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Roger Eddowes

Essendon Accounts & Tax

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Sustainable economic growth, A balance of nature and wealth, A government's gift
Unlocking sustainable economic growth through smarter, steadier government

Here's a clear path to sustainable economic growth: stable rules, simpler taxes, and targeted investment. It shows how government policy can unlock business growth. It's optimistic, practical, and focused on outcomes ... ...

Tax return in hand, Sigh of relief, burden lifted, Spring breeze, new chapter
Do you need to file a self-assessment tax return this year?

Wondering if you need to file a self-assessment tax return for 2024/25? Here's what's changed, who must file, and when to act. Stay ahead, avoid penalties, and keep things simple ... ...

Autumn Budget 2025 , Leaves fall, budgets rise , Economy's dance begins
Why the Autumn Budget 2025 will be the Chancellor's hardest test yet

The Autumn Budget 2025 will need to balance tight fiscal rules with an already weakened economy. Can we expect a clearer tax strategy? Business rates reform? Will there be cautious support for investment? I think it's going t ...

Royal Mint Monopoly, 50p coin shining bright, Rare and prized treasure
Royal Mint Monopoly 50p Coin Marks 90 Years of Family Rivalry

Curious about the Royal Mint Monopoly 50p coin? Here's the story behind the design, the price, and a hidden golden twist. It's a neat nod to a Monopoly milestone ... ...

HMRC using AI, Efficient and precise, Taxes paid on time
What HMRC using AI on social media really means for you

Here's the lowdown on HMRC using AI to review social media in criminal tax probes. It's about more intelligent fraud detection with human oversight, not bots running wild. Taxpayers should receive clearer guidance and fewer e ...

High income child benefit charge, Families feeling the crunch, Sacrifice for all
HICBC: New process for paying the High Income Child Benefit Charge

The High Income Child Benefit Charge can now be paid via PAYE. No more self assessment just for HICBC, if eligible. Here's how the rules, thresholds and practical steps work ... ...

Tax on pensions looms, Golden years now tinged with grey, Savings slowly drained
Understanding Tax On Pensions Without The Jargon

Here's a clear guide to tax on pensions, from allowances to lump sums and tax codes. It also covers savings, dividends, and side income. No fuss, just the essentials ... ...

Can HMRC take money, From your bank account? Yes, but with safeguards!
Can HMRC Take Money From Your Bank Account Without Permission?

Wondering if HMRC can take money from your bank account without permission? Yes - sometimes, under strict rules and safeguards. Here's how it works, what to expect, and how to protect your finances ... ...

Tax resistance strong, Against unjust demands, Revolt in the fight
Tax Resistance Threatens Reeves' Strategy As Patience Wears Thin

Tax resistance is building as households and firms hit their limits. Reeves' strategy risks faltering without a credible quid pro quo. A reset on spending and growth may be unavoidable ... ...

Simple assessment, Payment plans made with ease, Financial relief
Simple Assessment Payment Plans: Apply Online To Spread Your HMRC Tax Bill

Here's how simple assessment payment plans work and who qualifies. Taxpayers can apply online to spread tax bills, with interest still charged. It's quick, practical, and often penalty-friendly ... ...

CPI inflation rise, Prices climb to the skies, Wallets feel the squeeze
CPI inflation rise to 3.8%: what it means for the UK

Here are my thoughts on the CPI inflation rise to 3.8% and why it matters to both business and consumers. Prices are heating up before likely cooling off in a few months. Small firms should prep for volatility and policy shif ...

Autumn Budget 2025, Leaves fall, coffers filled, A balancing act begins
Speculation Over the Autumn Budget 2025: What Might Be Announced?

Here's a quick take on the Autumn Budget 2025. Expect debate over borrowing, tax changes, and what HMRC may tweak, with winners and losers likely. Keep plans flexible while the chancellor weighs government spending needs ... ...

Pension tax relief claim, Evidence now needed, Retirement awaits
Evidence Needed For Every Pension Tax Relief Claim From September 2025

As of 1st of September 2025, every Pension Tax Relief claim now needs evidence and can't be made by phone. Claims must be made online or by post, with self-assessment via the return. Here's what to provide and who can claim, ...

Tax planning should be boring, But a necessary task, Savings and success
The Massive Problem With 'Good In Theory' Tax Planning

In today's blog post, I'll discuss why tax planning should be boring. Innovative tax strategies can backfire, and policy tweaks often hinder growth and savings. Practical, predictable rules will always beat flashy headlines . ...

HMRC targets, Personal expenditure, Inspection awaits
HMRC Targets Personal Expenditure In Business Accounts This Tax Year

HMRC will be targeting personal expenditure in business accounts with a new digital campaign and will make more enquiries. It wants clear, consistent apportionment and strong records. You should review your accounts before su ...

