News
Could you extend Child Benefit claim?
22/05/2025
Parents of 16-19-year-olds: confirm your child’s continued education or training by 31 August 2025 to keep Child Benefit payments going. Last year, over 870,000 families updated HMRC, most online. It only takes a few minutes and helps avoid missed payments. If your child is still in approved education, act now to stay on track.
Taxpayers
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How should multiple self-employed incomes be treated
22/05/2025
Running more than one self-employed business? HMRC will not always treat them as separate. Whether they are taxed as one combined trade or multiple depends on how your activities relate to each other. It is not a matter of choice, it is about how your business is run in practice. Get it right to avoid costly mistakes.
When someone has
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Changes to IHT from April 2025
22/05/2025
From April 2025, Agricultural Property Relief from Inheritance Tax now extends to land under qualifying environmental agreements. This means landowners entering long-term stewardship schemes will not lose IHT relief. From April 2026, a new £1 million limit will apply to combined APR and BPR claims—making timely planning more
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Changes to tax status of non-UK domiciles
22/05/2025
From 6 April 2025, the remittance basis for non-doms is abolished. A new UK tax regime now applies to non-domiciled individuals, focused solely on residence. New arrivals can benefit from a 4-year exemption on foreign income and gains, but action is needed. CGT rebasing, Overseas Workday Relief, and a limited-time 12%-15% repatriation
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Deferring gains using Incorporation Relief
22/05/2025
Thinking of transferring your sole trader or partnership business into a limited company? Incorporation Relief can help defer any capital gains tax on assets like goodwill. If the entire business is transferred in exchange for shares, the relief applies automatically, no claim needed. Make sure you understand the rules and deadlines,
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Pension tax-free lump sums
22/05/2025
Turning 55 soon? From April 2028, the minimum pension access age rises to 57. If you are planning to draw your pension, you could take up to 25% tax-free. Make informed choices about your remaining pot, as the rest will usually be taxed as income. Get advice before you act.
Most personal pensions have a minimum age for access, currently
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The value of applying for trade marks
19/05/2025
A trade mark is a vital tool for protecting the identity and reputation of your business. It can take the form of a name, logo, slogan, shape, or even a sound, and once registered, gives you exclusive rights to use that mark in connection with specific goods or services. In the UK, trademarks are registered through the Intellectual
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The legal responsibilities of directors
19/05/2025
When someone agrees to become a director of a UK limited company, they take on a set of legal responsibilities defined under the Companies Act 2006 and other relevant legislation. These duties are not just symbolic - directors have a legal obligation to act in the best interests of the company, its shareholders, and, in certain cases, its
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The importance of discretion – don’t send inappropriate messages during working hours!
15/05/2025
An Employment Tribunal confirmed that using an employer's preferred method of communicating with employees to send offensive messages can serve as a ground for dismissal. A claimant was employed from September 2017 as a graduate trainee and then as a software developer until April 2021, at which juncture he was dismissed for gross
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Why filing early makes sense
15/05/2025
Filing your 2024-25 Self-Assessment return early means faster refunds, better budgeting, and no deadline stress. Do not delay, start gathering your tax details today.
The 2024-25 tax year officially ended on 5 April 2025, with the new 2025-26 tax year beginning on 6 April 2026. While many taxpayers may be tempted to put off dealing with
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Save up to £2,000 a year on childcare costs
15/05/2025
Is your child starting school this September? Tax-Free Childcare could save you up to £2,000 a year. Check your eligibility now and start planning ahead.
Working families whose children are starting school for the first time September 2025 could save up to £2,000 a year per child on their childcare bills, thanks to the government’s
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MTD for Income Tax deadline is approaching
15/05/2025
MTD for Income Tax starts 6 April 2026 for the self-employed and landlords with £50k+ income. Plan early to stay compliant and avoid disruption.
MTD represents one of the most significant overhauls to the self-assessment regime since its introduction in 1997. This includes new requirements to keep digital records, using MTD-compatible
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HMRC interest rates following Bank of England rate cut
15/05/2025
Following a Bank Rate cut to 4.25%, HMRC late payment and repayment interest rates will drop from 19 and 28 May 2025. Check which taxes this affects.
The Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) met on 8 May and, in a narrow 5-4 vote, decided to reduce the interest rate by 25 basis points, bringing it down to 4.25%. Of the four
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Deadline for paying Class 1A NIC
15/05/2025
Employers must pay Class 1A NICs on 2024-25 benefits by 19 July (22 July if paying electronically). Avoid penalties by meeting deadlines and using correct references.
Employers are reminded of the upcoming Class 1A National Insurance contributions (NICs) deadline, which applies to most benefits in kind provided to employees during the
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The transition from FHL to Property Rental business
15/05/2025
Tax perks for Furnished Holiday Lets have ended. From April 2025, lettings fall under standard rental rules. Check the transition rules to avoid surprises.
The tax advantages that were previously available to property owners letting their properties as short-term holiday lets, known as Furnished Holiday Lets (FHL), has now ended. The
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When can you deregister for VAT?
15/05/2025
Considering VAT deregistration? Whether compulsory or voluntary, knowing the rules, deadlines and risks of delay can save your business from costly penalties.
The decision to deregister for VAT may be necessary or beneficial in a range of circumstances. Whether it's a legal requirement or a voluntary decision, it’s important for
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Landmark economic deal with United States
12/05/2025
On 8 May 2025, the UK government announced a landmark trade agreement with the United States, aimed at reducing tariffs and bolstering key British industries. This deal is projected to save thousands of jobs, particularly in the automotive and steel sectors, and marks a significant step in strengthening UK-US trade relations.
Key
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Still recording your accounts on spreadsheets?
12/05/2025
For small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), adopting accounting software offers a range of practical benefits that help streamline financial management, reduce errors, and improve decision-making. Here are the key advantages:
Time-Saving Automation
Accounting software automates routine tasks such as invoicing, bank reconciliations,
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How to check employment status
08/05/2025
HMRC’s CEST tool gets a revamp from 30 April 2025, with clearer questions and updated guidance to help users decide employment status for tax—plus stronger backing from HMRC.
In a Written Ministerial Statement delivered on 28 April, the Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury announced a series of administrative and simplification
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Reversal of requirement to report more detailed employee hours paid
08/05/2025
The government has scrapped plans for detailed PAYE reporting of employee hours from April 2026, citing concerns over cost, complexity, and practicality. Employers will stick with current rules.
As part of the Spring 2025 Tax Update: Simplification, Administration and Reform summary, the government confirmed that it will no longer
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Mandating the Payrolling of benefits in kind update
08/05/2025
HMRC has delayed mandatory payrolling of benefits in kind by a year to April 2027, giving employers and software providers more time to prepare. Penalties will be eased in the first year.
The requirement to report Income Tax and Class 1A National Insurance Contributions for most BiKs and expenses through Real Time Information (RTI) will
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Income reporting threshold increased
08/05/2025
The £3,000 reporting threshold for trading, property, and other income will simplify tax returns—300,000 people could be freed from filing. A digital alternative is also coming.
As part of the Spring 2025 Tax Update: Simplification, Administration and Reform, the government confirmed changes to the Income Tax Self Assessment (ITSA)
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Changes to VAT on donations to charities
08/05/2025
The government is consulting on new VAT relief for goods donated to charities for free use. Could this fix an unfair gap in current rules? Have your say by 21 July 2025.
A new joint consultation from HM Treasury and HMRC, titled “VAT Treatment of Business Donations of Goods to Charity” has been launched. The consultation
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Electronic invoicing consultation
08/05/2025
The government wants your say on e-invoicing. Quicker payments, fewer errors, and better VAT reporting are on the table. A 12-week consultation could shape the future.
