What are Payments on account?

If you have recently started trading as a self-employed person, your first income tax bill will be due in the January following your first trading year, and for many it comes as a bit of a shock. This is because your first tax bill, due in the January, will commonly...

What to consider when buying a commercial property.

Stamp duty There are 3 rates of Stamp Duty Land Tax on the purchase price of a commercial property: 0% up to £150,000; 2% on the next £100,000; 5% over £250,000. VAT Stamp duty There are 3 rates of Stamp Duty Land Tax on the purchase price of a commercial property: 0%...

Are alphabet shares safe and legal?

They are not illegal, but HMRC do not really like ‘alphabet shares’ (where there are several different classes of shares issued).  It has been argued that these shares merely give a “right to income” and don’t represent ownership of the Company. Some years ago, there...

What is The Marriage Allowance?

Many couples are unable to benefit from the Marriage Allowance; AND the maximum benefit is only £252 (2022/23).  But it’s simple to calculate and to claim. It is for Married Couples and Civil Partnerships where one is a Basic Rate Taxpayer (taxable income £12,570...

what to do when buying a franchise?

Talk the franchise proposition through with an accountant.  If you still think it is a good proposition, decide on the business structure (e.g. Limited Company), bookkeeping records and VAT registration, as with any business. Franchisees often pay a large lump sum for...