Accounting Guides
Expert advice on UK tax, VAT, expenses, and bookkeeping for small business owners.
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5 Companies House Changes in 2025 That Will Affect Your Business
Major changes to UK company law are coming in 2025. From identity verification to fee increases, here's what every director needs to know.
AI in Accounting: What It Means for UK Small Businesses
Discover how AI is transforming accounting for UK small businesses. Learn what AI can automate, what still needs human expertise, and how to evaluate AI accounting tools.
Your First Year Running a Limited Company: Month-by-Month Survival Guide
Everything you need to know in your first year as a UK limited company director. Registration, deadlines, tax setup, and common mistakes to avoid.
Latest Articles
5 Companies House Changes in 2025 That Will Affect Your Business
Major changes to UK company law are coming in 2025. From identity verification to fee increases, here's what every director needs to know.
Companies House Identity Verification: What Every UK Director Needs to Know
Complete guide to the new identity verification requirements for UK company directors. Learn what's changing, how to get your personal code, and key deadlines.
How to Get Your Companies House Personal Code: Step-by-Step Guide
Step-by-step instructions for verifying your identity with Companies House and obtaining your personal code. Required for filing confirmation statements from 2025.
Registered Email Address: The Companies House Requirement You Might Have Missed
Since March 2024, all confirmation statements require a registered email address. Here's what you need to know to stay compliant.
AI in Accounting: What It Means for UK Small Businesses
Discover how AI is transforming accounting for UK small businesses. Learn what AI can automate, what still needs human expertise, and how to evaluate AI accounting tools.
Annual Accounts Filing Guide: Complete UK Limited Company Walkthrough
Everything UK directors need to know about filing annual accounts. From balance sheets to iXBRL, deadlines to penalties, this guide covers the entire process.
Buying Assets Through Your Limited Company: Cars, Property, Equipment
Should you buy cars, property, or equipment through your UK limited company? Learn the tax implications, Corporation Tax relief, VAT recovery, and BIK rules for company purchases.
Confirmation Statement UK: Complete Guide to Filing CS01 for Limited Companies
Everything UK limited company directors need to know about confirmation statements. Learn what to file, when it's due, costs, penalties, and common mistakes to avoid.
Crypto Accounting for UK Limited Companies: The Complete HMRC Guide
How HMRC taxes cryptocurrency for UK limited companies. Corporation Tax on crypto gains, recording transactions, mining, staking, DeFi, and NFTs explained.
Cycle to Work Scheme for Limited Company Directors: Complete UK Guide
How UK limited company directors can use the cycle to work scheme to get a bike tax-free. Salary sacrifice setup, tax savings, e-bikes, and what happens at the end of the hire period.
Director Responsibilities and Liabilities in UK Limited Companies
Complete guide to director duties under the Companies Act 2006, personal liability risks, piercing the corporate veil, disqualification, and D&O insurance for UK company directors.
Dormant Company Guide UK: Everything You Need to Know
Complete guide to dormant companies in the UK. Learn what makes a company dormant, filing requirements, how to notify HMRC, and when to reactivate your company.
EV Salary Sacrifice Schemes: The Complete Guide for UK Company Directors
How electric vehicle salary sacrifice works for UK limited company directors. Save thousands with the 2% BIK rate, understand OpRA rules, and compare scheme providers.
HMRC Investigation: What to Expect If Your Limited Company Is Investigated
Complete guide to HMRC enquiries and investigations for UK limited companies. Learn about types of enquiries, common triggers, your rights, and how to respond professionally.
Missed a Tax Deadline in the UK? Here's Exactly What to Do
Don't panic if you've missed a tax deadline. This guide covers immediate steps, penalty structures for all UK tax deadlines, reasonable excuse claims, how to appeal, and setting up payment plans with HMRC.
Multiple Directorships: Tax Implications & Planning Guide for UK Directors
Understanding the tax implications of being a director of multiple companies in the UK. Learn about NI annual earnings periods, salary strategies, dividends, associated company rules, and how to stay compliant.
P11D Complete Guide: Benefits in Kind for UK Limited Companies
Everything you need to know about P11D reporting for your UK limited company. Benefits in kind, deadlines, Class 1A NI, payrolling alternatives, and common mistakes to avoid.
Record Keeping Requirements for UK Limited Companies: The Complete Guide
Everything you need to know about record keeping for UK limited companies. Legal requirements, retention periods, digital vs paper records, HMRC compliance, and what happens if records are lost.
Shareholder Agreements for UK Limited Companies: The Complete Guide
Everything you need to know about shareholder agreements. Key clauses, good/bad leaver provisions, pre-emption rights, and when to get one drafted. Protect your business and relationships.
