Mixing business and personal finances is one of the most common—and costly—mistakes entrepreneurs, sole traders, and small business owners make. Using your business bank account for personal expenses might seem harmless, but it can lead to serious legal, financial, and tax problems.

In this article, we explain why it’s critical to keep your business account separate and how doing so can protect your business, simplify your accounting, and help you stay compliant with HMRC.

1. Mixing Business and Personal Finances Creates Accounting Chaos
When you use your business bank account for personal transactions, it becomes difficult to:
• Track your business income and expenses accurately
• Prepare clear financial reports
• Claim legitimate tax deductions without complications

If HMRC audits your business and finds personal transactions mixed in, they may disallow certain expenses or issue penalties. Good financial hygiene starts with separating accounts.

2. Legal Risks for Limited Companies

If you operate as a limited company, your business is a separate legal entity. That means:
• The money in your business account legally belongs to the company—not to you personally
• Taking money out for personal use must be recorded properly, such as via salary, dividends, or director’s loan.

Failing to follow proper procedures can lead to legal liability, especially if the company is investigated or becomes insolvent.

3. Tax Consequences and HMRC Scrutiny

Using your business bank account for personal purchases increases the risk of:
• HMRC classifying those personal expenses as undeclared income
• Losing out on valid business deductions
• Facing interest charges or penalties for inaccurate filings.

By keeping your accounts separate, you make it easier to prepare accurate tax returns and stay in HMRC’s good books.

4. Financial Clarity and Business Growth

When you separate personal and business transactions, you benefit from:
• Clear cash flow and financial statements
• Easier access to business loans or funding
• A more professional reputation with clients, partners, and investors

This clarity is especially important for small businesses, freelancers, and startups looking to scale.

5. Best Practices: How to Keep Business and Personal Finances Separate

Here’s how to maintain clean financial records:

• Open a dedicated business bank account and use it only for business-related income and expenses
• Pay yourself a salary or draw funds using the correct method for your business structure
• Use accounting software to categories transactions
• Keep receipts and supporting documents for all business purchases
• Work with an professional to ensure compliance and optimise tax deductions

Finally: Protect Your Business with Clean Financial Practices

Never use your business bank account for personal expenses. It’s not just a matter of organisation—it’s a matter of legality, tax compliance, and long-term success. Keep your business finances separate, and your accounting, audits, and growth will be much smoother.

Do You Employ Staff in the UK? Here’s What You Must Know About ICO and HMRC Registration

If you run a business in the UK and employ staff, there are two important things you need to take care of: registering with the ICO (Information Commissioner’s Office) and signing up with HMRC (His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs). These steps make sure you're handling your employees’ data and tax properly — and legally.

1. Why You Need to Register with the ICO

The ICO protects people’s personal data. If your business collects or stores information about anyone (like staff, clients, or suppliers), you probably need to register.

This includes data like:

• Employee names and addresses
• Recruitment details
• Payroll info
• Staff performance records

Why does this matter?

• It’s a legal requirement under UK data protection laws
• It shows you're serious about handling data safely
• If you don’t register, you could face fines
You’ll need to give the ICO some basic info like your business name, what type of data you collect, how long you keep it, and whether you share it with anyone else. There’s also a small fee to pay.

2. Why You Must Register with HMRC as an Employer

As soon as you hire your first employee — even part-time — you need to register with HMRC. This lets you pay tax and National Insurance for your team correctly using the PAYE (Pay As You Earn) system.

When registering, HMRC will ask for:

• Your name, address, and National Insurance number
• Business details (name, start date, type of work)
• When you’ll start paying employees
• How many people you expect to employ

After you register, HMRC gives you a PAYE reference number so you can run payroll properly.

Ongoing tasks as an employer:

• Deduct tax and National Insurance from wages
• Send payroll reports to HMRC each payday
• Give payslips to staff
• Submit annual reports
• Keep clear records of pay and deductions

Failing to do these things can lead to penalties — so staying compliant is crucial.

Let Us Handle It for You

At Atex Business Solutions, we help small businesses register with both the ICO and HMRC. We also take care of your payroll, tax filings, and compliance paperwork so you can focus on running your business.

Need help? Contact us today and let’s get you set up the right way.

HMRC treats clothing as an allowable expense only if it is a genuine uniform or protective garment used solely for business. As official guidance confirms, self-employed people may deduct the cost of “uniforms; protective clothing needed for your work”

By contrast, ordinary civilian clothes are automatically disallowed. The GOV.UK guide plainly states you “cannot claim for everyday clothing (even if you wear it for work)” ( Expenses if you're self-employed: Clothing expenses - GOV.UK ). In HMRC’s Business Income Manual (BIM), ordinary clothes are listed as having an intrinsic non-trade purpose, so “any expenditure is disallowed” ( BIM37900 - Wholly and exclusively: expenditure having an intrinsic duality of purpose: contents - HMRC internal manual - GOV.UK ). In short, only outfits that uniquely identify the trade or are required for safety can qualify as deductible.

