Citi Accounts | Tax Return for Physiotherapist

Being a physiotherapist is a highly-skilled profession, but if you put the hard work into studying the practice at university, it can make for a very rewarding career. This guide will show you how to make a successful career as a self-employed physiotherapist.

Qualifying as a physiotherapist

To be allowed to practice as a physiotherapist, you must be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Before you can register, you must have studied an HCPC-approved course in physiotherapy, which a number of universities provide.

Working as a freelancer

Most physiotherapists start their careers working in hospitals and health centres, with many choosing to work as a self-employed physiotherapist once they’ve gained lots of experience. Working on a freelance basis has many benefits, including the freedom of being your own boss, to having more choice in who you work with.

Where does a freelance physiotherapist work?

There are a few different places you can run your physiotherapist service from, depending on which direction you go.

Here are some of the most common places to work from:

  • Physiotherapy centres: There are many physiotherapy centres where the self-employed can run their services from. This has the advantage of having equipment available to you.
  • Setting up your own practice: You could rent your own space. This option will give you more control, but you’ll have to invest in the required equipment, and make sure the space is safe for physiotherapy.

How to find work as a freelance physiotherapist

In the early days, you’ll be spending much of your time and effort trying to gain new clients, but you’ll have an easier job if you can show people you’re a good physiotherapist.

Here are a few of the ways you can market your services as a self-employed physiotherapist:

  • Word of mouth: When you do a great job for a client, they’ll be likely to talk about you to any of their friends who need physiotherapy.
  • Set up a website: Having a professional website will make you look more credible, and is a great place to show the services you provide, as well as your prices and contact details.
  • Social media: Social media websites such as Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn are good places to talk about what you do, and make new contacts.
  • Sports clubs and gyms: Sports clubs and gyms often require physiotherapists for their members, sometimes on a regular basis, or just every so often when a need arises.
  • Doctors: GPs often have patients who require the services of a physiotherapist, and so have lists of them to recommend. Give local GPs your details and let them know what services you offer.
  • Local businesses: Businesses want their employees to stay fit and healthy so that they’re able to work. Letting employers know about your services means they may recommend you if a need arises.

Accounting as a freelance physiotherapist

There are various benefits to freelancing as a physiotherapist, from the freedom and flexibility to work with a variety of businesses and individuals to more take-home pay.

But there is one downside – accounting.

As a full-time employee, your tax is usually taken care of on your behalf in the form of PAYE. As a freelancer you’ll have to keep a range of financial records and then prepare and pay a Self-Assessment tax return at the end of each business year. Accountancy can be very confusing and can distract you from helping your clients.

Getting tax and accountancy advice

With most accountants, you’ll pay them to do your year-end accounts, and then they’ll forget about you until the next year. But for your business to be run smoothly and successfully, you’ll need advice on tax and accountancy throughout the year, especially in the early days.

Tax Returns for Physiotherapist | Citi Accounts is different

Citi Accounts provides an affordable and specialist accountancy service designed just for freelancers.
Throughout the year we’ll be on hand to give you any tax and accountancy advice you might need, including things like:

  • Take-home pay
  • Which VAT scheme to register for
  • Expenses
  • Tax allowances
  • Choosing between sole trader and limited company
  • Running your business in a tax-efficient way

We charge for our accountancy services in a clear and simple way, which means you’ll never receive an unexpected bill, and you can get in touch for advice whenever you want without the worry of being charged a fortune like you would with many other accountants.

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