As a business owner, you might already know that your property’s rateable value underpins how much you’ll pay in business rates, a recurring cost no one loves. But here’s a timely heads-up from the Valuation Office Agency (VOA): the next revaluation is coming, and now’s the best time to get plugged in. The VOA importantly […]
A strong business is built on habits, not hope. The following ten goals work as a practical checklist you can revisit each quarter. Keep them simple, measure progress, and improve a little each month. Protect cash flow Run a 13 week rolling cash flow forecast and update it weekly. Watch debtor days and supplier terms […]
Properties needing repairs still count as homes and false claims to recover Stamp Duty Land Tax could mean big tax bills and penalties. HMRC has issued a warning to homebuyers about rogue tax agents promoting false Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) repayment claims, especially those based on the condition of properties. Following a recent Court of […]
Banks must now give 90 days’ notice before closing accounts, giving customers more time to respond. Since April 2026, new government rules strengthen protections for individuals and small businesses at risk of unfair bank account closures. Under the legislation, banks and payment service providers are required to give at least 90 days’ written notice before closing an […]
If you cannot pay your tax bill, it’s crucial to contact HMRC as soon as possible. They may offer support through a Time to Pay arrangement, allowing you to repay your debt in instalments based on your financial situation. Ignoring the debt can lead to enforcement action, including visits to your home or business by […]
From April 2026, the self-employed and landlords must use MTD for IT, but exemptions may apply in limited cases. If you are self-employed or a landlord with income over £50,000, you will need to prepare for digital record keeping, quarterly updates and a new penalty system. While most affected taxpayers will be required to comply, there are […]
1 September 2025 – Due date for corporation tax due for the year ended 30 November 2024. 19 September 2025 – PAYE and NIC deductions due for month ended 5 September 2025. (If you pay your tax electronically the due date is 22 September 2025) 19 September 2025 – Filing deadline for the […]
There is no confirmed date for the Autumn Budget, although most commentary points to late October or early November. The Treasury has not announced a day, which helps explain why rumours are circulating. Market conditions have tightened since early summer, and borrowing costs remain elevated. That combination reduces fiscal headroom and increases the likelihood that […]
If you are buying a property that needs work, HMRC has just issued a major heads up, following a recent Court of Appeal ruling in the Mudan & Anor case against HMRC. Basically, even if a home is in bits, as long as it is still fundamentally a dwelling, maybe it needs a new boiler, […]
The UK government has just announced a pragmatic pause on its planned extra border checks for live animal imports from the EU, as well as certain animal and plant goods arriving from Ireland, while negotiations continue on a full Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) agreement with the EU. This move is all about easing trade friction. […]