Definition of “uniform” and “protective clothing”

HMRC defines a uniform as clothing that identifies you as having a certain occupation. For example, a nurse’s uniform or police attire ( Claim tax relief for your job expenses: Uniforms, work clothing and tools - GOV.UK ). (By analogy, a taxi company shirt or cap bearing a company logo could serve as a “uniform” if it clearly identifies the driver’s role.) HMRC also recognizes specialist or protective clothing needed for work – for instance, overalls, safety boots or high-visibility vests ( Claim tax relief for your job expenses: Uniforms, work clothing and tools - GOV.UK ) ( BIM37910 - Wholly and exclusively: expenditure having an intrinsic duality of purpose: Clothing - HMRC internal manual - GOV.UK ). Such items are considered “specialist clothing required to discharge the duties of the trade” and are allowable ( BIM37910 - Wholly and exclusively: expenditure having an intrinsic duality of purpose: Clothing - HMRC internal manual - GOV.UK ). Importantly, to be deductible the garment must be required by the business and not suitable for ordinary wear. HMRC emphasizes that uniforms or safety gear not part of a normal wardrobe (e.g. a nurse’s tunic) “faces no bar to deduction” ( BIM37910 - Wholly and exclusively: expenditure having an intrinsic duality of purpose: Clothing - HMRC internal manual - GOV.UK ).

Criteria for an allowable claim

Under Income Tax law (ITTOIA 2005, s34) the expense must be incurred “wholly and exclusively” for the business. HMRC (and case law) make clear that if a clothing item has any private use or is suitable for everyday wear, it fails this test. As Lord Brightman explained, “the word ‘exclusively’ is to preclude a deduction if the expenditure was not only to serve the purposes of the trade… but also to serve some other purposes” (usually private) ( BIM37910 - Wholly and exclusively: expenditure having an intrinsic duality of purpose: Clothing - HMRC internal manual - GOV.UK ). In practical terms, this means: if the clothing could be part of a civilian wardrobe (even if the taxpayer only wears it for work), its cost is not allowable ( BIM37910 - Wholly and exclusively: expenditure having an intrinsic duality of purpose: Clothing - HMRC internal manual - GOV.UK ) ( BIM37910 - Wholly and exclusively: expenditure having an intrinsic duality of purpose: Clothing - HMRC internal manual - GOV.UK ).

Concretely, HMRC’s manuals instruct those ordinary garments – suits, shirts, trousers, shoes, ties, etc. – are not deductible simply for being work-worn. The famous Mallalieu v Drummond case established that clothes forming part of an “everyday wardrobe” cannot be claimed, even if worn only at work ( BIM37910 - Wholly and exclusively: expenditure having an intrinsic duality of purpose: Clothing - HMRC internal manual - GOV.UK ). In HMRC’s words: “no deduction is available… for the costs of clothing which forms part of an ‘everyday’ wardrobe” ( BIM37910 - Wholly and exclusively: expenditure having an intrinsic duality of purpose: Clothing - HMRC internal manual - GOV.UK ). Only truly distinctive uniforms or protective gear pass this “everyday wardrobe” test.

Why claims are often rejected for taxi drivers

A self-employed taxi driver will usually wear plain business clothes (e.g. trousers, shirt, jacket, tie) that lack any distinctive branding. HMRC would classify such items as civilian clothing, not a uniform. Unless a garment clearly identifies the trade (for example, by a logo or a unique design), it will fail the uniform test ( Claim tax relief for your job expenses: Uniforms, work clothing and tools - GOV.UK ) ( BIM37910 - Wholly and exclusively: expenditure having an intrinsic duality of purpose: Clothing - HMRC internal manual - GOV.UK ). HMRC’s general guidance for self-employed taxpayers underscores this: you can claim for “uniforms” or “protective clothing”, but “not for normal clothing, even if you wear it for work” (Business expenses you can report if you're self-employed | nidirect) ( Expenses if you're self-employed: Clothing expenses - GOV.UK ).

Typical examples of disallowed claims include:

• Plain suits, shirts, trousers or jackets with no company insignia. These are everyday clothes and have personal use, so their cost is disallowed ( BIM37910 - Wholly and exclusively: expenditure having an intrinsic duality of purpose: Clothing - HMRC internal manual - GOV.UK ) (Business expenses you can report if you're self-employed | nidirect).
• Non-branded attire. Even if the driver only wears it at work, a generic black suit or grey slacks without a taxi badge would be treated as normal clothing ( BIM37910 - Wholly and exclusively: expenditure having an intrinsic duality of purpose: Clothing - HMRC internal manual - GOV.UK ) ( Expenses if you're self-employed: Clothing expenses - GOV.UK ). HMRC notes that “most professionals have to keep up appearances but their clothing costs are not allowable (even where they amount to a quasi uniform)” ( BIM37910 - Wholly and exclusively: expenditure having an intrinsic duality of purpose: Clothing - HMRC internal manual - GOV.UK ).
• Everyday footwear or accessories. Ordinary shoes or hats that can be worn off duty are disallowed under the same everyday-wardrobe rule.

On the other hand, allowable items might include:

• Branded taxi uniform pieces. For instance, if a driver had a high-visibility jacket or cap clearly marked with the taxi company logo (so it identifies the occupation), this could qualify as a uniform ( Claim tax relief for your job expenses: Uniforms, work clothing and tools - GOV.UK ) ( BIM37910 - Wholly and exclusively: expenditure having an intrinsic duality of purpose: Clothing - HMRC internal manual - GOV.UK ). In practice this is rare for freelance drivers unless mandated by a contract or local rule.

