Knowledge Centre Category: All

Disbursement or Expense?

When you pay a third party for goods or services that are received and used directly by your customer, these payments may qualify as disbursements for VAT purposes. If a cost is a genuine disbursement you do not charge VAT when recharging it to the customer, and you cannot reclaim any VAT charged by the supplier.

Rent-a-Room Relief

Rent‑a‑Room Relief is an HMRC scheme that allows individuals to earn up to £7,500 per year tax‑free from letting out furnished accommodation in their only or main residence.

Why We Recommend Xero Over QuickBooks

We recommend Xero because it’s clearer, easier and ideal for purpose‑driven organisations. Its tracking categories make grant and project reporting simple, and it integrates well with sustainability and impact tools. Xero also offers a 25% discount for eligible charities and non‑profits.

Directors’ pay: payroll or freelance decision maker

Directors of companies or CICs must almost always be paid through payroll; this tool shows the very limited circumstances where exceptions might apply.

Newsletter 19 December 2025 – Understanding maximum pension contributions

Maximise your pension contributions without falling foul of HMRC rules. From understanding relevant UK earnings to navigating tapered allowances for high earners, this guide covers everything you need to know—including special strategies for owner managers and charity CEOs. Make the most of your pension planning today!

Newsletter 12 December 2025 – FSCS protection limit increased

From 1 December 2025, the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) increased its deposit protection limit from £85,000 to £120,000 per person, per institution.

Newsletter 5 December 2025 – Greener Home Working

Working from home is the perfect chance to make greener choices every day. From heating only the rooms you use to cycling for short trips, these small changes can save energy, cut costs, and help the planet.

Newsletter Budget 2025 – Property Taxes

The Autumn Budget introduces a new surcharge on properties over £2 million starting in 2028 and raises income tax on rental income by 2% from 2027. Stamp Duty rates remain unchanged, offering short-term stability for buyers despite other significant reforms.

Newsletter Budget 2025 – Increases in dividend tax from April 2026

Dividend tax rates will rise by 2% from April 2026, affecting those with less than £125,000 of other income, while the additional rate remains unchanged. Our analysis shows it is still optimal for most business owners to take a salary up to the £12,570 personal allowance and dividends on top, though charities and social enterprises paying only salaries remain unaffected by these changes.

Newsletter Budget 2025 – Pension salary sacrifice changes from April 2029

The Autumn Budget introduces a cap on National Insurance savings for salary-sacrificed pension contributions, limiting NI relief to the first £2,000 from April 2029. Employees and employers will face NI charges on excess amounts, while employer pension contributions outside salary sacrifice remain free of NICs, making remuneration structuring more important than ever.