News

The value of applying for trade marks
19/05/2025 - More...
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

The legal responsibilities of directors
19/05/2025 - More...
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

The importance of discretion – don’t send inappropriate messages during working hours!
15/05/2025 - More...
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

Why filing early makes sense
15/05/2025 - More...
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

Save up to £2,000 a year on childcare costs
15/05/2025 - More...
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

MTD for Income Tax deadline is approaching
15/05/2025 - More...
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

HMRC interest rates following Bank of England rate cut
15/05/2025 - More...
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

Deadline for paying Class 1A NIC
15/05/2025 - More...
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

The transition from FHL to Property Rental business
15/05/2025 - More...
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

When can you deregister for VAT?
15/05/2025 - More...
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

Landmark economic deal with United States
12/05/2025 - More...
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

Still recording your accounts on spreadsheets?
12/05/2025 - More...
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,

How to check employment status
08/05/2025 - More...
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

Reversal of requirement to report more detailed employee hours paid
08/05/2025 - More...
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

Mandating the Payrolling of benefits in kind update
08/05/2025 - More...
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

Income reporting threshold increased
08/05/2025 - More...
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)

Changes to VAT on donations to charities
08/05/2025 - More...
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

Electronic invoicing consultation
08/05/2025 - More...
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

How to Increase Gross Profit Returns
07/05/2025 - More...
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

Fresh Ideas for Additional Revenue Streams
07/05/2025 - More...
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

Tax Diary June/July 2025
02/05/2025 - More...
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

State Benefits – What is taxable and what is not
01/05/2025 - More...
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

Is income from hobbies taxable?
01/05/2025 - 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

Tax relief if required to work from home
01/05/2025 - 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