1 October 2025 - Due date for Corporation Tax due for the year ended 31 December 2024.
19 October 2025 - PAYE and NIC deductions due for month ended 5 October 2025. (If you pay your tax electronically the due date is 22 October 2025.)
19 October 2025 - Filing deadline for the CIS300 monthly return for the month ended 5 October 2025.
19 October 2025 - CIS tax deducted for the month ended 5 ... read more From 13 October 2025, access to Companies House WebFiling will require GOV.UK One Login. This replaces the older Government Gateway sign-in and is part of the wider move towards a single, more secure login across government services.
When you next log into WebFiling after that date, you will be prompted to connect your existing account to GOV.UK One Login. Without doing so, you will not be able ... read more Running a small business comes with plenty to juggle, and while insurance might not be the most thrilling task, it is absolutely essential. There is one policy you are legally required to have: employers' liability insurance (EL). If you employ anyone, EL covers legal and compensation costs if someone falls ill or gets injured at work. Missing it could cost you a hefty £2,500 per day in ... read more From 2024, platforms like eBay, Vinted and Airbnb must report seller data to HMRC, so check your tax responsibilities.
If you sell goods or services on a digital platform it is important to understand your tax responsibilities. This can apply whether your sales are a part-time income source or your main income. Even casual selling online may mean you need to report earnings and potentially pay ... read more The letters in your tax code indicate whether you are entitled to the annual tax-free personal allowance. These codes are updated each year and help employers calculate how much tax should be deducted from your salary.
For the current tax year, the basic personal allowance is £12,570. The tax code corresponding to this amount is 1257L, which is the most common tax code used for those with a ... read more Employers must ensure they are paying staff at least the National Minimum Wage (NMW) or National Living Wage (NLW). The NMW and the NLW are the minimum legal amounts that employers must pay their workers. The latest NMW and NLW rates took effect on 1 April 2025. The current hourly rate for the NLW is £12.21. For those aged 18 to 20, the NMW is £10.00 per hour. Workers aged 16 to 17 and apprentices ... read more Gift Hold-Over Relief is a form of Capital Gains Tax (CGT) relief that allows you to defer paying CGT when certain assets, such as qualifying shares, are given away or sold for less than their market value, typically to benefit the recipient.
Instead of paying tax at the time of the gift, the gain is "held over" and passed on to the person receiving the asset. This reduces their base ... read more Gifting assets can cut inheritance tax, but traps like “gifts with reservation of benefit” may undo the plan.
The majority of gifts made during a person's lifetime are not subject to tax at the time they are made. These lifetime transfers are known as "potentially exempt transfers" (PETs). A PET becomes fully exempt from Inheritance Tax if the individual making the gift ... read more New rules mean late VAT filings and payments now trigger points, fines and interest charges.
The VAT late filing penalties regime changed for accounting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2023. Under the new system, there are now distinct and separate penalties for late filing of VAT returns and for the late payment of VAT liabilities.
The revised system operates on a points-based approach. ... read more An extended civil restraint order (ECRO) was issued against a prolific Employment Tribunal (ET) litigant for presenting repeated and baseless claims.
A Mr. Khan has been described as a prolific litigant, having issued no fewer than 42 largely unsuccessful tribunal claims since 2017. These various failed claims have typically involved allegations of disability discrimination and a failure to make ... read more Running a small business often feels like walking a financial tightrope. Cash can be flowing in nicely one month, only to dry up the next. With interest rates higher than they were for years and lenders tightening their checks, access to money has become a bigger challenge. That is why focusing on cash flow resilience is so important right now.
Cash flow is not just about survival; it is about ... read more For many small business owners, finding and keeping good staff is one of the biggest headaches. Recruitment is costly, time-consuming and uncertain. That is why focusing on staff retention is one of the smartest moves you can make.
People stay where they feel valued. Pay matters, of course, but many small businesses cannot simply compete with bigger firms on salary. The good news is that today’s ... read more Income Tax applies to earnings, pensions, savings, dividends and more, with different bands across the UK nations.
Individuals can be liable to Income Tax at any age. There are special rules to stop parents avoiding tax by putting assets into their children’s names.
The tables below shows the tax rates you pay in each band if you have a standard Personal Allowance of £12,570.
Bands: ... read more With a £50bn shortfall looming, the Chancellor may need to revisit last year’s Corporation Tax roadmap commitments.
