Author name: Michael Couzens

Artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming part of everyday business. From drafting emails and analysing data to producing marketing content and improving customer service, AI offers exciting opportunities for businesses of every size. However, as recent guidance from the accountancy profession makes clear, adopting AI successfully requires more than simply choosing the latest software. Businesses also […]

If you complete a Self-Assessment tax return, or expect to do so in the coming months, it is worth taking a few minutes to check that the information HMRC holds about your State Pension is correct. HMRC has recently identified an issue affecting some taxpayers where the amount of State Pension included in tax calculations

Companies House continues to introduce significant reforms that will change the way companies are administered in the UK. The changes are being implemented in stages following the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act and are intended to improve the accuracy of the Companies House register, reduce opportunities for fraud and strengthen confidence in UK businesses.

HMRC continues to modernise the UK’s tax system, with a range of new digital services and improvements planned over the coming months. While Making Tax Digital has attracted considerable attention in recent years, it is only one part of a much broader programme of change. HMRC’s long-term objective is to create a tax system that

For many businesses and taxpayers, July is one of the busiest months of the year for tax compliance. Together with January, it is one of the two peak months for tax returns and payments, making it important to plan ahead and avoid unnecessary penalties or interest charges. The month begins with the deadline for submitting

The Autumn Budget 2026 is likely to be one of the most closely watched fiscal events for many years. With Andy Burnham widely expected to become Labour leader and Prime Minister before the Budget, businesses and taxpayers are naturally asking whether a change in leadership could result in a different economic agenda. Although it is

Families claiming Child Benefit should be aware of the High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC), which can apply when one member of the household has a higher income. The charge applies where an individual has adjusted net income of more than £60,000 in a tax year and either they or their partner receives a Child

Research and Development (R&D) tax relief is designed to support companies that invest in innovation and seek to make advances in science or technology. The scheme offers businesses the ability to invest in new technologies and scientific development in exchange for generous tax reliefs. However, not every project will qualify, and businesses should carefully consider

Members of a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) are normally treated as self-employed for tax purposes. However, special rules can apply where a member’s terms of membership are more akin to the terms of an employee than a partner in a traditional partnership. These are known as salaried members. The legislation applies a three-part test. A

Understanding dividend tax is important for anyone who receives income from shares in a company. Dividends are taxed differently from salary, pensions and other forms of income, with their own allowances and tax rates. For the 2026-27 tax year, individuals do not pay tax on dividend income that falls within their Personal Allowance of £12,570.