Latest news and industry insights

VAT-registered businesses normally submit their VAT returns and payments to HM Revenue and Customs 4 times a year. However, HM Revenue and Customs also offer an Annual Accounting Scheme for businesses with a taxable turnover of £1.35 million or less.

The Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, has announced reforms to apprenticeships that will enable up to 20,000 more apprenticeships and could be especially welcome news to small businesses.

The new tax year begins on 6th April and for employers running monthly payrolls, the March pay run will be the last of the 2023/24 tax year.

Thresholds based on a company’s accounts and employee numbers determine whether a company is categorised as small or not. Being able to qualify as a small or medium sized business can cut red tape for a business with the reduced amount of both non-financial and financial reporting a small or medium sized business is required to do.

Tax-Free Childcare is available to working families to help them save on their childcare costs. However, many may not be making use of this provision and with the Easter break soon upon us, HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) is encouraging families who have not yet signed up to consider doing so.

In times of economic uncertainty or because of operational challenges, you may find your business is facing tough decisions, including the possibility of redundancies. While such situations can be daunting and emotionally challenging, careful consideration and planning can help reduce the impact on both employees and the business as a whole.

2024 seems to be a good year to be a small business. The UK Government is doubling down on its commitment to the nation’s 5.5 million small businesses by announcing the launch of a new Small Business Council.

The thresholds for VAT registration and deregistration have remained static for the last 7 years, however an increase in the thresholds was announced in the Spring Budget.

The national insurance cuts in the Spring Budget have made most of the Budget-related headlines. So, what is the effect of this on you as an employer?

Jeremy Hunt, Chancellor of the Exchequer, delivered his Spring Budget 2024 speech on 6 March 2024. This potentially is the last budget before the next general election, which will need to be held before 28 January 2025. The Budget was designed to emphasise the government’s good achievements as well as to appear to lower taxes and curry favour with voters.

A new policy paper has been released by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) on Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self Assessment for sole traders and landlords.

With the tax year ending on 5 April, March is a good month to check whether sharing unused tax allowances with your partner could save you some money.

Value Added Tax (VAT) is a significant consideration for businesses. It impacts your cash flow, the amount of admin work needed, and even your overall profitability. One option available to businesses - with a VAT exclusive turnover of £150,000 or less - is the VAT Flat Rate Scheme (FRS), which offers a simplified approach to VAT accounting.

The Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) has released a final draft of a new Code of Practice on requests for flexible working. The draft Code received consultation in 2023 and is now awaiting parliamentary approval. If it is approved, then the new Code is expected to come into force in April 2024.

Companies House have reviewed the fees they charge and have released details of the new charges that will apply from 1 May 2024.