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HMRC’s CEST tool gets a revamp from 30 April 2025, with clearer questions and updated guidance to help users decide employment status for tax—plus stronger backing from HMRC. In a Written Ministerial Statement delivered on 28 April, the Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury announced a series of administrative and simplification measures designed to advance the government’s commitment to modernising the tax and customs systems. Among these measures is an important update to HMRC’s Check Employment Status for Tax (CEST) digital tool, set...

The government has scrapped plans for detailed PAYE reporting of employee hours from April 2026, citing concerns over cost, complexity, and practicality. Employers will stick with current rules. As part of the Spring 2025 Tax Update: Simplification, Administration and Reform summary, the government confirmed that it will no longer proceed with the previous governments plans to mandate more detailed reporting of employee working hours through Pay As You Earn (PAYE) Real Time Information (RTI) submissions. Under the original proposals,...

HMRC has delayed mandatory payrolling of benefits in kind by a year to April 2027, giving employers and software providers more time to prepare. Penalties will be eased in the first year. The requirement to report Income Tax and Class 1A National Insurance Contributions for most BiKs and expenses through Real Time Information (RTI) will now begin from 6 April 2027, rather than 6 April 2026 as previously announced. From April 2027, employers will report BiKs and expenses via the Full Payment Submission (FPS), aligning with the method currently...

The £3,000 reporting threshold for trading, property, and other income will simplify tax returns—300,000 people could be freed from filing. A digital alternative is also coming. As part of the Spring 2025 Tax Update: Simplification, Administration and Reform, the government confirmed changes to the Income Tax Self Assessment (ITSA) reporting thresholds for trading, property, and other taxable income. From a future date within this Parliament, these thresholds will all be aligned and increased to £3,000 (gross) each. This reform is...

The government is consulting on new VAT relief for goods donated to charities for free use. Could this fix an unfair gap in current rules? Have your say by 21 July 2025. A new joint consultation from HM Treasury and HMRC, titled “VAT Treatment of Business Donations of Goods to Charity” has been launched. The consultation seeks to gather views on introducing a VAT relief for goods donated to charities by companies to give away free of charge or to use in the delivery of their services. The consultation is open until 21 July...

The government wants your say on e-invoicing. Quicker payments, fewer errors, and better VAT reporting are on the table. A 12-week consultation could shape the future. HMRC and the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) jointly launched a 12-week consultation earlier this year. The consultation is examining the broader adoption of electronic invoicing (e-invoicing) across UK businesses and public sector bodies. This is the first time UK businesses have been invited to share their views on how e-invoicing could be implemented and scaled...

Gross profit is one of the clearest indicators of how well your business is performing. It’s the money left after deducting the direct costs of producing goods or services from your turnover. If your gross profit margins are tight, your business will struggle to cover overheads, let alone make a net profit. So, here are a few practical tips to help boost your gross profit returns. Review Your Pricing Strategy One of the quickest ways to increase gross profit is to charge more. That sounds simple, but many small business owners hesitate to...

For many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the core business keeps the lights on, but additional income streams can provide much-needed stability and growth. Whether you're a service provider, a retailer, or run a niche consultancy, diversifying your revenue can cushion seasonal dips, economic shocks, or customer churn. Here are some practical ways to bring in extra income without straying too far from your core business. Offer Online Courses or Webinars If you’ve got specialist knowledge, turn it into a digital product. Creating...

Not all state benefits are tax-free! Some, like the State Pension and Carer’s Allowance, are taxable, while others, like PIP and Universal Credit, are not. Knowing the difference can help you stay on top of your tax responsibilities and avoid surprises. HMRC’s guidance outlines the following list of the most common state benefits on which Income Tax is payable, subject to the usual limits: Bereavement Allowance (previously Widow’s Pension) Carer’s Allowance or (in Scotland only) Carer Support Payment Contribution-Based Employment and...

Not every money-making hobby counts as a business for tax purposes. Knowing when a hobby crosses into trading territory is vital to avoid unexpected tax bills. If your side project is growing, it might be time to check your tax position and stay compliant. For instance, HMRC manuals provide the example of someone who enjoys repairing cars or selling stamps in their spare time. Whilst this might lead to making what’s known as taxable supplies, that alone does not mean the person is operating a business. It all depends on whether the activity...