EXPERT INSIGHTS

Explore Our Latest Accounting and Tax Blog Posts

Stay informed with the most recent accounting and tax insights to enhance your business and tax strategies.

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NEW

Holding Company Guide for Small Business Owners in the UK

What is a holding company, how to set one up, tax benefits, asset protection, and whether it suits your business in 2026.

12 min read Read More
NEW

Documents Needed for a Company Director Mortgage Application

A complete guide to the financial documents UK company directors need to secure a residential mortgage. Learn about SA302, company accounts, and more.

8 min read Read More
London UK black cabs queued up waiting for passengers
NEW

New VAT Rules for Taxi & PHV Operators: What Changed in 2026?

The Autumn Budget 2025 brought significant changes. As of 2 January 2026, operators must charge 20% VAT on full fare - no more TOMS scheme. Learn what this means for your business.

8 min read Read More
UK solicitor working on immigration case
NEW

Is There VAT on Asylum Legal Work? A Guide for UK Solicitors

Understanding VAT requirements for immigration and asylum cases. Learn when VAT applies, the 'outside the scope' distinction, and HMRC compliance for law firms.

8 min read Read More
A professional woman is sorting through tax documents, highlighting her role in tax preparation and analysis in a contemporary office setting.
NEW

Where Can I Find My Company's UTR (Company HMRC Tax Reference)?

Complete guide showing 7 practical places to find your company UTR for Corporation Tax. Check HMRC letters, CT600s, payment refs, or request a reissue.

5 min read Read More
Watch, security and woman with radio, cctv and monitor for danger, talking and control room for guard. Desk, night and working for protection, safety and communication to backup and connection
NEW

Security Companies: Are You Paying Your Subcontractors Correctly?

HMRC guidance for UK security firms on subcontractor tax compliance. Learn how to meet PAYE rules and avoid penalties before 3 August 2025.

8 min read Read More
Do I Need to Submit a Self Assessment Tax Return by 31 January?
31 Jan Deadline

Do I Need to Submit a Self Assessment Tax Return?

10 reasons for 2024/25: £1k self-employment, partnerships, property £2.5k/£10k, HICBC £60k (up from £50k), CGT, foreign, £150k rule removed, expenses, VCT/EIS/CITR reliefs.

12 min read Read More
Do I Need to Do Bookkeeping for My eBay Business?
Bookkeeping

Do I Need to Do Bookkeeping for My eBay Business?

Record keeping mandatory, bookkeeping optional but recommended. HMRC EM4650 £3k penalty. Xero/QuickBooks/Excel. DIY vs AAT professional. VAT £85k. Audit trail protection.

9 min read Read More
Cannot file your annual confirmation statement until every director in your company has verified their identity
18 NOV 2025

Companies House Identity Verification Mandatory from 18 Nov 2025

11-character personal code (FT5-15ED-7JY5) required to file CS01. ECCTA 2023. GOV.UK One Login or ACSP. Cannot file until all directors verified. Criminal offence if delayed.

10 min read Read More
eBay Business Record and Documents Keeping
Legal Requirement

HMRC Record Keeping: Definitive Guide for eBay Traders and Businesses

8 essential documents: Bank statements 5-6 years, PayPal, eBay reports, invoices, expenses, VAT MTD. Digital Platform Reporting OECD. £90k VAT threshold. Badges of Trade.

12 min read Read More
How to Find a VAT Number by Company Name or Number?
VAT Lookup

How to Find a VAT Number by Company Name or Number

HMRC has no official search by name. Use VAT-Lookup.co.uk, VATNumberFinder.com, website footers. £90,000 threshold. Always verify with GOV.UK official checker.

7 min read Read More
Do I need a self assessment tax return for savings interest income?
Savings Tax

Interest Income: Do I Need to File a Self Assessment Tax Return?

Personal Savings Allowance: £1,000 basic rate, £500 higher rate. HMRC gets BBSI return. £10,000 threshold. PAYE tax code adjustment explained.

10 min read Read More
HMRC letter to Uber and Bolt drivers about undeclared income
DO NOT IGNORE

HMRC Targeting Uber & Bolt Drivers with Letters on Undeclared Income

Thousands of Uber/Bolt drivers receiving HMRC letters. Connect system matches data from platforms, banks, social media. Make disclosure to avoid penalties. Don't ignore.

