Aynesley Walters Cohen Ltd - Chartered Accountants Croydon

September 18, 2025

War Widows Recognition Payments Scheme

Bereaved spouses who lost service pensions before 2015 have until 15 October 2025 to claim a one-off £87,500 recognition payment. This scheme was launched in October 2023 to help war widows and widowers who lost their service-attributable pensions due to remarriage or entering new relationships before 2015. Since the scheme...

September 18, 2025

Dividend taxes will they increase?

Speculation is growing that rates or allowances applied to dividend income may change in the next Budget. The current tax rates for dividends received (in excess of the £500 dividend tax allowance) are as follows: 8.75% for basic rate taxpayers will pay tax on dividends 33.75% for higher rate taxpayers will...

September 18, 2025

Tax relief for employer contributions to a pension scheme

Employers can generally claim tax relief on contributions made to a registered pension scheme by deducting those payments as an expense when calculating their business profits. This reduces the amount of taxable profit and therefore lowers the overall tax bill. For businesses involved in a trade or profession, employer pension contributions...

September 18, 2025

Who needs to register for anti-money laundering supervision

If your business operates in a sector covered by the Money Laundering Regulations, you must be monitored by a supervisory authority to ensure compliance. This article outlines who needs to register with HMRC for anti-money laundering (AML) supervision. Your business must be registered with a supervisory authority if it operates...

September 17, 2025

Don’t rush to judgement over pending tribunal claims

Mr. Aslam, a former Metroline employee, applied to another bus company on 13 April 2019, disclosing that he suffered from partial hearing loss, depression, anxiety, insomnia and stress, and was interviewed on 14 May 2019. He disclosed that he had been dismissed by his former employer on the grounds of...

September 15, 2025

Why you should maintain a tax reserve

Every business has a duty to pay tax, whether that is Corporation Tax, VAT, PAYE, or personal tax liabilities for the owners. While these payments are predictable, many businesses still find themselves short of cash when the due dates arrive. One way to reduce this risk is to create a cash...

September 15, 2025

Understanding working capital and why it matters

Working capital is a simple but powerful measure of a business’s financial health. It is the difference between current assets and current liabilities. In other words, it shows what is left when a business’s short-term debts are taken away from its short-term resources such as cash, stock and money owed...

September 11, 2025

How do HMRC define “wholly and exclusively” for tax purposes

Not sure if a business cost is deductible? HMRC’s ‘wholly and exclusively’ rule is the key test. When deciding whether an expense is deductible or not it is important to bear in mind that the expenditure must be incurred wholly and exclusively for the purposes of your trade or employment....

September 11, 2025

Using your own car for work purposes

Using your own car or bike for work travel? You may be able to claim tax relief for business mileage. If you are employed and spend your own money on items needed for your job, you may be eligible to claim tax relief on those expenses. However, you can usually only...

September 11, 2025

When you cannot charge VAT

Not all goods and services carry a 20% VAT, knowing the right rate can save costly mistakes. When a VAT-registered business issues an invoice to their customer, they must ensure that they charge the correct rate of VAT. Whilst most businesses in the UK charge VAT at the standard rate...

September 11, 2025

How to pay corporation tax online

Paying Corporation Tax? Always use the correct reference or risk delays and penalties. To pay Corporation Tax via online or telephone bank transfer, you can use either a UK or overseas bank account. UK Bank Accounts You can transfer funds using Faster Payments, CHAPS, or Bacs, either online or by...

September 8, 2025

What insurance cover should a company consider?

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...

September 8, 2025

GOV.UK One Login – enhanced security from 13 Oct 2025

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...

September 8, 2025

Tax Diary October/November 2025

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...

September 4, 2025

Holding over gains on gifts

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...

September 4, 2025

What counts as working time for minimum wage purposes

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...

September 4, 2025

Why your tax code might change

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...

September 4, 2025

Are you selling goods or services on a digital platform?

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....

September 2, 2025

Balancing access to justice and abuse of process

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...

September 1, 2025

Keeping your best people with flexible working

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...