Side Hustle to Limited Company: When and How to Incorporate in the UK
Complete guide to converting your side hustle into a UK limited company. Signs you should incorporate, step-by-step process, tax implications, and how to run a Ltd while employed.
Tax-Free Childcare for UK Company Directors: Complete 2025/26 Guide
How UK limited company directors can claim Tax-Free Childcare and save up to £2,000 per child annually. Eligibility requirements, application process, and director-specific considerations explained.
Business Asset Disposal Relief: Pay Just 10% CGT When Selling Your Company
How to qualify for Business Asset Disposal Relief (formerly Entrepreneurs' Relief) and pay only 10% capital gains tax when selling your UK limited company.
Closing Your Limited Company: Strike Off vs MVL vs Selling
How to close your UK limited company. Compare strike off, Members' Voluntary Liquidation, and selling - which option saves the most tax?
Company Car vs Mileage Allowance: Which Saves More Tax in 2025/26?
Should you get a company car or claim mileage? Compare BIK tax, mileage rates, and total costs for UK limited company directors.
Directors' Loan Account: The Complete UK Guide to Borrowing From Your Company
Everything you need to know about directors' loan accounts. S455 tax, bed and breakfasting rules, repayment strategies, and how to avoid HMRC penalties.
Dividend Timing Strategy: When to Declare Dividends for Maximum Tax Efficiency
Strategic dividend timing for UK limited company directors. Tax year boundaries, spreading income, and avoiding higher rate tax through smart planning.
Electric Car Through Your Limited Company: The 2% BIK Tax Advantage
How to get an electric car through your UK limited company. The 2% benefit-in-kind rate, salary sacrifice schemes, and which option saves you the most.
Employing Your Spouse in Your Limited Company: The Complete Tax-Saving Guide
How to legitimately employ your spouse in your UK limited company. Realistic salaries HMRC accepts, pension contributions, and tax savings explained.
Your First Year Running a Limited Company: Month-by-Month Survival Guide
Everything you need to know in your first year as a UK limited company director. Registration, deadlines, tax setup, and common mistakes to avoid.
Home Office Expenses: How to Claim When Working From Home Through Your Ltd Company
Claim home office expenses through your UK limited company. The £6/week flat rate vs actual costs method, and what HMRC allows you to claim.
Life Insurance Through Your Limited Company: Relevant Life Cover Explained
How to get tax-efficient life insurance through your UK limited company. Relevant Life Cover saves Corporation Tax and avoids P11D benefits.
Maternity and Paternity Pay for Company Directors: Your Complete UK Guide
Can you claim Statutory Maternity Pay as a director? SMP, SPP, and Maternity Allowance explained for UK limited company directors.
Mortgages for Limited Company Directors: The Complete UK Guide
How to get a mortgage as a UK limited company director. Which lenders accept dividends, SA302 requirements, and how to maximise your borrowing.
Private Health Insurance Through Your Limited Company: Is It Worth It?
How to get private health insurance through your UK limited company. BUPA, Vitality, AXA - the tax treatment and whether it makes financial sense.
R&D Tax Credits for Small Companies: Claim Back Up to 27% of Development Costs
How to claim R&D tax credits for your UK limited company. What qualifies, how much you can claim, and the step-by-step process explained.
Stocks & Shares ISA for Company Directors: The Tax-Free Wealth Building Strategy
How UK limited company directors can use Stocks & Shares ISAs to build tax-free wealth. The dividend to ISA loop explained, with 20-year compound examples.
Trivial Benefits: £300 Tax-Free From Your Limited Company Each Year
How to use the trivial benefits exemption to get £300 tax-free from your UK limited company. Gift cards, vouchers, and small perks without P11D.
Year-End Tax Planning Checklist for Limited Company Directors (2025/26)
Essential year-end tax planning actions for UK limited company directors. Maximise reliefs, time dividends correctly, and reduce your tax bill before 5 April.
Accounting for Agencies UK: The Complete Financial Guide
Essential accounting guide for UK digital and creative agencies. Project accounting, retainer management, contractor payments, and tax planning for agency owners.
Accounting for Consultants UK: Tax, Expenses & Financial Guide
Complete accounting guide for UK consultants. IR35 considerations, allowable expenses, optimal salary/dividends, and tax planning for consulting businesses.
Accounting for Ecommerce UK: The Complete Seller's Guide
Essential accounting guide for UK ecommerce businesses. Inventory management, marketplace fees, VAT on online sales, and profit tracking for online sellers.
Accounting for Freelancers UK: Complete Guide to Tax & Bookkeeping
Everything UK freelancers need to know about accounting. Sole trader vs limited company, tax obligations, expenses you can claim, and bookkeeping basics.
