Knowledge & Guidance

Clear, practical guidance
for UK businesses

Plain-English guidance on UK tax and accounting — accuracy-reviewed by our qualified accountants. No jargon. No scare tactics. Just the information you need to run your business with confidence.

Plain-English Reference

Accounting & Tax Glossary

Every term explained simply. No jargon, no assumptions.

Definitions reflect HMRC's published guidance at the time of review. Tax legislation changes frequently — always verify current definitions with a qualified adviser before taking action.

I am a:
Person completing digital tax return on laptop — MTD ITSA
Updated
HMRC Updates Self-Employed Landlords

Making Tax Digital for Income Tax: Now Live for £50k+ Earners — What You Must Do

MTD for ITSA becomes mandatory for those earning over £50,000. Here is what records to keep, which HMRC-approved software qualifies, and the steps to take now to avoid penalties.

Director reviewing salary and dividend split calculations
Director AdviceLimited Company

Salary vs Dividend: The Optimal Split for UK Directors in 2025/26

With employer NIC now at 15% and the secondary threshold cut to £5,000, the most tax-efficient director salary has shifted. We model the best options across several profit levels.

Payroll calculations and employee pay documents
New
Payroll & EmploymentAll Employers

Employer NIC at 15%: The True Cost Per Employee in 2025/26

A practical walkthrough of the April 2025 payroll changes — with worked examples for part-time staff, the Employment Allowance, and how to update your annual budget.

Freelancer at home desk organising expense receipts
Small Business EssentialsSole Traders

What Expenses Can a UK Sole Trader Claim? A Complete 2025/26 Guide

From home office costs and vehicle mileage to training and professional subscriptions — everything HMRC allows you to offset against your Self Assessment bill, explained clearly.

Director at desk reviewing how to extract profit from limited company
Director AdviceLimited Company

How to Pay Yourself as a UK Director — A Plain-English Guide

Salary, dividends, pension contributions, and expenses. We explain each method, how they are taxed, and the most tax-efficient combination for the current tax year.

Person weighing sole trader versus limited company decision
Small Business EssentialsSole TradersStartups

Sole Trader or Limited Company — Which Is Right for You? A 2025/26 Guide

The right structure depends on your profit level, risk appetite, and growth plans. We set out the tax differences, admin obligations, and the profit threshold where incorporation makes sense.

Business owner comparing VAT scheme options
VAT & MTDAll Businesses

Should You Register for VAT? A Clear UK Decision Framework

With the registration threshold at £90,000, many small businesses hover near the limit. We set out when voluntary registration makes sense, which scheme to use, and the admin involved.

UK rental property — landlord tax obligations
Property & LandlordsLandlords

How Landlords Can Avoid Unexpected UK Tax Bills

Rental income, mortgage interest relief changes, Section 24, wear and tear — we explain the current rules, common mistakes, and how to plan your tax position before each Self Assessment deadline.

Accountant calculating corporation tax marginal relief
Limited CompanyLimited Company

Corporation Tax Marginal Relief: Does Your UK Company Qualify?

With the main CT rate at 25%, companies with profits between £50,000 and £250,000 may qualify for marginal relief. Here is how the calculation works and how associated companies affect your threshold.

General information only. The articles on this page provide general guidance on UK tax and accountancy matters. They are not a substitute for personalised professional advice. Tax rules change frequently — please speak to a qualified accountant before acting on anything you read here. Accuracy-reviewed by Ledgertech Accountants. Our accountants hold ACA and FCA designations awarded by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI).

Budget & HMRC Updates

What's changed — and what it means for you

View all updates
Spring Statement 2026
Spring Statement 2026: What It Means for UK Business Owners
No new tax rises — but previously announced changes are still biting. Dividend tax rises, frozen thresholds, employer NIC at 15%, and a lower growth forecast from the OBR. A plain-English breakdown of what matters for your business.
Threshold Changes
Key UK Tax Thresholds for 2025/26 — What's Frozen and What's Changed
Income tax bands, NIC thresholds, VAT registration limit, dividend allowance, and capital gains — all the numbers in one place, updated for the new tax year.
HMRC Announcement
Making Tax Digital for Income Tax: Now Mandatory for £50k+ Earners from April 2026
MTD for Income Tax is now live for those with income over £50,000. From April 2027 it extends to those earning over £30,000. Here is what you must do, which software qualifies, and the penalties for non-compliance.

Not sure how any of this applies to you?

Book a free 20-minute call with one of our accountants. We'll look at your specific situation and tell you plainly what you need to do — and what you don't. No obligation.

All services are delivered in accordance with UK accounting standards and HMRC requirements. Where specialist legal or overseas tax advice is required, we work alongside qualified local advisers. Our accountants hold ACA and FCA designations awarded by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI). They provide accounting services in the UK in accordance with applicable UK legislation and HMRC requirements. ACA and FCA as used on this website refer exclusively to ICAI membership grades and should not be confused with designations awarded by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW).

Important notice. The information on this website is provided for general guidance only and reflects our understanding of UK legislation and HMRC requirements at the time of publication. Tax laws, rates, thresholds and deadlines change regularly. We cannot guarantee that all information remains accurate or up to date at all times. Nothing on this website constitutes personalised tax, legal or financial advice. You should always seek advice specific to your circumstances before taking action. Ledgertech Accountants Ltd accepts no liability for any loss arising from reliance on information published on this website. For information on how we handle your personal data, please see our Privacy Policy.