September 1, 2025

Cash flow resilience and access to funding

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...

August 28, 2025

What if your pension contributions are excessive?

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...

August 28, 2025

MTD for IT taxpayer exemption

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...

August 28, 2025

Corporation tax roadmap

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...

August 28, 2025

What are the current Income Tax bands and allowances?

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...

August 26, 2025

How to gain a competitive advantage

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...

August 26, 2025

Why increasing an overdraft to fund losses is a dangerous game

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...

August 21, 2025

When dividends cannot be paid

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...

August 21, 2025

What is the pension’s Money Purchase Annual Allowance?

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...

August 21, 2025

What happens if you cannot pay your tax bill?

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...

August 21, 2025

Company director disqualification

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...

August 20, 2025

Tripartite arrangements don’t necessarily enable an agency to escape accountability

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...

August 18, 2025

Management buyouts: benefits for owners and teams

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...

August 18, 2025

Improve cash flow with smarter invoicing habits

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...

August 14, 2025

Trusts and Income Tax

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...

August 14, 2025

Rules to protect effects of debanking

Banks must now give 90 days’ notice before closing accounts, giving customers more time to respond. Since April 2026, new government rules strengthen protections for individuals and small businesses at risk of unfair bank account closures. Under the legislation, banks and payment service providers are required to give at least 90 days’...

August 14, 2025

What is Support for Mortgage Interest?

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...

August 14, 2025

Help with outstanding tax bills

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...

August 13, 2025

A magical clause does not necessarily nullify employment status

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....

August 11, 2025

Building value in your business

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...

August 11, 2025

Pre-Budget tax planning – act now

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...

August 7, 2025

Bank Rate trimmed to 4%

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...

August 7, 2025

Who can claim the IHT residence nil rate band

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...

August 7, 2025

Reclaiming duty moving goods to Northern Ireland

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...

August 7, 2025

Homebuyers warning

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....

August 7, 2025

HMRC to increase anti-money laundering fees

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...

August 4, 2025

Employing family members in your business

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...

August 4, 2025

The value of retaining profits to support cash flow and growth

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...

July 31, 2025

Found objects and Capital Gains Tax

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...

July 31, 2025

New self-assessment services announced by HMRC

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...

July 31, 2025

Shared home ownership

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...

July 31, 2025

Making Tax Digital – important deadline dates

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...

July 28, 2025

Red tape eased for new cafes and bars

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...

July 28, 2025

Choosing a Business Rates Agency

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...

July 24, 2025

IHT Unused Pension Funds and Death Benefits changes

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,...

July 24, 2025

IHT Agricultural and Business Property Relief changes confirmed

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...

July 24, 2025

Capital Gains valuations of goodwill

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....

July 24, 2025

VAT relief for the disabled

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...

July 24, 2025

Current Inheritance Tax thresholds

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...

July 24, 2025

Verifying your ID at Companies House

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...

July 23, 2025

An employee’s emergency contact details are strictly private

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"....

July 21, 2025

Big cuts to electricity network costs for heavy industries

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...

July 21, 2025

UK Export Finance: Empowering UK Businesses to Go Global

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,...

July 17, 2025

Applying for a National Insurance number

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...

July 17, 2025

Helping family or friends with their tax

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....

July 17, 2025

Higher penalties for MTD filers

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...

July 17, 2025

Transfer pricing consultation

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...

July 14, 2025

Why industry expertise matters when starting a business

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...

July 14, 2025

Choosing the right KPI’s for your business

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...

July 10, 2025

Struggling to fund your July tax payment?

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...

July 10, 2025

Goodbye remittance basis hello FIG

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...

July 10, 2025

The impact of frozen personal allowances

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...

July 10, 2025

The Employment Allowance – what you can claim

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...

July 9, 2025

Tax Diary August/September 2025

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...

July 9, 2025

Being paid directly is not a confirmation that you are an employee

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...

July 7, 2025

Why exit planning matters – even in the early years of your business

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...

July 7, 2025

Autumn Budget 2025: What Changes Might Be on the Horizon?

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...

