S.L.E Accounting

It’s often the areas you don’t see that cause the biggest problems 👀💧

We recently supported a gulley inspection, providing safe access so the contractor could properly assess drainage around the roofline. Gulleys play a vital role in directing water away from the property, and when they become blocked or damaged, it can quickly lead to leaks, damp, and costly repairs 🏠🌧️.

Having the right access in place allows inspections to be carried out thoroughly and safely — no shortcuts, no guesswork. Whether it’s debris build-up, wear over time, or signs of water backing up, catching these issues early can save a lot of time and money down the line 💪🔧.

Jobs like this might seem minor, but they’re an essential part of maintaining the health of a building. With secure platforms and clear access, contractors can work efficiently and focus on identifying and resolving potential problems before they escalate 👷‍♂️🪜.

If you’ve got roof repairs, inspections, or drainage issues that need attention, having the right access is key.

📞 Need help with jobs like this for your roof repairs? Don’t hesitate to contact us! We’re always happy to help keep your projects moving safely and smoothly.

RoofRepairs WorkingAtHeight ConstructionSupport LocalBusiness TrustedTrades DrainageSolutions OnSiteSafety SupportLocal HSDHire 🏗️💧👷‍♀️

📣 CHILD BENEFIT UPDATE – Thresholds are Changing! 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦💷

From April 2024, the income threshold for the High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC) has increased from £50,000 to £60,000! 🙌

Even better? The point at which you lose all Child Benefit has also shifted — from £60,000 to £80,000. 🎉

So what does this mean? 👇
✅ If you (or your partner) earn under £60,000, there’s no charge — you keep 100% of your Child Benefit
📉 If you earn between £60,000–£80,000, you’ll pay a gradual charge
🚫 Over £80,000? The full amount will still need to be repaid via tax return

💡 This is a big win for families — thousands will now receive more benefit or no longer need to file a tax return just to pay the charge! 🎯

💬 Not sure how this affects you? Or whether you need to register for self-assessment? Let’s chat — I can help you work it out and stay compliant ✅

👩‍💻 Keeping on top of these updates = more money in your pocket, and fewer HMRC headaches!

🎓👩‍🎓 Is your child turning 16 this year? Don’t assume your Child Benefit stops there! 🚨

You can continue to receive Child Benefit until they’re 19 — but only if they stay in approved full-time education or training. 🙌

That includes:
✅ A-levels
✅ T Levels
✅ NVQs up to Level 3
✅ BTECs
✅ Apprenticeships (some types!)

🚫 It doesn’t apply to university courses, part-time study, or paid work.

💡 Here’s the key part:
👉 You must inform HMRC that your child is continuing in education — otherwise payments will automatically stop on 31 August after they turn 16.

So if your teen is staying in school, college, or an eligible apprenticeship — make sure you update HMRC to keep receiving your payments! 💷

📲 You can do this online using your Government Gateway account.
💬 Need help checking if their course qualifies? I’m happy to guide you!

Don’t miss out on money you’re entitled to! 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

🚨 HMRC Change Alert! 🚨

📞 HMRC will no longer give out UTR numbers over the phone.
✍️ From now on, you must request your Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) in writing.

This affects anyone needing to:
✅ Register as self-employed
✅ Submit a tax return
✅ Get set up for CIS
✅ Confirm their UTR number

What you need to do:
📬 Send a written request to HMRC
📄 Include your name, address, NI number & reason
📮 Then wait for a reply by post

⏳ It takes time, so don’t leave it too late — especially with tax deadlines approaching!

Need help with registration or tax support? I’ve got you 💬

🚨 Payrolling Benefits in Kind is going MANDATORY! 🚨

From April 2026, payrolling Benefits in Kind (BIKs) will no longer be optional — it’s becoming a requirement for all employers who provide benefits such as company cars 🚗, private medical insurance 🏥, or other non-cash perks to employees.

So what does this mean? 🤔

Currently, many employers report BIKs at the end of the tax year via P11D forms. But moving forward, HMRC wants these benefits to be reported and taxed in real-time through payroll. ✅ This means:

🔄 Employees will pay tax on benefits as they receive them
📉 Less end-of-year admin (goodbye P11Ds!)
📆 Greater accuracy and transparency for both employer and employee

➡️ If you’re already payrolling benefits, great — you’re ahead of the curve!
➡️ If you’re not, now is the perfect time to start planning. Waiting until the last minute will only add stress 😅

We’ll be working closely with our clients to make this transition as smooth as possible. From updating payroll software 🖥️ to reviewing which benefits are in place — we’ve got you covered.

💬 Got questions about how this affects your business or how to get ready? Drop us a message!

Self-Assessment Series Wrap Up! ✨✅

Over the last few posts, we’ve covered:
✅ Key deadlines
✅ How to avoid penalties
✅ Understanding Payments on Account
✅ Top tips for staying organised
✅ The benefits of working with an accountant
✅ Common mistakes to avoid

Self-Assessment doesn’t have to be a headache!
Preparation is the secret sauce — and you’re now armed with the knowledge to tackle it with confidence.

Need some extra help getting yours filed correctly (and with less stress)?
Drop me a message — I’d love to help make your tax return one less thing to worry about this year!

