-sharing ratio 

• Let the software automate this calculation to ensure accuracy 

5. Review and validate the return

• BrightTax provides a guided workflow to review all inputs and ensure compliance with HMRC requirements 

• Resolve any flagged warnings or discrepancies before final submission. it’s like having a safety net — because nobody wants an HMRC surprise 

6. Submit the tax return

• Once everything is confirmed, click submit to send the partnership tax return to HMRC 

• BrightTax provides a confirmation once the submission is successful

Who benefits from BrightTax’s partnership tax return feature? 

This functionality is particularly beneficial for accountants working with: 

• Small partnerships: businesses that haven’t transitioned into limited companies but still require professional tax management 

• Entrepreneurial ventures: partnerships born out of side hustles and home businesses, which have grown significantly post-pandemic (who doesn’t love a good side hustle?) 

 What other features does BrightTax provide? 

BrightTax offers a host of features designed to simplify your financial management and enhance efficiency. From seamless integration with bookkeeping software to streamlined workflows and comprehensive compliance, BrightTax ensures a smooth and accurate process for you and your clients. Say goodbye to manual errors and last-minute scrambles, and hello to a smarter, more efficient way of working!  

Start using BrightTax for partnership tax returns and more! 

Ready to simplify your workflow and deliver exceptional service to your partnership clients? Explore BrightTax’s new functionality and experience the benefits for yourself. 

Book a BrightTax demo today to see the partnership tax return feature in action, and learn exactly how the software keeps you compliant, efficient, and ahead of the curve in 2025.