As this year’s Autumn Budget approaches, it is an interesting time to revisit the Corporation Tax Roadmap published alongside last year’s Budget on 30 October 2024.
The roadmap sets out the government’s plans for Corporation Tax and a small number of other business taxes over the ... read more From April 2026, the self-employed and landlords must use MTD for IT, but exemptions may apply in limited cases.
If you are self-employed or a landlord with income over £50,000, you will need to prepare for digital record keeping, quarterly updates and a new penalty system. While most affected taxpayers will be required to comply, there are limited exemptions available.
You can apply for an ... read more You can claim tax relief on pension contributions up to 100% of earnings, but exceeding the annual allowance may trigger charges. Tax relief is paid on pension contributions at the highest rate of income tax paid.
The first 20% of tax relief is usually automatically applied by your employer with no further action required if you are a basic-rate taxpayer. If you are a higher rate or additional ... read more From 6 April 2027, new measures first announced in the Autumn Budget 2024 will come into force. These changes will bring most unused pension funds and death benefits into the scope of Inheritance Tax (IHT) from April 2027. This represents a major change to the tax treatment of pensions on death and will significantly broaden the IHT net by capturing assets that were previously excluded from ... read more Employers must report pay and deductions correctly to HMRC, but errors can usually be fixed in your next FPS.
Employers need to use payroll software or other payroll services to record employees pay, deductions and national insurance contributions on or before each payday. They also need to consider other deductions such as pension contributions and student loan payments.
These payments are ... read more Many business owners see their bank overdraft as a flexible safety net. When cash runs short, the temptation is to ask the bank for a higher limit to keep things moving. While this can provide breathing space in the short term, relying on overdrafts to cover trading losses is one of the riskiest financial strategies a business can adopt.
The key problem is that an overdraft is designed for ... read more In every market, businesses face competition. Some competitors may be larger, others may have deeper pockets, but gaining a competitive advantage is not always about size or spending power. It is about finding ways to stand out, deliver value, and build loyalty in ways that others cannot easily copy.
The starting point is understanding what your customers really want. Many businesses assume they ... read more 1 September 2025 - Due date for corporation tax due for the year ended 30 November 2024.
19 September 2025 - PAYE and NIC deductions due for month ended 5 September 2025. (If you pay your tax electronically the due date is 22 September 2025)
19 September 2025 - Filing deadline for the CIS300 monthly return for the month ended 5 September 2025.
19 September 2025 - CIS tax deducted for the month ... read more Company directors have a legal duty to act responsibly and in the best interests of their business. If a director fails to meet these responsibilities, they can face disqualification from acting as a company director for up to 15 years.
Disqualification can result from ‘unfit conduct,’ which includes actions such as trading while insolvent, failing to maintain proper accounting records, ... read more If you cannot pay your tax bill, it’s crucial to contact HMRC as soon as possible. They may offer support through a Time to Pay arrangement, allowing you to repay your debt in instalments based on your financial situation. Ignoring the debt can lead to enforcement action, including visits to your home or business by HMRC or the use of debt collection agencies. The debt collection agencies are ... read more The Money Purchase Annual Allowance (MPAA) is a pension rule designed to prevent individuals from gaining double tax relief on pension contributions. It targets situations where someone withdraws money from their defined contribution pension pot and then reinvests it, effectively receiving tax relief on the same funds twice.
The normal annual pension contribution limit is currently £60,000. ... read more Under the Companies Act 2006, dividends can only be paid from realised profits, never from capital, no matter what a company’s Articles of Association say.
Dividends can only be paid by a company out of profits available for distribution, not from capital, even if the company’s Articles of Association suggest otherwise. This rule is established under Companies Act 2006, section 830, and forms a ... read more If a call from your bank feels suspicious, just hang up and dial 159 to be connected safely to your bank’s fraud team.
The 159 helpline was launched in September 2021. The helpline is designed to help consumers quickly and safely reconnect with their bank when they receive a suspicious or unexpected call about a financial matter. 159 now works for over 99% of UK retail bank customers, providing ... read more Did you know a missing Home Responsibilities Protection (HRP) record could reduce your State Pension, but you may still have time to put it right.