Accounting for Property Businesses UK: Landlord's Complete Guide
Essential accounting guide for UK property investors. Limited company vs personal ownership, allowable expenses, CGT, SDLT, and Section 24 mortgage relief.
Accounting for SaaS Companies UK: Revenue, Metrics & Tax Guide
Complete accounting guide for UK SaaS businesses. Subscription revenue recognition, key metrics, R&D tax credits, and financial planning for SaaS founders.
Do I Need an Accountant for My Limited Company? Honest Answer
Do you really need an accountant for your UK limited company? Compare costs, requirements, and when DIY makes sense vs hiring help.
First Year Limited Company Guide: Everything You Need to Do After Incorporation
Complete checklist for your first year as a UK limited company director. From registration to first accounts, every deadline and requirement explained.
IR35 Guide for Contractors: Inside vs Outside IR35 Explained
Complete IR35 guide for UK contractors. Understand inside vs outside IR35, how it affects your tax, and how to assess your status.
Making Tax Digital Compliance Checklist 2026: Are You Ready?
Complete MTD compliance checklist for UK businesses. VAT, Income Tax, and Corporation Tax requirements, deadlines, and how to prepare.
Salary vs Dividends 2025/26: The Complete UK Director's Guide
Salary vs dividends for UK directors in 2025/26. Exact figures, optimal splits, and why most accountants recommend the 12,570 salary plus dividends strategy.
Year-End Tax Planning for Limited Companies: 15 Ways to Reduce Your Tax Bill
Essential year-end tax planning strategies for UK limited company directors. Reduce Corporation Tax and maximise take-home before your year-end.
AccountsOS vs FreeAgent 2025: Best Accounting Software for UK Limited Companies
Detailed comparison of AccountsOS and FreeAgent for UK limited company directors. Compare pricing, MTD compliance, features, and discover which suits your business needs.
AccountsOS vs Xero UK 2025: The Best Accounting Software for Limited Companies
Compare AccountsOS and Xero for UK limited company directors. Pricing from £15-42/month vs £19/month, MTD compliance, features, and why UK founders are choosing AI-native alternatives.
Bookkeeping Basics: A Guide for UK Limited Company Directors
Learn essential bookkeeping for your UK limited company. From double-entry basics to bank reconciliation, understand what records to keep and how to stay HMRC-compliant.
Business Insurance for Limited Companies: What You Actually Need
Complete guide to business insurance for UK limited company directors. Learn which insurance is legally required, what's recommended, and how to avoid costly gaps in cover.
Capital Allowances Explained: How to Claim Tax Relief on Business Assets
Everything UK limited company directors need to know about capital allowances. Claim up to 100% tax relief on equipment, vehicles, and machinery using AIA and full expensing.
How to Close a Limited Company: Strike Off vs Liquidation
Complete guide to closing a UK limited company. Compare strike off vs MVL liquidation, understand tax implications, and follow our step-by-step process.
Company Car vs Mileage Allowance: Which Saves You More Tax?
Compare company car benefit in kind vs mileage allowance for UK limited company directors. Calculate which option saves more tax with worked examples for petrol, diesel and electric vehicles.
Company Secretary Duties: Do You Need One and What Do They Do?
Complete guide to company secretary duties for UK limited companies. Learn what's required, who can be one, and whether your business needs a company secretary.
Company Year-End Checklist: 20 Things to Do Before Your Accounts Close
Complete year-end checklist for UK limited company directors. 20 essential tasks covering tax planning, reconciliation, record keeping, and compliance before your accounting period closes.
Corporation Tax Return (CT600): Complete Filing Guide
Everything UK limited company directors need to know about filing a CT600 corporation tax return. Deadlines, computations, filing methods, and how to avoid HMRC penalties.
Director's Loan Account (DLA) Guide: What Every UK Director Must Know
Complete guide to Director's Loan Accounts for UK limited companies. Understand S455 tax, benefit in kind rules, and legitimate ways to clear an overdrawn DLA.
Dividend Timing Strategy: When to Take Dividends from Your Company
When to take dividends from your UK limited company for maximum tax efficiency. Optimal timing around tax year boundaries, year-end considerations, and avoiding illegal dividends.
Employing Family Members in Your Limited Company: Tax Benefits and Rules
Can you employ your spouse or family members in your UK limited company? Yes - and it can save significant tax. Learn HMRC rules, tax benefits, and how to do it properly.
National Insurance for Directors: Complete Guide to Class 1, 2 and 4
Understand National Insurance for UK company directors. Learn about Class 1, employer's NI, the annual earnings period, optimal salary for NI, and how to minimise your contributions legally.
PAYE for Directors: How to Pay Yourself Through Payroll
Complete guide to running PAYE as a UK limited company director. Learn when to register, how to set up payroll, make RTI submissions, and avoid common mistakes.