HMRC and the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) jointly launched a 12-week consultation earlier this year. The consultation is examining the broader adoption of
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How to Increase Gross Profit Returns
07/05/2025
Gross profit is one of the clearest indicators of how well your business is performing. It’s the money left after deducting the direct costs of producing goods or services from your turnover. If your gross profit margins are tight, your business will struggle to cover overheads, let alone make a net profit. So, here are a few practical
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Fresh Ideas for Additional Revenue Streams
07/05/2025
For many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the core business keeps the lights on, but additional income streams can provide much-needed stability and growth. Whether you're a service provider, a retailer, or run a niche consultancy, diversifying your revenue can cushion seasonal dips, economic shocks, or customer churn. Here are
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Tax Diary June/July 2025
02/05/2025
1 June 2025 - Due date for corporation tax due for the year ended 31 August 2024.
19 June 2025 - PAYE and NIC deductions due for month ended 5 June 2025. (If you pay your tax electronically the due date is 22 June 2025).
19 June 2025 - Filing deadline for the CIS300 monthly return for the month ended 5 June 2025.
19 June 2025 - CIS tax
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State Benefits – What is taxable and what is not
01/05/2025
Not all state benefits are tax-free! Some, like the State Pension and Carer’s Allowance, are taxable, while others, like PIP and Universal Credit, are not. Knowing the difference can help you stay on top of your tax responsibilities and avoid surprises.
HMRC’s guidance outlines the following list of the most common state benefits on
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Is income from hobbies taxable?
01/05/2025
Not every money-making hobby counts as a business for tax purposes. Knowing when a hobby crosses into trading territory is vital to avoid unexpected tax bills. If your side project is growing, it might be time to check your tax position and stay compliant.
For instance, HMRC manuals provide the example of someone who enjoys repairing
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Tax relief if required to work from home
01/05/2025
If employees must work from home and their employer does not reimburse certain costs, they may be entitled to claim tax relief. Understanding the rules for household expenses, business travel, and equipment purchases is key to making a successful claim.
Eligibility to claim tax relief applies when homeworking is a requirement of the
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Tax refunds for dissolved companies
01/05/2025
Dissolving a company ends its legal existence — but unresolved assets become property of the Crown under bona vacantia. Directors must act carefully to settle assets and liabilities before dissolution, avoiding costly mistakes and lost opportunities.
Dissolving a company is a formal legal process that marks the end of its
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Tax treatment of income after cessation
01/05/2025
After a business closes, income can still arise. Post-cessation receipts must be properly reported and taxed under specific rules. Knowing what qualifies — and what does not — ensures businesses and individuals stay compliant with UK tax law.
Under the legislation, the individual or entity who receives, or is entitled to
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Definition of R&D for tax purposes
01/05/2025
When claiming tax relief or capital allowances on R&D, it’s crucial to ensure activities meet strict statutory definitions. Understanding Section 437 ITA and DTI guidelines is key to securing legitimate tax benefits and avoiding costly mistakes.
An activity is generally considered as R&D if it meets two key criteria:
It is
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Access to Funding and Credit
28/04/2025
For many small business owners, getting access to funding feels like trying to squeeze water from a stone. Traditional banks have always been a bit cautious when it comes to lending to smaller enterprises, but over the past few years, it’s become even tougher. With the economic uncertainty lingering after Brexit, COVID-19, and a volatile
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Cybersecurity
28/04/2025
Cybersecurity might sound like something only big corporations need to worry about, but in truth, small businesses are increasingly in the firing line. In fact, many cyber criminals deliberately target smaller firms, knowing they often lack the resources and expertise to protect themselves properly.
The most common threat is phishing.
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More in line for savings boost
24/04/2025
From April 2025, more low-income workers on Universal Credit can join Help to Save. Save up to £50/month and get a 50% bonus - up to £1,200 over 4 years. A simple way to build your savings.
The eligibility rules for the Help to Save scheme were extended on 6 April 2025. This means that the scheme is now open to more than 550,000 across
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Have you set up your Personal Tax Account yet?
24/04/2025
Skip the phone queues. Your Personal Tax Account lets you manage everything from tax codes to refunds online. Quick, secure, and all in one place. If you haven’t signed up yet, now’s the time.
