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Paying Corporation Tax? Always use the correct reference or risk delays and penalties. To pay Corporation Tax via online or telephone bank transfer, you can use either a UK or overseas bank account. UK Bank Accounts You can transfer funds using Faster Payments, CHAPS, or Bacs, either online or by calling your bank. Faster Payments usually reach HMRC on the same or next day (including weekends), CHAPS payments arrive the same working day if made within your bank’s cut-off time, and Bacs payments typically take up to 3 working days. Use the...

Not all goods and services carry a 20% VAT, knowing the right rate can save costly mistakes. When a VAT-registered business issues an invoice to their customer, they must ensure that they charge the correct rate of VAT. Whilst most businesses in the UK charge VAT at the standard rate of 20% there are a number of different VAT rates and exemptions to be aware of. This includes the reduced VAT rate of 5% and the zero rate (0%). There are two other categories that the supplies of goods and services can fall under: Exempt - where no VAT is...

Using your own car or bike for work travel? You may be able to claim tax relief for business mileage. If you are employed and spend your own money on items needed for your job, you may be eligible to claim tax relief on those expenses. However, you can usually only claim tax relief on items that are exclusively used for work purposes. For example, you might be able to claim tax relief when using your own vehicle, whether it is a car, van, motorcycle or bicycle, for work-related travel. Generally, travel between home and your regular place of...

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 mind that the expenditure must be incurred wholly and exclusively for the purposes of your trade or employment. This is a difficult starting point as there is often a fine line to thread between deciding whether an expense meets this ‘wholly and exclusively’ rule. In general, HMRC takes a slightly more relaxed view that a strict reading of the legislation would...

Thinking of gifting income to a spouse or partner? HMRC’s settlements rules may still tax it as your own. The settlements legislation is contained in s.624 ITTOIA 2005. The legislation seeks to ensure that where a settlor has retained an interest in property in a settlement then the income arising is treated as the settlor’s income for all tax purposes. A settlor can be said to have retained an interest if the property or income may be applied for the benefit of the settlor, a spouse or civil partner. In general, the settlements legislation...

Thinking of starting a company at 16? Know the rules, risks and responsibilities before you take the leap. The Companies Act 2006 does not set a minimum age for shareholders, meaning even minors can hold shares unless a company’s articles of association explicitly state otherwise. However, the minimum age for a company director in the UK is 16 years. Directors carry significant legal responsibilities, including ensuring that company accounts and reports are accurate and filed on time with the relevant authorities. Even if the company is...

The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves has confirmed, in a video message, that the next UK Budget will take place on Wednesday, 26 November 2025. Details of all the Budget announcements will be made on a special section of the GOV.UK website which will be updated following completion of the Chancellor’s speech in November. HM Treasury is inviting written representations for the Autumn Budget 2025 from individuals, interested groups, MPs and organisations. Submissions should propose evidence-based policy ideas or comment on existing...

1 October 2025 - Due date for Corporation Tax due for the year ended 31 December 2024. 19 October 2025 - PAYE and NIC deductions due for month ended 5 October 2025. (If you pay your tax electronically the due date is 22 October 2025.) 19 October 2025 - Filing deadline for the CIS300 monthly return for the month ended 5 October 2025. 19 October 2025 - CIS tax deducted for the month ended 5 October 2025 is payable by today. 31 October 2025 - Latest date you can file a paper version of your 2024-25 self-assessment tax return. 1 November 2025...

From 13 October 2025, access to Companies House WebFiling will require GOV.UK One Login. This replaces the older Government Gateway sign-in and is part of the wider move towards a single, more secure login across government services. When you next log into WebFiling after that date, you will be prompted to connect your existing account to GOV.UK One Login. Without doing so, you will not be able to file company documents. This shift follows the earlier transition of the “Find and update company information” service in 2024. The new...

Running a small business comes with plenty to juggle, and while insurance might not be the most thrilling task, it is absolutely essential. There is one policy you are legally required to have: employers' liability insurance (EL). If you employ anyone, EL covers legal and compensation costs if someone falls ill or gets injured at work. Missing it could cost you a hefty £2,500 per day in penalties. Beyond what is required, there are a number of other smart protections to think about: Public liability insurance (PL) protects against claims...