Taxation of entertainment expenses
Many business gifts and hospitality costs are not tax-deductible under current rules.
Entertainment expenses including providing hospitality and business gifts are common, but the taxation of these expenses is strictly governed by HMRC.
For businesses carrying on a trade, HMRC legislation
Have you renewed or subscribed to our tax enquiry fee protection service?
We have recently sent reminders to renew or subscribe to our tax enquiry fee protection service. With the UK Government facing increasing pressure to fill the public finance black hole and reduce the fiscal deficit, HMRC is expected to take a more proactive approach to tax enquiries and investigations. In its efforts to maximise revenues […]
How should multiple self-employed incomes be treated
Running more than one self-employed business? HMRC will not always treat them as separate. Whether they are taxed as one combined trade or multiple depends on how your activities relate to each other. It is not a matter of choice, it is about how your business is run in practice. Get it right to
Registering informal money transfer businesses
HMRC has launched a campaign targeting informal money transfer networks like Hawala, aiming to combat money laundering and protect communities. Businesses must register for AML supervision or risk fines, prosecution, or closure.
It is estimated that some £2 billion is laundered annually through
Why flexible planning is advisable
Flexible planning is essential for adapting to uncertainty, responding to challenges, and seizing new opportunities. The world is unpredictable, and rigid plans can quickly become outdated. Whether in business or personal life, flexibility ensures resilience and long-term success.
Unexpected events
Changes to online filing of accounts at Companies House
The Online Accounts and Company Tax Return (CATO) service is scheduled to close on 31 March 2026.
This service has enabled businesses to file their company accounts and tax returns simultaneously with both Companies House and HMRC. However, due to its outdated nature and misalignment with modern
Women in leadership roles
The UK is making significant strides in promoting gender equality within its top companies. According to the latest FTSE Women Leaders Review, women now occupy nearly 43% of board positions across FTSE 350 companies, totalling 1,275 roles. Additionally, women hold 35% of leadership roles, equating
When is a hobby a business
Not sure if your hobby is actually a taxable trade? HMRC uses ‘badges of trade’ to assess whether an activity is a business. Factors like profit motive, transaction frequency, and asset changes help determine if tax rules apply to your earnings.
The ‘badges of trade’ tests, although not definitive,
Beware false business rates warnings
The 2023 Revaluation updates business property rateable values, based on April 2021 valuations. While challenges are open until March 2026, beware of false claims about earlier deadlines and unscrupulous agents pushing for quick decisions or upfront payments.
The Valuation Office Agency (VOA)
Roll-out of new digital markets regime
The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has initiated its new digital markets competition regime, effective from January 1, 2025, following the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act’s Royal Assent in May 2024.
Strategic Market Status (SMS) Designations
Under this regime, the CMA