If your business takes card payments, there’s a growing spotlight you simply can’t ignore. Recent radio campaigns have made it clear HMRC is targeting retail sectors harder than ever. From takeaways to small shops, the message is direct and uncompromising.And if you’re not compliant, the consequences could be far more serious than you think. (Read… Read more »
Posts Tagged: Tax
National Minimum Wage Errors: Why Even Big Businesses Are Getting It Wrong
A simple payroll oversight can quickly escalate into a reputational and financial risk. With HMRC’s latest ‘naming and shaming’ release, hundreds of employers, ranging from household names to public bodies, have been exposed for underpaying staff. The message is clear: even minor technical errors can carry significant consequences. (Read Time: Approx. 4 minutes) Topics Discussed:… Read more »
Key Income Thresholds to Watch Before April 2026
Earning more should feel rewarding, but in the UK tax system, crossing certain income thresholds can quietly cost you far more than expected. As we approach April 2026, many individuals will unknowingly fall into ‘earnings traps’ that reduce allowances, claw back benefits, or increase effective tax rates. Understanding where these pitfalls lie is key to… Read more »
The Tax Advantages of Holding Companies for UK Business Owners
Many successful businesses eventually reach the same position which is a profitable trading company sitting on significant cash reserves. The question then becomes what to do with that cash. Leaving large sums inside a trading company can expose the business to unnecessary risk and limit future planning options. This is where a well-structured holding company… Read more »
How the Iran crisis could trigger UK tax residency problems for British expats
Rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have left many British expats in places like Dubai reconsidering their plans and, in some cases, thinking about returning to the UK sooner than expected. But what happens if you suddenly need to come home because of regional instability or safety concerns? A short trip back to the… Read more »
Sponsor Your Kid? HMRC Lost!
Backing a talented young athlete can feel like a personal passion project. But what happens when your company steps in to sponsor your child’s sporting career? This is a question we are asked more often than you might think. The good news is that, when structured correctly, company sponsorship can indeed be an allowable expense… Read more »
HMRC Inheritance Tax Investigations Are Increasing
Inheritance Tax was once perceived as a concern primarily for the very wealthy. That perception is no longer accurate. With frozen thresholds and sustained growth in property values, a far broader segment of society now finds itself within scope. Recent figures demonstrate a clear upward trajectory in both HMRC investigations and tax receipts. The financial… Read more »
Buy-to-let Repairs Under HMRC Scrutiny
Buy to let investors are once again firmly on HMRC’s radar. We are seeing a noticeable rise in enquiries focused on repairs and renewals claims, particularly where substantial amounts have been deducted from rental income. At the same time, important changes to incorporation relief are on the horizon. If you own rental property, now is… Read more »
Is Your Side Hustle Actually a Business?
Selling online or flipping goods might feel like a hobby or side hustle. But HMRC uses a set of tests to judge whether what you are doing counts as trading for tax purposes. This can have big consequences on how much tax you pay, and how you report it to HMRC. By understanding the badges… Read more »
Understanding HMRC’s Let Property Campaign
For landlords who have undisclosed rental income, the Let Property Campaign offers a structured opportunity to come forward, declare unpaid tax, and settle what’s owed, without facing the highest penalties or criminal proceedings. Since the campaign began in April 2025, HMRC has recovered around £570 million from residential landlords through voluntary disclosures, with £107 million collected in… Read more »