• Protective clothing needed for safety. If a taxi driver legitimately needed special safety gear (e.g. a reflective vest when working on roadways, or protective gloves for handling hazardous materials), HMRC would treat this as specialist clothing ( Claim tax relief for your job expenses: Uniforms, work clothing and tools - GOV.UK ) ( BIM37910 - Wholly and exclusively: expenditure having an intrinsic duality of purpose: Clothing - HMRC nternal manual - GOV.UK ). For example, HMRC explicitly allows overalls or safety boots as workwear ( Claim tax relief for your job expenses: Uniforms, work clothing and tools - GOV.UK ), so analogously a high-vis jacket required by the job could be allowable.

HMRC guidance and rationale

HMRC’s own guides confirm these points. The self-employment expense guide lists uniforms and protective clothing as deductible ( Expenses if you're self-employed: Clothing expenses - GOV.UK ) and repeats in summary “You can claim uniforms; protective clothing needed for your work… You cannot claim for everyday clothing” ( Expenses if you're self-employed: Clothing expenses - GOV.UK ). The Northern Ireland government’s guidance (aligned with HMRC) similarly states that work clothing like “uniforms and protective clothing needed for your work” can be expensed, but “normal clothing” cannot (Business expenses you can report if you're self-employed | indirect).

The Business Income Manual elaborates the legal tests. It affirms that ordinary civilian dress is inherently dual-purpose and thus disallowed ( BIM37910 - Wholly and exclusively: expenditure having an intrinsic duality of purpose: Clothing - HMRC internal manual - GOV.UK ). By contrast, it expressly allows deductions for genuine uniforms and specialist/protective clothing ( BIM37910 - Wholly and exclusively: expenditure having an intrinsic duality of purpose: Clothing - HMRC internal manual - GOV.UK ) ( BIM37910 - Wholly and exclusively: expenditure having an intrinsic duality of purpose: Clothing - HMRC internal manual - GOV.UK ). Lord Brightman’s judgment (Mallalieu) is quoted to underline that uniform costs are not barred – “the cost of specialist clothing required to discharge the duties of the trade… is allowable” ( BIM37910 - Wholly and exclusively: expenditure having an intrinsic duality of purpose: Clothing - HMRC internal manual - GOV.UK ).

In summary, HMRC will reject any taxi driver’s claim for clothing expenses unless the item is exclusively for business and unmistakably “work” attire. Plain business outfits or unlabelled garments will be deemed normal clothing and disallowed ( BIM37910 - Wholly and exclusively: expenditure having an intrinsic duality of purpose: Clothing - HMRC internal manual - GOV.UK ) (Business expenses you can report if you're self-employed | indirect). A deductible uniform would have to be something like a distinctive branded shirt or safety gear that marks the driver’s trade ( Claim tax relief for your job expenses: Uniforms, work clothing and tools - GOV.UK ) ( BIM37910 - Wholly and exclusively: expenditure having an intrinsic duality of purpose: Clothing - HMRC internal manual - GOV.UK ). All sources agree: everyday wear is off-limits ( Expenses if you're self-employed: Clothing expenses - GOV.UK ) ( BIM37910 - Wholly and exclusively: expenditure having an intrinsic duality of purpose: Clothing - HMRC internal manual - GOV.UK ), and only bona fide work-specific clothing passes HMRC scrutiny.
Sources: HMRC’s official guidance and manuals on business expenses, including “Expenses if you’re self-employed: Clothing expenses” ( Expenses if you're self-employed: Clothing expenses - GOV.UK ), the HMRC Business Income Manual (BIM) on dual-purpose expenditure ( BIM37910 - Wholly and exclusively: expenditure having an intrinsic duality of purpose: Clothing - HMRC internal manual - GOV.UK ) ( BIM37910 - Wholly and exclusively: expenditure having an intrinsic duality of purpose: Clothing - HMRC internal manual - GOV.UK ) ( BIM37910 - Wholly and exclusively: expenditure having an intrinsic duality of purpose: Clothing - HMRC internal manual - GOV.UK ), and HMRC’s uniform definition for tax relief ( Claim tax relief for your job expenses: Uniforms, work clothing and tools - GOV.UK ). These set out the allowance/disallowance rules summarized above.

Have you been told that because you are employed you should not receive a Tax Rebate?

To some extent this statement is true. Your tax coding should enable you to pay the correct tax during the year so that at the end of the fiscal year there should be no reason for you to be overtaxed.

Being overtaxed is the premise for receiving a Tax Rebate, or is it?

In most cases this is the truth, but occasional individuals are not aware that they could claim certain expenses whilst being employed. Claiming these expenses at the end of the tax year will result in these individuals receiving a Tax Rebate.

So, the question on your lips must be what are those expenses?

Business Mileage
Clothing
Marriage Allowance
Pension Contributions
Professional fees
Tools
Working from home

If you now have questions that need answering, please call us to discuss your queries.

If you're a director of a UK limited company, here are the main ways you can take money out:

1. Salary – You can pay yourself a salary, just like an employee. This will be taxed under Income Tax and National Insurance.

