HMRC & Tax

Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self Assessment becomes mandatory for many sole traders and landlords from April 2026. Here's a practical, step-by-step guide to what's changing, who's affected, and how to get ready well ahead of the deadline.

Real Time Information (RTI) payroll has been mandatory for UK employers since 2013, yet many small business owners still find FPS and EPS submissions confusing. This guide breaks down exactly what you need to submit, when, and why — so you can stay compliant with HMRC without the stress.

An unexpected or unaffordable tax bill doesn't have to spell disaster for your business. HMRC's Time to Pay scheme lets eligible sole traders and small businesses spread payments over manageable instalments — but there are rules to follow and pitfalls to avoid. Here's everything you need to know.

The Annual Investment Allowance remains one of the most valuable tax reliefs available to UK small businesses in 2026, yet many SMEs leave significant savings on the table. This guide explains exactly how it works, what qualifies, and how to plan your capital spending strategically to reduce your tax bill.

The VAT Flat Rate Scheme can simplify your VAT returns and even save you money — but it is not right for every business. This guide breaks down how it works, who benefits most, and the key pitfalls to avoid.

The VAT registration threshold has been frozen at £90,000 until at least April 2026, pulling more small businesses into the VAT net. Whether you're approaching that figure or considering voluntary registration, this guide cuts through the confusion and helps you make the right call for your business.

Missing an ITSA Self Assessment deadline means an automatic £100 penalty from HMRC — and the charges only climb from there. This complete 2025/26 checklist walks UK sole traders, small business owners, and accountants through every key date, what to prepare, and how to avoid costly mistakes.

IR35 catches thousands of UK contractors and hirers off guard every year — and the penalties for getting it wrong are steep. This guide breaks down who the rules apply to, how status is determined, and what both contractors and engagers need to do to stay on the right side of HMRC.

P60s, P45s, and payslips are legally required payroll documents that every UK employer must understand and issue correctly. Get the deadlines wrong or omit key information and you risk HMRC penalties and unhappy staff. This guide breaks it all down in plain English.

Making Tax Digital for VAT is no longer a distant deadline — it applies to virtually every VAT-registered business in the UK. This plain-English guide cuts through the jargon and tells UK sole traders exactly what they need to do, why it matters, and how to stay compliant in 2026 without the stress.

Taking the leap into self-employment is exciting — but registering with HMRC correctly from the start is essential. This step-by-step guide walks UK sole traders through the entire process, from deadlines to what happens after you register, so you can trade with confidence.