News

HMRC interest rate increases
03/04/2025 - 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

Registering informal money transfer businesses
03/04/2025 - 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

R & D clearance consultation
03/04/2025 - 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

Verifying identity at Companies House – From April 2025
03/04/2025 - 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

Business Asset Disposal Relief rates from April 2025
03/04/2025 - 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,

HMRC time to pay arrangements
03/04/2025 - 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

Recycling changes
31/03/2025 - 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:

Pubs and premises insurance
31/03/2025 - 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

Applying for student loans
27/03/2025 - 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

Childcare grants
27/03/2025 - 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

Beneficial interests in jointly held property
27/03/2025 - 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

Making Tax Digital for Income Tax
27/03/2025 - 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

LLP salaried members
27/03/2025 - 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

Time off for jury service
27/03/2025 - 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

CGT holding over gains if you gift business assets
27/03/2025 - 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

Spring Statement Summary March 2025
26/03/2025 - More...
Spring Statement 2025: Key Tax Measures and Modernisation Initiatives Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ Spring Statement 2025, delivered on 26 March, arrived at a critical point for the UK economy. With the Office for Budget Responsibility downgrading growth forecasts to just over 1% for the year and borrowing costs climbing, the tone of the

How Small Businesses Can Survive a Recession
24/03/2025 - More...
Recessions can be tough on small businesses, but they do not have to spell disaster. With some smart thinking and a bit of planning, many firms can keep going and even emerge stronger once the economy picks up. Here are some practical ways to stay afloat when times are hard. 1. Cut back on unnecessary spending Now is the moment to go

How to Approach Your Bank for a Business Loan
24/03/2025 - More...
Asking your bank for a business loan can feel daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right preparation, you can give yourself the best possible chance of getting a positive outcome. Start with a clear purpose Banks want to know why you need the money. Are you looking to grow, cover short-term cash flow gaps, or invest in new

Requesting evidence of earnings
20/03/2025 - More...
If you're self-employed, lenders may require an SA302 and tax year overview as proof of earnings for mortgages or loans. These documents verify income declared on your self-assessment tax return and are easily accessible via HMRC. Learn how to obtain them. The use of these forms has become more widespread since mortgage regulations began

Tax liability if you sell a business asset
20/03/2025 - More...
When selling assets on which capital allowances were claimed, you may need to adjust your taxable profits with a balancing charge or allowance. Understanding these rules ensures you don’t face unexpected tax liabilities. Learn how to handle asset disposals correctly. Typically, the value of the asset sold is considered to be the amount

Records you must keep if self-employed
20/03/2025 - More...
If you are self-employed as a sole trader or a partner in a business partnership, you are required to maintain suitable business records as well as separate personal income records for tax purposes. For tax compliance, these business records must be kept for at least five years from the 31 January submission deadline of the relevant tax

VAT if you sell your business
20/03/2025 - More...
When selling a business, the Transfer of a Business as a Going Concern (TOGC) rules can allow the transaction to be VAT-free if key conditions are met. This prevents unnecessary VAT charges and ensures compliance with HMRC. Learn how TOGC applies to your sale. A TOGC is defined as "neither a supply of goods nor a supply of

Rental business mortgage relief
20/03/2025 - More...
Since April 2020, landlords can no longer deduct mortgage interest as an expense. Instead, tax relief is capped at 20%. This change affects UK and non-UK resident landlords, trustees, and partnerships but excludes companies. Learn how this impacts your tax bill. In April 2017, new rules were introduced that limited the tax relief on

Claiming professional fees and subscriptions
20/03/2025 - More...
Did you know you may be eligible for tax relief on professional fees and subscriptions? If your membership is required for your job and the organisation is HMRC-approved, you could claim back tax for up to four years. Find out if you qualify and how to apply. You may be eligible to claim tax relief on certain professional fees and