News
Have you verified your ID at Companies House?
23/10/2025
From 18 November 2025, all company directors and people with significant control (PSCs) will be legally required to verify their identity at Companies House. This verification is being phased in over 12 months and Companies House is contacting companies directly with guidance regarding what needs to be done and by when.
These changes are
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Report and pay Capital Gains Tax
23/10/2025
If you sell assets such as shares or land, you may need to report your Capital Gains Tax either through Self-Assessment or HMRC’s ‘real time’ CGT service; deadlines and rates depend on the type of asset sold.
If you have Capital Gains that are not related to the sale of UK residential property after 6 April 2020, there are two main ways
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Reliefs and allowances for Corporation Tax purposes
23/10/2025
Companies can reduce their Corporation Tax bill through a range of reliefs, including R&D credits, Patent Box, and creative industry tax reliefs, all of which will help to lower the overall tax on profits. Your company can also claim capital allowances for assets such as equipment, machinery and cars bought to use in your
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Reporting foreign income to HMRC
23/10/2025
If you are UK resident and receive income from abroad, such as overseas wages, rent, or investments, you may need to pay UK Income Tax and report it through Self-Assessment.
Income Tax is generally payable on taxable income received by individuals including earnings from employment, earnings from self-employment, pensions income,
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Claiming lettings relief
23/10/2025
If you have tenants in your home, it’s essential to understand the Capital Gains Tax (CGT) implications. Typically, there is no CGT on the sale of a property used as your main residence due to Private Residence Relief (PRR). However, if part of your home has been let out, your entitlement to PRR may be affected.
Homeowners who let out
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Claiming for working at home
23/10/2025
Employees who are working at home may be entitled to claim tax relief on certain work-related expenses. Where such costs are not reimbursed by the employer, either by direct payment or an allowance, employees can submit a claim for tax relief directly to HMRC.
Eligibility to claim tax relief applies when homeworking is a requirement of
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Don’t be tempted to withhold pay as a form of leverage
22/10/2025
Ms Constantine had been a veterinary surgeon since 2017. Initially, she had worked every day with two half days rest, but this increased to four full days and a weekend every three weeks. Moreover, she was required to seek permission to be absent on those days she was not required to attend work. In November 2020, Ms Constantine began a
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UK productivity remains disappointingly weak
20/10/2025
The UK continues to struggle with low productivity growth, a long-running challenge that shows little sign of improvement. In the three months to June 2025, output per hour worked was around 1.5% above its pre-pandemic level, but it actually fell by almost 1% compared with the same period a year earlier. The previous quarter had seen only
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Why solvency is the true test of business strength
20/10/2025
Every successful business, no matter how innovative or fast-growing, ultimately depends on one simple measure: solvency. A solvent business is one that owns more than it owes, with sufficient assets to cover its debts and the means to continue trading. It is not just an accounting concept, but a signal of underlying financial health and
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CIS – qualifying for gross payment status
17/10/2025
The Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) is a set of special rules for tax and National Insurance for those working in the construction industry. Businesses in the construction industry are known as 'contractors' and 'subcontractors' and should be aware of the tax implications of the scheme.
Under the scheme, contractors are required to
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Deduction of tax on yearly interest
16/10/2025
The tax legislation requires the deduction of tax from yearly interest that arises in the UK. This typically refers to interest that is subject to Income Tax or Corporation Tax.
The legislation requires the deduction of tax from yearly interest, if:
paid by a company, a local authority, a firm in which a company is a partner, or
paid
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Loss of personal allowance – the £100k ceiling
16/10/2025
For the current tax year, taxpayers with adjusted net income between £100,000 and £125,140 will face an effective marginal tax rate of 60%, as their £12,570 tax-free personal allowance is gradually withdrawn.