Home Responsibilities Protection (HRP) was a scheme designed to help individuals, mainly those with caring responsibilities, to build entitlement to the basic State Pension by reducing the number of qualifying years required. HRP applied between 6 ... read more The question was raised as to whether, in a tripartite agency relationship, an employment relationship exists between an employee and their intermediary agency. For instance, Ryanair DAC employs some pilots directly, while subcontracting others. A Mr. Lutz successfully applied to an advertisement for pilots and was contracted on 10 August 2017 by MCG Aviation Ltd. (now Storm Global Ltd.). From ... read more Why cash flow matters
Profit is important, but cash pays wages, suppliers and loan repayments. Even strong businesses can struggle if money arrives late. A few disciplined habits around invoicing and collections can shorten the time it takes to get paid, reduce borrowing costs, and create headroom for growth.
Set clear expectations upfront
Agree payment terms in writing before work starts, ... read more A management buyout keeps the business in familiar hands. The team that already understands customers, systems, and culture steps into ownership, which reduces disruption and protects service quality. For founders, a management buyout allows a planned transition with clear handover milestones and an agreed role after completion if required. This continuity reassures clients, employees, lenders, ... read more HMRC’s Time to Pay lets eligible taxpayers spread tax bills over time, avoiding immediate enforcement.
If you owe tax to HMRC, you may be able to set up an online ‘Time to Pay’ payment plan depending on the type of tax debt and your circumstances. For self-assessment, you can create a payment plan online if you’ve filed your latest tax return, owe £30,000 or less, are within 60 days of the ... read more SMI loans can help pay mortgage interest for those on benefits, but repayment is due when the home is sold.
Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI) is a government-backed loan provided by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) designed to assist homeowners receiving certain benefits in covering the interest on their mortgage or home loans. The loan is intended solely to help with interest ... read more Banks will have to give 90 days’ notice before closing accounts, giving customers more time to respond.
From April 2026, new government rules will strengthen protections for individuals and small businesses at risk of unfair bank account closures. Under the legislation, banks and payment service providers will be required to give at least 90 days’ written notice before closing an account or ... read more Trustees must manage assets, follow tax rules, and register with HMRC where required.
A trust is a legal arrangement in which a trustee, either an individual or a company, is entrusted with managing assets such as land, money, or shares on behalf of others. These assets, placed into the trust by a settlor, are managed for the benefit of one or more beneficiaries.
Trustees are responsible for ... read more HMRC requires businesses to maintain accurate VAT records to ensure correct tax payments. While all businesses must retain general records (such as invoices, bank statements, and receipts), a key requirement under the Making Tax Digital for VAT initiative is keeping specific VAT records digitally.
Businesses must maintain digital records of VAT charged and paid, including:
The VAT on all goods ... read more Know the rules for contractors & subs under CIS to avoid issues with HMRC.
Under the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS), HMRC applies specific tax rules to contractors and subcontractors in the construction industry. Contractors are responsible for deducting tax from payments made to subcontractors and forwarding it to HMRC. These deductions act as advance payments toward the subcontractor’s ... read more A recent ruling has provided a timely reminder that substance trumps form in employment status disputes, and the mere insertion of a clause does not automatically change the employment status of workers. This case concerns an appeal by BCAL, a company that provides vehicle collection, inspection, delivery, and transportation services. The core dispute revolves around the employment status of ... read more With the next UK Budget approaching, there is speculation about changes to tax rates, allowances, and reliefs. Acting now can help secure current benefits before any new rules take effect.
Key areas to review:
Personal allowances - make sure you are using your Personal Allowance, savings allowance, dividend allowance, and Capital Gains Tax (CGT) exemption. Consider transferring assets between ... read more For many small business owners, the focus is on day-to-day operations. However, building long-term value is just as important, whether your aim is to sell in the future, attract investors, or secure better financing.
Focus on profitability and cash flow
Strong profits are essential, but reliable cash flow is often more important to potential buyers or lenders. Keep tight control over expenses, ... read more The Bank of England has knocked the main interest rate down to 4% today, cutting it by a quarter‑point from 4.25%. It’s the fifth cut in a year and brings the rate to its lowest since March 2023.
The decision was a close call: the nine‑member Monetary Policy Committee split 5‑4, requiring an unusual second round of voting to reach agreement. Bank governor Andrew Bailey cautioned that future cuts ... read more Fit and proper test fee to jump from £150 to £700 under HMRC’s proposed AML supervision changes
Many businesses are monitored by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) or certain professional bodies for Anti-Money Laundering (AML) purposes. However, HMRC is responsible for supervising more than 36,000 businesses in 9 business sectors. There are registration and annual fees that are charged for ... read more Properties needing repairs still count as homes and false claims to recover Stamp Duty Land Tax could mean big tax bills and penalties.
