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HMRC’s CEST tool gets a revamp from 30 April 2025, with clearer questions and updated guidance to help users decide employment status for tax—plus stronger backing from HMRC.
In a Written Ministerial Statement delivered on 28 April, the Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury announced a series of administrative and simplification
The government has scrapped plans for detailed PAYE reporting of employee hours from April 2026, citing concerns over cost, complexity, and practicality. Employers will stick with current rules.
As part of the Spring 2025 Tax Update: Simplification, Administration and Reform summary, the government confirmed that it will no longer
HMRC has delayed mandatory payrolling of benefits in kind by a year to April 2027, giving employers and software providers more time to prepare. Penalties will be eased in the first year.
The requirement to report Income Tax and Class 1A National Insurance Contributions for most BiKs and expenses through Real Time Information (RTI) will
The £3,000 reporting threshold for trading, property, and other income will simplify tax returns—300,000 people could be freed from filing. A digital alternative is also coming.
As part of the Spring 2025 Tax Update: Simplification, Administration and Reform, the government confirmed changes to the Income Tax Self Assessment (ITSA)
The government is consulting on new VAT relief for goods donated to charities for free use. Could this fix an unfair gap in current rules? Have your say by 21 July 2025.
A new joint consultation from HM Treasury and HMRC, titled “VAT Treatment of Business Donations of Goods to Charity” has been launched. The consultation
The government wants your say on e-invoicing. Quicker payments, fewer errors, and better VAT reporting are on the table. A 12-week consultation could shape the future.
HMRC and the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) jointly launched a 12-week consultation earlier this year. The consultation is examining the broader adoption of
Gross profit is one of the clearest indicators of how well your business is performing. It’s the money left after deducting the direct costs of producing goods or services from your turnover. If your gross profit margins are tight, your business will struggle to cover overheads, let alone make a net profit. So, here are a few practical
For many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the core business keeps the lights on, but additional income streams can provide much-needed stability and growth. Whether you're a service provider, a retailer, or run a niche consultancy, diversifying your revenue can cushion seasonal dips, economic shocks, or customer churn. Here are
Not all state benefits are tax-free! Some, like the State Pension and Carer’s Allowance, are taxable, while others, like PIP and Universal Credit, are not. Knowing the difference can help you stay on top of your tax responsibilities and avoid surprises.
HMRC’s guidance outlines the following list of the most common state benefits on
Not every money-making hobby counts as a business for tax purposes. Knowing when a hobby crosses into trading territory is vital to avoid unexpected tax bills. If your side project is growing, it might be time to check your tax position and stay compliant.
For instance, HMRC manuals provide the example of someone who enjoys repairing
If employees must work from home and their employer does not reimburse certain costs, they may be entitled to claim tax relief. Understanding the rules for household expenses, business travel, and equipment purchases is key to making a successful claim.
Eligibility to claim tax relief applies when homeworking is a requirement of the
Dissolving a company ends its legal existence — but unresolved assets become property of the Crown under bona vacantia. Directors must act carefully to settle assets and liabilities before dissolution, avoiding costly mistakes and lost opportunities.
Dissolving a company is a formal legal process that marks the end of its
After a business closes, income can still arise. Post-cessation receipts must be properly reported and taxed under specific rules. Knowing what qualifies — and what does not — ensures businesses and individuals stay compliant with UK tax law.
Under the legislation, the individual or entity who receives, or is entitled to
When claiming tax relief or capital allowances on R&D, it’s crucial to ensure activities meet strict statutory definitions. Understanding Section 437 ITA and DTI guidelines is key to securing legitimate tax benefits and avoiding costly mistakes.
An activity is generally considered as R&D if it meets two key criteria:
It is
For many small business owners, getting access to funding feels like trying to squeeze water from a stone. Traditional banks have always been a bit cautious when it comes to lending to smaller enterprises, but over the past few years, it’s become even tougher. With the economic uncertainty lingering after Brexit, COVID-19, and a volatile
Cybersecurity might sound like something only big corporations need to worry about, but in truth, small businesses are increasingly in the firing line. In fact, many cyber criminals deliberately target smaller firms, knowing they often lack the resources and expertise to protect themselves properly.
The most common threat is phishing.
From April 2025, more low-income workers on Universal Credit can join Help to Save. Save up to £50/month and get a 50% bonus - up to £1,200 over 4 years. A simple way to build your savings.
The eligibility rules for the Help to Save scheme were extended on 6 April 2025. This means that the scheme is now open to more than 550,000 across
Skip the phone queues. Your Personal Tax Account lets you manage everything from tax codes to refunds online. Quick, secure, and all in one place. If you haven’t signed up yet, now’s the time.
Your Personal Tax Account (PTA) is a simple and secure way to manage your tax affairs online. If you want to complete tasks like checking your tax
MTD for Income Tax kicks off in April 2026 for those earning over £50k. Digital records, quarterly updates, and tougher penalties are on the way. If this affects you, it’s time to get ready.
Designed to modernise the tax system and improve accuracy, MTD will significantly change how Income Tax is reported and paid. With less than a year
A reminder that increases to the rate of National Insurance contributions (NICs) that are paid by employers came into effect on 6 April 2025. The main rate of secondary Class 1 NICs has increased to 15% (from 13.8%). This applies to earnings above the secondary threshold for employees. In addition, both Class 1A and Class 1B employer NIC
From April 2025, holiday lets lose their special tax treatment. Landlords must prepare for new Income, Capital Gains, and Corporation Tax rules. Here's what’s changing.
The repeal of the Furnished Holiday Lets (FHL) regime, a long-standing arrangement that offered tax advantages for individuals and companies letting out properties on a
The new VAT road fuel scale charges applicable from 1 May 2025 to 30 April 2026 have been published. The changes amend the VAT scale charges for taxing private use of road fuel to reflect changes in fuel prices.
HMRC has released new VAT fuel scale charges effective from 1 May 2025. If your business provides fuel for private use, updated
The innocent touch – where a lack of clear guidelines and policies makes a dismissal more likely to be unfair
A school inspector dismissed for brushing water off a pupil’s head won his unfair dismissal claim against OFSTED. Mr. Hewston worked as a Social Care Regulatory Inspector and, on the 8th of October 2019, during a school inspection, he brushed water off the head and touched the shoulder of a young boy who had been caught in a rainstorm.
Want to make the most of your pension savings? You could claim up to 45% tax relief on contributions, plus carry forward unused allowances. Here’s how to boost your retirement pot with generous HMRC incentives.
Tax relief on private pension contributions is generally available up to 100% of your annual earnings, subject to specific
Latest News
- How to check employment status
08/05/2025 - More...
HMRC’s CEST tool gets a revamp from 30 April 2025, with clearer questions and updated guidance to help users decide
- Reversal of requirement to report more detailed employee hours paid
08/05/2025 - More...
The government has scrapped plans for detailed PAYE reporting of employee hours from April 2026, citing concerns over
- Mandating the Payrolling of benefits in kind update
08/05/2025 - More...
HMRC has delayed mandatory payrolling of benefits in kind by a year to April 2027, giving employers and software
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