07/09/2026
This week at Holder & Combes Accountingđź’ˇ
🔥 As autumn approaches, so does a heavier bill. Ofgem has confirmed a 4% rise in the energy price cap from October, driven by volatile gas markets amid Middle East tensions. Around 22 million households on default tariffs will feel it, despite VAT being scrapped from electricity bills. Businesses aren't capped directly, but rising costs may follow. How much more can households realistically absorb?
04/09/2026
Think you're safe from UK tax on foreign wages, rental income or overseas pensions? If you're UK resident, you'll normally pay tax on this foreign income, unless you qualify for Foreign Income and Gains relief.
Getting your residence status or reliefs wrong can mean underpaid tax, missed reporting deadlines, or paying tax twice unnecessarily.
Holder & Combes Accounting helps by:
- confirming your UK residence status
- checking eligibility for Foreign Income and Gains relief
- claiming tax relief if you're taxed in more than one country
Have foreign income to report? Contact us to make sure it's handled correctly.
Not sure where to start? Contact us at https://holderandcombesaccounting.co.uk/ —we can help.
02/09/2026
Setting up a limited company often feels like the finish line, when really it’s where the accounting begins.
From day one, HMRC expects accurate records of company formation costs, director’s loans, and allowable start-up expenses, even before you’ve made a single sale.
Missing this early structure often leads to messy bookkeeping, confused directors’ accounts, and scrambling at year-end to make sense of receipts and expenses.
At Holder & Combes, we help start-ups build solid financial foundations from the outset, keeping records accurate, compliant, and ready for Companies House and HMRC.
Get in touch to find out how we can support your new venture.
Let’s talk about how we can help. Contact us at https://holderandcombesaccounting.co.uk/
31/08/2026
This week at Holder & Combes Accountingđź’ˇ
Britain's jobs market is quietly cooling. Vacancies have sunk to their lowest since 2014, as smaller firms squeeze recruitment amid rising costs. Unemployment holds steady at 4.9%, but pay tells its own story: public sector wages surge 6.1%, private sector limps at 2.8%. Real pay growth? Just 0.5%. 📉 Is this the calm before a bigger storm, or simply a slow, steady squeeze? What's your take?
31/07/2026
Are you sure the VAT scheme you are using is still the best option for your business? Small changes in turnover could mean you're missing out on simpler VAT processes or better cash flow. Find out why reviewing your VAT setup could pay off today. Read on to see what might work better for you.
Are you using the best VAT scheme for your business? - Holder & Combes Accounting
Small businesses have several VAT schemes available that can simplify VAT administration and may help with cash flow. However, as a business grows or its circumstances change, it
30/07/2026
Alert: HMRC may be holding money that's rightfully yours! Overpaid tax, job expenses, pensions etc. Check if you can claim a refund now. Find out why it matters and how to act today.
Is HMRC holding money that belongs to you? - Holder & Combes Accounting
It is important to know if HMRC is holding money that belongs to you. For example, if you have paid too much tax to HMRC, you may be able to claim a tax refund (also known as a tax
29/07/2026
Changes in your personal or financial situation could affect your tax and benefits. Have you informed HMRC yet? Find out why staying updated matters to avoid unexpected tax bills or overpayments. Read on to make sure you're covered.
Advising HMRC of change in circumstances - Holder & Combes Accounting
If your personal details or circumstances change, you may need to tell HMRC as this could affect your tax position or entitlement to certain benefits. You should notify HMRC if
28/07/2026
Alert for self-employed: Your business records aren't just paperwork, they're your proof when HMRC comes knocking. Are your sales, expenses, and taxes all clearly tracked? Read on to see why neat records could save you from stress later.
Self-Employed - Are your business records in order? - Holder & Combes Accounting
As a self-employed individual, whether a sole trader or partner, you must keep accurate records of your business income and expenses to back up your self-assessment tax return. You
27/07/2026
Alert for the self-employed: Did you know some business insurance costs could reduce your tax bill? Discover what qualifies and how to keep your claims solid. Find out why keeping invoices is key to avoiding hassle with tax relief claims. Read on to protect your profits!
Claiming tax relief on business insurance - Holder & Combes Accounting
If you are self-employed, you may be able to claim tax relief on certain business insurance costs as an allowable expense. This means the cost can be deducted when calculating your
27/07/2026
Urgent update for new employers! If you're starting to pay staff or subcontractors, there's a must-do step before payday. Missing it could complicate your payroll. Find out why registering as an employer matters for your business now.
Does your business need to register as an employer? - Holder & Combes Accounting
If you are starting to employ staff or engaging subcontractors for construction work, you will generally need to register as an employer with HMRC. This obligation extends even to