HMRC has issued a warning to homebuyers about rogue tax agents promoting false Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) repayment claims, especially those based on the condition of properties. Following a recent Court of Appeal decision, it has been confirmed that properties ... read more Businesses can reclaim duties on qualifying goods moved to or through Northern Ireland since 2021
The Northern Ireland Duty Reimbursement Scheme allows businesses to reclaim import duties paid on goods moved into Northern Ireland, provided specific conditions are met. It applies retrospectively, covering eligible goods moved from 1 January 2021 onward.
A claim can be made by importers of ‘at ... read more With the Residence Nil Rate Band (RNRB), families can pass on up to £1 million without IHT
The RNRB is an additional £175,000 Inheritance Tax (IHT) allowance that applies when a person’s main residence is passed to a direct descendant, such as a child or grandchild, after their death. The allowance is available to married couples and civil partners, and it can significantly reduce the IHT ... read more If your property has changed or seems mis-banded, you may have the right to request a Council Tax review.
Properties in England and Wales are assigned Council Tax bands based on their value as of 1 April 1991 (England) or 1 April 2003 (Wales). If you believe your property is incorrectly banded, you may challenge this through the Valuation Office Agency (VOA).
You have a legal right (known as ... read more HMRC’s new Q&A tool guides you through each step of a compliance check.
The free interactive online tool is designed to help individuals and businesses better understand what happens during a tax compliance check. Available on GOV.UK, the Interactive Compliance Guidance tool brings together key guidance and video content in one place, making it easier to navigate the process.
The tool ... read more For small businesses and growing companies alike, one of the most reliable sources of funding is often the profits they generate. While it can be tempting to extract earnings in the form of dividends, bonuses, or reinvestment elsewhere, there is a strong case for holding back a portion of those profits to strengthen the business’s financial position.
Retained profits are an internal source of ... read more Many small business owners turn to family members when looking to fill roles in their team. It can seem like a natural choice, offering trust, loyalty, and a shared sense of purpose. However, employing family in your business is not without its challenges, and it is worth considering the potential pitfalls before making that commitment.
One of the main risks is a lack of objectivity. Family ... read more New digital services have been launched that aim to make filing and managing tax returns quicker and less stressful.
These improvements are part of HMRC’s Transformation Roadmap, which sets out over 50 projects to modernise the UK’s tax system by 2030.
Among the new features are:
improvements to the digital self-assessment registration and opt out processes;
introducing enhanced on-screen ... read more Items discovered lying on land or buried in the soil, such as antiques or historical objects, are treated as chattels for Capital Gains Tax (CGT) purposes. This remains true even if ownership is tied to the ownership of the land where the item was found. Since these objects were not intended to be permanently affixed to the land, they are not considered fixtures and are therefore treated as ... read more Before probate begins, you must estimate the estate's value to see if Inheritance Tax applies. This includes valuing the deceased person's money, property and belongings in order to determine if Inheritance Tax (IHT) is due. This process is important even if you are not sure that any tax will be due.
There is usually no IHT to pay if the estate is valued under £325,000 or if anything above this ... read more Many business gifts and hospitality costs are not tax-deductible under current rules.
Entertainment expenses including providing hospitality and business gifts are common, but the taxation of these expenses is strictly governed by HMRC.
For businesses carrying on a trade, HMRC legislation generally prohibits tax deductions for client entertainment. If an employee receives a dedicated allowance ... read more Making Tax Digital for Income Tax (MTD for IT) will become mandatory in phases from April 2026. If you are self-employed or a landlord earning over £50,000 you need to be prepared for digital record keeping including making quarterly updates and for a new penalty system.
You will need to use MTD for IT if all of the following apply:
You are a sole trader or landlord registered for ... read more Shared home ownership offers a more accessible route to owning a home for those who cannot afford the full deposit or mortgage on a property that suits their needs. Under this scheme, buyers purchase a share of a property, typically between 10% and 75% of its market value and pay rent on the remaining portion to a housing provider.
The initial purchase can be funded through a mortgage or savings, ... read more The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) has issued updated advice to help business owners choose and monitor business rates agents more effectively. A key message is that the name listed in the Check and Challenge service must match the name on the signed contract. If it does not, this could be a sign of misleading activity, and business owners are encouraged to report any mismatch directly to the ... read more Communities and town centres across the UK are about to get a serious boost. The Government has unveiled sweeping reforms aimed at slashing red tape so new cafés, bars, music venues and outdoor dining spaces can spring up in former shops and quickly bring life back to high streets.