Top Tips to Stay Organised for Your Tax Return

Top Tips to Stay Organised for Your Self-Assessment! ✍️✅

Self-Assessment doesn’t have to be a January nightmare. Here’s how to stay calm and on top of your tax game all year long:

🗂️ Keep digital records
Apps and spreadsheets can save you hours when tax season arrives!

📅 Set reminders for deadlines
Use your calendar to schedule when you’ll gather paperwork, file, and pay.

📥 Keep receipts and invoices
Capture everything — travel, subsistence, office costs — so you don’t miss claims.

➗ Plan for payments on account
Budget throughout the year to avoid nasty surprises when payment dates hit.

✅ Work with a trusted accountant
Having expert advice can save you money, time, and stress!

Tax season should be a formality, not a crisis. Start early and stay ahead!

Self-Assessment Penalties and Interest

Self-Assessment Penalties and Interest — Know the Risks! ⚠️💸

HMRC takes deadlines seriously — and missing them can cost you more than just stress!

Here’s what happens if you’re late:

❌ Late Filing Penalties
– 1 day late: £100 fine
– 3 months late: £10 per day (up to £900)
– 6 months late: Further £300 fine or 5% of tax due (whichever is higher)
– 12 months late: Another £300 or 5% (plus possible extra penalties)

❌ Late Payment Penalties
– 30 days late: 5% of unpaid tax
– 6 months late: Another 5%
– 12 months late: Another 5%

❌ Interest on Unpaid Tax
Charged daily from the due date until paid — every day you delay adds to the bill!

✅ Top Tip:
Even if you can’t pay your tax, always file your return! You may be able to set up a payment plan with HMRC.

Need help filing on time and avoiding fines? Let’s make it happen!

Common Self-Assessment Mistakes

Common Self-Assessment Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them!) ⚡✍️

Even the most organised business owners slip up during tax season — but a few simple tips can save you a lot of stress!

Here are the mistakes I see the most:

❌ Missing income
Forgetting to declare all your income (side gigs, rental income, dividends) can cause big issues with HMRC.

❌ Overclaiming expenses
Only claim what’s genuinely business-related! Personal costs aren’t allowed.

❌ Misunderstanding Payments on Account
Many forget they might owe next year’s tax in advance — not budgeting for this can cause a cashflow crunch.

❌ Leaving it to the last minute
January panic = rushed returns and mistakes. Filing early = stress-free!

❌ Wrong bank details
If you’re due a refund and enter wrong info — guess what? More delays!

✅ Top Tip:
Stay organised throughout the year — not just in January!

Need help avoiding costly mistakes? I’ve got you covered. Send me a message anytime!

Key Self-Assessment Deadlines You Need to Know! ⏳✍️

When it comes to filing your tax return, timing is everything. Miss a deadline, and you could be hit with penalties and interest — no one wants that!

Here are the key dates to add to your diary:

🗓️ 5th October 2024
Deadline to register for Self-Assessment if you’re newly self-employed or have untaxed income to declare.

🗓️ 31st October 2024
Deadline to submit your paper tax return (yes, some people still file by post!)

🗓️ 31st January 2025
Deadline to:
– Submit your online tax return
– Pay any tax you owe for 2023/24
– Make your first Payment on Account for the 2024/25 tax year (if applicable)

🗓️ 31st July 2025
Deadline to make your second Payment on Account for 2024/25.

⚡ Pro Tip:
Don’t leave it to the last minute! Filing early gives you peace of mind, helps manage cash flow, and gives you more time to plan for any payments due.

Need a hand staying on track this year?
I’m here to make sure you meet every deadline with confidence — no stress, no fines! Drop me a message if you want support getting your Self-Assessment sorted early this year!

What is Self-Assessment? ✍️
If you’re self-employed, a company director, or earn untaxed income (like rental income or side hustles), chances are you’ll need to complete a Self-Assessment tax return with HMRC.

It’s your responsibility to:
✅ Declare your income
✅ Claim your allowable expenses
✅ Pay any tax you owe
✅ Pay any National Insurance contributions

Self-Assessment isn’t just for full-time businesses!
You might need to file even if you:
– Have a side business
– Are a landlord
– Receive dividends or investment income
– Are a partner in a partnership
– Have foreign income

If in doubt — always check! Missing a filing obligation can result in penalties, interest, and unnecessary stress.

Top tip: Even if you don’t owe any tax, if HMRC has issued you a notice to file, you must submit a return — or face penalties! ⚠️

Staying on top of your obligations and filing on time is key to staying stress-free during tax season.
Need help with your Self-Assessment? I’m here to guide you every step of the way! Drop me a message anytime!

Ready to Master Your Self-Assessment? Let’s Do This Together! ✅✍️

If you’re self-employed, a business owner, or have untaxed income — Self-Assessment is probably one of those jobs that hangs over your head each year… and let’s be honest, no one looks forward to tax season!

BUT — it doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right information, the right plan, and the right support — you can approach Self-Assessment with total confidence!

Over the next couple of days, I’m going to be sharing a full Self-Assessment Series:
✨ Top tips
✨ Deadlines
✨ Common mistakes
✨ How to stay organised
✨ How to avoid penalties
✨ Payments on account explained
✨ And much more!

Think of it as your cheat sheet to a smoother, simpler, stress-free Self-Assessment this year!

Stay tuned — and if you already know you want tailored support to get it done ✅, I’m just a message away!