Why January 2026 Tax Bills Feel Bigger Than Ever
Contents Introduction January is rarely the easiest month for household finances. After Christmas spending, winter energy bills and the return to everyday routines, many people are also faced with the Self Assessment tax deadline. For some taxpayers, January 2026 may feel particularly uncomfortable. The amount due can be higher than expected, not necessarily because anything […]
Is 2026 Still a Good Year to Buy an Electric Company Car?
Contents Introduction Electric company cars have been one of the biggest success stories in UK tax planning over the past few years. With very low Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) rates and the rise of salary sacrifice schemes, they’ve offered a level of affordability that has been difficult to match with petrol or diesel vehicles. However, as we […]
Should You Accelerate Dividends Before April 2026?
Contents Introduction With the end of the tax year approaching, many company directors and shareholders are reviewing how they extract profits from their businesses. One issue that has become particularly relevant is the dividend tax increase that will take effect from 6 April 2026. Dividends are a common way for directors of small companies to […]
Could the 2026 Budget Change Dividend Tax Again? What Directors Should Watch
Contents Background For many limited company directors, dividends have long formed the backbone of a tax-efficient remuneration strategy. A modest salary within National Insurance thresholds combined with dividends drawn from post-Corporation Tax profits has been the standard approach for years. However, that landscape has gradually shifted. Successive Budgets have reduced the dividend allowance, increased dividend […]
How Small Businesses Can Use Holding Companies To Save Tax
Contents Introduction Holding Companies are always a hot topic when it comes to tax planning, however many accountants are still struggling to give their client’s effective advice to get the most out of them. A point I wanted to make in this article is that a holding company without the right structure and planning in […]
Sole Trader vs Limited Company: Which Is Best For A Small Business?
Contents Starting a business can be one of the most challenging things you can do, as it often involves having to learn a completely new skill set and operate on very unfamiliar ground. To add to this, it’s tricky that one of the biggest decisions about whether to incorporate your business at companies house or […]
Essential Guide to Understanding Your Tax Year Overview
Contents What is a ‘tax year overview’ and why does it matter? Self employed people don’t have the luxury of getting a mortgage by providing their payslips. Small business owners don’t have that option either. So they have to work much harder to prove their income and even when they take a salary from their […]
How To Get Money Out of A Limited Company Without Paying Tax
Contents Limited company tax loopholesWhat is the most tax efficient way to pay yourself as a company director?What is a Directors Salary?Calculating the optimal directors salaryShould I pay myself in salary or dividends?What is a dividend?Why do people have holding companies?Personal pensionDirectors loan accountExtracting Cash on Sale or Winding UpFAQs Limited company tax loopholes You […]
Do Businesses Pay VAT? When To Register For VAT and Everything You Need To Know
Contents Value Added Tax Having VAT explained to you by your accountant can sometimes seem overwhelming, which is why I wrote this short guide in a way in which you can use it as a reference document in bite sized pieces, I will also be regularly updating it as the VAT rules change. What is […]
What Is HMRC’s Take On Hiring Self-Employed Workers?
Contents Background With the upcoming changes to Employers National Insurance in 2025 and the Employee Rights Bill, it is understandable why small businesses are more nervous than they’ve ever been about taking on new staff. Due to the significant increases in costs and risk, the idea of hiring self employed workers and freelancers is more […]