Latest News
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HMRC updates guidance on information notices
HMRC has updated its Compliance Handbook guidance on the use of information notices, with changes made on 18 March 2026. The revisions clarify how HMRC should request information during enquiries and place greater emphasis on proportionality. What does this mean in practice?
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Don’t overlook the partial exemption annual adjustment
As VAT year ends approach for many businesses, HMRC’s guidance highlights the need to carry out the partial exemption annual adjustment. This is often overlooked but can have a direct impact on recoverable VAT. What do you need to check?
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Tribunal rejects reliance on adviser as reasonable excuse
A recent First-tier Tribunal decision has confirmed that relying on an accountant does not automatically amount to a reasonable excuse for missing a self-assessment deadline. The case highlights the limits of delegating tax responsibilities. What does this mean in practice?
Newsletters
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Could HMRC recategorise your subcontractors?
You use subcontractors for all your building projects and almost always the same individuals. You’ve heard that this could increase the risk of HMRC recategorising them as employees. What steps can you take to counter this?
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First year discount: can you make a belated claim?
Your business has used the flat rate scheme since you registered for VAT three years ago. A colleague says that you should have reduced your relevant percentage by 1% in the first year. Is this correct and is it too late to claim the discount?
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Can you beat the bonus tax trap?
A fellow director has asked whether his bonus payment can be delayed until after 5 April 2026 to reduce his personal tax bill. Does his plan work and, if so, how does it impact the company’s tax position?
Monthly Focus
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MONTHLY FOCUS: USING YOUR COMPANY TO DIVERT INCOME TO FAMILY MEMBERS
Operating a business through a limited company is less tax-efficient than it used to be. However, it can still be a very useful way of diverting income to other family members. In this Monthly Focus, we look at the methods, and associated considerations, involved in doing this.
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MONTHLY FOCUS - PROFIT EXTRACTION PLANNING AHEAD OF 5 APRIL 2026
The end of the 2025/26 tax year is fast approaching. In this Monthly Focus we look at ways to get money out of your company tax efficiently, and consider whether limited is still the way to go for your business.
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MONTHLY FOCUS: AUTO-ENROLMENT - EMPLOYERS' RESPONSIBILITIES
What are an employer's responsibilities with regard to pension schemes and their employees?
Practical Guides
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Making the most of the employment allowance
Accessible to most employers, the employment allowance (EA) offers an immediate respite to a business's NI bill. How can they take advantage, and what are the pitfalls?
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Should you consider PAYE collection for HICBC?
The 2025 Spring Statement announced the start date for collecting the high income child benefit charge (HICBC) through PAYE. One of our clients who was considering not claiming child benefit altogether, has asked whether they should move to the new PAYE process. What do they need to know?
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Do you need to adjust CGT 2024/25 calculation?
If you made a chargeable gain in 2024/25 on or after 30 October 2024, it may be necessary to adjust the capital gains tax (CGT) liability calculated by HMRC’s self-assessment tax return software. When is an adjustment required and how is it calculated?
Tools & Calculators
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High income child benefit charge calculator
Worried that you or your partner might have to pay the HICBC? Enter some basic details into our calculator to see if there’s any liability.
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Pension relief calculator
Sometimes the tax relief you get on a pension is easy to work out, and sometimes it isn’t. Let our calculator do it for you and show the effect on your pension fund.
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Dividend effect calculator
Considering paying yourself a dividend? See how it might affect your tax payments over the coming months with our quick calculator.
Tax Documents
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Alternative ways to challenge HMRC
After several months of trying to get your point across to HMRC you’re getting nowhere. Might a formal review help resolve the issue and how do you go about applying for one?
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Director's or employee's loan account record
Director’s loan account record A taxable benefit in kind may arise where a director is provided with a loan, either interest free or at a rate of interest below HMRC’s official rate (3% for 2016/17). Use this document to calculate what, if anything, you need to declare to HMRC. Make a note Where a cheap rate or interest-free loan is no more than
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Dividend waiver
A dividend waiver is a document produced by a sharelder to show that they have given up (waived) their right to one or more dividends that they would otherwise be entitled to. A waiver can be used in income tax and inheritance tax planning but it must be made as a deed or HMRC will not accept its validity.
Calendar
* All dates are subject to possible adaptations