SMART Bookkeeping & Accounts Ltd

23/10/2026

Exchanging or spending crypto isn't always tax-free and could catch you out. Keep records and check if you owe tax before it's too late. Find out why this matters now.

Cryptoassets can create unexpected tax liabilities. HMRC’s guidance highlights several areas where mistake can be made. Assuming crypto-to-crypto exchanges are tax-free. Exchanging one type of cryptoasset for another can count as a disposal for Capital Gains Tax (CGT) purposes. Forgetting that spe...

22/10/2026

HMRC confirms £42.8 billion tax debt is still outstanding — but recovery efforts have nearly doubled compared to previous years. Curious about how they're tackling old debts and helping those struggling to pay? Read on to find out more.

HMRC has revealed that it had £42.8 billion in outstanding tax debt at the end of March 2025, equivalent to 5% of total tax receipts. The figures appear in its corporate report, The HMRC tax debt strategy – update. The report also highlighted progress in recovering unpaid tax, with HMRC resolving...

21/10/2026

Big change for alternative education providers! A recent court win means some could claim VAT refunds. Could you be owed money? Read on to find out why this could matter to many colleges and training centres now.

Alternative providers of higher and further education may be able to claim refunds of VAT following a recent Court of Appeal ruling, although the position remains subject to further legal proceedings. HMRC recently published a brief explaining the implications of the Court of Appeal’s decision. Th...

21/10/2026

Your pension could affect your tax bill more than you think. Tax on lump sums and combined income could catch you by surprise. Find out why it matters now.

You may have to pay Income Tax on your pension if your total annual taxable income exceeds your Personal Allowance. This applies whether you receive the State Pension, a workplace pension or a personal pension. Your total taxable income can include the basic or new State Pension, Additional State Pe...

20/10/2026

Alert for company directors ⚠️ New tax return rules mean more info is now mandatory in your self-assessment. Think close companies and dividends. Make sure you're ready. Find out why this matters and what you need to have to hand for your next tax return.

Company directors who complete a self-assessment tax return should be aware of new mandatory reporting requirements that came into effect from the 2025-26 tax year. The changes mainly affect directors of close companies, including many owner-managed and family businesses. Previously, directors could...

20/10/2026

Alert for families! You might be able to pay the Child Benefit tax charge through PAYE, skipping the need for a self-assessment return. Find out why this new option could make tax time easier for you. Read on to see if you qualify.

16/10/2026

Alert for businesses trading between Great Britain and Northern Ireland: a new customs platform is launching soon. Make sure you pre-enrol to avoid disruptions with your goods movements after 20 October 2026. Find out why this switch matters and how to prepare today.

Businesses using the Trader Support Service (TSS) to move goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland need to prepare for a new platform launching soon. From 20 October 2026, all goods movements must be submitted using the new TSS platform. Businesses are being asked to pre-enrol before the swi...

15/10/2026

Selling a UK home? Your property gains need reporting to HMRC within 60 days, even if you don't usually fill out a tax return. Miss the deadline and penalties could apply. Find out why this matters for your next sale and how to stay on the right side of tax rules.

Anyone selling a UK residential property usually needs to report the disposal to HMRC within 60 days of completion. The requirement applies even where the individual is not normally required to report Capital Gains Tax (CGT) through a tax return. Any CGT due must normally be paid within the same 60-...

14/10/2026

Corporation tax receipts have just topped £100 billion for the first time. What's behind this milestone and why does it matter? Read on to discover the latest update on corporate tax in the UK.

HMRC’s latest Corporation Tax statistics show that receipts from corporate taxes passed £100 billion for the first time in 2025-26. The main statistics are as follows: Total receipts from all corporate taxes were £100.4 billion in 2025-26, an increase of £3.5 billion (4%) compared with the prev...

14/10/2026

Capital allowances face new limits for early project costs. If you're investing in development, this update could change your tax deductions. Find out why this matters now.

The tax treatment of predevelopment costs has been the subject of a recent Supreme Court decision. This is likely to mean that capital allowances will be restricted for some predevelopment costs. The government has consulted on the impact of the decision and whether the current rules could affect in...