At the heart of the plans is a new National Licensing Policy Framework designed to replace outdated and ... read more You now need to set up a verified GOV.UK One Login to confirm your identity with Companies House.
To verify your identity at Companies House, you can use the GOV.UK online verification service if you have one of several accepted photo identification documents. These include a biometric passport from any country, a full or provisional UK photo driving licence, a UK biometric residence permit or ... read more Married couples can pass on up to £1 million tax-free if they plan their estates carefully.
The Inheritance Tax (IHT) nil-rate band is currently £325,000. This means there is normally no IHT to pay if an estate is valued below this threshold. This amount can be higher if you leave everything above the £325,000 threshold to your spouse, civil partner, a charity or a community amateur sports ... read more VAT relief is available on goods and services for people with long-term illnesses or disabilities.
There are special VAT reliefs available for certain people living with disabilities or long-term illnesses. These reliefs are generally available on certain products and services designed specifically for their personal or domestic use. This VAT relief covers not only the product itself but also ... read more Who values goodwill when a business is sold? HMRC's Shares and Assets Valuation team takes the lead.
Whether the goodwill belongs to a sole trader, partnership or limited company, HMRC’s SAV team will either accept the submitted valuation, give their own open market estimate, or state they need more information.
For non-corporate goodwill, the SAV team have the following options for valuing ... read more Despite intense lobbying by the farming community, the proposed reduction in IHT Business and Agricultural Property reliefs are included in the draft Finance Bill 2025-26.
On 21 July 2025, the government published draft legislation for Finance Bill 2025-26. The consultation period for the draft legislation is open until 15 September 2025. This comes at a time when the government has seen ... read more It was confirmed with the publication of the draft Finance Bill 2025-26 that measures first announced in the Autumn Budget 2024 to bring most unused pension funds and death benefits into the scope of Inheritance Tax (IHT) will start from 6 April 2027. This will significantly extend the IHT net, capturing pensions that were previously excluded. Individuals with sizeable pensions will need to ... read more A recent ruling affirms that an employer is directly liable for the unauthorised disclosure of an employee's private information. An employee worked at a JD Wetherspoon pub for approximately eighteen months, during which time she provided her contact details, including her mother's mobile number as an "emergency contact phone number". These details were kept in her personnel file, ... read more UK Export Finance (UKEF) is the UK’s export credit agency and government-backed financier. Its mission is to ensure that no viable UK export fails simply due to lack of funding or insurance.
What UKEF offers
Working capital support: Through schemes such as the General Export Facility, Export Working Capital Scheme, and Export Development Guarantee, UKEF backs loans that help UK businesses ... read more The UK Government has unveiled a landmark plan to reduce electricity network charges for the country’s most energy intensive industries, such as steel, ceramics, glass and chemicals, slashing costs by up to 90% from 2026.
What is changing?
The current 60% rebate under the Network Charging Compensation (NCC) scheme will rise to 90%, delivering savings of approximately £7 per megawatt hour for ... read more New UK transfer pricing rules could mean more reporting and fewer exemptions for mid-sized businesses. The government is consulting on proposals to tighten compliance and align with global standards. One key change would remove the transfer pricing exemption for medium-sized enterprises, keeping it only for small businesses. Another would introduce a new reporting requirement, the International ... read more Making Tax Digital for Income Tax will become mandatory in phases from April 2026. If you are self-employed or a landlord earning over £50,000 you need to start preparing to submit quarterly updates, keeping digital records and a new penalty system will apply.
Initially, MTD for IT will apply to businesses, self-employed individuals, and landlords with an annual income exceeding £50,000. From 6 ... read more Need to help a relative or friend with tax? HMRC’s Trusted Helper service makes it quick and easy to support someone online. Whether it is checking Income Tax, updating their personal details or reviewing taxable benefits like company cars or medical insurance, you can do it all with their permission. After registering as a trusted helper, your friend or family member simply needs to approve your ... read more Working or claiming benefits in the UK? You may need to apply for a National Insurance number first. If you do not already have one, your NI number is essential for tracking tax, National Insurance contributions and accessing certain government services. While most UK residents receive their number at age 16, newcomers or those starting work later in life may need to apply. It takes around four ... read more Overseas property owners must now report earlier ownership changes or risk penalties from 31 July 2025. Under new rules introduced by the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, entities that registered on the UK’s Register of Overseas Entities must disclose any changes in beneficial ownership that occurred during their pre-registration period. This adds to the annual update ... read more Double tax on estates can still hit families hard, even with treaties in place. When someone dies with ties to more than one country, their estate may face inheritance tax in both jurisdictions. Fortunately, the UK has Double Taxation Conventions with several countries to help reduce or eliminate this burden. Understanding how these treaties work, and what happens when no agreement exists, can ... read more Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are not just numbers on a dashboard; they are tools to help business owners make better decisions. But with so many metrics available, how do you know which ones matter most for your business?