If a taxpayer earns over £100,000 in any tax year, their personal allowance is gradually reduced by £1 for every £2 of adjusted
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VAT on goods you export
16/10/2025
Exports from Great Britain or Northern Ireland can be zero-rated for VAT, provided businesses obtain valid export evidence within three months of sale and meet all HMRC documentation rules; accuracy and record-keeping are key to keeping the 0% rate.
Businesses are required to charge VAT on most goods that are sold within the UK. However,
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Claiming 4-years Foreign Income and Gains relief
16/10/2025
The remittance basis of taxation for non-UK domiciled individuals (non-doms) was replaced with the new Foreign Income and Gains (FIG) regime from April 2025. This new regime is based on tax residence rather than domicile. Under the new rules, nearly all UK-resident individuals must report their foreign income and gains to HMRC, regardless
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Business Asset Disposal Relief changes
16/10/2025
Business Asset Disposal Relief (BADR) offers a significant tax benefit by reducing the 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 partnership.
On 6 April 2025, the BADR CGT rate increased from 10% to 14% for disposals made in the 2025-26 tax year.
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Business meetings - Face to face or online?
13/10/2025
The way we meet has changed dramatically in recent years. Technology now makes it possible to discuss projects, close deals and hold team meetings without ever leaving our desks. Yet for many, there is still something powerful about sitting across the table from another person. Both formats have their place, and the right choice often
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Winning new contracts without offering punitive credit terms
13/10/2025
In today’s competitive market, many businesses feel pressured to extend generous payment terms to win new contracts. However, offering long or risky credit arrangements can strain cash flow and expose you to unnecessary financial risk. The good news is that there are other, more sustainable ways to attract and retain valuable
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Check if you can cash in a Child Trust Fund
09/10/2025
HMRC has issued a press release urging 18-23 year olds who have yet to claim their Child Trust Fund (CTF) cash to do so as soon as possible. According to HMRC, over 758,000 young adults in this age group have unclaimed funds, with the average savings pot estimated to be around £2,240.
Anyone who turned 18 on or after 1 September 2020
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Inheritance Tax and CGT relief for national heritage assets
09/10/2025
Certain buildings, land, works of art, and other objects of national significance may be exempt from Inheritance Tax and Capital Gains Tax (CGT) when they are transferred to a new owner. This exemption applies under a special tax relief for national heritage assets that are either gifted or bequeathed.
To qualify for this relief, the
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Understanding the tax implications of divorce
09/10/2025
When a couple is separating or undergoing divorce proceedings, tax issues are often not the first thing on their minds. However, alongside the emotional challenges, it is important to understand the tax implications of divorce can have a significant impact.
Changes to the Capital Gains Tax (CGT) rules for divorcing couples took effect on
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The Marriage Allowance if circumstances change
09/10/2025
Married couples and civil partners could save up to £252 a year by transferring part of one partner’s unused personal allowance to the other, but you may need to cancel the claim if your income or relationship status changes.
The Marriage Allowance applies to married couples and civil partners where one partner does not pay tax or does
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What is the High Income Child Benefit Charge?
09/10/2025
If your income exceeds £60,000 and you or your partner receive Child Benefit, you can now choose to pay the High Income Child Benefit Charge through your PAYE code instead of filing a Self-Assessment return; a simpler way to stay compliant while keeping your Child Benefit claim active.
The High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC) is a
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Benefits of the VAT Cash Accounting Scheme
09/10/2025
Waiting to be paid but still having to hand over VAT? The VAT Cash Accounting Scheme potentially lets you pay VAT only when your customer pays you, helping to ease cash flow pressures for small and medium-sized businesses.
This approach can offer significant benefits if your business offers extended credit terms to customers or regularly
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Risks of engaging employees as sham contractors
08/10/2025
Recently, a clear legal precedent confirmed that the nature of an individual's work is determined by the reality of the actual employment relationship rather than by arbitrary titles. Mr. Gooch worked for the British Free Range Egg Producers Association (BFREPA) from 1 November 2011 until 26 April 2024, initially as a Policy Director on a
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Tax Diary November/December 2025
08/10/2025
1 November 2025 - Due date for Corporation Tax due for the year ended 31 January 2025.
19 November 2025 - PAYE and NIC deductions due for month ended 5 November 2024. (If you pay your tax electronically the due date is 22 November 2025.)
