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State benefits taxable and non-taxable

Many people rely on state benefits, but it is not always obvious which payments are taxable and which are tax-free. HMRC’s guidance outlines the following list of the most common state benefits on which Income Tax is payable, subject to the usual

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Bank deposit protection limits set to rise

The UK’s financial regulator has proposed an increase to the level of savings protection available under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS). If approved, the changes would take effect from 1 December 2025 and will be welcome news for

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Five goals every small business owner should set

Running a small business can feel like juggling endless priorities, but taking time to set clear goals is essential if you want your business to grow and remain sustainable. Here are five goals that every owner should consider. 1. Strengthen cash

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Sharing income from jointly held property

The standard tax treatment for couples living together, whether married or in a civil partnership, is that income from jointly held property is split equally (50:50) between them, regardless of their actual ownership shares. However, if the

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Tax-free income from letting a room in your home

Homeowners can earn up to £7,500 tax-free under the rent-a-room scheme, with simple reporting and flexible tax options. This set of special rules is designed to encourage individuals to make use of spare space in their property by providing a tax

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Two important 2025 self-assessment deadlines

Paper tax returns are due 31 October 2025, and new registrants must notify HMRC by 5 October 2025. Act early to avoid penalties. Firstly, the deadline for submitting paper self-assessment tax returns is 31 October 2025. If you miss this deadline a

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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 seek to charge tax on certain income. This unusual provision, which is

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Exception from VAT registration

Businesses over £90,000 turnover must register for VAT, but HMRC may grant exceptions if the increase is temporary. A business must register for VAT if either of the following applies: At the end of any month, its taxable turnover in the previous

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