• Self-Employed National Insurance Contributions

    Self-employed individuals earning £12,570 or more annually must pay Class 4 National Insurance Contributions (NICs). For 2024-25, rates are 6% on profits up to £50,270 and 2% above this. Certain groups are exempt, and voluntary Class 2 NICs may be

  • Tax and Maintenance Payments

    Maintenance Payments Relief reduces Income Tax for those making court-ordered payments to an ex-spouse or civil partner. To qualify, one party must have been born before 6 April 1935. The relief is 10% of payments, up to £428 per year. To qualify

  • How VAT Payments on Account Work

    Businesses owing over £2.3 million in VAT annually must make advance payments on account. These are based on the previous year’s VAT liability and paid in instalments. Late payments incur penalties, but adjustments may be possible for fluctuating

  • Child Benefits for over 16s

    From April 2025, Child Benefit increases to £26.05 for the eldest child and £17.25 for others. Payments stop after a child turns 16 unless they continue in approved education or training. Parents must update HMRC by 31 August to avoid

  • Government backed Start-Up Loans

    The Government-backed Start-Up Loans scheme offers unsecured loans of £500 to £25,000 per person (up to £100,000 per business) to help entrepreneurs grow. With a fixed 6% interest rate and mentoring support, it’s a great funding option for new

  • Changes to online filing of accounts at Companies House

    The Online Accounts and Company Tax Return (CATO) service is scheduled to close on 31 March 2026. ​ This service has enabled businesses to file their company accounts and tax returns simultaneously with both Companies House and HMRC. However, due to

  • Why flexible planning is advisable

    Flexible planning is essential for adapting to uncertainty, responding to challenges, and seizing new opportunities. The world is unpredictable, and rigid plans can quickly become outdated. Whether in business or personal life, flexibility ensures

  • Tax Diary April/May 2025

    1 April 2025 – Due date for corporation tax due for the year ended 30 June 2024. 19 April 2025 – PAYE and NIC deductions due for month ended 5 April 2025. (If you pay your tax electronically the due date is 22 April 2025). 19 April 2025 – Filing

  • What is a salary sacrifice?

    A salary sacrifice scheme lets employees swap cash salary for non-cash benefits, saving tax and National Insurance. But earnings must not fall below the National Minimum Wage, and life events may impact eligibility. Learn how to navigate these

  • VAT and the goods you use in your own business

    Using business goods instead of selling them is usually VAT-free, but some cases require VAT payments. These "taxable self-supplies" include cars taken from stock and certain buildings. Read on to see how to stay compliant. If your