News

Do you have additional income streams?

03/07/2025

Side income over £1,000 may mean filing a tax return. HMRC is urging part-time earners to check their tax position for 2024-25, especially if they earn from casual work, renting, or crypto. If you are earning extra income it is important to be aware of the tax implications. The good news is there are two £1,000 tax allowances available

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Setting up a payroll scheme

03/07/2025

Registering for payroll is essential when hiring staff. From HMRC registration to legal compliance, getting payroll processes right ensures your team is paid correctly and your business avoids penalties. When starting a business and hiring employees for the first time, one of the most important administrative steps is setting up a

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What if you no longer need to submit a tax return

03/07/2025

You must tell HMRC if you no longer need to file a tax return. Whether you have stopped trading or no longer rent out property, notifying HMRC early avoids penalties and keeps your records up to date. If your circumstances have changed and you believe you no longer need to complete a self-assessment tax return, then it is important to

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Tax returns for a deceased taxpayer

03/07/2025

You may need to submit tax returns for someone who has died. As the personal representative, you are legally responsible for reporting income earned before and after death. This person, known as the ‘personal representative’, is legally responsible for dealing with the deceased’s money, property and possessions. This includes reporting

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Pension contributions, net pay or relief at source?

03/07/2025

Your pension scheme type affects your tax relief. Workplace pensions offer tax benefits, but the method used, net pay or relief at source, changes how and when you get them. Your employer or pension provider should confirm which arrangement your scheme uses, and this will affect both your payslip and potential tax relief. Net pay

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Who is liable to Income Tax at Scottish rates?

03/07/2025

Where you live determines if you pay Scottish Income Tax. The rules are not based on where you work, who pays you, or national identity, but on your main UK home during the tax year. The definition of a Scottish taxpayer is generally linked to the question of whether the taxpayer has a 'close connection' with Scotland or elsewhere in the

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Are you ready for Companies House ID checks?

30/06/2025

From 2025, Companies House is rolling out new identity verification requirements for directors, people with significant control (PSCs), and anyone forming or managing a UK company. These changes form part of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act and are designed to reduce fraud and increase confidence in UK companies. If you

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How AI is changing your business

30/06/2025

Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer something for big tech firms alone - it is becoming a practical tool for small businesses, especially when it comes to financial management and forecasting. We can now harness AI tools to speed up data capture, analyse financial trends, and identify opportunities for growth or savings. This is

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Tax gap estimated at 5.3% for 2023-24

26/06/2025

HMRC missed out on £46.8bn in tax last year. Small businesses and Corporation Tax make up the biggest share of the shortfall. The tax gap for the 2023-24 tax year has been published and is estimated to be 5.3% of total theoretical tax liabilities. The tax gap is basically the difference between the amount of tax that should have been

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Use HMRC app and be job-ready this summer

26/06/2025

Starting work this summer? Download the free HMRC app to get your NI number, check your tax code and stay on the right pay. Young people finishing exams and entering the job market this summer are being urged by HMRC to download the HMRC app. The app is a free tool that can be used to provide quick access to essential employment and tax

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Check your State Pension forecast online

26/06/2025

Get a clear view of your future pension. Use the enhanced online service to check, boost, or track your State Pension entitlement. The enhanced Check Your State Pension forecast service is available online, offering a faster and more complete way to understand your State Pension entitlement. This joint service from HMRC and the

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Using the VAT Cash Accounting Scheme

26/06/2025

Struggling with late-paying customers? The VAT Cash Accounting Scheme helps protect cash flow by taxing only what you have received. The VAT Cash Accounting Scheme is designed to support businesses by improving cash flow. Using this scheme means that VAT is only paid when your customer pays you and not when you issue an invoice. This

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Accounting on a cash basis

26/06/2025

From April 2024, the cash basis is the default method for sole traders and most partnerships when preparing Self-Assessment returns. Designed to simplify tax reporting, the cash basis lets businesses record income and expenses when money actually moves, easing the admin burden for many. Those who prefer or need traditional accruals

