TV Licence UK 2025 Overview
The TV licence is a statutory licence fee created by Parliament to fund UK public service broadcasting. Although commonly described as a fee, in practice it operates like a hypothecated levy: it is compulsory when you watch or record live television or use BBC iPlayer, and revenue is ring-fenced for the BBC and S4C. For […]
Air Passenger Duty UK: Full Guide
Air Passenger Duty (APD) is one of the UK’s long-standing indirect taxes, levied on passengers departing from UK airports. Since its introduction in 1994 (legislated by the Finance Act 1994 and amended over time), APD has served both as a revenue stream for the government and, increasingly, as a policy lever influencing aviation behaviour. The […]
Soft Drinks Industry Levy (UK) – Full Guide
This guide gives UK businesses a practical, detailed overview of the Soft Drinks Industry Levy (SDIL) — how it works, who is liable, what products are in scope, current and upcoming rates, and how to register, file and pay. It is written for finance leaders, tax managers, product and compliance teams in producers, importers, bottlers […]
IPT: Insurance Premium Tax UK Guide
Insurance Premium Tax (IPT) is a UK tax applied to most general insurance premiums. Unlike VAT, which is charged on a wide range of goods and services, IPT is specific to insurance contracts and is intended to ensure the insurance sector contributes fairly to the tax system. For businesses, IPT can increase the cost of […]
UK Gambling Tax Guide
UK gambling taxes are a core part of the UK’s framework for regulating betting and gaming. Beyond licensing and consumer protections, operators face specific HMRC-administered duties that apply across distinct gambling activities, from land-based casinos and betting shops to online gaming platforms and betting exchanges. These taxes are charged to operators, not players. What this […]
Alcohol Duty UK: Rates & Business Guide
Alcohol duty is one of the UK’s principal excise duties, charged on alcoholic drinks produced, sold or imported into the country. It is a tax levied according to the type and strength of the alcohol, forming a significant source of revenue for the Treasury while also shaping public policy objectives around health, consumption and competition. […]
Fuel Duty UK Tax Guide
Fuel duty is one of the UK’s most significant excise duties, directly affecting the cost of petrol, diesel and other fuels. It plays a dual role in government policy: generating billions in revenue each year while also acting as a lever to influence consumer behaviour and environmental outcomes. Unlike VAT, which applies across a wide […]
Business Rates UK: Reliefs, Costs & Compliance
Business rates are one of the most significant fixed costs for UK businesses occupying commercial property. They are a local tax charged on most non-domestic premises, such as offices, shops, warehouses, and factories, providing critical funding for local authorities. Despite being a well-established tax, business rates remain complex, with rules on calculation, reliefs, and compliance […]
Land & Buildings Transaction Tax Guide
Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT) is Scotland’s property transaction tax. It replaced Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) in Scotland on 1 April 2015 under the Scotland Act 2012. LBTT is administered and collected by Revenue Scotland. Registers of Scotland (RoS) handles property registration and will not register a land transaction unless the LBTT return […]
Council Tax UK: Bands, Rates & Reliefs
Council Tax is the UK’s primary local taxation for domestic properties. It funds core local services including waste collection, social care, education, policing, fire and rescue, transport, and environmental services. Responsibility for Council Tax is devolved: England, Scotland, and Wales operate broadly similar systems with important differences in rules and reliefs, while Northern Ireland uses […]
Stamp Duty Land Tax UK: Rates, Reliefs & Rules
Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) is a transaction tax charged in England and Northern Ireland on the purchase or transfer of land and property. It applies to both residential and non-residential property and is a core part of the UK tax system for individuals, businesses, investors, and corporate bodies acquiring land interests. While SDLT is […]
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 […]