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...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...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...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...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...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...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 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...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...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...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...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...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...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...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...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...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...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...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...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...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...The UK’s Business and Trade Secretary, Jonathan Reynolds, has set out the government's position following the United States' recent imposition of new tariffs on UK exports. These include a 10% reciprocal tariff on British goods and a separate 25% global tariff on cars — moves that have prompted concern among UK manufacturers and
More...The UK government has announced a record-breaking £13.9 billion in research and development (R&D) funding for the coming year. This major investment is designed to drive innovation, create quality jobs, and support long-term economic growth across the country. A large share of the funding, amounting to £8.8 billion, has been
More...Kau Media Group (KMG) Ltd. sought to enforce two post-termination employment restriction (PTRs) contained in a contract of employment to restrict Mr. Hart, a former employee, from working for his proposed new employer, MiSmile Media Ltd. (MML). Mr. Hart had worked for KMG from November 2020 to late 2024 as an Account Director. From 2021,
More...1 May 2025 - Due date for corporation tax due for the year ended 30 July 2024. 19 May 2025 - PAYE and NIC deductions due for month ended 5 May 2025. (If you pay your tax electronically the due date is 22 May 2025). 19 May 2025 - Filing deadline for the CIS300 monthly return for the month ended 5 May 2025. 19 May 2025 - CIS tax deducted
More...Child Benefit has risen for 2025-26: £26.05 for eldest, £17.25 for others. Claim continues to age 20 in approved education. HICBC still applies for incomes over £60K - but PAYE option coming this summer! The child benefit rates for the only or eldest child in a family increased to £26.05 (from £25.60) for the 2025-26 tax year and the
More...Minimum wage rates rose on 1 April 2025. NLW now £12.21, and big increases for younger workers too. Make sure you're compliant - underpayment can cost up to £20K per worker and a director ban. Time to check your payroll! Employers must ensure they are paying staff at least the National Minimum Wage (NMW) or National Living Wage (NLW).
More...Tax thresholds frozen till 2028? That’s fiscal drag in action - more tax paid without rate rises. It’s a stealthy revenue boost for HM Treasury, projected to bring in £38bn a year by 2029. Inflation and pay rises make it worse. The freezing of tax thresholds often results in a phenomenon known as fiscal drag. When tax thresholds remain
More...Do you know what your 2025-26 tax code means? It affects how much tax is taken from your pay or pension. Check now to make sure you're on the right code and not overpaying! Here's what the letters and numbers really mean. You can find your tax code: by checking your tax code for the current year online - you’ll need to sign in to or
More...From April 2025, updated ATED rates apply to residential properties held by companies and other Non-Natural Persons (NNPs). Make sure returns and payments are submitted by 30 April to avoid penalties. Reliefs may apply for commercial use. The Annual Tax on Enveloped Dwellings (ATED) applies to NNPs who own interests in residential
More...Small gifts can mean big tax savings! Use the trivial benefits exemption in 2025-26 to reward employees with non-cash perks under £50 - no PAYE, no P11D, and no NIC. A smart, simple way to say thanks. The rules providing trivial benefit payments provide a great opportunity to give small rewards and incentives to employees in the new
More...Supply line interruptions can be a nightmare for any business. Whether it’s a delay in deliveries, a shortage of materials, or problems with international shipping, things can grind to a halt fast. But with a bit of planning and a calm approach, you can keep things ticking over and reduce the impact. 1. Know your supply chain inside
More...Gross profit is one of the clearest indicators of how well your business is performing. It’s the amount left after deducting the cost of goods sold (COGS) from your sales revenue. Managing your gross profit returns well is crucial because it directly affects your bottom line and helps you understand whether you’re pricing correctly,