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Claiming for uniforms, work clothing and tools

26/06/2025

Buying tools or clothing for your job? You could claim tax relief. Check if you qualify and how to get your money back. If you have spent your own money on items essential for your work, such as tools or specialist clothing, HMRC may allow you to claim tax relief, even up to four years after you paid. There are two ways to make a claim,

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Pivotal role of the union Certification Officer in addressing complaints

24/06/2025

A recent tribunal clarified the procedural powers of the Certification Officer (CO), ruling that applications from trade union members cannot be refused simply because they are deemed "unarguable". After becoming Chair of a prestigious university, the appellant faced three internal complaints from other members/staff of the UCU

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Winter Fuel Payments reinstated

23/06/2025

The government has announced the reinstatement of Winter Fuel Payments for pensioners in England and Wales for winter 2025-26, reversing the previous year's cuts. Around nine million pensioners are expected to benefit from this decision, with payments of £200 per household or £300 for households where someone is aged 80 or

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Redress for Post Office Capture victims

23/06/2025

In a significant update, the UK government has unveiled a new compensation scheme targeting individuals affected by the earlier “Capture” software, used in over 2,000 Post Office branches during the 1990s. This programme aims to redress those who suffered financial losses prior to the widely known Horizon IT

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Tax rules for savings interest

19/06/2025

You could earn up to £18,570 in tax-free savings interest in 2025-26, thanks to the personal allowance, starting rate for savings, and the Personal Savings Allowance. If your taxable income for the 2025-26 tax year is less than £17,570, you will not pay tax on the interest you receive. This figure combines the £5,000 starting rate for

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Who must send in a tax return

19/06/2025

From self-employment to rental income, there are many reasons you may need to file a Self-Assessment return. Know the triggers and register with HMRC by 5 October if this is your first time. There are a number of reasons why you might need to complete a self-assessment return. This includes if you are self-employed, a company director,

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When do the higher rates of Income Tax apply

19/06/2025

Once your income passes £100,000, your tax-free allowance starts to shrink. Between £100,000 and £125,140, the effective tax rate climbs to 60%, but smart planning can help. If you earn over £100,000 in any tax year your personal allowance is gradually reduced by £1 for every £2 of adjusted net income over £100,000 irrespective of age.

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2025 Spending Review published

19/06/2025

The government’s 2025 Spending Review outlines a major funding boost for healthcare, defence, housing, and infrastructure to support long-term recovery and growth. The 2025 Spending Review was published on 11 June 2025 and outlines the government's plans to support the country’s recovery by investing in security, health, and the economy.

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Present rates of Corporation Tax

19/06/2025

Corporation Tax rises with profit levels. Marginal relief bridges the gap, easing businesses from the 19% small profits rate to the 25% main rate. The Corporation Tax Main Rate applies to companies with profits exceeding £250,000 and is currently set at 25%. For companies with profits up to £50,000, a Small Profit Rate (SPR) of 19% is

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VAT Annual Accounting

19/06/2025

Streamline your VAT reporting with fewer returns and smoother cash flow. The Annual Accounting Scheme makes VAT easier to manage for eligible small businesses. The VAT Annual Accounting Scheme is designed to simplify VAT reporting for smaller businesses with an annual taxable turnover of up to £1.35 million. One of the main advantages of

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Effects of Rachel Reeves’ Spending Review

16/06/2025

Chancellor Rachel Reeves delivered her first Spending Review to Parliament last week, setting out the government’s financial priorities for the next three years. Her approach signals a shift away from austerity towards a strategy of state-backed investment, aimed at boosting growth and productivity while maintaining fiscal

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BT Eyes Deeper Job Cuts as AI Reshapes Telecoms

16/06/2025

BT has announced that it may exceed its previously stated target of cutting 40,000 jobs by 2030, as artificial intelligence (AI) becomes more central to its operations. The move comes as the company accelerates its cost-cutting programme and seeks to reorient itself in a changing telecoms landscape. The CEO, Allison Kirkby, who took over

