If you have had career breaks, worked abroad, or earned below the National Insurance (NI) threshold, you could have gaps in your State Pension. HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) extended the deadline for voluntary NI contributions (NIC) to 5 April 2025, giving individuals an opportunity to fill gaps dating back to 2006. After this date, […]

Upcoming changes to Inheritance Tax (IHT) will be phased in over the next two years. With property values rising and the IHT nil-rate thresholds remaining frozen until 2030, more estates will face unexpected tax bills if they fail to plan accordingly. While two years may seem like plenty of time to prepare, effective estate planning […]

As the end of the tax year approaches, it is a good time to review your personal tax position and ensure you are making the most of available allowances. Unlike company tax planning, which can take place throughout the year, personal tax is closely tied to the tax year-end on 5 April. This makes early […]

From 6 April 2025, changes to employer National Insurance Contributions (NICs) will take effect, increasing payroll costs for many businesses. If you employ staff, it is advisable to prepare now for how these changes will impact you financially. Here are the key numbers to keep in mind: Lower NICs threshold – Employers will start paying […]

If you are thinking about selling your business, timing could be everything. Business Asset Disposal Relief (BADR), formerly known as Entrepreneurs’ Relief, helps business owners reduce their Capital Gains Tax (CGT) liability when selling qualifying assets. However, with adjustments to BADR coming in April 2025, it is important to make plans for an exit strategy […]

Starting with the 2025/26 tax year, directors of close companies (owner-managed companies) will need to separate the dividend income received from their companies. This change will have an impact on almost 900,000 directors. In very broad terms, a close company is a company that is under the control of its directors or five or fewer […]

From 1 April 2025, the National Minimum Wage will rise to £12.21 per hour (an increase of 6.7 per cent), meaning rising employment costs for businesses. For graduates, higher earnings can trigger student loan repayments, a factor you should consider when managing your payroll. Graduates start repaying their student loans when their income exceeds specific […]

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has recently issued One to Many (OTM) letters to private equity businesses and estate agents. These letters can be sent to any business and usually highlight HMRC’s focus on compliance, urging you to review your practices. What are One to Many letters? OTM letters are not threatening and do not […]

In January, the Government unveiled its Artificial Intelligence (AI) Opportunities Plan, outlining how the UK hopes to shape the AI trajectory by driving economic growth, enhancing public services, and creating new job opportunities while ensuring AI benefits society. While there is still a lot we do not know about the full capabilities of AI, we […]

No matter how well-prepared you may think you are, things will not always go to plan. It could be a sudden shift in the market, supply chain disruptions, unexpected repairs to your office or equipment, or even a personal emergency. That is why having a budget that accounts for the unknown is essential. How to […]