• Pre-Budget tax planning – act now

    With the next UK Budget approaching, there is speculation about changes to tax rates, allowances, and reliefs. Acting now can help secure current benefits before any new rules take effect. Key areas to review: Personal allowances – make sure you

  • Bank Rate trimmed to 4%

    The Bank of England has knocked the main interest rate down to 4% today, cutting it by a quarter‑point from 4.25%. It’s the fifth cut in a year and brings the rate to its lowest since March 2023. The decision was a close call: the nine‑member

  • Challenging your Council Tax band

    If your property has changed or seems mis-banded, you may have the right to request a Council Tax review. Properties in England and Wales are assigned Council Tax bands based on their value as of 1 April 1991 (England) or 1 April 2003 (Wales). If

  • Who can claim the IHT residence nil rate band

    With the Residence Nil Rate Band (RNRB), families can pass on up to £1 million without IHT The RNRB is an additional £175,000 Inheritance Tax (IHT) allowance that applies when a person’s main residence is passed to a direct descendant, such as a

  • Reclaiming duty moving goods to Northern Ireland

    Businesses can reclaim duties on qualifying goods moved to or through Northern Ireland since 2021 The Northern Ireland Duty Reimbursement Scheme allows businesses to reclaim import duties paid on goods moved into Northern Ireland, provided specific

  • Homebuyers warning

    Properties needing repairs still count as homes and false claims to recover Stamp Duty Land Tax could mean big tax bills and penalties. HMRC has issued a warning to homebuyers about rogue tax agents promoting false Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT)

  • HMRC to increase anti-money laundering fees

    Fit and proper test fee to jump from £150 to £700 under HMRC’s proposed AML supervision changes Many businesses are monitored by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) or certain professional bodies for Anti-Money Laundering (AML) purposes. However,

  • Employing family members in your business

    Many small business owners turn to family members when looking to fill roles in their team. It can seem like a natural choice, offering trust, loyalty, and a shared sense of purpose. However, employing family in your business is not without its

  • The value of retaining profits to support cash flow and growth

    For small businesses and growing companies alike, one of the most reliable sources of funding is often the profits they generate. While it can be tempting to extract earnings in the form of dividends, bonuses, or reinvestment elsewhere, there is a

  • Estate valuation for IHT purposes

    Before probate begins, you must estimate the estate’s value to see if Inheritance Tax applies. This includes valuing the deceased person’s money, property and belongings in order to determine if Inheritance Tax (IHT) is due. This process is important