News
The value of applying for trade marks
19/05/2025
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
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The legal responsibilities of directors
19/05/2025
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
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The importance of discretion – don’t send inappropriate messages during working hours!
15/05/2025
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
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Why filing early makes sense
15/05/2025
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
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Save up to £2,000 a year on childcare costs
15/05/2025
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
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MTD for Income Tax deadline is approaching
15/05/2025
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
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HMRC interest rates following Bank of England rate cut
15/05/2025
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
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Deadline for paying Class 1A NIC
15/05/2025
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
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The transition from FHL to Property Rental business
15/05/2025
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
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When can you deregister for VAT?
15/05/2025
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
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Landmark economic deal with United States
12/05/2025
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
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Still recording your accounts on spreadsheets?
12/05/2025
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,
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How to check employment status
08/05/2025
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
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Reversal of requirement to report more detailed employee hours paid
08/05/2025
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
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Mandating the Payrolling of benefits in kind update
08/05/2025
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
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Income reporting threshold increased
08/05/2025
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)
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Changes to VAT on donations to charities
08/05/2025
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
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Electronic invoicing consultation
08/05/2025
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
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