When your business has spare cash, it’s tempting to make it work harder. Rather than leaving money sitting idle, some companies choose to lend it to another business. These loans can improve returns, help manage group finances, and even offer tax efficiencies. But...
Effective date of VAT registration Understanding your effective date of VAT registration is vital if you want to stay compliant and avoid nasty surprises. It determines when you start charging VAT, reclaiming it on your costs, and reporting to HMRC. Miss the right...
Business Entertainment Expenses: What You Can and Cannot Claim Business Entertainment Expenses confuses many owners. The rules feel strict and unclear. Most client hospitality is not tax deductible. VAT is usually blocked as well. However, a few exceptions exist. You...
VAT Invoice Requirements: Everything Small Businesses Need to Know If you run a VAT‑registered business, invoices matter. They are legal documents. Bad invoices delay payments and risk penalties. Good invoices, those that meet VAT Invoice Requirements, protect your...
HMRC Debt Collection Powers: What They Can Do and How to Respond Introduction Running a business means managing tax as well as customers and staff. If tax goes unpaid, HMRC will act. In recent years, HMRC has strengthened its debt collection powers and invested in new...
Have you had Class 2 National Insurance Charged in Error? Mistakes with National Insurance create stress and extra cost. Recent Class 2 changes caused confusion and wrong charges. This blog explains what changed and what to do next. You will also see practical tips to...
Earning Tax-Free Income from Renting Out Your Garage Turn Your Garage into a Source of Income Do you have a garage that sits unused? Many people forget the earning potential locked inside that space. Renting out your garage can provide a steady income stream. Even...
Bookkeeping: More Than Just Numbers Want to be productive, step forward bookkeeping and digital accounting This is the heartbeat of every business, social enterprise and charity, large or small. Good bookkeeping helps you manage cash, track sales, and meet your legal...
Running a limited company means playing by the financial rules. One key rule is around dividends. Dividends must come from company profits. If you pay one without profits, it becomes an illegal dividend. In this blog, we explain the impact of Illegal dividend tax...
Are you a sole trader, landlord, or both? Do you earn from property or self-employment? If yes, Making Tax Digital for Income Tax (MTD for ITSA) could soon apply to you. The rules are changing. Deadlines are coming. Preparation now will save stress later. This guide...
What Are Tax-Free Trivial Benefits? Trivial benefits are small perks given to employees. They’re tax-free if they meet certain conditions. Employers can give these without triggering tax or National Insurance. Think of them as small gifts, not rewards. HMRC sets...
Want to provide Tax-Free Health and Welfare Benefits and reduce tax liabilities? Good news. You can do both. In this blog, we explore five tax-free health and welfare benefits. These benefits help your team and keep your payroll costs efficient. Even better, they...
Do You Need to Register for VAT? You must register for VAT if your taxable turnover goes over £90,000 in any rolling 12-month period. This rule applies whether you operate as a sole trader, a partnership, or through a limited company. If your business is based outside...
Do You Own Property in the UK or Abroad? Are you a landlord with property in the UK? Do you also rent out property overseas? Then you’re running two separate property businesses. That’s right. HMRC sees UK and overseas property as different. They see them as a...
How do single directors claim Employment Allowance?. National Insurance costs are rising fast for employers. From 6 April 2025, the Employer’s National Insurance rate increased from 13.8% to 15%. At the same time, the secondary threshold fell from £9,100 to £5,000...
National Insurance rules for directors works differently compared to regular employees. It’s not just about when you’re paid — it’s how your pay is treated across the tax year. If you’re a company director, or manage payroll for one, understanding the rules can save...
Voluntary VAT registration often gets overlooked. Many small businesses aim to stay under the £90,000 threshold to avoid VAT. They fear more admin and think VAT will scare customers away. But going VAT registered before you must can offer big rewards. This blog...
You can Claim tax relief for work expenses online in 2025 If you spend money doing your job, don’t miss out on tax relief. You may be entitled to claim tax relief on work expenses, even if you have paid them yourself. If your employer hasn’t reimbursed you, then a...
What are the benefits of filing your tax return early. Why could this be one of the best financial decisions you make this year. While the Self Assessment deadline for the 2024/25 tax year isn’t until 31 January 2026, early submission has real advantages. Let’s break...
What Exactly Is Cloud Accounting? Discover how Cloud Accounting for Small Business saves you time, reduces errors, and give you real-time insights into your business finances. Tedious paperwork becomes a thing of the paste. You may have heard the term "cloud...