Government Backing your Business programme
The government continues to place growing emphasis on supporting smaller businesses through its “Backing Your Business” programme, which is designed to encourage growth, investment and
Companies House ID verification
Major changes are continuing at Companies House as part of the government's efforts to improve corporate transparency and tackle economic crime. One of the most significant developments is the
Tax Diary July/August 2026
1 July 2026 - Due date for corporation tax due for the year ended 30 September 2025. 6 July 2026 - Complete and submit forms P11D return of benefits and expenses and P11D(b) return of Class 1A NICs
Tax on rental income
If you receive income from renting out property, it is important to understand your tax obligations and the reliefs that may be available. Rental income is generally taxable, although landlords can
A reminder of the tax rules for online sellers
A reminder that the tax rules for how online platforms report seller information to HMRC changed on 1 January 2024. Digital platforms such as eBay, Vinted and Airbnb are required to collect and verify
Allowable expenses for the self-employed
If you are self-employed, claiming all of your allowable business expenses can significantly reduce your tax bill. For example, if your business turnover is £40,000 and you have £10,000 of allowable
Are you affected by the High Income Child Benefit Charge?
Families claiming Child Benefit should be aware of the High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC), which can apply when one member of the household has a higher income. The charge applies where an
Pension tax relief and allowances
Pensions remain one of the most tax-efficient ways to save for retirement, due to a range of tax reliefs and allowances that can help boost retirement savings. One of the key advantages of private
A reminder to consider the Marriage Allowance
Many married couples and civil partners could be missing out on valuable tax savings available by claiming the Marriage Allowance. If your circumstances are suitable, this is a reminder to consider
Where a formal job offer effectively creates a binding contract
In the world of HR, the ubiquitous disclaimer "subject to references" is often viewed by employers as an escape clause, one which allows them to withdraw an offer at any time before
Government reviews access to face-to-face banking services
The government has announced a review into access to face-to-face banking services as concerns continue to grow over the impact of bank branch closures on local communities, older customers and small
Companies House publishes its business plan
Companies House has published its business plan for 2026-27, setting out its priorities for the coming year as it continues to implement major reforms aimed at improving the quality of information
VAT – opting to tax property
The option to tax is a VAT election that allows businesses to treat supplies of most non-residential land and buildings as taxable rather than VAT exempt. Once an option to tax is made, supplies in
Claiming to reduce payments on account
Self-assessment taxpayers are usually required to make payments on account to pay their Income Tax liabilities. These are paid in two instalments, the first on 31 January during the tax year and the
IHT – gifts made with reservation of benefits
Most lifetime gifts are treated as potentially exempt transfers (PETs) for Inheritance Tax (IHT) purposes. In general, these gifts become fully exempt if the donor survives for seven years after
A reminder of tax-free trivial benefits
Employers looking to provide staff with small gifts or seasonal tokens of appreciation should remember the rules for tax-free trivial benefits. A benefit can qualify as a trivial benefit where all of
Key person policies and tax relief
Many businesses take out “key person” insurance policies to protect against the financial impact of losing an important employee, director or other individual who is central to the success
Government measures to ease rising fuel costs
The government has announced a package of measures intended to help motorists and businesses manage rising fuel costs following disruption linked to the conflict in Iran. As part of the package, the
Increase in approved mileage rates
The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves updated Parliament on 21 May 2026 on the Government’s economic response to the war in Iran and the wider measures being taken to support households and
New measures aimed at easing living costs
The Government has announced a new package of measures designed to help households manage rising living costs during the summer months, as concerns continue over inflation, fuel prices and household
Tougher action on late payments
The Government has introduced a landmark new Bill aimed at tackling the growing problem of late payments to small businesses, with ministers describing the measures as the biggest crackdown in more