More...HMRC has announced that interest rates for late payments will increase by 1.5% for all taxes starting 6 April 2025. This change, which was first announced at Autumn Budget 2024, will raise the late payment interest from the current base rate plus 2.5% to base rate plus 4.00%. This adjustment applies to most taxes. Late payment interest is
More...HMRC has launched a campaign targeting informal money transfer networks like Hawala, aiming to combat money laundering and protect communities. Businesses must register for AML supervision or risk fines, prosecution, or closure. It is estimated that some £2 billion is laundered annually through these networks in the UK. This is a
More...Following the Spring Statement, HMRC is inviting feedback on the idea of expanding the use of advance clearances for R&D tax reliefs, aiming to reduce errors and fraud, provide businesses with more certainty, and make the overall process smoother for taxpayers. This R & D clearance consultation will explore whether an advance
More...New rules under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act mean identity checks will soon be required at Companies House. From directors to agents, all those running UK companies will need to verify who they are as part of tougher anti-fraud measures. This Act enhances Companies House's powers to combat the abuse of corporate
More...Business Asset Disposal Relief (BADR) provides a reduced Capital Gains Tax (CGT) rate on the sale of a business, shares in a trading company, or an individual's interest in a trading partnership. This relief can still provide substantial tax savings for business owners exiting their businesses. As part of the Autumn 2024 Budget measures,
More...If you're facing financial difficulties and owe tax, HMRC’s Time to Pay service may offer breathing space. From self-assessment to PAYE and VAT, eligible individuals and businesses can spread payments and avoid immediate enforcement. Businesses and self-employed individuals experiencing financial challenges and with outstanding tax
More...As of 31 March 2025, new regulations have come into effect in England, requiring workplaces to adopt simplified recycling practices. These measures aim to eliminate confusion over waste sorting, enhance recycling rates, and reduce waste sent to landfills or incineration. Key Requirements for Workplaces: Separation of Waste Streams:
More...In March 2025, the Pubs Code Adjudicator (PCA) wrote to all pub-owning businesses to reinforce the importance of complying with Regulation 46 of the Pubs Code. This regulation focuses on how premises insurance is handled and, crucially, the tied tenant’s right to seek a price match on insurance premiums. Under Regulation 46, pub
More...Student Loans help cover the cost of university or college in the UK. Whether you're full-time, part-time, or heading into postgrad study, here’s what you need to know about applying for 2025-26 funding—even if your plans aren’t final yet. Student Loans are an essential part of the government’s financial support system for
More...Juggling higher education and parenting? Childcare Grants can ease the pressure by covering up to 85% of your childcare costs. If you're a full-time student with young children, this grant could make a real difference—and it doesn’t need to be repaid. Childcare Grants provide financial support to help students cover the cost of
More...Couples who jointly own rental property are usually taxed 50:50, even if they own different shares. But if you're married or in a civil partnership, Form 17 lets you split income based on actual ownership—provided you meet HMRC's rules. The standard tax treatment for couples living together, whether married or in a civil
More...Making Tax Digital for Income Tax (MTD for IT) will become mandatory in phases from April 2026. If you’re self-employed or a landlord earning over £50,000, get ready for quarterly updates, digital record keeping, and a new penalty system. Initially, MTD for IT will apply to businesses, self-employed individuals, and landlords with an
More...Not all LLP members are taxed as partners. HMRC may treat them as employees if they meet certain conditions. Here's how the salaried member rules work, what the three-part test involves, and who’s excluded from the legislation. The salaried member legislation can apply to certain members of a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP). This can
More...If your employee is called for jury service, you must allow them time off—but you're not required to pay them. Here’s a clear look at your responsibilities, options, and how to handle disruptions and pay during their absence. If your staff members are called to serve on a jury, you are required to grant them the necessary time off
More...Gift Hold-Over Relief lets you defer Capital Gains Tax when giving away business assets or qualifying shares. It can be a tax-smart move for passing on wealth, but strict rules apply. Here’s what you need to know to claim it properly. Gift Hold-Over Relief is essentially a deferral of Capital Gains Tax (CGT) when assets, including
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