If you have been one of the lucky ones to secure a pay rise this year, be mindful that the High‑Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC) does not crash the party. How does HICBC work? The HICBC can kick in if either you or your partner earns more than £60,000 a year and Child Benefit is […]

There was a time when SMEs relied on their main bank for all of their finance options. Recent economic pressures are leading to more cash flow challenges for SMEs and the old approach may no longer be sufficient. Greater financial awareness is causing more SMEs to explore asset and invoice financing, with search enquiries for […]

HMRC and Companies House have confirmed that from 1 April, all businesses must use compliant, commercial software to file their company’s tax returns. As of 31 March, the free joint online service, commonly known as the CATO portal, from these two Government bodies has been removed and you must now use software to file company […]

Capital allowances continue to provide an effective method for businesses to reduce their tax bills, by providing incentives for investment in eligible expenditure – typically plant and machinery. Historically, these reliefs have been subject to change and the 2026/27 tax year is no different, as the Government moves to alter two key reliefs – Writing […]

Directors and employees claiming work-from-home tax relief will no longer be able to claim it from the start of the new tax year – 6 April 2026. Why is this relief being taken away? The Chancellor announced the removal of the work-from-home relief as part of her latest Autumn Budget. The main reasoning given for […]

For tax returns for the tax year to 5 April 2026, you must report your dividend income accurately as part of wider personal tax reforms. Directors of close companies must disclose the company name, registration number, specific dividend amounts and their highest percentage shareholding on Self-Assessment returns. Dividends from your own company must also be […]

For landlords and sole traders bringing in qualifying annual income over £50,000 (not including profit or dividends), Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax is now mandatory. For income to qualify, it must be earned from self-employment or property rental, exceed the threshold in a tax year and be subject to UK Income Tax. Please […]

Further administrative changes are on the cards for close companies, as the Government seeks to gain a better understanding of previously difficult-to-distinguish transactions. Close companies – those controlled by five or fewer participators or by directors who are also participators – may soon be required to disclose details of transactions with participators in order to […]

Since November 2025, it has become a requirement for all company directors and Persons with Significant Control (PSCs) to verify their identity with Companies House. As this must be completed by November this year, it is concerning that many have still not done so. This verification process is part of the UK Government’s efforts to […]

From April 2026, the National Minimum Wage rates will increase once again, driving up employment costs for many businesses and requiring them to review their payroll processes. If you haven’t considered how these new rates will affect your business, you should do so now. What’s changing in minimum wage rates? From April 2026, the new […]