Category Archives: Uncategorized

Before a property development even begins, significant costs are often incurred. Planning applications, architects’ drawings, engineering reports, environmental surveys and legal advice can all generate substantial expenditure long before construction starts. HMRC has launched a consultation examining whether the current tax treatment of these pre-development costs remains appropriate and whether changes could help encourage investment. […]

Most people are aware that cash donations to a charity can qualify for tax relief. However, it is less well known that gifts of land, property and qualifying shares can also provide valuable tax advantages. If you donate land, property or shares to a UK charity, or sell them to a charity for less than […]

If you are selling shares or other investments, you may incur Capital Gains Tax (CGT) on any profit, or ‘gain’, you make. You will need to work out your gain to determine if you need to pay tax, which depends on whether your total gains exceed your CGT allowance for the tax year.  You usually […]

It is important to know if HMRC is holding money that belongs to you. For example, if you have paid too much tax to HMRC, you may be able to claim a tax refund (also known as a tax rebate). Overpayments can happen for a number of reasons, including changes in your employment, paying tax […]

Many UK businesses now borrow money from overseas lenders or form part of international business groups. Where interest is paid outside the UK, the tax rules can become surprisingly complicated. HMRC has now launched a consultation that could make one aspect of those rules much simpler. Why are the rules so complicated? In some circumstances, […]

Research and Development (R&D) tax relief has helped thousands of innovative UK businesses recover some of the costs of developing new products, improving processes and overcoming technical challenges. However, recent reports suggest that many genuine businesses are no longer making claims because they fear becoming caught up in HMRC’s crackdown on abuse of the scheme. […]

What it could mean for households and small businesses The Government has announced that VAT on domestic electricity bills will be reduced from 5% to 0% from 1 October 2026 as part of its latest package of cost of living measures. The change is intended to reduce household energy costs ahead of the winter months […]

Artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming part of everyday business. From drafting emails and analysing data to producing marketing content and improving customer service, AI offers exciting opportunities for businesses of every size. However, as recent guidance from the accountancy profession makes clear, adopting AI successfully requires more than simply choosing the latest software. Businesses also […]

If you complete a Self-Assessment tax return, or expect to do so in the coming months, it is worth taking a few minutes to check that the information HMRC holds about your State Pension is correct. HMRC has recently identified an issue affecting some taxpayers where the amount of State Pension included in tax calculations […]

Companies House continues to introduce significant reforms that will change the way companies are administered in the UK. The changes are being implemented in stages following the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act and are intended to improve the accuracy of the Companies House register, reduce opportunities for fraud and strengthen confidence in UK businesses. […]