You may have to pay a tax charge, known as the ‘High Income Child Benefit Charge’, if you have an individual total taxable inocme income over £60,000 and either:
It does not matter if the child living with you is not your own child.
https://www.gov.uk/child-benefit-tax-charge
From April 2023 the main corporation tax rate increased from 19% to 25%.
At Spring Budget 2021, the government announced an increase in the Corporation Tax main rate from 19% to 25% for companies with profits over £250,000 together with the introduction of a small profits rate of 19% with effect from 1 April 2023. The small profits rate will apply to companies with profits of not more than £50,000, with marginal relief available for profits up to £250,000.
Beware of associated companies when looking at these rates and bands!
It is now possible to view certain information about yourself on HMRC online. This includes things like
To do this you will need to register if you are not already registered for HMRC online services
https://www.gov.uk/personal-tax-account
The Government is making many changes to the way tax information is shared and processed for individuals and businesses. It is the most fundamental change to the administration of the tax system for at least 20 years. Two of the changes that were proposed are:
For the latest information see https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/making-tax-digital-for-income-tax
There will be a phased introduction. From April 2026, self-employed individuals and landlords where the total income from those 2 sources is more than £50,000 will be required to keep digital records and provide quarterly updates on their income and expenditure to HMRC through MTD-compatible software. Those with an income of between £30,000 and £50,000 will need to do this from April 2027. Those with an income of between £20,000 and £30,000 will need to do this from April 2028.
Most customers will be able to join voluntarily beforehand meaning they can eliminate common errors and save time managing their tax affairs.
The government has also announced a review into the needs of smaller businesses, and particularly those under the £20,000 income threshold. The review will consider how MTD for ITSA can be shaped to meet the needs of these smaller businesses and the best way for them to fulfil their Income Tax obligations. It will also inform the approach for any further roll out of MTD for ITSA after April 2027.
VAT can be a headache for small businesses. Things to remember:
1. If your turnover drops below the VAT deregistration limits consider deregistering for VAT!
https://www.gov.uk/vat-registration/cancel-registration
2. Look at the Cash Accounting method where you only pay VAT when you receive the money from your customers.
https://www.gov.uk/vat-cash-accounting-scheme
3. Consider the Annual Accounting method where you submit one return each year rather than four. It can help with managing your cash flow.
https://www.gov.uk/vat-annual-accounting-scheme
4. Consider the Flat Rate Scheme. It is simpler than the standard VAT method and may save you money! Take care when deciding which Flat Rate percentage to use
https://www.gov.uk/vat-flat-rate-scheme
5. Beware of the changes to the Flat Rate Scheme from 1st April 2017 For certain businesses the published Flat rate percentages can no longer be used, and a specific rate must be used which is currently 16.5%. These are businesses known as “Limited Cost Traders” where expenditure on certain goods is below the limits. This can catch businesses out, and the cost can be very high. Changing to an Annual Accounting Scheme may enable the business to stay within the criteria and continue to use their existing Flat Rate Percentage.
https://www.gov.uk/vat-flat-rate-scheme/how-much-you-pay
6. Making Tax Digital for VAT is now mandatory
For more information see https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/making-tax-digital-for-vat
7. Use accounting software that automates things as much as possible for you to free up your time to run your business.
For tax year 2025/26 eligible employers can claim up to £10,500 off their Employer’s National Insurance bill for the tax year. The claim is made once a year as part of the electronic PAYE submissions to HMRC under RTI. Beware that not all businesses can claim the allowance. There are several criteria.
https://www.gov.uk/claim-employment-allowance