When starting a business, there are various decisions to make and tasks to perform. One of the first questions to address is whether to run the business as a sole trader, whether to set up a partnership with others or…
One of the more unpopular Budget announcements was the rise in employer’s National Insurance from 13.8% to 15% from 6 April 2025. The Class 1A rate and Class 1B rate are similarly increased, meaning that it will hit employers on…
Although the economy is said to be stagnating with little growth on the horizon, many smaller companies are doing well and have healthy bank balances. However, with the interest rate return on cash in a bank account being relatively low,…
The VAT flat rate scheme is a simplified flat rate scheme which can be used by smaller businesses to save work. Under the scheme, businesses pay a set percentage of their VAT inclusive turnover to HMRC rather than the difference…
If you are self-employed, you will pay tax on your taxable profit. In working out your taxable profit, you can deduct certain expenses that you have incurred in running your business. The basic rule is that expenses can be deducted…
As the cost of living crisis continues to bite, you may find that come 31 January 2025 you are struggling to pay your Self Assessment tax bill. If this is the case, it is important that you do not bury…
Post pandemic, homeworking has become the norm, especially the increase in ‘hybrid’ working, i.e. spending part of the week at home and part in the office. On the face of it, claims for tax relief on travel and subsistence costs…
One of the key announcements in the Autumn 2024 Budget was the rise in employer’s National Insurance contributions from 6 April 2025. From that date, the rate of secondary Class 1 National Insurance contributions is increased by 1.2 percentage points,…
Employers looking to spread some seasonal cheer can do so in a tax-efficient manner by taking advantage of the exemptions for annual parties and functions and trivial benefits. Christmas parties The tax exemption for annual parties and functions will only…
VAT-registered businesses who use invoice accounting generally account for VAT when invoices are issued and received. HMRC have recently published new Guidelines for Compliance which set out their recommended approach to the compliance process to ensure that VAT is accurately…
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