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Roger Eddowes

Essendon Accounts & Tax

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UK economy, Fluctuating numbers, Downturn on the horizon?
The UK Economy Faces Significant Challenges Amid Global Turbulence

The latest data presents a concerning picture of the UK economy, marked by a significant contraction in GDP, declining exports, and rising unemployment. These indicators suggest that the momentum towards recovery may falter a ...

Deadline looming near, Taxes and NIC to be paid, Wallet feeling light
Understanding the 31st July Deadline for Paying Income Tax and National Insurance

Although the 31st January is the usual date for paying Income Tax and National Insurance contributions in full, for many self-assessment taxpayers, the 31st July is another vital date to remember for those who need to make a ...

Dress code in the workplace, Suits and ties, Heels and blazers, Do Polo shirts reign?
Understanding the Complexities of a Dress Code in the Workplace

When it comes to a workplace dress code, employers often grapple with the balance between professionalism and comfort, particularly as weather patterns shift towards warmer temperatures. The implications of a rigid dress code ...

Wimbledon prize money, Riches for the players, Victory for HMRC
HMRC Looking At Increases in Wimbledon Prize Money

The rise in Wimbledon prize money to unprecedented levels presents not only an opportunity for players to secure substantial earnings, but also has implications for HMRC. Analysis reveals how both sides may benefit from the a ...

Persons with significant control over companies, Hold the fate of business, Power in their hands
Understanding HMRC's Communications with Persons with Significant Control Over Companies

HMRC has recently commenced a review involving persons with significant control over companies, prompting these individuals to reassess their income and gains for the tax year 2023/24. This initiative is intended to ensure co ...

Winter fuel payment scams, Empty pockets, frozen heart, Beware of deceit
Beware: Winter Fuel Payment Scams Threaten Vulnerable Pensioners

As the government announces automatic winter fuel payments for pensioners, fraudulent schemes emerge to target the vulnerable. Understanding the payment process and remaining vigilant against winter fuel payment scams is esse ...

Winter fuel payments, Warmth for those in need, a gift, From cold, harsh winters
Understanding Changes to Winter Fuel Payments: Recovery Through the Tax System

The government has decided to implement a recovery system for winter fuel payments through HMRC for pensioners with incomes exceeding £35,000. I'm going to talk about its implications for individuals and some of the administr ...

Tax rises imminent, High-net-worth individuals take flight, Economy suffers
The Chancellor's Spending Review Means There Will Be An Autumn Tax Raid

The Chancellor's spending review has unveiled significant public funding increases, yet the budget plan raises alarms about a potential tax raid in the autumn. Some high-net-worth individuals are now preparing to leave Britai ...

National Minimum Wage, Leveling the playing field, Fairness for all workers
Understanding the Implications of Failing to Pay the National Minimum Wage

What are the consequences of not adhering to the UK's National Minimum Wage laws? Not surprisingly, employers face significant penalties and damage to their reputations, while employees experience financial hardship ... ...

Making Tax Digital, For Income Tax, a new way, Efficiency reigns
Making Tax Digital for Income Tax (MTD for ITSA) is less than a year away

The way you report your income tax is changing. Making Tax Digital for Income Tax (MTD ITSA) is being phased in over the next few years, and if you're a sole trader or landlord, it's important to start preparing now ... ...

Don't be tricked by email scams, False promises, beware, Guard your busienss!
Don't Be Tricked by Email Scams: Protecting Your Business from BEC

Business Email Compromise (BEC) is a growing threat affecting businesses everywhere. I thought I should highlight the importance of recognising the tactics used by fraudsters and provide some practical steps to prevent fallin ...

Are trade deals growth drivers? Do they hinder growth? That's the economy's dance
Are Trade Deals Growth Drivers? Unpacking the Promise and Pitfalls of Recent Agreements

The recent trade deals signed by the UK with the US, India, and the EU prompt an essential inquiry: are trade deals growth drivers? While the government portrays these agreements as monumental victories, I think the reality i ...

Child Benefit claim for teenagers, Helps ease financial stress, Growing wings to fly
Important Reminder for Parents: Extend Your Child Benefit Claim for Teenagers!

Parents of teenagers are reminded to extend their Child Benefit claim to avoid interruptions in payments. With a deadline for confirming their child's education status approaching, it's crucial to act now to secure vital fina ...

Towcester Midsummer Music Festival, Melodies fill the air, Joyous summer days!
The Towcester Midsummer Music Festival: Music, Community and Good Vibes!

Essendon Accounts & Tax are proud to be sponsors for the Towcester Midsummer Music Festival. Established in 2003, the 23rd Towcester Midsummer Music Festival event will take place in the heart of Towcester over the weekend of ...

Tax battles on snacks, Crispy chips and sugary treats, Wallets grow thinner
How HMRC's Tax Battles on Snacks Are Shaping UK Food Industry

From Jaffa Cakes to Pringles, the ongoing tax battles on snacks in the UK highlight the confusion over VAT regulations. With various rulings leading to strange classifications, I'll explore how these legal disputes impact foo ...