19 November 2025 - Filing deadline for the CIS300 monthly return for the month ended 5 November
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Building financial resilience in uncertain times
06/10/2025
Every business faces unexpected challenges. Rising costs, supply delays, late payments and sudden changes in demand can all place pressure on cash flow. The businesses that cope best are usually those that have taken time to build financial resilience.
Resilience is not simply about holding large sums of cash. It is about planning ahead
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Profitability through better management information
06/10/2025
Many business owners make decisions based on instinct, but intuition alone can be unreliable. Having timely, accurate management information replaces guesswork with insight and leads to stronger profitability.
Management information differs from year-end accounts because it focuses on what is happening now and what is likely to happen
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Heads up for company directors
02/10/2025
As of April 2025, directors of close companies and self-employed taxpayers face new mandatory reporting requirements on their Self-Assessment returns.
Up to 900,000 company directors and 1.2 million taxpayers carrying on a trade will be impacted by new rules that require them to provide more information when filing their 2025-26
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The present limits for Business Assets Disposal Relief
02/10/2025
Business Asset Disposal Relief (BADR) still offers a valuable tax break, but the CGT rate has risen to 14% from April 2025 and will increase again to 18% in April 2026.
BADR provides a valuable tax advantage by offering a reduced rate of Capital Gains Tax (CGT) on the sale of a business, shares in a trading company, or an individual’s
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The Enterprise Investment Scheme tax benefits
02/10/2025
The Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) is designed to help smaller, higher-risk trading companies raise finance by offering a range of tax reliefs to investors who purchase new shares in those companies.
This scheme aims to encourage investment in early-stage businesses by providing substantial tax benefits to investors. However, in
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Register an offshore property developer for Corporation Tax
02/10/2025
Non-UK resident companies that buy, develop, or sell UK land must register for Corporation Tax within three months of a disposal.
Those non-UK resident companies that deal in or develop UK land must register for Corporation Tax if their activities involve acquiring or developing property with the intention to profit from its disposal.
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Check your State Pension forecast
02/10/2025
Your State Pension forecast shows how much you could receive, when you can claim it, and how to boost it by filling National Insurance gaps.
The Check Your State Pension forecast service provides a way to understand your State Pension entitlement. This is a joint service organised by HMRC and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)
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State benefits taxable and non-taxable
02/10/2025
Many people rely on state benefits, but it is not always obvious which payments are taxable and which are tax-free.
HMRC’s guidance outlines the following list of the most common state benefits on which Income Tax is payable, subject to the usual limits:
Bereavement Allowance (previously Widow’s Pension)
Carer’s Allowance or (in
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Bank deposit protection limits set to rise
29/09/2025
The UK’s financial regulator has proposed an increase to the level of savings protection available under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS). If approved, the changes would take effect from 1 December 2025 and will be welcome news for individuals and businesses holding larger balances in UK banks and building
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Five goals every small business owner should set
29/09/2025
Running a small business can feel like juggling endless priorities, but taking time to set clear goals is essential if you want your business to grow and remain sustainable. Here are five goals that every owner should consider.
1. Strengthen cash flow management
Cash is the lifeblood of any business. Aim to forecast your cash flow
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Sharing income from jointly held property
25/09/2025
The standard tax treatment for couples living together, whether married or in a civil partnership, is that income from jointly held property is split equally (50:50) between them, regardless of their actual ownership shares.
However, if the ownership is unequal and the couple wishes to have the income taxed in proportion to their
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Tax-free income from letting a room in your home
25/09/2025
Homeowners can earn up to £7,500 tax-free under the rent-a-room scheme, with simple reporting and flexible tax options.
