Smart tax moves, in plain english.

Published 19 October 2026 A badly neglected house can still be a dwelling for tax purposes. That is the point HMRC has pushed for years, and the Court of Appeal has recently backed that view. Yet the First-tier Tribunal has now allowed an appeal where a former home had fallen so far into decline that it was no longer “suitable for use as a dwelling” when bought. The case, Oakwood Great Oak Ltd v HMRC, matters because many buyers and advisers have struggled with the line betwe

A van can be one of the most useful assets a business owns, but private use can turn a practical purchase into a taxable benefit.

From April 2027, every employee will have a statutory right to take leave after bereavement from their first day of employment. For employers, this is more than a policy update. It changes how absence is handled at some of the most difficult moments in an employee’s life. It affects manager training, HR systems, payroll processes, internal guidance and the tone set by the organisation.

A director’s loan does not need to be formally cancelled before it creates an income tax problem.

A budget is not just a spreadsheet you update once and forget. For a limited company, it is one of the clearest ways to decide what the business can afford, where growth should come from, and when a good idea is too risky for the cash available.

Published 19 September 2026 HMRC debt often feels under control right up to the point where it is not. A Time to Pay arrangement can give a company vital breathing space, but it can also create a dangerous sense of safety. When the arrangement fails, the position changes quickly. For many directors, the real problem is timing. They speak to their accountant or seek insolvency advice after a missed instalment, a final demand, or a threat of a winding up petition. By then, choi

rom 1 October 2026, businesses engaging self-employed construction operatives will face new Right to Work responsibilities. Operatives and substitutes must not start work on site until the required Home Office-compliant check has been completed.

Which Should Your Business Buy? Published 9 September 2026 The right choice depends on how the vehicle will be used, its VAT classification and the level of private use. For many VAT-registered businesses, both vehicles may qualify as commercial vehicles. However, a double-cab pickup used for private journeys can create additional VAT responsibilities. Is a Transit van treated as a car or a commercial vehicle? For VAT purposes, a genuine Transit van is generally treated as a

HMRC is done waiting. From September 2026, self-employed people and landlords who have not registered for MTD Income Tax will be automatically enrolled. Are you prepared?

You win the job. You do the work. You send the invoice. But at the end of the month, when you look at your bank account, something does not add up. The jobs are coming in. The team is busy. Yet the profit is not where it should be.

A 20% VAT charge can turn a good property deal into a difficult negotiation. If the buyer cannot recover VAT, they may ask for a price cut. That can feel like the only practical fix, but it is not always the best one.

You've worked hard to build your limited company. But when did you last stop to think about what it could be doing for you beyond simply paying your bills?

Are you confident that your CIS deductions are being handled correctly? If you work in construction as a subcontractor, understanding CIS deductions could put hundreds — or even thousands — of pounds back in your pocket. Here is what every subcontractor needs to know: 📋 How CIS Deductions Actually Work Under the Construction Industry Scheme, contractors are required to deduct money from your payments before you receive them. That deducted money goes directly to HMRC as an ad

What Every Business Owner Needs To Know Published: 13 July 2026 Tax debt is becoming a bigger focus for HMRC. If you owe money to HMRC, even a small amount, you could soon face faster action to collect it. HMRC has confirmed it is putting more resources into chasing smaller tax debts that have been ignored or left unpaid for too long. This article explains what is changing, what powers HMRC has, and what you can do to protect yourself. Reading age is kept simple so the info

If you earn income from self-employment or property, you need to prepare for Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax. This new system will become a legal requirement in stages starting from April 2026, depending on your turnover. Understanding what MTD means for you and how to get ready will help you avoid penalties and make tax reporting easier.

If your director’s loan account is in the red, it means you owe money back to your company. For construction business owners, this can happen easily when personal drawings, fuel, bills or other costs are paid from the company bank account without being treated as wages or dividends.

Unlock significant tax savings with Capital Allowances. Learn how construction businesses can claim relief on equipment before full payment. Discover Capital Allowances strategies today!

HMRC's mileage allowance rate increases to 55p for the first time since 2011. Learn how the new mileage allowance affects your construction business from 6 April 2026.

Published 17 June 2026 When you start earning more money, understanding how much you can make before paying higher tax rates becomes crucial. Many people wonder exactly how much they can earn before they pay 40% tax. This question matters because it affects your take-home pay, financial planning, and decisions about work and investments. This post breaks down the key points about the 40% tax threshold, explains how tax brackets work, and offers practical examples to help you

Published 16 June 2026 If you've ever looked at your P&L and thought "we're profitable" — then looked at your bank account and wondered where the hell the money went — you're not alone. And it's not because you're bad with money. It's because construction accounting is fundamentally different from regular accounting, and most accountants simply don't understand the difference. Let me show you exactly what I mean. The £65,000 Job That "Made £9,500 Profit" But Left the Builder