trader-support-service Trader Support Service New Platform: What to Do Before 20 October 2026
Trader Support Service new platform: pre-enrol before 20 October 2026, create a new password, check user access and keep movement records in order.
Tax-saving strategies, accounting insights, and proven business advice to help your company grow, thrive, and maximize profitability.
Practical advice to help your business succeed
trader-support-service Trader Support Service new platform: pre-enrol before 20 October 2026, create a new password, check user access and keep movement records in order.
tax-refund What a P800 tax calculation letter means for 2025/26, why HMRC sends one, how to claim a refund online, how underpaid tax is collected through your tax code, and what to do if the figures look wrong.
self-assessment How to get a Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) in the UK: register for Self Assessment online and get it within 72 hours, where to find a UTR you already have, company UTRs and what to do if it has not arrived.
vaping-products-duty Vaping Products Duty UK starts 1 October 2026. See retailer approval rules, £2.20 per 10ml calculations, stamp checks, old-stock dates and records.
crypto-tax Crypto tax UK 2026 explained with Capital Gains Tax rates, staking and mining income, exchange records, reporting routes and worked examples.
making-tax-digital Received an HMRC MTD letter? Check the £50,000 qualifying-income test, correct changed income sources and catch up with the 2026/27 steps.
companies-house Companies House accounts changes 2028 explained for UK small companies: software-only filing, P&L, abridged accounts and a practical preparation checklist.
vat VAT bad debt relief UK 2026 explained: check the six-month rule, calculate the VAT on unpaid invoices, claim it on your return and keep the right records.
self-assessment Self Assessment paper tax return deadline 2026 explained: what to post, where to send SA100, penalties, payment dates and a 31 October checklist.
corporation-tax When UK companies must pay Corporation Tax: 9 months and 1 day after the accounting period ends, with a year-end table, the CT600 deadline, rates, payment methods and what to do if you cannot pay.
tips Tips tax UK 2026 explained for employers, including PAYE, National Insurance, tronc schemes, payment deadlines, records and fair distribution.
cash-flow 13-week cash flow forecast UK small businesses can use, with tax dates, payment timing, worked figures and a weekly review routine.
late-payment Late payment rules UK 2026 explained for small businesses: charge statutory interest, £40-£100 compensation, chase invoices and track the new Bill.
ir35 IR35 for contractors UK 2026 explained with inside and outside tests, CEST, client duties and practical records for your next contract.
vat How to claim VAT back in the UK in 2026: check input tax, VAT invoices, pre-registration costs, blocked expenses and your VAT return.
employee-benefits Tax-efficient employee benefits UK 2026 explained, from £50 trivial gifts to pensions and new work-cost reimbursements, with examples and deadlines.
hmrc Received an HMRC tax investigation letter? Learn what a compliance check means, what records to prepare, how penalties work and when to get help in 2026.
self-assessment Self Assessment registration deadline 2026 explained for new sole traders, freelancers and side hustles, with HMRC steps, dates and record tips.
estonia-company UK Ltd vs Estonian OÜ compared for UK residents in 2026: real tax rates, formation costs, the company residence trap, and when Estonia genuinely wins.
tax-refunds HMRC repayment pending explained for 2026, including status meanings, realistic timings, offsets, checks and what to do if your tax refund is late.
limited-company Limited company annual accounts checklist for 2026: records to prepare, Companies House and HMRC deadlines, examples and filing changes.
etsy-sellers Etsy seller tax UK guide for 2026: the £1,000 trading allowance, Self Assessment, VAT threshold, expenses and records to keep.
vat Online marketplace VAT consultation explained for UK sellers, including the 18 August 2026 response deadline and practical record checks.
self-assessment HMRC Time to Pay for Self Assessment explained before 31 July 2026, including payment plans, interest, examples and what to prepare.
accounting-software Xero for sole traders reviewed for 2026: UK pricing, plan limits, bookkeeping workflow and Making Tax Digital checks before you subscribe.
vat VAT Flat Rate Scheme 2026 guide for small businesses, covering the 16.5% limited-cost rule, thresholds, examples and exit checks.
accounting-software FreeAgent pricing UK for sole traders in 2026, with monthly and annual costs, free routes, VAT, add-ons and MTD checks.
directors-loan Director's loan tax 2026 explained: Section 455 at 33.75%, the £10,000 benefit rule, repayment timing and worked examples.
