The computer says – don’t get caught out as HMRC takes self-assessment digital
Amy Stubbins, who heads up the Personal Tax teams in our Colchester and Mersea offices, looks at the new MTD (Making Tax Digital) rules which are coming into force in April and asks whether all those who are affected are aware of their new commitments? Approximately 12.5million people are currently required to file self-assessment tax […]
Claiming a tax refund from HMRC
If you have paid too much tax to HMRC, you may be able to claim a tax refund. Overpayments can happen for several reasons, such as a change in employment, being placed on the wrong tax code or failing to claim certain allowances or expenses.
The way you claim depends on your circumstances such as
How to claim child benefits
An application to claim child benefits can usually be made 48 hours after you have registered the birth of your child, or once a child comes to live with you. An application for child benefit can be backdated for up to 3 months.
An application for child benefit is usually made online either using
Check how to claim a tax refund
If you believe that you have overpaid tax to HMRC, you may be entitled to claim a tax refund. Overpayments can occur for a variety of reasons, including changes to employment, incorrect tax codes or unclaimed allowances. The process for making a claim will depend on whether you submit a
HMRC reminder for self-employed and landlords
If you have not yet checked whether you need to use Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax, you should do so urgently. HMRC has issued a timely reminder that for many self-employed and landlords the way to report tax to HMRC will change significantly from 6 April 2026.MTD for Income Tax is a
Who needs to file a self-assessment tax return
There are several reasons why you might need to file a self-assessment tax return. This could apply if you are self-employed, a company director, have an annual income over £150,000, or receive income from savings, investments or property.
You must file a self-assessment tax return if any of the
Making Tax Digital: What Landlords Need to Know and Do to Prepare
By Ben Steele, Managing Director, Streets Steele Making Tax Digital (MTD) is one of the most significant changes to the UK tax system in a generation. Designed to modernise tax reporting and reduce errors, MTD for Income Tax Self Assessment (MTD ITSA) will directly affect landlords with qualifying rental income. While the principles apply broadly, […]
Winter Fuel Payments: New £35,000 Income Clawback Explained
Recent headlines have highlighted the potential for a “clawback” of Winter Fuel Payments (WFP). This winter marks the first year of a new income based system, and higher income pensioners may find they are required to repay the full amount through the tax system. What has changed? From winter 2025/26, almost all pensioners again receive […]
31 January deadline met by more than 11.48 million people
HMRC has confirmed that more than 11.48 million people submitted their 2024-25 self-assessment tax returns by the 31 January deadline. This included 475,722 taxpayers who left their filing until the final day and almost 27,456 that filed in the last hour (between 23:00 and 23:59) before the
Car and travel costs if self employed
If you are self-employed, it is important to understand which car and travel costs can be claimed.
You can claim allowable business expenses for car, van, or travel costs, which reduce your taxable profit. Typical allowable costs include:
Vehicle insurance
Repairs and