The HMRC forums closure may be on the horizon, but the future isn’t looking so bleak!
The HMRC Forums are set to close in June 2025

HMRC is streamlining its services to offer faster, more interactive support through modern channels. So, if your go-to move was to post a forum question and wait for a reply, you’re in for a treat, because help is about to ge ...

UK-US trade deal, Economies intertwined, Hope for prosperity
Unveiling the UK-US Trade Deal Benefits: Steel, Farmers, and Cars at the Forefront

The UK-US trade deal benefits multiple sectors, most notably steel, cars, and agriculture. Tariff reductions aim to enhance trade relations and foster economic growth, providing critical support to struggling industries ... ...

Having been on hold myself for hours on end, I welcome HMRC's voice recognition upgrade!
HMRC to Implement Voice Recognition for Enhanced Customer Service

HMRC has announced a transformative plan to integrate voice recognition technology into its customer service framework. This approach seeks to streamline security checks and improve the overall customer service experience for ...

The importance of a Certificate of Good Standing cannot be overstated!
Understanding the Certificate of Good Standing

Credibility is the cornerstone of any successful business operation and helps to improve growth. One pivotal document that aids in establishing credibility is the Certificate of Good Standing from Companies House ... ...

When it comes to HMRC Tax Investigations, preparation will always be your strongest ally!
How to Prepare for an HMRC Tax Investigation

The thought of an HMRC tax investigation can stir up feelings of anxiety and uncertainty within any business owner. However, understanding how to prepare for an HMRC tax investigation can significantly reduce these fears ... ...

Trying to game the system with the Employment Allowance will likely backfire!
Employment Allowance: Can It Be Claimed For A Temporary Hire?

If you’re a sole director running a limited company, you’ve probably heard that you can’t claim Employment Allowance (EA), and in most cases, that’s true. HMRC’s rules say that companies where the only person on the payroll i ...

What threats are there to your business? Which strategy should you use? Which door to open?
Navigating Uncertainty: 5 Strategies for Business Owners

Uncertainty is an ever-present challenge for business owners that can dictate the course of strategic decision-making. As tariffs rise and supply chains are disrupted, many now find themselves in a precarious situation ... ...

The journey of Making Tax Digital has been one of both promise and challenge!
Marking The 10th Anniversary Of Making Tax Digital

As we mark the 10th anniversary of Making Tax Digital (MTD), it is an opportune moment to reflect on its progression, the transformative changes it promises for the tax landscape, and the obstacles that lie ahead ... ...

The incorporation of Yoga mats and VR headsets into the inflation basket reflects much more than trends in spending!
Inflation: The Role of Yoga Mats and VR Headsets

Inflation acts as a barometer for measuring the rising cost of living and the Office for National Statistics (ONS) recently made some interesting changes to the basket of goods they use for calculating inflation ... ...

Tax compliance is about to witness a significant shift, reflecting HMRC's dedication to making the tax system more accessible for all!
Thousands No Longer Need to Submit Tax Returns

The government has revealed significant changes to the tax system. One of the most noteworthy announcements is the increase in the income tax self-assessment (ITSA) reporting threshold from £1,000 to £3,000 ... ...

The implications of the Economic Crime And Corporate Transparency Act for directors and PSCs are significant!
Understanding The Economic Crime & Corporate Transparency Act

The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act (ECCTA) introduces transformative changes to corporate law in the UK, targeting the prevention of economic crime through increased transparency and accountability ... ...

Understanding the full scope of these late tax payment adjustments is essential for adept tax management!
HMRC's Increase in Interest Rates for Late Tax Payment

Businesses are encouraged to understand the significant changes in HMRC's approach to late tax payments. The interest rate charged by HMRC for late tax payments, specifically for most taxes and duties have risen from 7% to 8. ...

The broader implications of these tariffs cannot be underestimated!
US Tariffs Threaten UK Growth Projections

The UK's economic landscape is intricately woven with threads of global trade, innovation, and growth. Recently, however, a new threat has emerged: the blanket tariffs announced by President Trump ... ...

With these important tax changes happening in April 2025 the Business Godparent stands ready to advise you!
Important Tax Changes Happening In April 2025

As we step into a new financial year, tax changes are rolling in - some subtle, some significant, but all requiring attention. Whether you’re an employer, landlord, sole trader, or investor, these updates will impact your tax ...

The economy is balancing on a fiscal knife edge!
Why the Economy Is Balancing on a Fiscal Knife Edge

The Chancellor’s Spring Statement this year wasn’t the grand reveal of sweeping reforms or dramatic U-turns. It was something far more familiar to anyone in finance: a calculated manoeuvre along a fiscal knife edge ... ...

What did the Chancellor announce at the Spring Statement 2024?
Get Our Spring Statement 2025 Summary

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has set out her plans for our country's economic future during the Spring Statement 2025. With stagnant growth, a massive public sector bill and a belligerent Russia, what did she announce, and did sh ...

Plan accordingly and you'll be well-equipped to handle the Stamp Duty Land Tax changes that will take effect in April!
Residential Property to Face Increased Stamp Duty Land Tax

Buyers of residential properties in the UK have been advised to brace themselves for significant increases in Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) liabilities. This change is set to take effect from the 1st of April 2025 ... ...

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