cis CIS tax return guide for subcontractors, covering 20% and 30% deductions, refunds, records, deadlines, and worked examples.
vat VAT return dates for 2026/27 explained for UK small businesses: the next quarterly deadlines for every stagger, payment rules, how to submit, fixing errors and penalties.
vat Summer VAT cut 2026 rules for children's meals and family attractions, with dates, eligibility, pricing examples, and setup checks.
tax-code 1257L M1 tax code explained for 2026/27, with emergency tax calculations, refund examples, and practical steps to correct your code.
cash-basis Cash basis accounting for sole traders in 2026, with current HMRC rules, worked examples, MTD points, and when traditional accounting is better.
making-tax-digital MTD penalties in 2026 explained, including the first-year soft landing, penalty points, late payment charges, and examples.
vat VAT Cash Accounting Scheme UK rules for 2026, with thresholds, cash-flow examples, eligibility checks, and record-keeping tips.
payroll P46 Car form deadline 2026/27 explained for employers, with quarterly dates, payroll rules, company car tax examples, and checks.
payroll PAYE Settlement Agreement deadline guide for 2026, with PSA dates, eligible benefits, tax gross-up examples, and employer checklist.
employment-related-securities ERS return deadline 6 July 2026 explained, with EMI notifications, nil returns, penalties, share events, and employer checklist.
making-tax-digital MTD compatible software for sole traders explained: what HMRC expects, how to choose tools, and what to test before quarterly updates.
vat-registration VAT registration threshold UK rules for 2026, with turnover tests, dates, penalties, voluntary registration, and worked examples.
business-asset-disposal-relief Business Asset Disposal Relief 2026 explained, with the 18% CGT rate, £1m lifetime limit, eligibility checks, and worked examples.
making-tax-digital Making Tax Digital for landlords in 2026 explained, with thresholds, quarterly update dates, joint lets, records, and worked examples.
payroll How to run payroll for one employee UK in 2026/27, with PAYE registration, FPS deadlines, employer NI, pensions, and costs.
companies-house Companies House identity verification explained for directors and PSCs in 2026, with personal codes, deadlines, and examples.
self-assessment Self Assessment payment on account 31 July 2026 explained, with calculations, reduction rules, late interest, and cash-flow planning.
p11d P11D deadline 6 July 2026 explained for UK employers, with what to report, Class 1A NIC examples, penalties, and a checklist.
making-tax-digital MTD for Income Tax quarterly update deadlines for 2026/27 explained for sole traders and landlords, with the next 7 November 2026 update, records, examples and filing steps.
employment-allowance Employment Allowance UK 2026/27 explained, with who can claim, who cannot, EPS steps, and worked examples for small employers.
payroll Learn how to run payroll for the first time in the UK, from HMRC registration and pensions to PAYE deadlines, costs, and first payday checks.
paye-deadline PAYE deadline 22 May 2026 explained for UK employers, with late payment penalties, interest, Time to Pay options, and worked examples.
companies-house Companies House identity verification explained for directors and PSCs, with deadlines, personal codes, confirmation statements, and penalties.
p60 P60 deadline 31 May 2026 explained for UK employers, with who needs one, common mistakes, corrections, and a practical payroll checklist.
national-minimum-wage National Minimum Wage rates April 2026 explained for UK employers, with payroll examples, apprentice rules, and common compliance mistakes.
new-tax-year New tax year checklist for small business owners UK 2026/27, with April deadlines, payroll updates, MTD actions, and worked examples.
payroll National minimum wage rates April 2026 explained for UK employers, with payroll examples, apprentice rules, and common underpayment traps.
accounting-software Best accounting software for sole traders UK compared for 2026/27, with MTD readiness, pricing, feature gaps, and which package suits you.
salary-vs-dividends Salary vs dividends UK 2026/27 explained for directors, with new dividend tax rates from 6 April 2026, worked examples, and practical planning tips.
vat-registration VAT registration threshold UK rules for 2026 explained with deadlines, worked examples, voluntary registration pros and cons, and common mistakes to avoid.
allowable-expenses Allowable expenses self-employed UK rules explained with practical examples before 5 April 2026, so you can claim correctly and avoid HMRC issues.
pension-tax-relief Pension tax relief UK rules explained for 5 April 2026, with annual allowance limits, carry forward, and worked examples for business owners.
employer-national-insurance Employer National Insurance and payroll changes UK 2026/27 explained with rates, deadlines, and worked cost examples for small employers.
