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
Government measures to ease rising fuel costs
The government has announced a package of measures intended to help motorists and businesses manage rising fuel costs following disruption linked to the conflict in Iran. As part of the package, the
Increase in approved mileage rates
The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves updated Parliament on 21 May 2026 on the Government’s economic response to the war in Iran and the wider measures being taken to support households and
New measures aimed at easing living costs
The Government has announced a new package of measures designed to help households manage rising living costs during the summer months, as concerns continue over inflation, fuel prices and household
Tougher action on late payments
The Government has introduced a landmark new Bill aimed at tackling the growing problem of late payments to small businesses, with ministers describing the measures as the biggest crackdown in more
Landlord tax and National Insurance considerations
When renting out property, landlords may have both Income Tax and National Insurance considerations to consider. However, rental income is generally taxable. For individuals, the first £1,000 of
VAT Cash Accounting
The VAT Cash Accounting Scheme can help businesses improve cash flow by allowing VAT to be accounted for when customers actually pay invoices, rather than when invoices are issued. This can be
Can you claim Business Asset Disposal Relief
Business Asset Disposal Relief (BADR) applies to the sale of a business, shares in a trading company, or an individual’s interest in a trading partnership. When this relief is available, a reduced 18%
Verify your ID at Companies House
Identity verification requirements at Companies House became a legal requirement for directors and people with significant control (PSCs) from 18 November 2025. This date marked the start of a
Fiscal drag explained
The freezing of tax thresholds can result in a phenomenon commonly referred to as 'fiscal drag'. This occurs when tax allowances and rate bands remain unchanged while wages and inflation increase. As
Making Tax Digital – which software to use
Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax is now in force for many self-employed individuals and landlords. Since 6 April 2026, taxpayers with qualifying business or property income exceeding £50,000
How the Marriage Allowance works
The Marriage Allowance lets you transfer £1,260 of your Personal Allowance to your husband, wife or civil partner. Your Personal Allowance is the amount you can earn before paying Income Tax (£12,570
Self-employed National Insurance
Most self-employed people are required to pay Class 4 National Insurance contributions (NICs). Class 4 NICs are payable if their profits are £12,570 or more a year. Class 4 NIC rates are currently
National Insurance liability on benefits in kind
National Insurance contributions that relate to employee benefits are known as Class 1A National Insurance contributions. Employers must pay these National Insurance contributions on most work-related
A pattern of workplace harassment may be treated as a continuous event
A pivotal ruling has raised a protective umbrella over those impacted by a toxic workplace environment, potentially extending employers' legal liability by months or even years. An Employment
Non-tax considerations when returning to the UK
Returning to the UK after a period abroad can feel straightforward on the surface, but there are a number of practical and personal matters that need careful thought to ensure a smooth
Update on Companies House plans for profit and loss filing
There has been considerable discussion over the past year about whether small companies would be required to file profit and loss accounts at Companies House. Many practitioners will be aware that
Gifts to a spouse or civil partner
Transfers of assets between spouses or civil partners are usually free from Capital Gains Tax (CGT). When you give or sell an asset to your spouse or civil partner, it is treated as a disposal for CGT
NIC and tax after reaching State Pension age
If you continue working after reaching State Pension age, your National Insurance position changes, but your Income Tax obligations largely remain the same. Once you reach State Pension age, you stop
Setting off losses against other income sources
If you are self-employed or a member of a partnership, you may be able to claim tax relief when your business makes a loss. There are several ways trading losses can be used, but each loss can only be