Isha - On The Spot Accountants

A few weeks ago I mentioned I’d share a short year-end tax planning checklist — January is usually when people actually get around to looking at these things, so here it is ☕️

This isn’t about doing anything dramatic. It’s just a quick sense-check of areas that often get missed, especially if your income isn’t just salary.

Quick checklist:
• Have all income sources been captured (salary, dividends, property, overseas income)?
• Are dividends properly documented, not just transferred?
• Have allowable expenses been treated correctly?
• Have pension contributions been reviewed?
• If you’re VAT registered, is everything being treated consistently?
• Are there any timing points worth being aware of?

For many people, it’s about avoiding surprises rather than changing outcomes.

With the year coming to a close, I've had a few conversations with people who are aware of the autumn budget but aren't sure what is actually relevant to them. For many business owners and individuals the key themes continue to be:

• Frozen tax thresholds and tighter pension / salary sacrifice rules continue to increase the tax burden for higher earners.

• Higher corporation tax and dividend tax rates mean planning around profits and how income is extracted from businesses matters more than ever.

• Increased scrutiny of rental income and higher-value property is affecting real estate investors, particularly those holding property outside company structures.

• Greater focus on overseas income and reporting is impacting UK tax residents with assets or income abroad.

As ever, its less about the headlines and more about how the rules apply to your own situation - and many planning opportunities depend on decisions made before the year ends.

I'll be sharing a short year-end tax planning checklist shortly.

Wishing clients, friends and business owners a very Merry Christmas 🎄

Thank you to everyone who has supported me since launching this year.

Looking forward to 2026 and what’s to come.

After the dismal autumn budget, there is one thing to look forward to - Tax Free Christmas Parties!

That's right - you can spend a maximum of £150 + VAT per staff member plus another £150 for a guest over a year. Main condition is that ALL staff members must be invited.

The cost of fully tax deductible with no benefit in kind income tax or NI to worry about.

Label the cost as Staff Entertainment or Christmas Party in your P&L.

DM for more details!🎉

After the dismal autumn budget, there is one thing to look forward to - Tax Free Christmas Parties! That's right - you can spend a maximum of £150 + VAT per staff member plus another £150 for a guest over a year. Main condition is that ALL staff members must be invited. The cost of fully tax deductible with no benefit in kind income tax or NI to worry about. Label the cost as Staff Entertainment or Christmas Party in your P&L. DM for more details!🎉