Allowable expenses for the self-employed
If you are self-employed, claiming all of your allowable business expenses can significantly reduce your tax bill. For example, if your business turnover is £40,000 and you have £10,000 of allowable
Are you affected by the High Income Child Benefit Charge?
Families claiming Child Benefit should be aware of the High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC), which can apply when one member of the household has a higher income. The charge applies where an
A reminder of the tax rules for online sellers
A reminder that the tax rules for how online platforms report seller information to HMRC changed on 1 January 2024. Digital platforms such as eBay, Vinted and Airbnb are required to collect and verify
Where a formal job offer effectively creates a binding contract
In the world of HR, the ubiquitous disclaimer "subject to references" is often viewed by employers as an escape clause, one which allows them to withdraw an offer at any time before
Companies House publishes its business plan
Companies House has published its business plan for 2026-27, setting out its priorities for the coming year as it continues to implement major reforms aimed at improving the quality of information
Government reviews access to face-to-face banking services
The government has announced a review into access to face-to-face banking services as concerns continue to grow over the impact of bank branch closures on local communities, older customers and small
Claiming to reduce payments on account
Self-assessment taxpayers are usually required to make payments on account to pay their Income Tax liabilities. These are paid in two instalments, the first on 31 January during the tax year and the
IHT – gifts made with reservation of benefits
Most lifetime gifts are treated as potentially exempt transfers (PETs) for Inheritance Tax (IHT) purposes. In general, these gifts become fully exempt if the donor survives for seven years after
A reminder of tax-free trivial benefits
Employers looking to provide staff with small gifts or seasonal tokens of appreciation should remember the rules for tax-free trivial benefits. A benefit can qualify as a trivial benefit where all of
Key person policies and tax relief
Many businesses take out “key person” insurance policies to protect against the financial impact of losing an important employee, director or other individual who is central to the success