News

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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Employing your family

29/05/2025

Employing family members can work well, but it does not mean you can skip the rules. HMRC expects full compliance on pay, tax, pensions, and working conditions—just as with any other employee. When a new employee is added to the payroll it is the employers' responsibility to ensure they meet the employees’ rights and deduct the

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A return to gender rationality in the office? What does the Supreme Court ruling mean for trans people in the workplace?

27/05/2025

In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court clarified the legal interpretation of the words ‘sex’, ‘woman’ and ‘man’ in Sections 11 and 212(1) of the Equality Act (EA) 2010 with respect to gender reassignment and sexual discrimination following a challenge by For Women Scotland (FWS), a leading feminist organisation. FWS had challenged the

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Buying a business – a simple due diligence checklist

27/05/2025

Before you agree to buy a business, it is essential to carry out due diligence. This means carefully checking the facts and risks so that you can make an informed decision. Here is a basic checklist to guide you through the process. 1. Review financial records Ask for at least three years’ worth of accounts, including profit and loss

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Top 10 skills every business owner should acquire

27/05/2025

Running a business involves wearing many hats. Whether you are just starting out or looking to grow, developing the right skills can make all the difference. Here are ten practical skills that will help you manage your business with greater confidence and success. 1. Financial literacy Understanding your numbers is vital. Learn how to

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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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