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 ...

Scrapping directors' reports is the government's latest push to simplify annual reporting. More firms could qualify for a strategic reporting exemption, and group accounts may cover more subsidiaries. This means less duplicat ...

The Employment Rights Act will be implemented in phases across 2026 and 2027. My blog post guides you through the changes that occur and what to prepare for. It's a practical, conversational timeline for staying confident and ...

Here's the latest on Inheritance Tax reforms: the APR/BPR allowance is rising to £2.5m. That should narrow the impact to the biggest estates while keeping planning practical. Less cliff-edge, clearer options, and more time to ...

Business costs are rising, and bosses can feel it in wages and energy bills. However, the latest concessions on workers' rights could mitigate the impact and give firms more time to adapt. It's a pragmatic tweak that keeps pr ...

Key payroll changes for 2026 are mainly about higher wage floors, tighter thresholds and better forward planning. My blog post today walks through what shifts in PAYE, National Insurance, and compliance mean in practice. Cons ...

Here are my predictions for small businesses in 2026. I've been thinking about tax reporting changes, hiring incentives, cyber resilience, smarter AI use, sustainability data requests and new channels to market ... ...

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 ...

AI speeds up data capture and checks, while accountants provide guardrails. Use both to prepare your tax return with fewer errors and less hassle. It's efficient, affordable, and grounded in human oversight ... ...

Not long to go now, and everyone at Essendon Accounts & Tax is looking forward to a well-deserved break over Christmas. We will be closing at 1pm on Wednesday the 24th of December 2025, returning at 8am on Tuesday the 5th ...

Mandatory payrolling of Benefit-in-Kind, originally slated to arrive in April 2026, has now been delayed until 2027. Employers will eventually shift tax and Class 1A NICs into payroll. Here's what changes, what's unclear, and ...

Wondering why duplicate firms are appearing on Companies House? Here's what's happening, why it matters, and how firms can stay ahead. It's practical, calm, and focused on action ... ...

Here's a quick take on Income Tax administration. New penalty rules, payment tweaks and MTD deferrals are coming. It's practical to plan now and avoid surprises ... ...