Charlton Baker

22/10/2026

Crypto tax can catch people out in more ways than you might expect. Selling crypto isn’t the only transaction that can have tax consequences.

Swapping one cryptoasset for another, spending crypto and gifting it can potentially trigger Capital Gains Tax. Staking, mining and some DeFi activity may also have Income Tax implications.

Add multiple wallets, exchanges and fluctuating valuations into the mix, and keeping accurate records becomes particularly important.

We’ve covered eight common crypto tax mistakes and what to look out for here:

Discover 8 common UK crypto tax mistakes, from token swaps and staking to CGT and record keeping, and find out when you may need to report to HMRC.

21/10/2026

Company director? Your next Self Assessment return might need a little more detail.

New reporting requirements apply for 2025/26 to directors of close companies who are required to complete Self Assessment.

As well as the usual information, affected directors will need to report details about the company, dividends received and their highest percentage shareholding during the tax year.

For many owner-managed and family businesses, that makes keeping accurate dividend and shareholding records more important than ever.

New Self Assessment reporting rules affect some company directors from 2025/26. Find out what close company directors need to report and how to prepare.

15/10/2026

Did you know a missing signature can delay a partnership's VAT registration by weeks?

When HMRC processes a VAT registration for a partnership, the VAT2 form plays an important role in confirming partner details and any changes to the partnership structure.

Common delays often come down to:
• Missing signatures
• Incorrect personal details
• Incomplete partner information
• Inconsistencies between VAT forms

Our tax team is always happy to help businesses navigate the process and get things right first time.

Registering a partnership for VAT or updating partner details? Learn when to use the VAT2 form, what information HMRC requires, and how to avoid common delays in the VAT registration process.

14/10/2026

Many UK property owners are surprised to learn that Capital Gains Tax on residential property sales may need to be reported to HMRC within just 60 days of completion.

Even if you're not normally required to submit a Self Assessment tax return, the reporting rules may still apply.

The good news is that reliefs, exemptions and allowable costs can significantly reduce the amount of tax due. That's why taking advice early can help ensure everything is reported correctly and that you're not paying more than you need to.

At Charlton Baker, we help clients navigate property tax matters with clarity and confidence, so there are no unexpected surprises after a sale.
https://www.charltonbaker.co.uk/news-blog/reporting-property-gains-understanding-the-60-day-cgt-reporting-rule

13/10/2026

A recent Supreme Court decision has clarified that some pre-development costs may no longer qualify for capital allowances.

Expenses such as feasibility studies, planning applications, site surveys and design work could now face a more restrictive tax treatment, potentially increasing the overall cost of major investment projects.

For businesses planning property developments, manufacturing facilities or infrastructure projects, it may be time to review both current and historic capital allowance claims.

A recent Supreme Court decision could restrict capital allowances on certain pre-development costs. Find out what the changes mean for investment projects and how businesses can review their tax position.

08/10/2026

If your business operates an Employee Share Scheme, there's an important compliance deadline you shouldn't ignore.

HMRC is now issuing penalties for late Employment Related Securities (ERS) returns for the 2025/26 tax year. Even where there have been no reportable transactions, employers are still required to submit a nil return by 6 July.

Businesses operating multiple schemes could face significant costs if obligations have been overlooked.

Our tax specialists can help you review your ERS position, address outstanding filings and stay compliant.

HMRC has started issuing penalties for late Employment Related Securities (ERS) returns. Find out what employers need to do, the penalties involved, and how Charlton Baker can help.

07/10/2026

When a company disposes of property, machinery, shares or other capital assets, the Corporation Tax position can depend on much more than the final sale price.

Factors such as acquisition costs, improvement expenditure, historic losses, ownership structure and even the timing of the disposal can all influence the amount of tax due.

Planning ahead matters. The earlier tax considerations are reviewed, the more opportunities there may be to make informed decisions and avoid unexpected surprises.

Selling a business asset through your limited company? Learn how Corporation Tax applies to chargeable gains, what costs can be deducted, and how to plan your tax position effectively with Charlton Baker

06/10/2026

HMRC is reviewing the tax treatment of company distributions, share buybacks and capital repayments, with proposals that could alter how shareholders are taxed when extracting value from a business.

The changes are aimed at preventing certain structures from turning what would normally be taxable distributions into capital gains.

If introduced, some future transactions could face a different tax outcome than many business owners currently expect.

While no changes have been confirmed, business owners planning future transactions may benefit from reviewing their arrangements now and understanding the potential impact.

HMRC is reviewing the tax treatment of company distributions, share buybacks and capital repayments. Discover what the proposed changes could mean for shareholders and business owners.

01/10/2026

Trustees across the UK may be receiving letters from HMRC as part of a new compliance campaign focused on trust classification.

HMRC believes some trusts may have been incorrectly reported on Trust and Estate Tax Returns, which could mean tax has been calculated using the wrong rates.

If you're a trustee and receive a letter, now is the time to review your trust's position, check previous returns, and ensure your Trust Registration Service records are accurate and up to date.

HMRC is contacting trustees about potential Trust and Estate Tax Return errors. Find out what the letters mean, what action may be required, and how Charlton Baker can help

30/09/2026

Unexpected tax bill from HMRC? You're not alone.

Over the coming months, around 1.8 million taxpayers will receive a Simple Assessment letter explaining additional tax HMRC believes they owe.

A Simple Assessment is HMRC's way of collecting tax when it can't recover the right amount through PAYE and you don't usually complete a Self Assessment tax return.

Common reasons include pension income, untaxed savings interest, a second source of income.

Our tax specialists can help you understand the calculation, review the figures and make sure you're only paying the tax that's genuinely due.

HMRC to Send 1.8 Million Simple Assessment Letters for 2025/26