2. Dividends – If your company makes a profit after paying Corporation Tax, you can take money as dividends (if you're a shareholder). Dividends are taxed but don’t have National Insurance deducted, making them a tax-friendly option.

3. Expense Reimbursement – If you spend your own money on business costs (like travel or equipment), the company can pay you back. Just keep receipts to show HMRC.

4. Director’s Loan – You can borrow money from the company, but it must be recorded properly. If you borrow more than £10,000, you need to report it on your personal tax return. The loan must be repaid within 9 months of your company’s tax year-end, or the company will have to pay extra tax on it.

VAT on Sales of Parts
• A VAT-registered dealer who buys a used motorcycle privately and breaks it into parts must treat each part sale as a separate taxable supply. Under normal VAT rules (not using the margin scheme), VAT is due on the full selling price of each part at the standard rate. As HMRC explains (in guidance on the second-hand margin scheme): “If you sell [a vehicle] for usable parts, you must account for VAT on the full selling price of each item sold (VAT Notice 718/1) - GOV.UK ). In practice this means charging 20% VAT on each part sold (unless that part itself has a special VAT status, which is rare for vehicle parts).

Input VAT Recovery

• Because the motorcycles were acquired privately, no VAT was charged on purchase, so there is no input tax to reclaim on that transaction. You cannot claim VAT on the cost of a car (or bike) bought from a private individual. However, HMRC confirms that any VAT you pay on business overheads, repairs, parts or accessories is reclaimable as input tax (In other words, if you buy replacement parts, pay for labour, tools, or other services used in the business of breaking or preparing parts for sale, you can reclaim that VAT in your VAT return. These costs simply count as normal business expenses. (Note: under the old margin-scheme rules HMRC said you must not add such repair costs to the vehicle’s purchase price for margin calculations but under standard VAT accounting this simply means you treat them as separate inputs.)

Other Guidance and Schemes

• HMRC’s guidance (VAT Notice 718/1 and related manuals) makes clear that used car/motorcycle parts sales fall outside the margin scheme: you either charge full VAT or (if eligible) use a special scheme. For example, HMRC notes that salvage dealers may use the global accounting margin scheme for car parts ( VATMARG03300). But if you do not use any margin/global scheme, you follow the normal rules above: charge VAT on each part sale and recover VAT on your costs as usual.

What is an AGM?

Does one need to be kept by a Private Limited Company?
What is the purpose of an AGM?
What is the benefit of an AGM?
What are the rules of an AGM?

What Is an AGM (Annual General Meeting)?

An AGM is a yearly meeting held by a company where directors and shareholders (owners) get together to discuss the company’s performance, future plans, and other important matters.

Do Private Companies in the UK Have to Hold an AGM?

No – private limited companies in the UK are not legally required to hold an AGM (unlike public companies, which are). However, a private company may choose to hold one voluntarily, or it may be required to hold one if:

• Its articles of association (the rules of the company) say it must.
• Shareholders request one (with enough support – usually 5% or more of voting rights).

Purpose of an AGM for a Private Company

Even though not required, private companies often hold AGMs because they are a good opportunity to:

• Update shareholders on company performance and finances.
• Approve decisions such as dividends, director appointments, or changes in company strategy.
• Encourage transparency and build trust between directors and shareholders.
• Address concerns raised by shareholders.
• Comply with good corporate governance (especially for larger or family-run private companies).


Benefits of Holding an AGM (Even If It’s Not Required)

1. Clear Communication – Ensures shareholders feel informed and involved.
2. Formal Record – Decisions made at AGMs are documented, which can help avoid disputes.
3. Boosts Confidence – Helps keep investors and shareholders reassured.
4. Strategic Alignment – Keeps everyone aligned with the company's goals and direction.
5. Legal Protection – Having a formal meeting and minutes can offer legal protection if disputes arise.

Rules and Best Practices for Private Company AGMs (If Held)

While not compulsory, if a private company does hold an AGM, it should follow some good practices:

• Notice of Meeting: Send a written notice to all shareholders, usually at least 14 days before the meeting.
• Agenda: Clearly state what will be discussed – financials, votes, resolutions, etc.
• Chairperson: Usually a director or appointed person to lead the meeting.
• Minutes: Take and keep formal minutes of the meeting for company records.
• Voting: Shareholders can vote on resolutions – either by show of hands or by proxy.

Restoring a company


Restoring a company in the UK involves a few steps, depending on the circumstances of the dissolution. Here are the main procedures:

Administrative Restoration

If the company was struck off the register by the Registrar of Companies within the last six years and was trading at the time of dissolution, you can apply for administrative restoration. Here's what you need to do:

1. Complete Form RT01: This is the application for administrative restoration.
2. Pay the Fee: A cheque for £468, payable to 'Companies House'.
3. Submit Outstanding Documents: This includes company accounts, confirmation statements, and any filing fees or penalty payments.
4. Waiver Letter: If the company had assets, you need a waiver letter from Bona Vacantia.

Court Order Restoration

If administrative restoration is not applicable, you will need to get a court order. The process involves:

1. Application to the Court: This can be made by a former director, shareholder, or any person with an interest in the company.
2. Provide Evidence: You will need to provide evidence supporting your application.
3. Serve the Claim Form: Serve the claim form and supporting evidence to the relevant parties.
4. Attend the Hearing: Attend the court hearing where the judge will decide on the restoration.