Pension Contributions Through Your Limited Company: The Complete Guide
How to make pension contributions as a UK limited company director. Save Corporation Tax, avoid NI, and build retirement wealth tax-efficiently in 2025/26.
R&D Tax Credits Explained: Does Your Company Qualify?
Discover if your UK limited company qualifies for R&D tax credits. Learn about the merged scheme, eligible costs, and how to claim this valuable Corporation Tax relief.
VAT Registration: Complete Guide for UK Limited Companies
Step-by-step guide to registering for VAT in the UK. Learn when you must register, how to apply online with HMRC, what happens after registration, and common mistakes to avoid.
UK Self Assessment Deadlines 2025/26: Complete Guide
Never miss a self-assessment deadline. Complete guide to 2025/26 tax year filing dates, penalties, and how to stay compliant with HMRC.
Self Assessment for Directors: Do You Need to File a Personal Tax Return?
Most UK limited company directors must file Self Assessment even if all income comes from their company. Complete guide to registration, deadlines, dividends, and what to report.
Setting Up a Limited Company in the UK: Step-by-Step Guide
Complete guide to registering a UK limited company. From choosing a name to incorporation, everything you need to know to set up your Ltd in 24 hours.
Spreadsheets vs Accounting Software: When to Make the Switch
Discover when Excel or Google Sheets stops being viable for your UK limited company. Compare spreadsheets vs accounting software, understand hidden costs, and learn how to migrate smoothly.
15 Tax Deductions UK Limited Company Directors Miss Every Year
Stop overpaying HMRC. These 15 commonly overlooked tax deductions could save your limited company thousands. Most directors miss at least 5.
Tax Planning for New Limited Companies: First Year Essentials
Essential tax planning strategies for newly formed UK limited companies. From choosing your year-end to setting up tax-efficient extraction, everything you need to know in year one.
Umbrella Company vs Limited Company: Which is Right for You?
Compare umbrella company vs limited company for UK contractors. Detailed tax calculations, IR35 implications, admin burden comparison, and guidance on when to choose each structure.
VAT Schemes Explained: Flat Rate, Cash Accounting or Standard?
Complete comparison of UK VAT schemes for limited companies. Learn which VAT scheme saves you the most money - Standard, Flat Rate, or Cash Accounting.
VAT Threshold 2025: When Do I Need to Register in the UK?
Complete guide to UK VAT registration threshold 2025. Learn when you must register, the benefits of voluntary registration, and which VAT scheme to choose.
Optimal Director's Salary 2025/26: Tax-Efficient Pay Guide
Find the most tax-efficient director's salary for 2025/26. Compare salary vs dividends and learn how to maximise your take-home pay as a limited company owner.
Allowable Business Expenses UK: Complete HMRC Guide 2025
Full list of tax-deductible business expenses in the UK. Learn what you can claim, how much to deduct, and avoid common HMRC pitfalls.
Making Tax Digital 2026: What UK Small Businesses Must Know
Complete guide to Making Tax Digital 2026. Learn who's affected, key deadlines, and how to prepare for quarterly digital reporting to HMRC.
Corporation Tax Deadlines UK: When to File and Pay in 2025
Essential guide to UK corporation tax deadlines. Learn when to file your CT600, payment dates, current rates, and avoid HMRC penalties.
AccountsOS vs Crunch: Which UK Accounting Solution is Right for You in 2025?
An honest comparison of AccountsOS and Crunch accounting for UK limited companies. Compare pricing, features, MTD compliance, and discover which suits your business.
QuickBooks UK Review 2025: Is It Right for Your Limited Company?
Honest QuickBooks UK review for limited company directors. Compare pricing, features, and see why UK founders are switching to AI-native alternatives.
AccountsOS vs Sage Accounting UK 2025: Which is Better for Small Business?
Compare AccountsOS and Sage Accounting for UK small businesses. Pricing from £15-59/month, MTD compliance, features, and which is right for limited company directors.
Working From Home Tax Relief: How to Claim in 2025
Claim tax relief for working from home. Compare the £6/week flat rate vs actual costs, and learn which method saves you more money.
Receipt Management for UK Small Businesses: AI-Powered Solutions
Stop losing receipts and missing deductions. Learn HMRC requirements and how AI receipt scanning saves hours of bookkeeping.
Cash Flow Forecasting for UK Small Businesses: 13-Week Template
Create a 13-week cash flow forecast to predict your business finances. Learn to avoid cash crunches and make informed decisions.
Limited Company Accounting Requirements: What Directors Must File
Complete guide to UK limited company accounting. Annual accounts, tax returns, and compliance deadlines every director needs to know.
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