Operating as a sole trader is one of the most common and accessible ways to start a business in the UK. For many professionals it offers a straightforward route into self-employment. However, simplicity doesn’t mean risk-free, and understanding the financial and legal responsibilities involved is essential. What does it mean to be a sole trader? […]

In late 2025 the government confirmed a significant change of direction on inheritance tax reliefs for farmers and family owned businesses. Following sustained criticism of earlier proposals, ministers announced an increase in the threshold at which full inheritance tax relief applies to qualifying agricultural and business assets. The move has been widely described as an […]

As part of the Budget measures, the government confirmed plans to make some changes to the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS). From 6 April 2026, HMRC will be able to take immediate action where a business makes or receives a payment that it knew, or should have known, was connected to fraud. In these circumstances, HMRC will have […]

If you live abroad and sell your UK home, you may have to pay Capital Gains Tax (CGT) on any gain made since 5 April 2015. Only the portion of the gain made after 5 April 2015 is liable for tax. One of the most commonly used and valuable exemptions from CGT is Private Residence […]

The new rules will allow companies to raise more capital under the following schemes although investors will need to factor in reduced VCT Income Tax relief when assessing opportunities. The Venture Capital Trusts (VCT) and Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) are designed to encourage private investment into trading companies. Both schemes help support business growth while at […]

There is now less than 1 months to the self-assessment filing deadline for submissions of the 2024-25 tax returns. We urge our readers who have not yet completed and filed their 2024-25 tax return to file as soon as possible to avoid the stress of last-minute preparations as the 31 January 2026 deadline fast approaches. You should […]

1 January 2026 – Due date for Corporation Tax due for the year ended 31 March 2025 19 January 2026 – PAYE and NIC deductions due for month ended 5 January 2026. (If you pay your tax electronically the due date is 22 January 2026). 19 January 2026 – Filing deadline for the CIS300 monthly […]

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has recently issued a timely reminder about the support available to taxpayers as the Self-Assessment deadline nears. With 31 January 2026 fast approaching, many businesses, sole traders and individuals are understandably starting to feel the pressure of meeting their tax obligations. To help manage this, HMRC is highlighting the Time […]

The recent Budget may not have delivered many dramatic headline changes, but as the detail settles, a number of important themes are beginning to emerge. Conversations with business owners suggest that concern is less about any single announcement and more about the combined effect of rising costs, higher personal tax exposure and increasing administrative demands. […]

Many business owners reach a point where they begin to question whether the way their companies are arranged still suits their ambitions. Separate trading entities might have grown organically, acquisitions may have been made along the way or activities may have been kept apart for practical reasons. Over time, these associated companies can become difficult […]