corporation-tax HMRC and Companies House closed their joint online service for company accounts and Company Tax Returns on 31 March 2026. How to file now, which software to use and the deadlines that still apply.
paye-year-end PAYE year end checklist UK for 2025 to 2026: final FPS and EPS deadlines, P60 tasks, Class 1A planning, and practical steps for small employers.
side-hustle-tax Side hustle tax UK rules are easy to get wrong. Use this 5 April 2026 checklist to track income, claim expenses correctly, and avoid HMRC penalties.
payrolling-benefits-in-kind From 6 April 2027 employers must payroll company cars, vans, fuel and private medical benefits instead of reporting them on P11Ds. What changes, the April 2028 second phase, registration from November 2026 and how to prepare.
year-end-tax-planning Year end tax planning for limited company directors before 5 April 2026. Use this practical UK checklist to cut surprises and plan tax efficiently.
making-tax-digital MTD for Income Tax starts in April 2026 for many sole traders and landlords. Use this practical checklist to get ready, avoid penalties, and file with confidence.
croydon-business Not sure if your Croydon business needs an accountant? Learn the difference between bookkeeping and accounting, and when it’s time to get professional help.
estonia-company Explore why Estonia is ideal for UK startups. Learn how digital-first systems, zero corporate tax on retained profits, and fast company formation make Estonia a smart move for growth.
local-accountants Looking for an accountant in Croydon, Reigate, or Surrey? Learn how to choose a local accountant who understands small business finances and helps you save time and money.
self-employed Learn how to register as self-employed with HMRC, set up your Government Gateway account, and manage your tax duties. Follow this simple step-by-step guide.
bookkeeping Cash basis vs traditional (accruals) accounting explained for 2026/27: what each method means, who can use cash basis, worked examples, stock, MTD and when switching makes sense.
sole-trader Thinking of becoming a sole trader? Learn what self-employment involves, your responsibilities, and how sole traders differ from LTDs or partnerships in the UK.
self-assessment Learn who needs to file a Self Assessment tax return in the UK, important deadlines to remember, and top tips for accurate tax reporting.
pension-credit How Pension Credit works in 2026/27: Guarantee Credit tops weekly income up to £238 (£363.25 for couples), who can still get Savings Credit, the extra amounts, what else it unlocks and how to claim.
universal-credit Learn how Universal Credit works in the UK. Understand eligibility criteria, how payments are calculated, and how your income affects your benefits.
directors-loan Learn how director’s loans are taxed, how to manage a director’s loan account, and the responsibilities directors and shareholders face under HMRC rules.
HMRC Discover which excuses HMRC accepts when appealing a fine, how to file an appeal, and what won’t be accepted. Avoid penalties with the right guidance.
income-tax Explore what types of income are taxed in the UK and what’s exempt. Learn how to manage your income tax efficiently and avoid common mistakes.
holiday-entitlement Understand how UK holiday entitlement works. Learn how to calculate annual leave, including statutory and bank holidays, for full-time and part-time employees.
directors-loan Understand the tax implications of director’s or beneficial loans, including Corporation Tax, Class 1A NI, and Income Tax. Stay compliant with HMRC rules.
LLP Compare LLP and LTD business structures in the UK. Learn the pros, cons, and legal differences to choose the best setup for your new business.
tax-code What tax code 1257L means for 2026/27: the £12,570 Personal Allowance, how it is spread across your pay, what M1, W1 and X mean, when the code is wrong and how to get overpaid tax back.
sick-leave Find out who qualifies for sick leave in the UK, what documentation is required, how long-term illness is handled, and what your rights are if dismissed.
LLP Understand how Limited Liability Partnerships work, the responsibilities of designated members, and how LLPs compare to LTDs for UK professionals.
residency Understand how UK residency status affects your tax on foreign income. Learn the key rules, residency tests, and National Insurance implications.
tax Learn how tipping is taxed in the UK, who pays the tax, and how it affects your income tax and National Insurance. A must-read for hospitality and service staff.
llp Explore the key duties of designated partners in a UK LLP. Learn their legal responsibilities, how to register, and ensure full compliance with Companies House.
cisscheme Discover how CIS Gross Payment Status allows UK subcontractors to receive full payments without deductions. Learn eligibility criteria, benefits, and how to apply to improve your cash flow and manage taxes effectively.