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...
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...
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...
What are Benefits in Kind?

What are Benefits in Kind?

Benefits In Kind (BIKs) are any perks or services an employer provides to an employee or director that they do not include in their regular salary. The employer provides these extras to enhance the employee experience or make their job easier. Although employers do...
What is MTD (Making Tax Digital)?

What is MTD (Making Tax Digital)?

Making Tax Digital (MTD) is a government initiative to modernise the tax system by encouraging businesses, landlords and individuals to keep digital records and submit tax information using compatible software. The goal is to simplify tax compliance and ensure tax is...
Marginal Relief Explained By Accountants

Marginal Relief Explained By Accountants

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...
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...
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...
Director’s Loan Account Explained By Accountants

Director’s Loan Account Explained By Accountants

A limited company owns its money. So, when a director takes cash for personal use, the company must record it properly. A Director’s Loan Account (DLA) tracks money that moves between the director and the company outside normal pay. What is a Director’s...
The Property Allowance

The Property Allowance

The Property Allowance allows you to earn up to £1,000 of tax-free income each tax year from land or property. In most cases, you also do not need to report this income to HMRC. Moreover, this allowance is optional and gives you time to decide whether it suits your...
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?

If you run a business, the “Wholly and Exclusively” rule determines whether you can deduct an expense from your taxable profits. To qualify for tax relief, you must incur the expense Wholly and Exclusively for the purposes of your trade. In practical...
Has HMRC Processed My Tax Return? Actionable Advice

Has HMRC Processed My Tax Return? Actionable Advice

Tax season can be one of the most stressful times for sole traders. With so many obligations and deadlines to manage, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. A common concern is whether HMRC has processed your tax return. However, by using HMRC’s online services, the...
What is the DWP Christmas Bonus?

What is the DWP Christmas Bonus?

What is the DWP Christmas Bonus? The DWP provides a one-off £10 Christmas Bonus each December to qualifying individuals. Since it’s introduction in 1972, this payment has aimed to support those on certain benefits with the financial strain of the festive period....
What is the VAT Threshold?

What is the VAT Threshold?

The VAT threshold is the maximum amount of VAT-taxable turnover your business can earn in any rolling 12-month period before you are legally required to register for VAT. As of 1st April 2024, the threshold is £90,000. HMRC has confirmed this figure will remain...
What is a Trial Balance?

What is a Trial Balance?

A Trial Balance is a financial report that lists all account balances from the general ledger. Businesses usually prepare this report at the end of an accounting period. This may happen monthly, quarterly or annually. The report helps confirm that the double-entry...
What is a Company Year End?

What is a Company Year End?

What is a Company Year End? Your Company Year End depends on your business and typically aligns with the date you registered your company with Companies House. It’s different from the tax year, which runs from 6th April to 5th April. Your Company Year End typically...
What is a Financial Year End?

What is a Financial Year End?

A financial year end marks the conclusion of a 12-month period used by businesses to track, report and assess their financial activity. It is the point at which businesses stop recording income and expenses for the year and begin preparing their financial statements....
What is a Tax Year End?

What is a Tax Year End?

What is a Tax Year End? The UK Tax Year runs from 6th April until the 5th April of the following year. HMRC uses this timeframe to calculate your liabilities for the year, whether it’s Income Tax, Corporation Tax or Capital Gains Tax. For example: The tax year...
What is Solvency?

What is Solvency?

What is Solvency? Solvency refers to a business’ ability to meet its long-term financial obligations. Simply, it measures whether a business has enough assets to cover its debts. A solvent business is one that can pay off its liabilities over the long term,...
What is Liquidity?

What is Liquidity?

What is Liquidity? Liquidity measures how easily an asset converts into cash without losing value. Consider cash the most liquid asset because you can use it immediately for purchases or paying bills. On the other hand, assets like property or collectibles may take...
What are Fixed Assets?

What are Fixed Assets?

What are Fixed Assets? Businesses purchase fixed assets as long-term assets for continuous use. Businesses do not intend to resell or convert them into cash quickly. Instead, they support the business over several years. Examples of fixed assets include: Buildings:...
What is a Liability?

What is a Liability?

What is a Liability? A liability is a debt or obligation a company must settle. This can be in the form of money, goods, or services. You should record liabilities on the right side of the balance sheet; which includes loans, accounts payable, mortgages, deferred...