This set of special rules is designed to encourage individuals to make use of spare space in their property by providing a tax exemption on rental income of up to £7,500 per tax year.
If the total rental income from
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Two important 2025 self-assessment deadlines
25/09/2025
Paper tax returns are due 31 October 2025, and new registrants must notify HMRC by 5 October 2025. Act early to avoid penalties.
Firstly, the deadline for submitting paper self-assessment tax returns is 31 October 2025. If you miss this deadline a £100 late filing penalty will usually apply, even if no tax is due, or if any tax owed is
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Are casual payments taxable?
25/09/2025
Not all casual payments are tax-free; HMRC’s miscellaneous income rules may apply depending on the circumstances.
The special miscellaneous income rules sweep-up provisions that seek to charge tax on certain income. This unusual provision, which is broad in scope, catches income that would not otherwise be charged under specific
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Exception from VAT registration
25/09/2025
Businesses over £90,000 turnover must register for VAT, but HMRC may grant exceptions if the increase is temporary.
A business must register for VAT if either of the following applies:
At the end of any month, its taxable turnover in the previous 12 months has exceeded £90,000; or
At any point, it is reasonable to expect that taxable
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VAT - Entertainment provided to directors and partners of a business
25/09/2025
When considering VAT on entertainment provided solely to directors or partners of a business it is generally not recoverable as VAT Input Tax.
HMRC considers that directors and partners are not in need of entertainment to motivate themselves, so such costs are not for business purposes. However, exceptions apply for subsistence costs
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Choosing the right way to buy a vehicle for your business
22/09/2025
For many business owners, a vehicle is an essential tool. Whether it is for visiting clients, delivering goods, or simply keeping things moving, choosing how to finance a vehicle can have a big impact on cash flow and tax planning. There are several routes to consider, each with its own advantages.
Buying outright
The simplest option is
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What is the recent £150bn tech investment deal?
22/09/2025
During the State Visit by President Trump, the UK secured a record-breaking £150 billion of inward investment from US firms. The package is intended to boost jobs, support growth, and advance the UK’s key industrial sectors, especially life sciences, advanced manufacturing, clean energy, biotech, AI and other future-facing industries
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Who needs to register for anti-money laundering supervision
18/09/2025
If your business operates in a sector covered by the Money Laundering Regulations, you must be monitored by a supervisory authority to ensure compliance. This article outlines who needs to register with HMRC for anti-money laundering (AML) supervision.
Your business must be registered with a supervisory authority if it operates in a
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Tax relief for employer contributions to a pension scheme
18/09/2025
Employers can generally claim tax relief on contributions made to a registered pension scheme by deducting those payments as an expense when calculating their business profits. This reduces the amount of taxable profit and therefore lowers the overall tax bill.
For businesses involved in a trade or profession, employer pension
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Dividend taxes will they increase?
18/09/2025
Speculation is growing that rates or allowances applied to dividend income may change in the next Budget.
The current tax rates for dividends received (in excess of the £500 dividend tax allowance) are as follows:
8.75% for basic rate taxpayers will pay tax on dividends
33.75% for higher rate taxpayers will pay tax on
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War Widows Recognition Payments Scheme
18/09/2025
Bereaved spouses who lost service pensions before 2015 have until 15 October 2025 to claim a one-off £87,500 recognition payment.
This scheme was launched in October 2023 to help war widows and widowers who lost their service-attributable pensions due to remarriage or entering new relationships before 2015. Since the scheme was launched,
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Beware scams pretending to be HMRC
18/09/2025
Fraudsters are continuing to target taxpayers with scam emails as the deadline for submission of self-assessment returns for the 2024-25 tax year gets ever closer. In the 12 months to 31 July 2025, HMRC received more than 170,000 reports of suspicious contact from the public, of which more than 45,000 related to fake tax refund claims.
A
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