Companies House and the IPO warn about fake payment requests Companies House and the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) are asking businesses to take special care of misleading requests for payment sent by fraudulent organisations. Invoices are being sent to companies that request payment for Companies House and IPO services. They…
Pub closures blamed on costs & disproportionate tax burden The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) have reported that 161 pubs closed across the country in the first three months of 2026. It is estimated that this has led to the loss of 2,400 jobs. Scotland has been the most…
The Digital Era is Officially Here The wait is over. As we enter the 2026/27 tax year, Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax Self Assessment (ITSA) has officially gone live. While the ‘digital revolution’ has been discussed for years, the final regulations were laid before Parliament on 24 March…
HM Revenue & Customs has started using GOV.UK One Login for taxpayers signing up to its digital services for the first time. This means that if you do not already have a Government Gateway account, you will now register using an email-and-password login rather than needing to obtain a 10-12…
Welcome to the November Tax Update. In this issue we take a look at planned IHT relief restrictions, MTD for Digitally Excluded Taxpayers, VAT on biscuits, SDLT, advisory fuel rates for electric cars and upcoming dates on the Accounting Horizon. PLANNED INHERITANCE TAX RELIEF RESTRICTIONS FROM APRIL 2026 In Autumn…
What the CMA’s new powers over Google mean for UK businesses The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has confirmed that Google has been designated with strategic market status (SMS) for its general search and search advertising services – marking a major moment in how the UK regulates big tech. This…
Be Ready for 2026 The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) is encouraging businesses to sign up for a business rates valuation account so they can find out their new commercial property valuation. Every three years the VOA updates the rateable values of all business properties in England and Wales. The next…
The government has launched its Small Business Plan which it believes will help small businesses to grow and encourage entrepreneurs to start businesses. The plan recognises that small businesses make a vital contribution to the economy, employing 60% of the UK’s workforce and generating £2.8 trillion in turnover. Here is…
New Government Reforms Aim to Revive High Streets with Easier Rules for Cafés, Bars and Venues New government reforms will make it quicker and cheaper for small businesses to turn empty shops into cafés, bars and music venues, as part of a wider push to bring life back to high…
Google is launching a new AI-powered search feature that could change how people find information online – and how they find your business. The update, known as ‘AI Mode’, offers users a conversational-style summary instead of the familiar list of blue links. It will be optional for users, but this…