9 min read Read More
Companies House Penalty Warning Notice
URGENT

Companies House Penalty Warning Notice: What Now? 28-Day Action Plan

Got a penalty warning? Act within 28 days! File CS01 confirmation statement (£34) or annual accounts. Avoid £10k fine, prosecution, company struck off.

8 min read Read More
Optimization of procurement or purchasing product order for online shopping and service solution.Management for business growth.not ai generated
2025 Guide

Ultimate UK Checklist for Starting a Successful eBay Business in 2025

Complete 14-step checklist: market research, product sourcing, business structure, insurance, taxes, VAT £90k threshold, bookkeeping, Consumer Rights Act compliance.

14 min read Read More
Tax calculation and financial management concept. Woman using laptop and calculator with digital tax icons, financial documents, currency, and government, representing tax filing, finance, accounting,
HMRC Compliant

How eBay Businesses Can Reduce Tax Liabilities and Stay HMRC Compliant

12 HMRC-approved tax saving tips for eBay sellers. Business structure, mileage 45p, home office, spouse salary £12,570, pension contributions. Legal ways to reduce tax.

11 min read Read More
Digital Tax Calculation and Management Concept. E-tax, Income tax, government taxes, financial research, Taxation, tax documents, and savings, report VAT and property tax of business.
Tax Planning

How to Structure Your eBay Business in the Most Tax Efficient Way

Should you be a sole trader or limited company? Compare tax rates: Corporation tax 19-25% vs income tax 40-45%. £50,270 threshold guide for eBay sellers.

10 min read Read More
Concept of selling products online.entrepreneur or freelance checking orders from customers, woman runs an e-commerce business on websites and social media.
eBay Sellers

Complete Guide to HMRC Allowable Expenses for an eBay Business

Maximise your eBay profit by claiming every allowable expense. Learn what you can claim: eBay fees, packaging, postage, home office, mileage (45p), capital allowances.

12 min read Read More
AI powers big data analysis and automation workflows, showcasing neural networks and data streams for business. Artificial intelligence, machine learning, digital transformation and tech innovation.
FREE Software

Free Accounting Software for Milton Keynes Businesses. Save £33/Month!

Get FreeAgent accounting software FREE with Mettle, NatWest or RBS business account. Cloud bookkeeping, invoicing, MTD compliance for Milton Keynes freelancers and businesses.

5 min read Read More
Digital Tax Calculation and Management Concept. E-tax, Income tax, government taxes, financial research, Taxation, tax documents, and savings, report VAT and property tax of business.
Tax Deadlines

Self Assessment Payment on Account: Complete 2025 & 2026 Guide

Complete guide to HMRC's Payment on Account. Deadlines: 31 Jan & 31 July. Learn how to calculate 50% advance payments, reduce payments, and avoid penalties.

8 min read Read More
Digital Tax Calculation and Management Concept. E-tax, Income tax, government taxes, financial research, Taxation, tax documents, and savings, report VAT and property tax of business.
VAT Savings

10 Smart Ways for UK Small Businesses to Reduce Their VAT Bill

Legally reduce your VAT bill with proven strategies. Learn about VAT schemes (cash accounting, flat rate), input VAT claims, bad debt relief, and smart planning.

10 min read Read More
Business and financial paperwork verification featuring a close-up of hands working on a contract. Ideal for corporate, investment, and legal consulting.
Company Formation

How to Set Up and Register a Private Limited Company in the UK

Compare 4 registration options: DIY Companies House (£50), formation agents, accountants, or FREE registration with Taxwise - you only pay the official fee.

9 min read Read More
A professional woman is sorting through tax documents, highlighting her role in tax preparation and analysis in a contemporary office setting.
UTR Guide

Can't Find Your UTR Number? A Simple Guide to Finding or Getting One

Lost your UTR? Find your 10-digit Unique Taxpayer Reference in HMRC letters, online account, old tax returns, or learn how to register for a new one.

6 min read Read More
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Pricing Guide

How Much Does an Accountant Charge for Self Assessment in 2025?

Accountants charge £150-£500+ for Self Assessment in 2025. Compare transparent pricing, understand what affects costs, and get fixed-fee quotes.

8 min read Read More
Smiling young businessman using mobile phone app while sitting on a comfortable sofa in his start up company office. Enjoying success. Reading good news. Chatting with friends or browsing social media
Side Hustle Guide

How to Start a Successful Side Hustle in the UK: Complete Guide

Complete 15-step guide covering business structures, HMRC registration, £1,000 trading allowance, marketing, legal requirements and more to launch your UK side hustle.