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New requirement – verifying ID at Companies House

12/06/2025

Identity verification is now rolling out for directors, PSCs, and agents, with more filing roles to be included soon under new anti-fraud rules. Companies House is beginning to roll out mandatory identity verification. This is part of wider reforms introduced by the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act that was granted Royal

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Business Asset Disposal Relief – forthcoming changes

12/06/2025

The BADR Capital Gains Tax rate has risen to 14% from April 2025 and will increase further to 18% in April 2026. Business Asset Disposal Relief (BADR) offers a valuable tax advantage by applying a reduced rate of Capital Gains Tax (CGT) on the sale of a business, shares in a trading company or an individual’s interest in a trading

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Current IHT gift reliefs

12/06/2025

Lifetime gifts can reduce Inheritance Tax, but survival for seven years and using key exemptions like the £3,000 annual allowance are crucial to making them fully tax-free. Most gifts made during a person’s lifetime are not immediately subject to Inheritance Tax (IHT). These are known as potentially exempt transfers (PETs) and can become

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Do not forget to claim the marriage allowance

12/06/2025

If one partner in a marriage or civil partnership earns under £12,570, you could save up to £252 a year, and up to £1,260 if you backdate your Marriage Allowance claim for the past four years. The Marriage Allowance can be claimed by married couples and civil partners where one partner does not pay tax or does not pay tax above the basic

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Private Residence Relief – when it applies

12/06/2025

Selling your main residence? Private Residence Relief can exempt you from Capital Gains Tax. If you meet certain conditions, there may be nothing to pay. In most cases, Capital Gains Tax (CGT) does not apply to the disposal of a property that has been used as your main family residence. This exemption known as Private Residence Relief

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Claim for a business journey in a private vehicle

12/06/2025

Use your own vehicle for work? You could be entitled to a tax-free mileage allowance. Make sure you are not missing out on HMRC-approved rates. If you use your own car, van, motorcycle, or bicycle for business journeys, you may be entitled to a tax-free mileage allowance from your employer. This is known as a Mileage Allowance Payment

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When changing a company’s name absolves a daughter company of its obligations

11/06/2025

The Court of Appeal addressed the complexities of benefit scheme amendments and the lines of responsibility within corporate structures in a complex case surrounding post-employment entitlements. A Mr. Fasano had been an employee of RB Health Ltd., a member of the Reckitt Benckiser (RB) Group of companies, until the 13th of June 2019. The

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The value of tax planning for high net worth individuals

09/06/2025

For high net worth individuals (HNWIs), tax planning is not simply a compliance activity, it is a strategic tool to preserve and grow wealth. With rising scrutiny from HMRC, frozen allowances, and increasingly complex legislation, the value of well-structured planning has never been higher. HNWIs typically have multiple sources of

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Four critically important KPIs

09/06/2025

Gross profit margin This measures the profitability of your core operations by comparing gross profit (sales minus cost of goods sold) to total revenue. A stable or improving gross margin indicates pricing, production, or service delivery is efficient. A declining margin may signal rising costs or pricing issues. Formula: (Gross Profit

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Tax Diary July/August 2025

06/06/2025

1 July 2025 - Due date for corporation tax due for the year ended 30 September 2024. 6 July 2025 - Complete and submit forms P11D return of benefits and expenses and P11D(b) return of Class 1A NICs. 19 July 2025 - Pay Class 1A NICs (by the 22 July 2025 if paid electronically). 19 July 2025 - PAYE and NIC deductions due for month ended

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IHT exemption – normal expenditure out of income

05/06/2025

Make regular gifts from your income and avoid inheritance tax. If structured properly, surplus income gifts can support loved ones and stay outside your estate without the seven-year survival rule. Wealthier individuals can benefit from a lesser-known but highly effective IHT exemption for gifts made out of surplus income. This is