The answer is simple: start with your goal. KPIs should always support what you are trying to achieve, whether that is growth, efficiency, stability or profitability.
If ... read more Starting your own business can be an exciting and liberating decision. But passion and ambition alone are rarely enough. One of the most overlooked factors in business failure is a lack of direct experience or knowledge in the chosen industry. Put simply, someone who has spent their working life as a plumber is unlikely to make a success of running a restaurant without serious planning, training ... read more As of April 2025, more employers can claim the increased £10,500 Employment Allowance thanks to relaxed eligibility rules. This increase will help employers reduce some of the impact of the recent increases in employers' NIC.
The Employment Allowance allows eligible employers to reduce their National Insurance liability. The current allowance that applies from April 2025 is £10,500. Previously, ... read more The impact of frozen personal allowances often leads to fiscal drag, a situation where individuals pay more tax as their earnings rise without a corresponding increase in allowances.
This occurs because tax thresholds remain fixed while wages increase, thus pushing more people into higher tax brackets or causing them to pay tax for the first time. Since April 2022, a number of key tax thresholds, ... read more Since 6 April 2025, the remittance basis of taxation for non-UK domiciled individuals (non-doms) has been replaced by the Foreign Income and Gains (FIG) regime. This shift marks a significant change, as the new FIG regime is based on tax residence rather than domicile. Under the revised rules, almost all UK-resident individuals must report their foreign income and gains to HMRC, irrespective of ... read more The second 2024-25 payment on account for self-assessment taxpayers is due on 31 July 2025. If you are finding it difficult to meet this tax bill, there are options available to ease the burden.
Taxpayers with liabilities of up to £30,000 can use the online Time to Pay (TTP) service to set up instalment payments. This service is available without the need for direct contact with an HMRC advisor ... read more Capital Gains Tax on certain residential property sales must be reported and paid within 60 days to avoid penalties and interest.
The annual exempt amount applicable to Capital Gains Tax (CGT) is currently £3,000. CGT is normally charged at a simple flat rate of 24% and this applies to most chargeable gains made by individuals. If taxpayers only pay basic rate tax and make a small capital gain, ... read more Employers must act now to meet the deadline for paying Class 1A NICs for 2024-25 to avoid HMRC penalties. These contributions are due by 19 July 2025 if paying by post, or by 22 July 2025 for electronic payments. Class 1A NICs apply to most taxable benefits given to employees and directors, including company cars and private medical cover. Employers should ensure payments are correctly referenced ... read more 1 August 2025 - Due date for corporation tax due for the year ended 31 October 2024.
19 August 2025 - PAYE and NIC deductions due for month ended 5 August 2025 (If you pay your tax electronically the due date is 22 August 2025)
19 August 2025 - Filing deadline for the CIS300 monthly return for the month ended 5 August 2025.
19 August 2025 - CIS tax deducted for the month ended 5 August 2025 is ... read more A Tribunal has provided a landmark ruling over employer-employee status in the context of direct payments made under the Care Act 2014, ruling that an LA was not in fact the direct employer of a carer. The appeal revolved around the question of whether the LA was the de facto employer of V, who had provided care and support to his adult brother, S, between 2013 and 2020. V was paid directly by the ... read more As we look ahead to the Autumn Budget 2025, it is clear that the Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, will be under pressure to balance public expectations with fiscal reality. A combination of reduced growth forecasts, increased borrowing costs, and the reversal of planned welfare savings has narrowed the government’s room for manoeuvre.
Early signals suggest that the upcoming Budget, expected in late ... read more Starting and growing a business is an exciting and demanding challenge. It is easy to focus all your energy on immediate goals like winning customers, generating income, and keeping cash flow under control. But at some point, every business owner will exit, whether through sale, succession, or closure. That is why having a clear exit plan is not just something for later; it adds value from the ... read more Side income over £1,000 may mean filing a tax return. HMRC is urging part-time earners to check their tax position for 2024-25, especially if they earn from casual work, renting, or crypto.
