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Summary of tax issues for doctors and dentists

These guidance notes concern tax issues around general medical practitioners (GMPs) and general dental practitioners (GDPs). Doctors are also referred to as GPs. In these notes, these individuals are collectively referred to as ‘practitioners’. Note that this is distinct from the wider term ‘medical professional’, which encompasses nurses, physiotherapists, hygienists, etc.

The tax affairs of doctors and dentists has become a niche specialism for some accountants and tax advisers. This makes sense in many respects, as medical professionals will come across similar issues. However, disregarding VAT for the moment, there are no specific references in legislation regarding the subject. For guidance on VAT aspects, see the Liability ― health professionals guidance note.

There are specific issues concerning the preparation of accounts for medical practices. Accounts are used by the DDRB (Review Body on Doctors’ and Dentists’ Remuneration) for determining pay awards, so a higher degree of accuracy is required than if you were preparing accounts only for tax purposes. These issues are