Author name: Michael Couzens

Running a limited company gives business owners several ways of taking money from their business. Salary and dividends are the most familiar, but they are not the only possibilities. The tax consequences can also be quite different, which means simply transferring money from the company bank account when you need it is rarely the best […]

It is one of the more frustrating situations for a business owner. Sales are increasing, everyone seems busy and there is plenty of work coming through the door. Yet the bank balance does not seem to improve, and, in some cases, cash becomes even tighter as the business grows. The problem is that increasing sales

Imagine that tomorrow morning you were suddenly unable to work. Not permanently, but for three months. Could your business continue operating normally without you? For many owner-managed businesses, the answer is less certain than the owner might like to believe. The business may employ capable people, have established customers and generate healthy profits, but important

Companies House identity verification is now part of the compliance responsibilities of UK companies. If you are a company director or person with significant control, it is important to understand when you need to verify and what happens afterwards. Mandatory identity verification was introduced from 18 November 2025. However, this did not mean that every

Tax debts can quickly become a serious problem A profitable business can still experience difficulty paying its tax bills. VAT, PAYE, Corporation Tax and Self-Assessment payments can create significant demands on cash reserves, particularly where trading conditions have become more difficult or customers are taking longer to pay. Recent reports of increasing use of HMRC’s

The first quarterly deadline has passed Making Tax Digital for Income Tax is now a reality for many self-employed people and landlords. Those brought into MTD from 6 April 2026 are required to keep digital records and use compatible software to send quarterly updates to HMRC. For those following the standard quarterly periods, the first

For many small businesses, employing the right people is essential to success. However, recent surveys suggest that rising employment costs are causing many business owners to rethink their recruitment plans. Higher National Insurance costs, increases in the National Living Wage and wider employment obligations have all added to the overall cost of taking on staff.

Late payment has long been one of the greatest challenges facing small businesses. Many profitable businesses experience unnecessary financial pressure simply because customers take longer than agreed to settle their invoices. When cash is tied up in unpaid debts, it becomes harder to pay suppliers, invest in growth or even meet tax liabilities on time.

Before a property development even begins, significant costs are often incurred. Planning applications, architects’ drawings, engineering reports, environmental surveys and legal advice can all generate substantial expenditure long before construction starts. HMRC has launched a consultation examining whether the current tax treatment of these pre-development costs remains appropriate and whether changes could help encourage investment.

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 rebate). Overpayments can happen for a number of reasons, including changes in your employment, paying tax