12 min read Read More
Finance, stress and woman in home with documents for financial planning, savings and investment. Anxiety, worry and person with paperwork, bills and taxes for mortgage, debt payment and expenses
URGENT

HMRC is Targeting Landlords in 2025: What You Need to Know

HMRC is targeting UK landlords with undeclared rental income in 2025. Learn about penalties up to 200%, Airbnb data-sharing, and how to voluntarily disclose.

7 min read Read More
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Luton Businesses

Free Accounting Software for Luton Businesses - Save £33/Month!

Get FreeAgent accounting software free for your Luton business. Save £396/year with Mettle, NatWest or RBS accounts. Perfect for Luton freelancers and traders.

6 min read Read More
Doing finance, budgeting and tax calculation. Close up woman hand using calculator to calculate home finance and writing note, accounting with laptop computer on table, budget management
VAT Guide

VAT Threshold 2025-2026: When Must You Register for VAT?

The UK VAT registration threshold for 2025-2026 is £90,000. Learn when you must register for VAT, how to calculate turnover, and voluntary registration benefits.

8 min read Read More
VAT - Value Added Tax symbol. wooden blocks with word VAT. Business and Value Added Tax concept. wooden blocks. Copy space.3D rendering on white background.
VAT Compliance

Which Records Must a VAT Registered Limited Company Keep?

Complete guide to VAT record-keeping requirements for UK limited companies. Learn about VAT invoices, purchase records, Making Tax Digital, and retention periods.

9 min read Read More
Businesswoman hands working in Stacks of paper files for searching and checking unfinished document achieves on folders papers
Compliance

What Records Should a Non-VAT Limited Company Keep?

Essential guide to record-keeping for non-VAT registered limited companies. Learn what documents you must keep for HMRC compliance and how long to retain them.

8 min read Read More
eBay Tax Rules: Do You Need to Pay Tax on eBay Income? | Taxwise Accountancy
Online Selling

eBay Tax Rules: Do You Need to Pay Tax on eBay Income?

Wondering if you need to pay tax on eBay income? Learn about eBay tax rules, when occasional selling becomes trading, and how HMRC and eBay share data.

7 min read Read More
Get FreeAgent Free with Mettle, NatWest or RBS Bank Account
Free Software

Get FreeAgent Free with Mettle, NatWest or RBS – Save £396/Year

Save £33/month on cloud accounting software. FreeAgent is free with Mettle, NatWest or RBS business accounts. Learn how to claim your free account.

6 min read Read More
Close up of businessman hand calculating budget checking bills, using calculator to calculate home finance budget management. Doing finance, budgeting and tax calculation, monthly expenses
Tax Savings

How Side Hustle Businesses Can Reduce Tax Liabilities

Learn how to reduce tax legally on your side hustle with smart planning. HMRC-compliant tips for saving tax and managing a profitable side business.

10 min read Read More
Asian woman Graphic designer working in office. Artist Creative Designer Illustrator Graphic Skill Concept.
Side Hustles

How to Structure Your Side Hustle: Sole Trader, Partnership or Limited Company

Learn how to structure your side hustle or side business. Explore tax advantages and disadvantages of sole trader, partnership or limited company options.

7 min read Read More
Happy home caregiver assisting her senior patient with walking through the kitchen.
Benefits & Support

Carer's Allowance 2025: New Earnings Limit Means You Can Earn More

From April 2025, working carers can earn up to £196/week and still claim Carer's Allowance. Learn about eligibility and key updates.

6 min read Read More
Audit business concept. financial examination for business and financial management system.
HMRC Compliance

Security Companies: Are You Paying Your Subcontractors Correctly?

HMRC guidance for UK security firms on subcontractor tax compliance. Learn how to meet PAYE rules and avoid penalties before 3 August 2025.

8 min read Read More
Iconic view of the Palace of Westminster and the Elizabeth Tower, commonly known as Big Ben, in London, England. The Gothic Revival architecture is seen from across the River Thames, with Westminster Bridge in the foreground and a red double-decker bus crossing. A world-famous landmark symbolizing British democracy, heritage, and culture, and one of the most visited attractions in the United Kingdom.
Tax Policy

Keir Starmer Pays 35% Tax – What It Means For You

Analysis of PM Keir Starmer's 35% effective tax rate vs Rishi Sunak's 22.8%. Learn how multiple income streams affect your UK tax position.

5 min read Read More