What Happens Next

If your application is successful, Companies House will restore your company as soon as the registrar sends you a confirmation letter. If your application is refused, you might be able to apply for a court order or get a discretionary grant if you were a shareholder and need to claim some money back.

For more detailed information, you can visit the GOV.UK website.

Atex can undertake this task for you for an additional £500.00 + VAT

• What is VAT? It stands for Value Added Tax – a 20% tax in the UK added to the price of most goods and services (like haircuts). Not every business has to charge it.

• When do you need to charge VAT? Only when your salon or barber business is big enough. If you earn over £90,000 a year (that's a lot of haircuts!), you must register for VAT.

This is one of the key hair salon tax rules.

Self-employed stylist VAT: If you’re a self-employed stylist or mobile barber with a small business, you are likely to earn under the VAT limit. That means you don't charge VAT (your customers don’t pay that extra 20%).

• Hair salons (bigger businesses): If your hair salon’s yearly income goes above the VAT limit, you have to register and start adding 20% VAT to all customer bills

For example, a £50 haircut would cost £60 with VAT.

• Salon chair rental VAT: If a salon owner rents out a chair to other stylists, that rent money counts toward the salon’s income

If it pushes the total over £90k, the salon must register and charge VAT on services and the chair rent.

• Tax tip for barbers &salons: Keep an eye on your earnings. If you’re getting close to the VAT limit (currently £90k/year), be prepared to register to avoid penalties.

UK company size thresholds are changing on April 6, 2025.

This could make your company smaller and reduce your regulatory requirements UK company size thresholds are set to change from April 6, 2025, rising by around 50 per cent.

This most likely means that your company could be changing from a medium-sized to small or a small to microbusiness.

The government hopes that the changes will result in 113,000 small businesses and LLPs becoming microbusinesses; 14,000 shifting from medium-sized business to small and 6,000 moving from large to medium-sized.

All of that said, be aware that the changing metrics will be annual turnover and balance sheet. The number of employees threshold will remain the same. Two of the three criteria must apply for you to be seen as that size of business for a financial year.

Company size threshold before April 6, 2025

Annual turnover Balance sheet total Employees
Micro £632,000 £316,000 10
Small £10.2 million £5.1 million 50
Medium £36 million £18 million 250

Company size threshold after April 6, 2025

Annual turnover Balance sheet total Employees
Micro £1 million £500,000 10
Small £15 million £7.5 million 50
Medium £54 million £27 million 250

The idea behind increasing the threshold is that it’ll reduce regulation and audit requirements for thousands of businesses while also cutting complexity. These new thresholds account for inflation that’s taken place since the thresholds were last changed in 2013.

There’ll be no transitional period – we’ll be diving straight in.

The biggest change will be those moving from medium-sized to small businesses. They will no longer have to do a statutory audit of their annual accounts and from producing a strategic report.

Meanwhile, those moving into the microbusiness category will be exempt from producing a Directors’ Report.

What about the changes to the Directors’ Report?

This move also reduces the requirements for the Directors’ Report, especially for overlapping or outdated data.

Large and medium-sized businesses will no longer have to declare:
• Financial instruments
• Important events since the end of the financial year
• Research and development (R&D)
• The employment of disabled people
• Branches outside the UK
• What developments are likely in the future
• Engagement with employees
• Engagement with customers and suppliers

An HMRC confiscation order is a legal tool used in the UK to recover money from individuals who have benefited financially from criminal activity, often related to tax evasion, fraud, or other financial crimes.

What is a Confiscation Order?

A confiscation order is made under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (POCA). It is typically issued after a criminal conviction, when a court determines that the defendant has profited from crime.

In HMRC's case, this often involves:

• Tax evasion
• VAT fraud
• Money laundering

Once convicted, the court assesses:

• How much the criminal benefited from their crime.
• What assets they currently have (this could include property, cars, bank accounts, etc.)
The court then orders the defendant to pay back the amount of benefit, up to the value of their available assets.

How is it Enforced?

1. Court Order: The Crown Court makes the confiscation order, with input from HMRC’s specialist financial investigators.

2. Time Limit: The defendant is given a set time (usually up to 3 months) to pay. Extensions are rare.

3. Interest Charges: If payment isn’t made on time, interest starts to accrue on the amount owed.

4. Default Sentence: If the defendant doesn’t pay, they can face a prison sentence (up to 14 years depending on the amount owed), but the debt still stands even after serving the time.

5. Asset Seizure: HMRC can:

o Seize and sell assets
o Freeze bank accounts
o Apply for charging orders on property
o Force the sale of assets via the High Court

6. Overseas Assets: HMRC can even pursue assets held abroad, often in cooperation with foreign authorities.

Essentially:

If someone evades £500,000 in taxes and is convicted, but only has £200,000 in assets:

• The court may issue a confiscation order for £200,000.

• If more assets are discovered later, HMRC can return to court to increase the order.

Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax: HMRC is to Target Sole Traders and Landlords from April 2025.