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VAT – advantages of the VAT Flat Rate Scheme

05/06/2025

Small business? The VAT Flat Rate Scheme could cut paperwork and improve cash flow. Pay VAT as a set percentage of turnover and enjoy simpler admin, budgeting ease, and even a 1% discount in year one of your registration for VAT. The VAT Flat Rate Scheme is designed to simplify the process of VAT accounting for small businesses. Rather

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Can you reduce your 31 July tax payment on account

05/06/2025

Expecting lower profits 2024-25 compared to 2023-24? You can ask HMRC to reduce your 31 July 25 tax payment on account. Act early to manage cash flow. Use your online account or we can handle it for you. Self-assessment taxpayers normally pay their income tax in three instalments each year. The first two payments on account are due on 31

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Tax write-offs for an electric car with zero emissions

05/06/2025

Buying a zero-emission electric car through your limited company could mean 100% tax relief in year one. Understand the capital allowances and boost your business’s tax efficiency with smart vehicle choices. If you are considering purchasing a company car through a limited company, it’s important to understand the tax implications,

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Claiming tax relief on pension contributions

05/06/2025

Private pension contributions can attract up to 45% tax relief, if you know how to claim it. Use your £60,000 annual allowance wisely and carry forward unused relief from past years to boost your retirement savings. You can usually claim tax relief on private pension contributions worth up to 100% of your annual earnings, subject to the

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VAT exempt supplies

05/06/2025

Not all VAT-free sales are the same. Understanding the key difference between zero-rated and VAT-exempt supplies could save your business money and prevent costly VAT mistakes. It's important to understand the distinction between zero-rated and VAT-exempt supplies. While both may appear similar, because no VAT is charged on the sale, the

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Government sells last Nat West shares

03/06/2025

The UK government has officially concluded its involvement with NatWest Group, formerly known as the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS), by selling its remaining shares. This move ends nearly 17 years of public ownership that began during the 2008 financial crisis. In 2008 and 2009, the government injected £45.5 billion into RBS to stabilise

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How working capital is funded

03/06/2025

Working capital refers to the day-to-day funds a business uses to manage its operations. It is the difference between current assets (such as cash, stock, and trade debtors) and current liabilities (such as trade creditors and short-term loans). Efficient working capital management is crucial for the smooth running of any business. But

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Company changes you must report

29/05/2025

Certain company changes—like a new registered address, email, or director—must be reported to Companies House promptly. Failure to update records risks penalties and non-compliance with UK company law. These include the following: Updating the registered office address If you change your company’s registered office, you are

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Repay private fuel provided for company cars

29/05/2025

Employees using company fuel for private journeys can sidestep a hefty benefit charge by repaying the full private fuel cost to their employer by 6 July 2025. Miss the deadline, and tax becomes unavoidable. This repayment process is known as "making good," and requires the employee to repay the employer for private fuel no

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Employers, don’t forget to pay Class 1A NIC

29/05/2025

Employers must pay Class 1A NICs for 2024-25 benefits by 19 July (post) or 22 July (electronic). These apply to perks like company cars and private health cover—late payment risks penalties from HMRC. Class 1A NICs are payable by employers on the value of most taxable benefits offered to employees and directors, including company

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Rolling Over Capital Gains

29/05/2025

Business Asset Rollover Relief, allows taxpayers to defer Capital Gains Tax (CGT) on gains arising from the sale or disposal of certain business assets, provided the proceeds are reinvested into new business assets. Rather than paying CGT immediately, the gain is "rolled over" into the cost of the new asset, and the tax

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What is a FIG?

29/05/2025

From 6 April 2025, non-doms face a major shift as the remittance basis is replaced by the Foreign Income and Gains (FIG) regime, now determined by UK tax residence, not domicile. Reporting obligations have expanded significantly. Under the new rules, nearly all UK-resident individuals must report their foreign income and gains to HMRC,

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