Employer PAYE charges, Tax burden heavy and steep, Employee's sweat paid
Disputed Employer PAYE Charges: Correct Your HMRC Tax Bill

Did you know it's possible to challenge employer PAYE charges, identify payroll mismatches, and correct your HMRC tax bill? My blog post outlines what information to gather and how HMRC will respond to your dispute ... ...

Employee car ownership schemes, A perk for the hard-working team, Roads lead to success
What's Changing For Employee Car Ownership Schemes And Company Vehicle Tax?

HMRC is tightening the rules for employee car ownership schemes from October 2026. It also remains crucial to classify vehicles correctly for tax. This blog post explains both changes and what to do next ... ...

Coins featuring the late Queen, Enter circulation, Honouring her reign
Final Coins Featuring The Late Queen Enter Circulation As New Carolean Era Begins

The final £1 coins featuring our beloved late Queen enter circulation as new King Charles III designs grow in number. Millions are heading for tills, pockets and collections. It's a tangible moment of change in Britain's ever ...

Employment rights bill, Protecting workers' freedom, Fairness for all souls
Employment Rights Bill Roadmap: SSP Changes From April 2026

The Employment Rights Bill roadmap confirms SSP reform from April 2026. If you're an employer, then take a look to see if your policies, budgets and systems align with the new rules. Wider measures will follow through 2026 an ...

Tax return errors, Due to CGT changes, Mistakes lead to interest
How To Avoid Tax Return Errors Due To Mid-Year CGT Changes

Mid-year rate rises have led to tax return errors due to Capital Gains Tax changes. Understand who is affected, what HMRC letters mean, and how to correct returns. Use HMRC's tool and amend your returns promptly to avoid inte ...

UK Millionaires, Leaving for pastures new, Economy shrinks
UK Millionaires: Why the Nation Faces an Exodus like No Other

Latest reports reveal a troubling trend for UK millionaires, with projections indicating around 16,500 will have left the country by the end of 2025. Driven by tax increases and economic stagnation, this raises concerns about ...

Tank the economy, or fuel stability and growth? A Chancellor's conundrum
Is Rachel Reeves Making Decisions That Could Tank the Economy?

Navigating the turbulent waters of Britain's financial landscape, Rachel Reeves must confront some hard truths. Failure to make informed decisions could tank the economy and sacrifice the very economic stability and growth we ...

Opting out of winter, Fuel payments, a choice to make, Warmth or giving back
The Implications of Opting Out of Winter Fuel Payments for Wealthier Pensioners

Wealthier pensioners may consider opting out of winter fuel payments due to the implications of tax recovery. This blog post elaborates on the recovery process, eligibility criteria, and how to successfully opt out before the ...

UK industrial strategy, Eight sectors helped, The rest of us worry
Navigating the Gaps in the UK Industrial Strategy: A Look Beyond the IS-8

The UK industrial strategy, unveiled on 23rd June 2025, aims to boost specific sectors vital for the economy, but it leaves significant gaps that could affect many businesses. While the strategy sets the stage for thriving in ...

Spending review time, Budgets stretched, priorities set, Balance for the year
The Spending Review Promises Enhanced Digital Services At HMRC

The Spending Review 2025 sets a transformative path for HMRC, marking significant enhancements in digital services and efficiency. With guaranteed funding, the plan is to modernise operations and focus on digital self-serve o ...

The government's new industrial strategy, Paving a path for growth, Economy blooms
The Government's New Industrial Strategy: Boosting Professional Services for Future Growth

I wanted to explore the key components of the government's new industrial strategy, which identifies the professional services sector as a vital growth engine for the UK economy, highlighting reforms, regional hubs, and partn ...

Boost UK economic growth, Industries thrive, jobs increase, Nation's wealth restored
How Innovative Policies Can Boost UK Economic Growth

In the face of recent disappointments in economic performance, various strategies are emerging that can effectively boost UK economic growth. Government initiatives in infrastructure, taxation, and labour might hold the key t ...

VAT on Strawberry And Creme Sandwiches, so sweet, Indulgence taxed high
HMRC Looking At VAT on Strawberry And Crème Sandwiches: A Sweet Dilemma

The recent buzz surrounding M&S's Strawberry and Crème sandwiches has thrust VAT on different products into the limelight again. Are these delightful creations zero-rated under UK VAT law, or do they fall into the dreaded 'co ...

Redesign banknotes, Currency's fresh new face, Revolutionize wealth
Bank of England Announces Ambitious Plans to Redesign Banknotes

The Bank of England is set to redesign banknotes for the first time in over half a century. This major initiative opens the floor for public input on themes like nature, innovation, and history, aiming to reflect a contempora ...

Working during a heatwave, Sweat drips endlessly, But the sun sets, relief comes
7 Ways To Navigate Employee Well-being: Working During a Heatwave

As the UK faces record-breaking temperatures, employers have a profound obligation to ensure the comfort and safety of their staff. Heatwaves pose unique challenges, particularly for those employed in environments where the h ...

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 ...

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