Insights & Advice
Tax tips, HMRC updates, small business advice and bookkeeping guides — written by Fahmina Jahan MIAB to help your business stay compliant and grow confidently.
Featured cornerstone guides
Our cornerstone guides go deeper than typical blog posts — 2,000+ words, schema-rich, with worked examples and clear decision frameworks. Start here if you want the definitive answer on a topic.
Everything landlords need to know about Making Tax Digital: thresholds, deadlines, software, real costs, and a 6-month prep checklist. 2,100+ words.
Read the guide → Cornerstone · Business structureWorked tax examples at £30k / £60k / £100k profit, hidden costs of going limited, and a clear decision framework. 3,400+ words.
Read the guide → Cornerstone · Year-end accountsApril 2026 Companies House changes (WebFiling closed, iXBRL mandatory), new size thresholds, full filing process, deadlines and common mistakes. 4,100+ words.
Read the guide → Cornerstone · First employeePAYE registration, 15% employer NIC, pension auto-enrolment, Employment Rights Act 2025 changes, real costs and 30-day setup timeline. 5,200+ words.
Read the guide → Interactive tool60-second diagnostic for landlords and sole traders. Personalised result with clear next steps. No email required.
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The definitive 2026 guide to the Construction Industry Scheme for UK subcontractors. Deduction rates, gross payment status, monthly CIS300 returns, the Domestic Reverse Charge for VAT, MTD ITSA from April 2026, and end-of-year reconciliation. Reviewed by FCCA + CTA.
The practical 2026/27 expenses guide for UK tradespeople. Capital allowances on the van (with worked example), tools and AIA, materials and year-end stock, mileage vs actual costs, PPE and certifications, home office, common missed deductions worth £1,500–£4,000 a year.
A genuinely neutral comparison from accountants who use all three daily. No affiliate links, no preferred vendor. Pricing, features, MTD readiness, six "which is right for you" scenarios.
When does the Flat Rate Scheme save you money, when does Standard VAT win? Worked example with the crossover point, industry-specific percentages, and the limited cost trader trap that catches most consultants.
Where to actually get money to start a business if you're in Redbridge, Chigwell, Epping Forest or surrounding councils — national schemes (Start Up Loans, SEIS/EIS, Innovate UK), local programmes, and a realistic funding plan for a typical micro business.
Every UK small business deadline in 2026/27 — HMRC, Companies House, payroll, VAT, MTD ITSA, ICO. Organised by tax and by month, with penalties for each missed deadline.
Worked examples for the four most common situations — sole trader, employee, limited company director, landlord — including the new dividend rates that took effect on 6 April 2026.
Complete guide to allowable UK business expenses for sole traders and limited companies. Clear yes/no/partial verdicts on each category — from stock and software to home office and client entertainment.
Complete guide to allowable UK business expenses for sole traders and limited companies — what's deductible, what isn't, and the HMRC rules behind each category.
Worked examples for the 4 most common UK tax scenarios in 2026/27 — sole trader, employee, director, landlord. Includes the new dividend rates from 6 April 2026.
Making Tax Digital (MTD) is HMRC's initiative to move the UK tax system online. Here's what you need to know and how to prepare.
One of the most important decisions when starting a business is choosing the right structure. Here's a straightforward guide.
Claiming all your allowable expenses reduces your tax bill. Yet many small business owners miss out on deductions they're entitled to.
If you're self-employed or a landlord, HMRC may ask you to pay tax in advance. Here's what payments on account mean and how to reduce them.
The most tax-efficient way to pay yourself as a director involves combining salary and dividends. Here's how it works.
If your company provides benefits like a company car or private medical insurance, a P11D may be required. Here's what you need to know.
The Spring Statement 2025 brought important announcements for small business owners. Here's a plain-English summary of what changed.
Being selected for an HMRC investigation can be stressful, but being prepared makes all the difference. Here's what to expect.
Good bookkeeping doesn't have to be complicated. These 10 tips will help sole traders keep their records in order and stay HMRC-compliant.
HMRC can ask to see your business records at any time. Knowing what to keep, for how long and in what format could save you from significant penalties.
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