If you are earning extra income it is important to be aware of the tax implications.
The good news is there are two £1,000 tax allowances available for small amounts of miscellaneous income. The first is for ... read more Registering for payroll is essential when hiring staff. From HMRC registration to legal compliance, getting payroll processes right ensures your team is paid correctly and your business avoids penalties.
When starting a business and hiring employees for the first time, one of the most important administrative steps is setting up a payroll scheme. This process ensures your employees are paid ... read more You must tell HMRC if you no longer need to file a tax return. Whether you have stopped trading or no longer rent out property, notifying HMRC early avoids penalties and keeps your records up to date.
If your circumstances have changed and you believe you no longer need to complete a self-assessment tax return, then it is important to notify HMRC as soon as possible. This gives HMRC time to ... read more You may need to submit tax returns for someone who has died. As the personal representative, you are legally responsible for reporting income earned before and after death.
This person, known as the ‘personal representative’, is legally responsible for dealing with the deceased’s money, property and possessions. This includes reporting income earned both before death and income generated by the ... read more Your pension scheme type affects your tax relief. Workplace pensions offer tax benefits, but the method used, net pay or relief at source, changes how and when you get them. Your employer or pension provider should confirm which arrangement your scheme uses, and this will affect both your payslip and potential tax relief.
Net pay arrangement
In a net pay arrangement, your pension contribution is ... read more Where you live determines if you pay Scottish Income Tax. The rules are not based on where you work, who pays you, or national identity, but on your main UK home during the tax year.
The definition of a Scottish taxpayer is generally linked to the question of whether the taxpayer has a 'close connection' with Scotland or elsewhere in the UK. The liability to Income Tax at Scottish rates is not ... read more From 2025, Companies House is rolling out new identity verification requirements for directors, people with significant control (PSCs), and anyone forming or managing a UK company. These changes form part of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act and are designed to reduce fraud and increase confidence in UK companies.
If you are involved in running a business, you may soon need to ... read more Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer something for big tech firms alone - it is becoming a practical tool for small businesses, especially when it comes to financial management and forecasting.
We can now harness AI tools to speed up data capture, analyse financial trends, and identify opportunities for growth or savings. This is not about replacing people with machines but about making ... read more HMRC missed out on £46.8bn in tax last year. Small businesses and Corporation Tax make up the biggest share of the shortfall.
The tax gap for the 2023-24 tax year has been published and is estimated to be 5.3% of total theoretical tax liabilities.
The tax gap is basically the difference between the amount of tax that should have been paid to HMRC and the amount of tax collected by the Exchequer. ... read more Starting work this summer? Download the free HMRC app to get your NI number, check your tax code and stay on the right pay.
Young people finishing exams and entering the job market this summer are being urged by HMRC to download the HMRC app. The app is a free tool that can be used to provide quick access to essential employment and tax details. The app has already been downloaded by over 1.2 ... read more Get a clear view of your future pension. Use the enhanced online service to check, boost, or track your State Pension entitlement.
The enhanced Check Your State Pension forecast service is available online, offering a faster and more complete way to understand your State Pension entitlement. This joint service from HMRC and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) lets most people under State ... read more Struggling with late-paying customers? The VAT Cash Accounting Scheme helps protect cash flow by taxing only what you have received.
The VAT Cash Accounting Scheme is designed to support businesses by improving cash flow. Using this scheme means that VAT is only paid when your customer pays you and not when you issue an invoice. This means that if a customer fails to pay, the VAT is not payable ... read more From April 2024, the cash basis is the default method for sole traders and most partnerships when preparing Self-Assessment returns. Designed to simplify tax reporting, the cash basis lets businesses record income and expenses when money actually moves, easing the admin burden for many. Those who prefer or need traditional accruals accounting must actively opt out when submitting their tax ... read more Buying tools or clothing for your job? You could claim tax relief. Check if you qualify and how to get your money back. If you have spent your own money on items essential for your work, such as tools or specialist clothing, HMRC may allow you to claim tax relief, even up to four years after you paid. There are two ways to make a claim, and it might be simpler than you think.
You may be able to ... read more A recent tribunal clarified the procedural powers of the Certification Officer (CO), ruling that applications from trade union members cannot be refused simply because they are deemed "unarguable". After becoming Chair of a prestigious university, the appellant faced three internal complaints from other members/staff of the UCU involving bullying; a complaint regarding his decision not ... read more The government has announced the reinstatement of Winter Fuel Payments for pensioners in England and Wales for winter 2025-26, reversing the previous year's cuts. Around nine million pensioners are expected to benefit from this decision, with payments of £200 per household or £300 for households where someone is aged 80 or over.
