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

More...

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

More...

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

More...

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

More...

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,

More...

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

More...

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

More...

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

More...

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

More...

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

More...

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

More...

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

More...

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

More...

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

More...

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

More...

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

More...

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

More...

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,

More...

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

More...

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

More...

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

More...

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)

More...

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

More...

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

More...

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

More...

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

More...

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

More...

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

More...

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

More...

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

More...

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

More...

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

More...

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

More...

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

More...

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.

More...

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

More...

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

More...

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

More...

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

More...

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

More...

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

More...

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.

More...

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

More...

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

More...

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

More...

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

More...

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

More...

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

More...

Subscribe to our newsletter and you automatically receive our latest news by email. You may also login to access articles archive.

Copyright © 2025 Kalirai & Co Ltd. All Rights Reserved.