Are you a sole trader or landlord in the UK? If your self-assessment tax return for 2023-2024 shows earnings close to £50,000, expect to receive a letter from HMRC starting April 2025 regarding Making Tax Digital for Income Tax (MTD IT).

What is MTD for Income Tax?

Making Tax Digital (MTD) is a government initiative designed to streamline tax reporting by requiring businesses and individuals to maintain digital records and submit updates via MTD-compatible software. It aims to reduce errors and improve efficiency.

Who Will Receive HMRC Letters?

HMRC is sending letters to two groups of taxpayers:

• Those already expected to comply with MTD IT
• Those with a turnover between £45,000 and £50,000, informing them of possible MTD IT obligations.

These letters will clarify whether you must transition to digital tax reporting.

When Must You Comply with MTD IT?

• From 6th April 2026: Taxpayers already expected to comply with MTD IT

• From 6th April 2027: Taxpayers with earnings between £45,000 and £50,000

How to Prepare for MTD IT

1. Check if You’re Affected: Review your self-assessment tax return to see if your income falls within the threshold.

2. Choose MTD-Compatible Software: HMRC requires digital record-keeping, so ensure you use approved accounting software.

3. Stay Updated: Keep an eye on HMRC updates and ensure you meet compliance deadlines.

4. Seek Professional Advice: If unsure, consult a tax advisor or accountant to avoid penalties.

Why Compliance is Important.

Failure to comply with MTD IT could lead to penalties and unnecessary stress. By preparing early, you ensure a smooth transition and stay ahead of the changes.

Get Ready for MTD IT Today!

Whether you're a sole trader or a landlord, now is the time to prepare for Making Tax Digital. Stay compliant, avoid fines, and make tax filing easier with the right digital tools.

For more guidance on MTD IT, visit HMRC's official website

When acquire capital item that serves both personal and business purposes, it is crucial to understand the HMRC guidelines.

Capital assets, defined as long-term assets that a business uses to generate revenue, can include equipment, machinery, and property. HMRC allows businesses to claim capital allowances on these items, thereby reducing taxable profits.

However, when a capital item is used for mixed purposes—both personal and business—HMRC dictates that only the proportion of usage attributable to business operations can be claimed for capital allowances. To accurately assess and substantiate this allocation, it is advisable for business owners to maintain meticulous records of the item’s usage, distinguishing between personal and business-related activities.

Furthermore, the taxpayer must apply the "apportionment" principle, whereby the capital allowances are proportioned according to the actual business use of the item. It is imperative to document this apportionment method clearly to ensure compliance and to facilitate any necessary future audits. Failure to adhere to these regulations may result in penalties and the disallowance of claims, underscoring the importance of understanding HMRC's stipulations on mixed-use capital items.

The taxable proportion for a capital item that serves both personal and business purposes is typically determined based on the extent to which the item is used for business versus personal use. Here are the general steps involved in calculating this proportion:

1. **Identify Total Usage**: Assess the total usage of the capital item. This can encompass time, mileage, or any relevant measure that reflects how the item is utilized.

2. **Determine Business Use**: Record the portion of the total usage that is strictly for business purposes. This could involve tracking business-related activities or uses over a specific period.

3. **Calculate the Proportion**: Divide the business use by the total usage to obtain a percentage. For example, if a vehicle is used 70% of the time for business purposes and 30% for personal purposes, the taxable proportion for the capital item would be 70%.

4. **Apply the Proportion**: This percentage can then be applied to the total costs associated with the capital item (such as depreciation, maintenance, and other expenses) to determine the deductible business expenses on your tax return.

5. **Documentation**: Keep thorough records to support the claimed business use percentage. This can include mileage logs, calendars, invoices, or any relevant documentation that can substantiate the business usage.

6. **Consult Tax Regulations**: It’s also important to review specific tax regulations or guidelines relevant to your jurisdiction, as there may be rules or limitations on how to apportion expenses based on mixed-use assets.

7. **Professional Advice**: If necessary, consider consulting with a tax professional or accountant to ensure compliance with tax laws and to maximize your deductions properly.


HMRC provides specific guidelines for calculating the taxable proportion of mixed-use capital items, which are assets used for both business and personal purposes. The distinction between private and business use is critical for tax calculation, as it determines the allowable deductions for capital allowances.

HMRC advises that businesses must apportion costs based on actual usage. This involves keeping detailed records of the time an asset is used for business versus personal use. For example, if a vehicle is used 60% for business purposes and 40% for personal matters, then only 60% of its capital costs can be claimed for tax relief. Similarly, for property-related capital items, businesses must ascertain the areas used for commercial activities against those designated for personal use.

To ensure compliance, businesses should apply a fair and reasonable method of apportioning costs, which can vary depending on the asset type. Documentation supporting the calculations is essential to substantiate claims during tax assessments. Thus, adherence to HMRC's guidelines not only facilitates accurate tax reporting but also mitigates the risk of penalties for non-compliance. Understanding these principles is vital for effective financial management within mixed-use scenarios.

You should always inform HMRC if you have received income via a foreign pension that has now been paid into your UK bank account. You should do the same for any the other social security benefits received from overseas.

There is a DTA agreement with some countries. Double Taxation Agreement.

Simply put this means in some cases you will not be taxed further by HMRC on the monies received.

