Becoming VAT Registered

Becoming VAT Registered

If you run a business in the UK, you may need to become VAT registered at some point. You need to understand the VAT registration process to avoid penalties and make the most of potential benefits. Who Needs to Become VAT Registered? Businesses must register for VAT...
VAT on Food Products

VAT on Food Products

VAT (Value Added Tax) on food is often a confusing subject. The rules aren’t just black and white; they vary depending on the type of food, it’s preparation and even how people eat it. While most essential food items are zero-rate (no VAT), there are...
Stamp Duty Reserve Tax

Stamp Duty Reserve Tax

When it comes to taxes, most people are familiar with Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) on property purchases. However, the lesser known Stamp Duty Reserve Tax (SDRT) applies to buying shares and securities electronically. What is Stamp Duty Reserve Tax? Stamp Duty Reserve...
Stamp Duty Land Tax

Stamp Duty Land Tax

If you are planning to buy property or land in England or Northern Ireland, you may need to pay Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT). This tax can significantly impact your overall budget. What is Stamp Duty Land Tax? Stamp Duty Land Tax is a tax that buyers must pay when...
What is a UTR Number?

What is a UTR Number?

If you are self-employed, run a business or receive income is not taxed through an employer’s payroll, you have likely come across the term “Unique Taxpayer Reference” or UTR number. While it might sound technical, understanding what a UTR number is,...
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?...
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....
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....
What is Simple Assessment?

What is Simple Assessment?

A Simple Assessment is a tax calculation HMRC sends you when you owe tax they cannot collect automatically through the PAYE (Pay As You Earn) system. Instead of requiring you to submit a full Self Assessment tax return, HMRC calculates how much you owe and sends you a...
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...
Amending a Tax Return: Something Helpful You Need to Know

Amending a Tax Return: Something Helpful You Need to Know

Whether it’s a simple typo or forgetting details, errors can slip through the cracks. When it comes to your tax return, these mistakes can feel monumental, especially after the deadline has passed. However, amending your tax return can be an option, depending on...
Self Assessment Scams: How To Overcome Costly Mistakes

Self Assessment Scams: How To Overcome Costly Mistakes

As the deadline for filing a Self Assessment tax return online fast approaches, HMRC is urging taxpayers to remain vigilant against scams. Scammers often take advantage of this time to target unsuspecting individuals with fake tax rebate offers or threats of...
Self Assessment Threshold: The Fundamentals

Self Assessment Threshold: The Fundamentals

For the 2023/24 tax year, the income threshold for filing a Self Assessment tax return has increased from £100,000 to £150,000 for taxpayers taxed solely through the PAYE (Pay As Your Earn) system. If your income through PAYE is below £150,000 and you do not meet any...
Self Assessment Penalties: Urgent Advice You Need To Hear

Self Assessment Penalties: Urgent Advice You Need To Hear

Filing your Self Assessment tax return on time can help you avoid penalties from HMRC. These penalties can quickly add up, leaving you with more stress than just paying your tax bill. What Happens if You File Your Tax Return Late If you miss the Self Assessment...
Self Assessment for Contractors: Tailored Expert Advice

Self Assessment for Contractors: Tailored Expert Advice

Those who work as self-employed contractors will likely need to submit a Self Assessment tax return each year. This ensures that HMRC has a full view of the contractors income so they can calculate the appropriate tax. Do Contractors Need to Submit a Self Assessment?...
Self Assessment for Directors

Self Assessment for Directors

Many directors assume that filing limited company accounts and paying Corporation Tax covers everything. However, HMRC treats your personal income separately from your company’s tax affairs. As a result, Self Assessment often applies to company directors. Many...
VAT Penalty System: Late Filing and Payment Penalties

VAT Penalty System: Late Filing and Payment Penalties

HMRC introduced a new VAT Penalty System on 1st January 2023. This system replaced the old default surcharge regime and introduced a clearer, points-based approach to late submissions and payments. Businesses that understand this system can protect themselves from...
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 Tax Investigation Insurance?

What is Tax Investigation Insurance?

Tax Investigation Insurance is a specific type of cover that protects you from the professional fees you will incur if HMRC investigates your tax affairs. These tax investigations can come from irregularities in your tax returns or entirely at random. The insurance...
What is a Tax Investigation?

What is a Tax Investigation?

An HMRC Tax Investigation, also known as a compliance check, is an official review of an individual’s or business’s tax records. HMRC wants to confirm that they are calculating and paying their taxes correctly. These investigations therefore allow HMRC to...
What is Self Assessment?

What is Self Assessment?

HMRC uses the Self Assessment system to collect Income Tax and requires taxpayers to complete a yearly tax return. Self Assessment is for those who do not have their taxes automatically deducted from their earnings or for those with additional income sources....
Marriage Allowance Transfer

Marriage Allowance Transfer

Marriage Allowance Transfer Marriage Allowance transfer allows one spouse to transfer a portion of their Personal Tax Allowance to the other, providing a tax reduction if certain conditions are met. Who is Eligible? You may qualify for Marriage Allowance if:...