Your Personal Tax Account (PTA) is a simple and secure way to manage your tax affairs online. If you want to complete tasks like checking your tax
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Less than a year before MTD for Income Tax starts
24/04/2025
MTD for Income Tax kicks off in April 2026 for those earning over £50k. Digital records, quarterly updates, and tougher penalties are on the way. If this affects you, it’s time to get ready.
Designed to modernise the tax system and improve accuracy, MTD will significantly change how Income Tax is reported and paid. With less than a year
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Reminder of Employer NIC changes from April 25
24/04/2025
A reminder that increases to the rate of National Insurance contributions (NICs) that are paid by employers came into effect on 6 April 2025. The main rate of secondary Class 1 NICs has increased to 15% (from 13.8%). This applies to earnings above the secondary threshold for employees. In addition, both Class 1A and Class 1B employer NIC
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Repeal of furnished holiday lets regime
24/04/2025
From April 2025, holiday lets lose their special tax treatment. Landlords must prepare for new Income, Capital Gains, and Corporation Tax rules. Here's what’s changing.
The repeal of the Furnished Holiday Lets (FHL) regime, a long-standing arrangement that offered tax advantages for individuals and companies letting out properties on a
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VAT Road Fuel Scale Charges
24/04/2025
The new VAT road fuel scale charges applicable from 1 May 2025 to 30 April 2026 have been published. The changes amend the VAT scale charges for taxing private use of road fuel to reflect changes in fuel prices.
HMRC has released new VAT fuel scale charges effective from 1 May 2025. If your business provides fuel for private use, updated
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The innocent touch – where a lack of clear guidelines and policies makes a dismissal more likely to be unfair
23/04/2025
A school inspector dismissed for brushing water off a pupil’s head won his unfair dismissal claim against OFSTED. Mr. Hewston worked as a Social Care Regulatory Inspector and, on the 8th of October 2019, during a school inspection, he brushed water off the head and touched the shoulder of a young boy who had been caught in a rainstorm.
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Higher rate tax relief on pension contributions
16/04/2025
Want to make the most of your pension savings? You could claim up to 45% tax relief on contributions, plus carry forward unused allowances. Here’s how to boost your retirement pot with generous HMRC incentives.
Tax relief on private pension contributions is generally available up to 100% of your annual earnings, subject to specific
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Understanding VAT Bad Debt Relief
16/04/2025
Struggling with unpaid invoices? If you've paid VAT to HMRC but never received payment from your customer, you may be able to reclaim that VAT. Learn how bad debt relief works and whether switching to cash accounting could ease your VAT woes.
The VAT bad debt relief provisions enable businesses to reclaim VAT that has been paid to HMRC
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Still time to repay private fuel costs and avoid tax charge
16/04/2025
Use a company car for personal trips? Avoid a hefty tax charge by reimbursing your employer for private fuel by 6 July 2025. It’s called “making good” - and it could save you a chunk in tax if your private mileage is low.
To avoid the car fuel benefit charge, an employee must "make good" the cost of all fuel used
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Tax and employee suggestion schemes
16/04/2025
Have you set up a suggestion scheme for ideas that could save or earn you money? Employee suggestion schemes can offer up to £5,000 tax-free for valuable input — and even £25 for smaller efforts. A win for innovation and your employee payslip!
An employee suggestion scheme can offer many advantages for businesses, not only in terms
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Tax relief for landlords replacing domestic items
16/04/2025
Swapped an old fridge or carpet in your rental property? Landlords can claim tax relief on replacing domestic items - but not if it's an upgrade! Know the rules and save money by claiming what you are entitled.
The replacement of domestic items relief allows landlords to claim tax relief when they replace movable furniture, household
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Statutory Redundancy rights
16/04/2025
Redundant? You could receive up to £30,000 tax-free, whether it’s statutory pay or a better deal from your employer. Know your rights, check the 2025-26 limits, and understand how your age and service affect your payout.
There is a tax-free threshold of £30,000 for redundancy payments, regardless of whether the payment is your statutory
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