Personal tax thresholds are drawing fresh attention as campaigners argue for a £18,000 allowance before anyone pays tax. The Treasury says the cost would be huge, but supporters say British taxpayers on modest wages need reli ...

Britain's economic problems may ease if the US-Iran war ends, but the country still faces sticky inflation, rising bills, costly borrowing and fragile confidence in the government. The real story is that energy relief would h ...

Tough markets can tempt firms to tighten payment terms, but that usually weakens trust. To strengthen relationships with suppliers, businesses need clearer communication, fairer timing and a more joined-up approach ... ...

Young people are still finding new business ideas over a pint, and it makes sense. The pub's relaxed setting encourages honest chat, informal networking and the sort of business conversations that can lead to real plans ... ...

Close companies face additional reporting requirements as HMRC seeks more details on transactions with 'participators'. These changes aim to boost compliance, visibility, and close gaps in Corporation Tax, potentially impacti ...

HMRC has seen a sharp rise in reports of winter fuel payment scams, with pensioners being warned to ignore messages requesting repayments or bank details. The recovery process is real, but the winter fuel payment scam is simp ...

Many people miss out on tax refunds because they haven't taken the time to review their tax details after a job change, a pension update, or a coding mistake. A quick HMRC refund check can help identify any overpaid tax and s ...

The State Pension age is increasing to 67, meaning some individuals will need to wait a bit longer to claim. The positive aspect is that pension payments are also on the rise, and the rules are quite simple to understand ... ...

War can push up prices fast, while ceasefires often calm them without fixing everything. In this blog post, I want to look at the effect on inflation, from energy prices and supply chains to wages, the cost of living, and wha ...

The start of the new tax year in April 2026 has brought a wave of changes, but for business owners and the self-employed, this isn't just background noise; it directly affects how you operate, report and plan ... ...

The risks of war to the UK economy are very real; they can quickly impact energy bills, inflation, and business confidence. My blog post today explains why both businesses and households should care, and why a fragile economy ...

Statutory Sick Pay is changing this month to make SSP easier to access and faster to receive. More low-paid employees will qualify, and payment will start from the first full day off sick. Employers will need to update payrol ...

Companies House accounts filing changes are on hold for now, so there is no need to rush into new software for the paused April 2027 plans. However, identity checks, fees and the CATO closure are still moving ahead, so keep a ...

From what I've read, penalties for MTD for Income Tax are starting to look much less mysterious. The main message is simple: you get a penalty if you miss a filing deadline, collect points, and pay late if the tax is overdue. ...

When most people hear about rising oil prices on the news, it's easy to switch off and go and do something more interesting instead. It can feel distant, global, and not particularly relevant to day-to-day business life. But ...

The Companies House data glitch has left many wondering whether their records have been changed. The safest move is to review filings, confirm details, and report anything unusual quickly. A calm check now can prevent bigger ...

This week's blog post is a guide on how to identify fake invoices. They always show the small clues that catch big scams. I'll cover verification habits, process controls, and what to do if money has already moved. Think prac ...

I find it really interesting that many businesses are avoiding VAT registration by keeping their turnover just below the VAT threshold. So why is it happening, and what does it do to growth? I also want to touch on smarter sm ...

Here's the practical change: Section 455 rises from the 6th of April 2026. If there's an overdrawn Director's Loan Account, the timing of the loan suddenly matters more. This is a quick, conversational run-through of what shi ...

When I look at the latest economic commentary and data, my honest feeling is that the economy is in a strange place right now. It is not collapsing, but it is hardly thriving either. Growth has been slow, confidence feels fra ...

Want the Spring Statement 2026 without the noise? This blog post explains what changed, what didn't, and why the forecasts matter. You can also download our summary and keep a simple reference of what the chancellor announced ...

Companies House presenter requirements have slipped from Spring to November 2026. That gives directors, PSCs, and company agents more breathing space on identity checks and ACSP registration. Use the delay to get systems, rol ...

The record government surplus in January came from higher tax receipts, rather than lower public spending. It looks like a strong month, yet public finances still depend on growth staying on track. Here are my thoughts about ...

Wondering how the duty on electric cars will actually be charged from 2028? It's a mileage-based levy tied into the existing DVLA system, with estimates up front and a true-up later. Here's the practical shape of it, without ...

HMRC is issuing MTD nudge letters based on 2024/25 returns, and some may arrive in late March. If your income tops £50,000, action may be needed even without a letter. If you receive one, read it, confirm your status, then si ...

Here's a useful run-through of what to review before the tax year-end on the 5th of April 2026. It covers business allowances, dividend changes, ISA tweaks and upcoming property surcharges. Think of it as a quick nudge to pla ...

About a million people missed the HMRC self-assessment tax return deadline, and the knock-on costs can really add up. My blog post this week walks through why it happens, what HMRC fines can follow, and the smartest next step ...

Here's what a digital pound could look like and why it's being explored by the Bank of England. It wouldn't replace cash, and it certainly wouldn't be classed as crypto. The next couple of years are about design, testing and ...

Need time to help pay your tax bill? HMRC's Time to Pay arrangements can spread a Self-Assessment balance into manageable monthly payments. File early, set up a plan if eligible, and keep an eye out for scams ... ...

Here are some cybersecurity tips you can actually use day to day, without getting overwhelmed. Learn how to spot common scams, verify requests safely, and lock down accounts with better habits. Think of it as a calm, practica ...

Cashflow is getting tight for many small businesses, so dropping the green agenda is now a logical survival step. That's quite understandable. This blog post looks at why priorities are shifting and how firms can still move t ...

Wondering if HMRC can take money from your business bank account? They can, but only in limited cases, using the Direct Recovery of Debts process after repeated non-engagement, as long as key safeguards are in place. The opti ...