
Claiming tax relief on professional training
Keeping your skills and knowledge up to date is important but the cost of professional training can add up. If you are self-employed some training costs may be claimed as allowable

Tax benefits of giving assets to charity
Most people are aware that cash donations to a charity can qualify for tax relief. However, it is less well known that gifts of land, property and qualifying shares can also

Claiming tax relief on business insurance
If you are self-employed, you may be able to claim tax relief on certain business insurance costs as an allowable expense. This means the cost can be deducted when calculating your

Advising HMRC of change in circumstances
If your personal details or circumstances change, you may need to tell HMRC as this could affect your tax position or entitlement to certain benefits. You should notify HMRC if

Self-Employed – Are your business records in order?
As a self-employed individual, whether a sole trader or partner, you must keep accurate records of your business income and expenses to back up your self-assessment tax return. You

Salaried members of LLPs
Members of a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) are normally treated as self-employed for tax purposes. However, special rules can apply where a member’s terms of membership are

Landlord tax and National Insurance considerations
When renting out property, landlords may have both Income Tax and National Insurance considerations to consider. However, rental income is generally taxable. For individuals, the

Meaning of trade for tax purposes
The meaning of trade for tax purposes, often referred to as HMRC’s “badges of trade” test helps determine whether an activity is a genuine business or simply a personal

Tax and property when you separate or divorce
When a couple separates or divorces, most attention focuses on the emotional and practical aspects. However, it is important to consider the tax implications of transferring

VCT and EIS changes
The new rules will allow companies to raise more capital under the following schemes although investors will need to factor in reduced VCT Income Tax relief when assessing

Taxable & tax-free state benefits
While there are many state benefits available, it is not always clear which of these are taxable and which are tax-free. HMRC’s guidance outlines the following list of the most

Pay for imports declared via the CDS
If your business imports goods into the UK, it is important to be familiar with the Customs Declaration Service and to ensure that any duty payments are made correctly and on time

Deduction of tax on yearly interest
The tax legislation requires the deduction of tax from yearly interest that arises in the UK. This typically refers to interest that is subject to Income Tax or Corporation

Claiming 4-years Foreign Income and Gains relief
The remittance basis of taxation for non-UK domiciled individuals (non-doms) was replaced with the new Foreign Income and Gains (FIG) regime from April 2025. This new regime is

The Enterprise Investment Scheme tax benefits
The Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) is designed to help smaller, higher-risk trading companies raise finance by offering a range of tax reliefs to investors who purchase new

Are casual payments taxable?
Not all casual payments are tax-free; HMRC’s miscellaneous income rules may apply depending on the circumstances. The special miscellaneous income rules sweep-up provisions that

War Widows Recognition Payments Scheme
Bereaved spouses who lost service pensions before 2015 have until 15 October 2025 to claim a one-off £87,500 recognition payment. This scheme was launched in October 2023 to help

Who needs to register for anti-money laundering supervision
If your business operates in a sector covered by the Money Laundering Regulations, you must be monitored by a supervisory authority to ensure compliance. This article outlines who

How do HMRC define “wholly and exclusively” for tax purposes
Not sure if a business cost is deductible? HMRC’s ‘wholly and exclusively’ rule is the key test. When deciding whether an expense is deductible or not it is important to bear in

Reclaiming duty moving goods to Northern Ireland
Businesses can reclaim duties on qualifying goods moved to or through Northern Ireland since 2021 The Northern Ireland Duty Reimbursement Scheme allows businesses to reclaim

Interactive online tool for tax compliance check
HMRC’s new Q&A tool guides you through each step of a compliance check. The free interactive online tool is designed to help individuals and businesses better understand what

Higher penalties for MTD filers
Making Tax Digital for Income Tax will become mandatory in phases from April 2026. If you are self-employed or a landlord earning over £50,000 you need to start preparing to submit

The transition from FHL to Property Rental business
Tax perks for Furnished Holiday Lets have ended. From April 2025, lettings fall under standard rental rules. Check the transition rules to avoid surprises. The tax advantages that

Save up to £2,000 a year on childcare costs
Is your child starting school this September? Tax-Free Childcare could save you up to £2,000 a year. Check your eligibility now and start planning ahead. Working families whose
