Cyber-crime is no longer a problem that affects only large corporations or international organisations. Increasingly, smaller businesses are being targeted because criminals often assume that security systems, staff training and internal controls may be weaker. For many businesses, the financial and operational consequences of a successful cyber-attack can be severe. A cyber incident can lead […]
Author Archives: R.A. Leslie & Co.
For many businesses, trading conditions remain difficult despite signs that inflationary pressures may be easing in some parts of the economy. A growing number of business owners are discovering that although sales may appear stable, cash reserves are steadily coming under pressure as operating costs continue to rise across multiple areas of the business. This […]
There has been considerable discussion over the past year regarding proposed changes to Companies House filing requirements, in particular the suggestion that small companies would be required to file a profit and loss account on the public record. Recent updates published on the GOV.UK website have now clarified the position. The proposed requirement has not […]
The ongoing conflict in Iran and the wider Middle East is beginning to have economic consequences that are likely to be felt by UK businesses over the coming months. While the situation remains uncertain, press commentary and early government signals provide a useful indication of how the impact may unfold and how policymakers may respond. […]
Pensioners are being urged to stay vigilant for any Winter Fuel Payment scams. HMRC is starting to recover Winter Fuel Payments issued for winter 2025 from those earning over £35,000 a year. While the process will affect nearly two million people, most will see the repayment handled automatically through adjustments to their PAYE tax code […]
The recent announcement from Rachel Reeves highlights a clear shift in the government’s economic approach, placing retail banks at the centre of efforts to stimulate growth and support households and businesses. In a meeting held on 22 April 2026, senior leaders from major UK banks, including Barclays, Lloyds, Santander, NatWest, Nationwide and HSBC, were brought […]
Your Personal Tax Account (PTA) is an easy and secure way to manage your tax online. You can use it to check your tax code, claim a refund and update your details, all in one place, without needing to contact HMRC by phone or post. Every UK taxpayer has a PTA, but you will need […]
When a sole trader or partnership transfers a business to a company, a chargeable gain may arise. This is calculated by reference to the market value of the business assets at the date of incorporation (including goodwill), compared with their original base cost. The resulting gain would ordinarily be subject to Capital Gains Tax. In […]
Bonuses are treated as taxable earnings, so both employers and employees need to understand how they are taxed and reported. For cash bonuses (including vouchers that can be exchanged for cash), the rules are straightforward. The payment is added to an employee’s normal salary and taxed through the Pay As You Earn (PAYE). This means […]
1 May 2026 – Due date for corporation tax due for the year ended 30 July 2025. 19 May 2026 – PAYE and NIC deductions due for month ended 5 May 2026. (If you pay your tax electronically the due date is 22 May 2026). 19 May 2026 – Filing deadline for the […]