Many of us will have a hobby, creating a product or service, that at first, friends and family start to request, then a neighbour then the friend of a neighbour… But how do you know when HMRC will see your hobby as a trading company? And when will you be liable to register with HMRC?…

Which one is right for you? There are primarily two platforms for your accounting and bookkeeping: Cloud-based and desktop. Although getting your head around a new software that will keep some of your most confidential and important information can be daunting, with the changes coming from HMRC in April 2019 with Making Tax Digital it…

Contracting often means travelling to different workplaces. During the winter months, this can be especially tough as there’s no guarantee that the place you’re visiting is actually going to be warm. What can you do during the winter months when the journey to and from, and even being on site can feel freezing cold? There’s…

Off-payroll is currently in full-effect in the Public sector. However, following consultation, the government has delayed implementation of the Off-payroll rules until April 2020. It has also limited the new rules to medium and large-sized end-user businesses. Small businesses will not be required to apply the new rules. The Off-payroll amendments were introduced by the…

With the current political and economic uncertainty 2019 could be a turbulent year for the UK. However, there may be opportunities and developments that small business owners in the UK may be able to take advantage of. As a small business accountant, our team are specialists who are fully-equipped to help you overcome any challenges…

One of the most important aspects of being a contractor is marketing yourself. The better you are at networking, the more opportunities you have to find new clients. Today, one great way of networking is via social media. LinkedIn is one of the best social networks to focus on if you are a contractor. It…

There are two major VAT system changes coming around April 1 2019. The first is the the UK’s withdrawal from the EU, which means we have yet to establish the implications of cross border trade and VAT accounting. The second is prevention of the ability to submit VAT returns via the government gateway for most…

As a contractor, you can operate two different ways: as your own limited company or under a PAYE umbrella. Both options have a number of pros and cons depending on your contracted situation and your level of willingness to take on responsibility. If you are unsure about which route is right for you, contact Aston…

Are you struggling to fully understand IR35? You’re not alone. However, it’s important to understand the basics of IR35 as the rules can seriously impact your income if you get caught in it. Reach out to Aston Black for any advice regarding IR35 and its ramifications to ensure that you can be aware of everything…

The HRMC recognises that Christmas parties are a great way to reward your employees for an entire year of hard work. Therefore, no matter the size of your business, you can claim for some Christmas party expenses to be exempt from your National Insurance and tax. As the Limited Company director, you can claim expenses…