Council Tax Explained By Accountants

Council Tax Explained By Accountants

Council Tax is a local tax on residential properties throughout England, Scotland and Wales. It helps councils fund a wide range of essential services, such as: Rubbish collection Street lighting Recycling services Road maintenance Local schools Libraries Public parks...
What is a Dormant Company?

What is a Dormant Company?

A Dormant Company is a limited company that is officially registered with Companies House but is not currently carrying out any business activity or receiving income. Simply, the company is not trading and receiving absolutely no income. That means it is not: Selling...
What is a Fuel Card?

What is a Fuel Card?

A fuel card lets you purchase fuel exclusively at designated petrol stations. It works much like a credit or debit card, but businesses use it specifically for managing fuel expenses. The business pays for all transactions directly, so drivers do not need to pay...
Checking Payment to HMRC

Checking Payment to HMRC

When sending large sums of money to HMRC, many taxpayers only feel at ease once they confirm their payment has cleared. The good news is that checking whether HMRC has received your payment is simple. Who Needs to Pay Tax to HMRC? Not everyone needs to pay HMRC...
Property Income and Tax

Property Income and Tax

Renting out property can be a fantastic way to earn extra income. To make the most of your rental income and avoid any unexpected tax bills, you need to understand how Property Income works. What is Property Income? Property Income is the money you earn from land or...
Rental Income and Tax

Rental Income and Tax

Renting out property is a popular way to earn extra income. Whether you are letting a single flat, a family home or managing a portfolio of properties, you must understand the rules around rental income and taxation. What is Rental Income? Rental income includes more...
Writing Down Allowance | Tax Relief

Writing Down Allowance | Tax Relief

When you purchase equipment or other assets for your business, they naturally decrease in value over time due to wear and tear. Rather than claiming the full cost of an asset upfront, Writing Down Allowance spreads the tax relief over several years. Writing Down...
Tax Return Information: What To Give Your Accountant

Tax Return Information: What To Give Your Accountant

We understand that filing a Self Assessment can feel daunting. However, if you have an accountant, providing them with accurate information can make the completion of your tax return much easier and less stressful. Additionally, giving your accountant the information...
Nil Return | Reporting Zero VAT

Nil Return | Reporting Zero VAT

If you are VAT-registered in the UK, you must submit a VAT Return every quarter. This rule applies whether or not your business has traded during that period. When you have no VAT to report, you must file a “Nil Return”, also known as a Zero VAT Return....
What is a Confirmation Statement?

What is a Confirmation Statement?

A Confirmation Statement is an annual report that directors submit to Companies House. It confirms details about your business, such as: Registered office address Details of directors and shareholders Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) codes to describe business...
HMRC Delays | What You Need to Know in 2025

HMRC Delays | What You Need to Know in 2025

HMRC is facing mounting criticism over long delays in processing tax refunds. In cases, individuals and businesses have been waiting more than four months to receive their money. This marks a sharp increase from the previous average of four to six weeks. For small...
The 50% First-Year Allowance | Tax Relief

The 50% First-Year Allowance | Tax Relief

The 50% First-Year Allowance is a tax relief which should encourage business to invest in new assets. It allows them to deduct 50% of the cost of eligible Capital Expenditure in the year they purchase it. This immediate reduction can reduce your Corporation Tax bill...
Full Expensing | Tax Relief

Full Expensing | Tax Relief

Full Expensing is a tax relief which should encourage businesses to invest in their own growth. It allows them to claim the entire cost of qualifying Plant and Machinery in the year they purchase it. This immediate deduction reduces your taxable profits and frees up...
Interest Rates Cut to 4%

Interest Rates Cut to 4%

The Bank of England has cut interest rates to 4%, marking the lowest level in over two years. Announced today, 7th August 2025, this is the fifth consecutive rate cut since August 2024. The Bank aims to inject momentum into a struggling economy while keeping...
SIC Codes

SIC Codes

If you have ever registered a company in the UK, you have likely come into contact with “SIC Codes”. But what actually are they and why do they matter to your business? What is a SIC Code? SIC Code stands for “Standard Industrial Classification...
Companies House Authentication Code

Companies House Authentication Code

If you run a limited company in the UK, many of your legal obligations rely on one small but powerful tool: The Companies House Authentication Code. This unique code acts as your digital signature and grants you secure access to update your company’s information...
Sick Pay for the Self-Employed

Sick Pay for the Self-Employed

With no employer to support you and no access to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP), many self-employed workers face real uncertainty. Fortunately, there are alternative benefits and insurance options that can offer support during periods of illness. Why the Self-Employed...
Self-Employed Expenses: How To Claim Guide

Self-Employed Expenses: How To Claim Guide

Your business exclusively incurs self-employed expenses. You deduct these expenses from your income to calculate your taxable profit. Expenses must be “Wholly and Exclusively” for your business. You cannot claim personal expenses, such as personal shopping...
How to Register as Self-Employed

How to Register as Self-Employed

Whether you are launching a freelance career or building a full-time business, the first step is to register as Self-Employed with HMRC. This makes sure you declare your income properly and that you meet all legal obligations. What Does It Mean to Be Self Employed?...
Incorporation Relief

Incorporation Relief

Incorporation Relief is a valuable tax break that allows business owners to delay paying Capital Gains Tax when they transfer their business into a limited company. Rather than facing an immediate tax bill on the capital gain made at the time of transfer, the tax...
Depreciation Explained By Accountants

Depreciation Explained By Accountants

If your business owns equipment, vehicles or other valuable items that last more than a year, understanding Depreciation will help you in the long run. What is Depreciation? Depreciation is the reduction in value of a business asset over time. This loss in value...
Cost of Goods Sold (COGS)

Cost of Goods Sold (COGS)

Cost of Goods Sold, also known as Cost of Sales and abbreviated to COGS, refers to the direct costs involved in producing goods or services sold by a business. What is Cost of Goods Sold? Cost of Goods Sold represents the expenses directly tied to producing a product...
The Profit and Loss Statement

The Profit and Loss Statement

Every business, regardless of size, needs to track its performance. One of the most effective ways to do this is with the Profit and Loss Statement (P&L), also known as an Income Statement. This document provides a summary of a business’s income and expenses...
The Small Profits Rate

The Small Profits Rate

In April 2023, the UK Government introduced a tiered system for Corporation Tax, making it more flexible and supportive for businesses at different stages of growth. This also brought the reintroduction of the Small Profits Rate, which reduces the tax rate...