Inheritance Tax UK: Thresholds, Reliefs & Planning
Inheritance Tax (IHT) is one of the most significant taxes affecting individuals, families and business owners when passing on wealth. It is charged on the value of a person’s estate at death and, in some cases, on certain lifetime gifts. Despite its impact, many people underestimate how IHT works, who pays it, and the opportunities […]
VAT (UK) 2025: Rates, Registration, Returns & Penalties
What this article is about: This guide explains UK VAT from an employer and finance lead perspective, covering how VAT works, when to register and deregister, rates and schemes, invoicing and tax points, Making Tax Digital, cross-border rules, penalties (current post-Jan 2023 regime), and practical compliance controls. It reflects the £90,000 registration threshold (from 1 […]
Capital Gains Tax UK: Rates, Reliefs & 60-Day Rules
Capital Gains Tax (CGT) is the tax you pay on any profit (the “gain”) arising from the sale or disposal of an asset that has increased in value. In the UK, Capital Gains Tax applies to a wide range of chargeable assets, including property, shares, business assets and certain personal possessions, and can be […]
Pay Corporation Tax: A Step-by-Step Guide
Timely, accurate payment of Corporation Tax is a core compliance duty for UK companies. Directors and finance leads are responsible for ensuring the right amount is calculated, cash-flowed, and paid by the correct deadline using the correct reference. Getting this right avoids interest costs, protects governance standards, and keeps HMRC interactions straightforward. What this article […]
Step-by-Step: Register for Corporation Tax
New UK companies must register for Corporation Tax when they become active. HMRC treats a company as active when it starts doing business activities such as buying or selling goods or services, advertising, employing staff, renting property, earning bank interest or managing investments. Registration is not the same as incorporation. Companies House creates the company, […]
UK Company Tax Return Guide
Compliant, accurate company tax returns are a core legal duty for every incorporated business in the UK. For business owners and finance directors, getting the CT600 right and filed on time protects cash flow, reduces risk, and avoids HMRC penalties or enquiries that can drain management time. Errors or missed deadlines can lead to automatic […]
Corporation Tax in the UK: A Guide for Businesses
Compliance with UK corporation tax regulations helps businesses optimise financial strategies while avoiding penalties and legal issues. The UK’s tax landscape is characterised by a range of reliefs, incentives, and compliance requirements that businesses must navigate to minimise tax liabilities and avoid penalties. While the tax rates and rules can seem daunting, understanding the underlying […]
CT600 Guide: UK Company Tax Return
What this article is about: This guide explains the CT600 company tax return, which every UK limited company within the charge to Corporation Tax must file. It covers what the CT600 is, who needs to complete it, deadlines, penalties, allowances and reliefs, and how to stay compliant with HMRC. Section A: Understanding the CT600 […]
Can you Employ Someone on a Standard Visitor Visa?
The Standard Visitor visa is the UK’s principal route for short-term travel. It is designed for individuals visiting the UK for a limited period, typically up to six months, for reasons such as tourism, business, medical treatment, or short-term study. For HR personnel, this visa is particularly relevant where employees, contractors, or business partners may […]
Comprehensive Guide to UK Business Tax 2025
Compliant and effective management of your business tax obligations will help you avoid hefty fines and penalties and provide a stable foundation for your organisation’s financial health. This comprehensive guide aims to demystify the various business taxes in the UK. From Corporation Tax to the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) and from Capital Gains Tax to […]
UK Sponsorship for Hiring Foreign Workers
The UK’s sponsorship system is the central mechanism that enables employers to lawfully recruit non‑UK nationals to work in Britain. Operating within the points-based immigration framework, it is underpinned by the Immigration Rules and detailed Home Office sponsor guidance. Together, these set out a rigorous regime of eligibility, ongoing duties, and enforcement powers for sponsoring […]
UK Sponsor Licence for Employers
Hiring the right talent is one of the biggest challenges for UK businesses. In many industries, demand for skilled workers cannot always be met through the domestic labour market. For businesses looking abroad, the ability to legally employ foreign nationals in the UK often depends on holding a sponsor licence. A sponsor licence is the […]
Can You Employ Someone on a UK Visitor Visa?
Many UK business owners are unaware of the immigration rules that apply when they want to bring in foreign nationals for short-term business activities. A common question is: “Can I hire someone who’s in the UK on a Visitor Visa?” The short and direct answer is no. A UK Visitor Visa (officially called the Standard […]
National Insurance UK: Full Guide 2025/26
National Insurance (NI) is a system of contributions paid by workers and employers in the UK to fund specific state benefits. These include the State Pension, statutory sick pay, maternity pay, and other social security benefits. Unlike income tax, which is used for general government spending, NI specifically supports the welfare and social protection structure. […]
Income Tax Guide for UK Companies & Individuals
Understanding income tax is essential for anyone earning or managing money in the UK, whether as an individual, sole trader, or business owner. The UK’s income tax system is broad and complex, with various rules, rates, and reliefs depending on how income is earned and who is receiving it. This comprehensive guide provides a clear […]
IFRS for SMEs: Third Edition Released with Significant Updates
In 2024, the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) released the long-anticipated third edition of the IFRS for SMEs Accounting Standard, marking the first major update to the framework since 2015. This edition brings the standard in closer alignment with full IFRS while preserving its simplified structure and suitability for small and medium-sized entities. The IFRS […]
Employment-Related Securities Reporting: Key Deadlines 2025
In the UK, any employer that provides employees or directors with shares or securities—whether as part of a formal share scheme or through ad hoc arrangements—is required to report these events to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) via an annual Employment-Related Securities (ERS) return. These rules apply regardless of whether the company operates a registered […]
International Tax Reforms: A Strategic Shift in UK Cross-Border Tax Policy
In a move that reflects both post-Brexit independence and global tax alignment efforts, the UK government has announced a package of proposed reforms to its international tax rules. These reforms—targeting transfer pricing regulations and the Diverted Profits Tax (DPT)—form part of a broader agenda to simplify the UK tax system, reduce unnecessary compliance for domestic […]
Revised Company Size Thresholds Take Effect from April 2025
The UK government has enacted a significant reform to company reporting rules by increasing the financial thresholds that define a company’s size for accounting and filing purposes. From 6 April 2025, businesses will see the turnover and balance sheet limits rise by approximately 50%, allowing thousands more companies to qualify for simplified reporting obligations under […]
Major Updates to UK GAAP: Revisions to FRS 102 and FRS 105 Effective 2026
The Financial Reporting Council (FRC) has published substantial amendments to FRS 102 (The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland) and FRS 105 (The Financial Reporting Standard applicable to the Micro-entities Regime). These changes are set to take effect from 1 January 2026, with early adoption permitted for financial statements prepared […]