Under the majority of DTAs, a pension paid in consideration of a past employment will only be taxable in the country of residence. However, some DTAs provide that pensions may be taxed in the country where the pension arises and it's important to check the relevant DTA prior to making a claim for FTCR, Foreign Tax Credit Relief.

In all the three major religions there exist the practise of giving to the religion. Some Christian groups call this tithing, in Judaism exist the first tithe, the second tithe, and the third tithe. The second tithe is known as Ma'aser and is usually 10%.

In Islam Zakat exist. This is an obligation to give 2.5% of wealth to the poor.

Now HMRC guidelines have a small issue with what I would be entitled to claim under the Gift Aid rules.

Gift Aid rules allow charities to reclaim 25p from the government for every £1 donated by a taxpayer, thereby increasing the value of donations.

The rule is this must be voluntarily and not mandatory and here is where a lot of confusion lies.

If the donation is deemed mandatory it cannot be classed as a voluntary gift, therefore under the current it will be disqualified as Gift Aid.

Moreover, for donations to qualify for Gift Aid, the donor must provide a valid declaration to the charity, confirming that they are a UK taxpayer and wish for their contributions to be treated under the Gift Aid scheme. Therefore, while it is possible for tithes to qualify as Gift Aid if they are voluntary donations made by taxpayers, individuals must be cautious and ensure compliance with HMRC regulations to maximize the impact of their contributions.

Did you know that HMRC expect you to verify whether your prospective employee has the right to work in the UK.

Your first step should be to check the HMRC website if the person does not have a letter with their NINO (National Insurance Number) on it or they do not have a letter from DWP (Department of Works &Pension) granting permission to work.

It is your duty as an employer to be compliant, not the duty of the employee.

When engaging foreign workers employers should familiarise themselves with immigration laws or engage some to do so to ensure your business is compliant with the legal requirements. Employers should start with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006, which mandates that employers verify the right to work of all employees. This will confirm what we have said above.

Failure to adhere to these legal stipulations can result in significant penalties, including fines.

In the UK, the employment of undocumented workers is deemed a significant violation of immigration laws, with serious repercussions for employers. The current penalties for employing individuals without the legal right to work are multifaceted and serve to deter non-compliance. Employers found guilty of this offense may face civil penalties amounting to £20,000 per illegal worker. This financial repercussion is designed not only to punish but also to promote adherence to immigration regulations.

In addition to civil fines, employers may also encounter criminal prosecution under certain circumstances, particularly if there is evidence of knowingly employing an undocumented worker. The penalties in such cases could involve imprisonment for up to five years and/or unlimited fines, highlighting the severity of the offense in the eyes of the law.

The UK Home Office actively enforces these regulations, supporting compliance through audits and inspections. This emphasis on enforcement reflects the government's commitment to maintaining the integrity of the labour market and protecting lawful employment. As a result, businesses are urged to conduct thorough checks on the eligibility of their workforce to avoid potential legal and financial repercussions associated with employing undocumented individuals.

In general, a P60 is a document provided by employers in the United Kingdom to their employees at the end of each tax year (April 6th to April 5th). It summarizes the employee's total earnings and the amount of tax deducted throughout the tax year. It is usually required for various purposes, such as filing a tax return, claiming tax refunds, or providing proof of income. Employers are required by law to issue P'60s to their employees by 31 May following the end of the tax year. This allows employees enough time to check their earnings and tax contributions for accuracy before submitting their tax return.

Hers is the law.

The Income Tax Regulations 2003
Information to employees about payments and tax deducted (Form P60)
67.—(1) Before 1st June following the end of the tax year, an employer must give a certificate (Form P60) to every employee—
(a)who was in the employer’s employment on the last day of the tax year, and
(b)from whose relevant payments the employer was required to deduct tax at any time during that tax year.
(2) The certificate must show—
(a)the tax year to which it relates,
(b)the employer’s PAYE reference,
(c)the employee’s name,
(d)the employee’s national insurance number, if known,
(e)any number used by the employer to identify the employee,
(f)the total amount of the relevant payments made by the employer to the employee during the tax year in respect of the employment in question,
(g)the total net tax deducted in relation to those payments, subject to regulation 64(7)(b) (trade disputes),
(h)the employee’s code,
(i)the employer’s name, and
(j)the employer’s address.
(3) In the case of an employee taken into employment after the beginning of the tax year, the certificate must also show—
(a)any amounts required by regulation 43(9), 52(11), 53(3) or 61(3) to be treated as relevant payments made by the employer to the employee during the tax year,
(b)any amounts treated as tax deducted by the employer at the end of the tax year by any of those regulations,
(c)the sum of the figures given under sub-paragraph (a) of this paragraph and paragraph (2)(f),
(d)the sum of the figures given under sub-paragraph (b) of this paragraph and paragraph (2)(g).


In conclusion, the P'60 is an essential document that provides valuable information about an employee's earnings, tax contributions and benefits received during a tax year. It is important for employees to check their P'60 carefully and keep it safe as it serves as proof of their income and tax contributions. Employers have a responsibility to issue accurate P'60s to their employees and rectify any errors promptly. Understanding the significance of the P'60 can help employees manage their finances better and plan for their future. Employees should also keep their P'60s safe and secure as they may need them for up to seven years after they are issued. If there are any errors, they should inform their employer immediately to avoid any issues with HMRC.

