As part of the Budget measures, the government confirmed plans to make some changes to the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS). From 6 April 2026, HMRC will be able to take immediate action where a
Author: Aitch
Aitch is the visionary founder and CEO of CIGMA Accounting Ltd, a boutique accounting and tax advisory firm with offices in Wimbledon and Farringdon, London. With over a decade of experience, Aitch has built a reputation for strategic tax planning, complex HMRC compliance resolution, and innovative AI-powered accounting workflows that help SMEs, landlords, and high-net-worth clients streamline their finances.
His expertise spans corporation tax, inheritance tax planning, R&D tax credit claims, capital allowances, and international tax matters, making him a trusted advisor for clients seeking to minimise tax liabilities while staying fully compliant.
Aitch is passionate about bridging traditional accounting principles with cutting-edge digital solutions, allowing businesses to operate efficiently and future-proof their financial systems. Through CIGMA, he aims to make accounting smarter, faster, and more human-centric � empowering clients to focus on growth while staying ahead of regulatory changes.
Extension of FYA for zero-emission cars and charge points
An extension of First-Year Allowances (FYA) for zero-emission cars and charge points was announced as part of the recent Budget measures. This means that the 100% FYA for qualifying expenditure on
Selling your UK home and living abroad
If you live abroad and sell your UK home, you may have to pay Capital Gains Tax (CGT) on any gain made since 5 April 2015. Only the portion of the gain made after 5 April 2015 is liable for tax. One
Could you claim the Small Pool Allowance?
Writing-down allowances (WDAs) are a type of capital allowance that let you deduct a percentage of an asset’s value from your taxable profits each year. In some cases, you may be able to claim more
Student jobs paying tax
Students that work may need to pay Income Tax and National Insurance. Employers are required to calculate the amount of tax they need to pay on the basis that the students would be working for the
Taxable company benefits
As an employee, you pay tax on certain company benefits, such as cars, accommodation, and loans. Your employer calculates the tax you owe and deducts it through Pay As You Earn (PAYE). The amount of
Employers may now be personally liable for unfair dismissal claims
A recent ruling has increased the scope of statutory protection for whistleblowers to include covered detriments against co-workers under the Employment Rights Act 1996. A Mr. Rice was dismissed by
Tax Diary January/February 2026
1 January 2026 - Due date for Corporation Tax due for the year ended 31 March 202519 January 2026 - PAYE and NIC deductions due for month ended 5 January 2026. (If you pay your tax electronically the
Cash flow pressures
Cash flow remains one of the most pressing concerns for small businesses, even where trading appears stable. Many businesses are finding that rising costs, cautious lenders and slower customer
Funding options for asset acquisition
Acquiring new assets is often essential for small businesses looking to grow, improve efficiency or remain competitive. Whether the investment is in vehicles, machinery, IT systems or specialist
Property and savings income subject to new tax rates
The government announced at Budget 2025 that dividend income, property and savings income, will be subject to new tax rates. These changes will be legislated for through the Finance Bill 2025-26 and
VCT and EIS changes
The new rules will allow companies to raise more capital under the following schemes although investors will need to factor in reduced VCT Income Tax relief when assessing opportunities. The Venture
Winter Fuel Payment tax charge
The June 2025 reforms introduce a £35,000 income limit for keeping the Winter Fuel Payment, with HMRC recovering the payment from those above the threshold. The WFP is a tax-free payment provided by
Agricultural and business property relief changes
Agricultural and business property relief changes that were first announced at Autumn Budget 2024 will come into effect from 6 April 2026. These measures will introduce significant reforms to Business
IHT treatment of unused pension funds and death benefits
The 2027 reforms will shift more responsibility to personal representatives, who may need to manage withholding arrangements and settle any IHT before pension benefits are released. From 6 April
Expanding workplace benefits relief
From 6 April 2026, new tax rules will expand workplace benefits relief. The changes will simplify the treatment of certain low-value workplace benefits-in-kind (BIKs), affecting both employers and
Avoid over-stocking
Accountants often see the impact that excess stock has on a business long before the business owner realises what is happening. Over-stocking drains cash, fills storage space, increases waste, and
The value of an overhead audit
Many businesses regard their overheads as fixed, predictable, and largely outside their control. In reality, an overhead audit often uncovers costs that have risen quietly, services that are no longer
Increase in savings guarantee for bank deposits
The Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) has raised its savings guarantee for bank deposits, increasing the deposit protection limit from £85,000 to £120,000 per person. This change came into
Update from HMRC on MTD testing
HMRC has published a new Making Tax Digital newsletter. This newsletter is mainly intended for taxpayers and agents who are currently testing the Making Tax Digital for Income Tax (MTD for IT) system.
Less than 2 months to self-assessment filing deadline
There are now less than 2 months to the self-assessment filing deadline for submissions of the 2024-25 tax returns. We urge our readers who have not yet completed and filed their 2024-25 tax return to
Work out your VAT fuel scale charge
VAT road fuel scale charges are fixed, standardised amounts that businesses must use to account for output VAT when they provide fuel for private use in a vehicle that is also used for business
Defer paying Class 1 National Insurance on a second job
Employees with a second job, third job or more may be able to defer or delay paying Class 1 National Insurance on their additional employment. This deferment can be requested when Class 1 National
Who pays Income Tax in Scotland
The rules that govern who pays Income Tax in Scotland is determined by whether an individual is considered a Scottish taxpayer. For most people, determining Scottish taxpayer status is
When disciplinary processes and non-compete clauses implode
Many modern companies insist on the inclusion of restrictive covenants to limit the freedoms of employees upon the termination of their contracts. However, the High Court recently reinforced the
Outlook For Food And Energy Prices In The Year Ahead
Food and energy costs remain central concerns for households and businesses because they influence everything from wages to margins to day to day operating decisions. Inflation is easing compared to
The likely direction of interest rates in 2026
As we look ahead to 2026, there is growing speculation about how the Bank of England will manage interest rates during what many economists believe will be a period of calmer inflation, steadier wage
Autumn Budget 2025 – Personal Tax changes
The chancellor Rachel Reeves announced as part of the Autumn Budget measures that the Income Tax thresholds will be maintained at their current levels for a further three years until April 2031. This
Autumn Budget 2025 – Alcohol and Tobacco Duty
The Chancellor has confirmed a series of duty increases on tobacco, vaping liquid, and alcohol that will take effect over the next year, with new rates intended to balance public health concerns with
Autumn Budget 2025 – Fuel Duty rates
In the Autumn Budget, the Chancellor had been expected to increase fuel duty rates. However, she has extended the fuel duty cut for a further 6 months to help support households and businesses. The