Eligibility will be based on age and income. Anyone who has reached ... read more In a significant update, the UK government has unveiled a new compensation scheme targeting individuals affected by the earlier “Capture” software, used in over 2,000 Post Office branches during the 1990s. This programme aims to redress those who suffered financial losses prior to the widely known Horizon IT scandal.
Background on Capture
Before Horizon, the Post Office operated the ... read more
Tax Diary October/November 2025
GOV.UK One Login – enhanced security from 13 Oct 2025
What insurance cover should a company consider?
Are you selling goods or services on a digital platform?
Why your tax code might change
What counts as working time for minimum wage purposes
Holding over gains on gifts
Gifts with reservation of benefit
VAT late filing penalties
Balancing access to justice and abuse of process
Cash flow resilience and access to funding
Keeping your best people with flexible working
What are the current Income Tax bands and allowances?
Corporation tax roadmap
MTD for IT taxpayer exemption
What if your pension contributions are excessive?
Unused pension funds and IHT from April 2027
Fixing problems with running payroll
Why increasing an overdraft to fund losses is a dangerous game
How to gain a competitive advantage
Tax Diary September/October 2025
Company director disqualification
What happens if you cannot pay your tax bill?
What is the pension’s Money Purchase Annual Allowance?
When dividends cannot be paid
Using the 159 helpline
Applying for Home Responsibilities Protection
Tripartite arrangements don’t necessarily enable an agency to escape accountability
Improve cash flow with smarter invoicing habits
Management buyouts: benefits for owners and teams
Help with outstanding tax bills
What is Support for Mortgage Interest?
Rules to protect effects of debanking
Trusts and Income Tax
VAT – digital record keeping
Definition of a building sub-contractor
A magical clause does not necessarily nullify employment status
Pre-Budget tax planning – act now
Building value in your business
Bank Rate trimmed to 4%
HMRC to increase anti-money laundering fees
Homebuyers warning
Reclaiming duty moving goods to Northern Ireland
Who can claim the IHT residence nil rate band
Challenging your Council Tax band
Interactive online tool for tax compliance check
The value of retaining profits to support cash flow and growth
Employing family members in your business
New self-assessment services announced by HMRC
Found objects and Capital Gains Tax
Estate valuation for IHT purposes
Taxation of entertainment expenses
Making Tax Digital – important deadline dates
Shared home ownership
Choosing a Business Rates Agency
Red tape eased for new cafes and bars
Verifying your ID at Companies House
Current Inheritance Tax thresholds
VAT relief for the disabled
Capital Gains valuations of goodwill
IHT Agricultural and Business Property Relief changes confirmed
IHT Unused Pension Funds and Death Benefits changes
An employee's emergency contact details are strictly private
UK Export Finance: Empowering UK Businesses to Go Global
Big cuts to electricity network costs for heavy industries
Transfer pricing consultation
Higher penalties for MTD filers
Helping family or friends with their tax
Applying for a National Insurance number
New requirements for Overseas Entities
Double Tax Conventions and IHT
Choosing the right KPI’s for your business
Why industry expertise matters when starting a business
The Employment Allowance – what you can claim
The impact of frozen personal allowances
Goodbye remittance basis hello FIG
Struggling to fund your July tax payment?
File and paying CGT after property sales
Don’t forget to pay your Class 1A NIC
Tax Diary August/September 2025
Being paid directly is not a confirmation that you are an employee
Autumn Budget 2025: What Changes Might Be on the Horizon?
Why exit planning matters – even in the early years of your business
Do you have additional income streams?
Setting up a payroll scheme
What if you no longer need to submit a tax return
Tax returns for a deceased taxpayer
Pension contributions, net pay or relief at source?
Who is liable to Income Tax at Scottish rates?
Are you ready for Companies House ID checks?
How AI is changing your business
Tax gap estimated at 5.3% for 2023-24
Use HMRC app and be job-ready this summer
Check your State Pension forecast online
Using the VAT Cash Accounting Scheme
Accounting on a cash basis
Claiming for uniforms, work clothing and tools
Pivotal role of the union Certification Officer in addressing complaints
Winter Fuel Payments reinstated
Redress for Post Office Capture victims