Spring Statement 2025

Spring Statement 2025

The Spring Statement 2025, introduced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves, comes with a strong focus on fiscal discipline, economic growth and government reform. New Fiscal Rules At the heart of the Spring Statement 2025, are two key fiscal rules: Balancing the budget by...
What is the Budget? Explaining the Yearly Announcements

What is the Budget? Explaining the Yearly Announcements

The UK Budget is a financial statement presented by the Chancellor of the Exchequer. It outlines the government’s economic plans, including taxation and spending changes. The decisions made in the Budget influence the economy, determine the level of public...
Marginal Relief Across Multiple Businesses

Marginal Relief Across Multiple Businesses

Marginal Relief helps businesses with moderate profits pay less Corporation Tax. However, if you own multiple businesses, the Marginal Relief rules change. By knowing the rules, you can save your company money and avoid unexpected tax bills. What is Marginal Relief?...
Director’s National Insurance

Director’s National Insurance

As a company director, your Director’s National Insurance Contributions work slightly differently compared to regular employees. What is Director’s National Insurance? The National Insurance system requires individuals to make contributions to qualify for...
What is Marginal Relief?

What is Marginal Relief?

Marginal Relief is a tax relief scheme that helps companies reduce their Corporation Tax bill if their profits fall between certain thresholds. Since 1st April 2023, the UK Corporation tax System has introduced a gradual increase in tax rates for businesses with...
Lottery Winnings and Tax

Lottery Winnings and Tax

If you are a UK taxpayer, you will not have to pay tax on your lottery winnings. Whether you win a small sum or a jackpot, the entire amount is yours to keep. This applies to prizes won from the National Lottery, EuroMillions, scratch cards or any other legal lottery....
Gambling Duty

Gambling Duty

Gambling is popular in the UK, and like many other industries, it is subject to taxation. Whether you run a casino, offer online betting or operate a bingo hall, you need to understand Gambling Duty as to avoid penalties. What is Gambling Duty? Gambling Duty is a...
Horse Betting and the Horse Racing Levy

Horse Betting and the Horse Racing Levy

Betting on horse races is a cherished pastime in the UK. It also forms a significant part of the sports betting industry. The UK’s taxation system for horse race betting is simple and bettor-friendly. Unlike in some countries, punters do not have to worry about...
Tax Planning 2025: Upcoming Year-End Planning

Tax Planning 2025: Upcoming Year-End Planning

With the tax year ending on 5th April 2025, now is the time to review your finances and take advantage of tax-saving opportunities. You should take advantage of tax planning to reduce liabilities and benefit from tax reliefs before the 5th April 2025 deadline. 1....
Employers’ National Insurance Increase

Employers’ National Insurance Increase

From 6th April 2025, there will be an increase to Employers’ National Insurance Contributions. These changes will impact businesses of all sizes, increasing payroll costs for many. The Upcoming Increase to Employers’ National Insurance Currently, employers...
Company Size Thresholds to Increase from April

Company Size Thresholds to Increase from April

From April 2025, changes to company size classifications will make financial reporting simpler for thousands of businesses. The Companies (Accounts and Reports) (Amendment and Transitional Provision) Regulations 2024 updates the the turnover and Balance Sheet limits...
Paying the Minimum Wage: What Employers Need to Know

Paying the Minimum Wage: What Employers Need to Know

The UK Government takes paying the National Minimum Wage (NMW) and the National Living Wage (NLW) seriously. HMRC has previously publicly named and shamed employers who fail to pay workers correctly, along with the appropriate fines and legal action. HMRC have also...
IR35: Off-Payroll Working Rules

IR35: Off-Payroll Working Rules

The Off-Payroll Working Rules, commonly known as IR35, ensure that contractors pay similar Income Tax and National Insurance as employees. These rules prevent individuals from working as “disguised employees”, meaning they benefit from self-employed tax...
What are Statutory Accounts? Research Spotlight

What are Statutory Accounts? Research Spotlight

Companies prepare Statutory Accounts as official financial reports at the end of every financial year. These accounts are mandatory under UK law and follow specific accounting standards. They offer shareholders, investors and other stakeholders a complete view of a...
What is a Director’s Loan Account?

What is a Director’s Loan Account?

A Director’s Loan Account, commonly abbreviated to DLA, records the money a company director borrows or lends to the company. It covers transactions outside of salary, dividends or reimbursed expenses. How Does a Director’s Loan Account Work? When you take...
What is the Property Income Allowance?

What is the Property Income Allowance?

HMRC introduced the Property Income Allowance as a tax exemption, which allows individuals to earn up to £1,000 per year from property-related income without paying tax or reporting it to HMRC. This applies to income from: Renting out a driveway or parking space...
What is the Trading Income Allowance?

What is the Trading Income Allowance?

HMRC introduced the Trading Income Allowance as a tax exemption, which allows individuals to earn up to £1,000 per year from self-employment or casual trading income without paying tax or reporting it to HMRC. This applies to income from: Selling goods online (Etsy,...
Interest Rates Cut to 4.5%

Interest Rates Cut to 4.5%

The Bank of England has cut interest rates from 4.75% to 4.5%. This marks the lowest rate since June 2023 and the third cut in just over 6 months. While this move aims to support growth, it comes with both advantages and challenges. Why Have Interest Rates Been Cut to...
Time to Pay

Time to Pay

A Time to Pay arrangement is an agreement with HMRC to pay tax debts in instalments, rather than in one lump sum. This scheme covers most types of tax debts, including: Corporation Tax PAYE Self Assessment VAT You will make monthly payments via Direct Debit. While the...
What is Professional Clearance?

What is Professional Clearance?

Professional Clearance is the process of getting approval from a professional body or regulatory organisation to make sure all works follows the law, regulations and ethical standards. This process is especially relevant when an accountant or firm takes over from a...
What Does Wholly and Exclusively Mean?

What Does Wholly and Exclusively Mean?

When running a business, you need to understand which expenses you can deduct from your taxable profits. The phrase “Wholly and Exclusively” determines whether a business expense qualifies for tax relief. What Counts as Wholly and Exclusively? For an...
What is Simple Assessment? Expert Advice for You

What is Simple Assessment? Expert Advice for You

A Simple Assessment is a tax calculation sent by HMRC. It applies to those who owe tax that cannot be collected automatically through the PAYE (Pay As You Earn) system. Instead of requiring you to submit a full Self Assessment tax return, HMRC calculates the tax you...
Supplementary Self Assessment Forms: Know the Fundamentals

Supplementary Self Assessment Forms: Know the Fundamentals

Self Assessment forms are used to report income, calculate taxes and claim reliefs. All those completing a tax return must complete the main form, SA100. Depending on your sources of income, you may also need to complete supplementary Self Assessment forms to provide...
Self-Employed Self Assessment: Valuable Guidance for You

Self-Employed Self Assessment: Valuable Guidance for You

HMRC uses Self Assessment to collect Income Tax from employed and self-employed individuals. Your employer will automatically deduct tax from your earnings, if they are employing you. However, as a self-employed individual, it is your responsibility to report your...