July 3, 2025

Tax returns for a deceased taxpayer

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...

July 3, 2025

What if you no longer need to submit a tax return

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...

July 3, 2025

Setting up a payroll scheme

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...

July 3, 2025

Do you have additional income streams?

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...

June 30, 2025

How AI is changing your business

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...

June 30, 2025

Are you ready for Companies House ID checks?

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....

June 26, 2025

Using the VAT Cash Accounting Scheme

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...

June 26, 2025

Check your State Pension forecast online

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...

June 26, 2025

Use HMRC app and be job-ready this summer

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...

June 26, 2025

Tax gap estimated at 5.3% for 2023-24

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...

June 24, 2025

Pivotal role of the union Certification Officer in addressing complaints

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...

June 23, 2025

Redress for Post Office Capture victims

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...

June 23, 2025

Winter Fuel Payments reinstated

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...

June 19, 2025

2025 Spending Review published

The government’s 2025 Spending Review outlines a major funding boost for healthcare, defence, housing, and infrastructure to support long-term recovery and growth. The 2025 Spending Review was published on 11 June 2025 and outlines the government's plans to support the country’s recovery by investing in security, health, and the economy....

June 19, 2025

When do the higher rates of Income Tax apply

Once your income passes £100,000, your tax-free allowance starts to shrink. Between £100,000 and £125,140, the effective tax rate climbs to 60%, but smart planning can help. If you earn over £100,000 in any tax year your personal allowance is gradually reduced by £1 for every £2 of adjusted net...

June 19, 2025

Who must send in a tax return

From self-employment to rental income, there are many reasons you may need to file a Self-Assessment return. Know the triggers and register with HMRC by 5 October if this is your first time. There are a number of reasons why you might need to complete a self-assessment return. This includes...

June 19, 2025

Tax rules for savings interest

You could earn up to £18,570 in tax-free savings interest in 2025–26, thanks to the personal allowance, starting rate for savings, and the Personal Savings Allowance. If your taxable income for the 2025–26 tax year is less than £17,570, you will not pay tax on the interest you receive. This...

June 16, 2025

BT Eyes Deeper Job Cuts as AI Reshapes Telecoms

BT has announced that it may exceed its previously stated target of cutting 40,000 jobs by 2030, as artificial intelligence (AI) becomes more central to its operations. The move comes as the company accelerates its cost-cutting programme and seeks to reorient itself in a changing telecoms landscape. The CEO, Allison...

June 16, 2025

Effects of Rachel Reeves’ Spending Review

Chancellor Rachel Reeves delivered her first Spending Review to Parliament last week, setting out the government’s financial priorities for the next three years. Her approach signals a shift away from austerity towards a strategy of state-backed investment, aimed at boosting growth and productivity while maintaining fiscal credibility. The review promises...

June 12, 2025

Do not forget to claim the marriage allowance

If one partner in a marriage or civil partnership earns under £12,570, you could save up to £252 a year, and up to £1,260 if you backdate your Marriage Allowance claim for the past four years. The Marriage Allowance can be claimed by married couples and civil partners where one...

June 12, 2025

Current IHT gift reliefs

Lifetime gifts can reduce Inheritance Tax, but survival for seven years and using key exemptions like the £3,000 annual allowance are crucial to making them fully tax-free. Most gifts made during a person’s lifetime are not immediately subject to Inheritance Tax (IHT). These are known as potentially exempt transfers (PETs)...

June 12, 2025

Business Asset Disposal Relief – forthcoming changes

The BADR Capital Gains Tax rate has risen to 14% from April 2025 and will increase further to 18% in April 2026. Business Asset Disposal Relief (BADR) offers a valuable tax advantage by applying a reduced rate of Capital Gains Tax (CGT) on the sale of a business, shares in...

June 12, 2025

New requirement – verifying ID at Companies House

Identity verification is now rolling out for directors, PSCs, and agents, with more filing roles to be included soon under new anti-fraud rules. Companies House is beginning to roll out mandatory identity verification. This is part of wider reforms introduced by the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act that was...