HMRC Class 2 NIC refers to the National Insurance contributions (NICs) that self-employed individuals in the United Kingdom are required to pay to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). Class 2 NICs are a type of flat-rate contribution that qualifies an individual for certain state benefits, such as the State Pension and Maternity Allowance.

For the fiscal Tax Year 2021-22 tax year, the weekly Class 2 NIC rate was £3.05, which was payable if the individual's annual profits were £6,515 or more. If the individual's profits were below this threshold, they can choose to make voluntary Class 2 NIC contributions to ensure they maintain their NIC record and eligibility for state benefits.

As of the 2022-23 tax year, if your taxable profits are less than £6,725, or you made a loss, you can choose to pay Class 2 NICs, voluntarily to protect your entitlement to State Pension and certain benefits.

If your taxable profits are from £6,725 to £11,908, you will not need to pay Class 2 NICs. Your contributions are treated as having been paid to protect your entitlement to State Pension and certain benefits.

Payment of Class 2 NICs is typically done through self-assessment tax returns, and the contributions must be paid by January 31 following the tax year in question. Failure to pay Class 2 NICs could result in penalties and a loss of entitlement to state benefits.

One of the latest predicaments challenging some business owners will be whether to pass on the Vat savings they are about to attain or whether to use this new money to pay existing debts.

Starting from today there will be a reduction in Vat for those in the hospitality industry. Some will pass the reduction on to their customers in the hope that this might drive up sales and to show some sort of loyalty to their devoted customers and maybe entice some new customers but surely this will mean that they have to now sell more to pay for those static bills that they have and are not receiving any Vat relief on. Rent and wages instantly come to mind.

Some business managers will think to use the money to pay whatever debts COVID 19 has caused them to accumulate during lock down.

So, what would be the call of social consciousness. In an ideal world it would be to share the benefits reaped with all in your community, but by you reducing the price of certain items does not necessarily equate to me and other consumers purchasing more of that item.

I think that each business should look at what will affect them economically and revisit the business plan. The business plan that looks so much different than when first drawn up. Create spreadsheets to see the what extra sales you will now have to achieve to regain the drop your profit margins will take.

The social consciousness call is do what you need to do to be in business next year.

We are aware that some of our precious clients would like to have the benefit of some advice with regards to them planning their retirement, estate or general financial planning.

• Business Protection
• Income Protection
• Shareholder Protection
• Relevant life Policy
• Death in service
• Key Man Insurance

If these are of interest to you then let me know and I will introduce you to an expert in this field that can best assist you.

If you have never heard of these and wonder how they could benefit you, then you too need to call.

If you have a house and you want to pass it on to a member of your family and need to minimise Inheritance Tax (IHT) then this is something you need to start planning now.

We look forward to hearing from you.


0203 1500 5600

The following article was written by LEWIS CATCHPOLE for Accountancy Today

The National Crime Agency (NCA) has been granted freezing orders on eight bank accounts containing a total of more than £100m, which is suspected to have derived from bribery and corruption in an overseas nation.

The Account Freezing Orders (AFOs) were obtained at Westminster Magistrates Court on 12 August, and represent the largest amount of money frozen using AFOs since they were introduced under the Criminal Finances Act 2017.

The orders will allow the NCA to further investigate the funds. If found to be derived from – or intended for use in – unlawful conduct, the NCA will seek to recover the money.

Approximately £20m held by a linked individual was frozen following a hearing in December 2018.

Earlier this year, in unrelated cases, the NCA secured an account forfeiture order against more than £400,000 held in frozen bank accounts belonging to a Moldovan national. Another forfeiture order was granted on money held in an account belonging to the niece of Syrian ruler, Bashar al-Assad.

The NCA’s Ben Russell, deputy director of the National Economic Crime Centre (NECC), said: “The NECC leads UK law enforcement efforts to tackle illicit finance, bringing the capabilities of multiple agencies together against the threat.

“In the last year, the NCA has used new powers such as Unexplained Wealth Orders and Account Freezing Orders to target suspected illicit assets, and we are already seeing some far reaching impact of this activity.”

If you ever want to lose a popularity contest, then stick up for the Government and HMRC. Your friend s might start to you look at you in a different light.

So here I go.

Isn’t it about time the Government started to have an all Party debate about the use of IR35.

We should only have a three-tier system. Unemployed, Employed or Self-employed.

Having IR35 which is consider not one thing or another appears to be hurting the system.

Contractors complaining when they must file tax returns and complaining when they have to pay their taxes.

It is always patriotic to tell the next man or woman to pay their fair share whilst we are seeking measures and loopholes to avert paying our entitlements.

IR35 was set up to disguise the employment. Dose not the term alone already cast doubts in our minds about the credibility of this scheme and those that want to hide behind it.

If I am not an employee of a Company that is paying me, I must be a subcontractor, surely? Or is that too plain and simple. Why cannot I be a bit of both. Then have a tax scheme to clearly show that I am different.

MP’s are now being targeted on both side of the House to disrupt the April 2020 reforms that will affect IR35.

Let us abolish it all together and be like the rest of us.

Employed or Self-employed.