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Managing cashflow: Tips for small businesses
Cashflow management advice Managing cashflow effectively is critical for the survival and growth of your small business. It’s about planning, monitoring and controlling the money coming in and going out of your business, which ensures you have enough cash to cover your expenses and avoid insolvency. Given the nature of the economy and evolving business…
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Personal tax planning in 2024/2025
Navigating your finances with confidence As we step into the 2024/25 tax year, it’s now more important than ever to take a proactive approach to managing your personal finances. Whether you’re navigating the complexities of income tax, considering investment opportunities or planning for your future, understanding the nuances of the UK tax system can help…
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PM proposes scrapping National Insurance
Plans to simplify tax could require other increases. In 2022/23, NICs generated £178bn, with £103bn from employers, £65bn from employees, and around £10bn from the self-employed. The Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, has suggested the possibility of eliminating National Insurance contributions (NICs) for workers, following another 2% cut announced during the Budget. National Insurance, established in…
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Stealth tax and savings shake up salary bands
Fiscal drag raises tax burden for many. Following the recent Spring Budget, NI rates in the UK will decrease by 2%. Following the recent Spring Budget, National Insurance (NI) rates in the UK will decrease by two percentage points, reducing to 8% on earnings between £12,570 and £50,270, down from the current 10%. This change,…
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Manufacturing and R&D to receive £360m boost
Funding aims to drive economic growth, enhance health resilience, and generate employment. Jeremy Hunt has announced a £360m investment in UK manufacturing to drive economic growth, enhance health resilience and generate employment. Furthermore, there will soon be opportunities for companies to engage in a £520m life sciences manufacturing fund designed to prepare for health emergencies…
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UK house prices rise as interest rates fall
The average house price increased by 1.2% compared to last year, climbing to an average of £260,420. The last growth was seen in January 2023. In February, UK house prices experienced their first annual increase in over a year, signalling a rejuvenation in the housing market spurred by reduced borrowing costs. Nationwide has reported that…
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Spring Budget 6th March 2024
SPRING BUDGET 2024 INTRODUCTION With the UK entering a technical recession at the end of 2023 and a general election on the cards this year, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt was under pressure to deliver a Spring Budget that demonstrated fiscal responsibility and generosity. Dubbing the fiscal statement a ‘Budget for long-term growth”, Hunt focused his speech…
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Is property investment right for you?
Many individuals invest in real estate to boost their income and gain greater financial security. But while the journey can be rewarding, it also requires committing a significant amount of your own time and money. So, how do you know if property investment is right for you? In this guide, we outline what you need…
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The ABCs of VAT for small business owners
Value Added Tax (VAT) is a significant part of the UK tax system. If you run a VAT-registered business, you’re required to charge this tax on most goods and services, which you must then report and pay to HMRC. Basically, you are collecting VAT on the Government’s behalf. While this may sound straightforward at first,…
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UKEF introduces enhanced financing for small businesses
In a move to boost international trade and foster greater exporting opportunities for small businesses, UK Export Finance (UKEF) has introduced more flexible and expedited financing. The Government’s export credit agency made this announcement during its annual conference, revealing it now has the capability to fast-track trade finance applications worth up to £10 million –…
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HMRC enforces tighter rules on ‘side hustle tax’
In a bid to tighten tax regulations and combat tax evasion, HMRC is implementing measures affecting sellers on platforms such as eBay, Vinted, Airbnb and Etsy. Effective from 1 January, many digital platforms are now mandated to collect under new international rules adopted by the UK through the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).…
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Economic confidence index declines
Business leader confidence in the UK economy fell to -28 in December 2023 after hitting -21 in November, according to the latest economic confidence index from the Institute of Directors (IoD). The decline is in contrast to business leaders’ confidence in their own enterprises, which surged to +36 in December – a notable uptick from…
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National Insurance cut boosts UK households
In a move to ease financial burdens on UK households, the Government has implemented a historic National Insurance (NI) cut, providing relief for 27 million taxpayers. As of Saturday, 6 January 2024, the main rate of National Insurance has been reduced by 2%, dropping from 12% to 10%. This reduction, exceeding 15%, equates to a…
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Year-end tax guide 2023/24
The conclusion of the 2023/24 tax year prompts us to reflect on some of the notable developments in the fiscal landscape. This past year has been marked by ongoing efforts to recover from the economic impact of the global pandemic. Inflation has emerged as a significant concern, influenced by persistent disruptions in the supply chain…
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Personal financial planning in 2024:
The new year marks the start of new beginnings, so there’s no better time to revisit your personal financial strategy. Drawing up an economic plan with clear, achievable goals can improve your long-term financial health and help protect you and your family against external factors. Whether you’re putting a personal financial plan together for the…
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Should you hire or outsource accounting?
Running a successful business entails astute financial management, and at the core of this is the crucial decision of how to handle your accounting needs. Should you bring a full-time, in-house accountant into the fold, or does the more flexible route of outsourcing better suit your business objectives? In this in-depth exploration, we’ll dissect the…
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HMRC removes PAYE self-assessment threshold
HMRC has announced a major shift in tax procedures, exempting high earners with PAYE income exceeding £150,000 from self-assessment tax returns starting in the 2024/25 tax year. This change, following the recent threshold increase from £100,000 to £150,000 for 2023/24, is expected to benefit approximately 338,000 taxpayers. While this move appears to streamline the process,…
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Advisory fuel rates December 2023
HMRC has published the latest advisory fuel rates (AFR) for company car users, which applies from the 1st December 2023. The rates for some petrol engines and all vehicles with diesel engines increased by 1p per mile. Meanwhile, LPG engine rates for 2000cc plus vehicles fell by 1p, while the advisory electricity rate (AER) for…
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Overseas firms pledge to invest billions in the UK
In November, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak hosted a summit at Hampton Court to spotlight foreign firms’ plans to invest £29.5 billion in the UK, signalling confidence in the economy. Despite recent setbacks like the cancellation of HS2, the attendance of global leaders at the summit and Nissan’s recent £2bn electric car investment in Sunderland highlight…
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Self-assessment
The UK self-assessment system has its quirks and nuances, and understanding how to stay compliant is crucial to a smooth and stress-free income tax process. From early paper deadlines to penalties for late-filers, self-assessment holds a few surprises. As always, a professional accountant can help you navigate the process successfully, make the most of available…
