Contractors

A person scratching their head with piles of coins around them, representing HMRC's new rules about savings of over £3,500

Why you might hear from HMRC about your savings… and what to do next

HMRC is in the process of contacting nearly 900,000 people who hold more than £3,500 in their bank accounts. It’s part of a review into untaxed interest received on savings. If you receive a letter from HMRC, there’s no need to be alarmed. However, it’s important to understand why they’re reaching out, and what steps […]

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A manholding a P11D form smiling, with a big red and white X behind him

End of the P11D? Changes are coming in April 2027?

The annual requirement to complete and submit a P11D is a familiar part of the payroll and year-end tax routine for contractors and small business owners. But with changes on the horizon, the traditional P11D process may soon become a thing of the past. HMRC will make it so that all taxable employee benefits will

End of the P11D? Changes are coming in April 2027? Read More »

a professional man in a suit looking at a giant calendar with a bell and an alarm clock next to it symbolising the payments on account deadline

Don’t miss the July 2025 payments on account deadline

If you’re self-employed or receive income outside of PAYE, one important date to keep in mind is 31 July 2025. This is the deadline for making your second payment on account towards your 2024/25 tax bill. Understanding payments on account Payments on account are advance payments towards your self-assessment tax bill. HMRC uses them to

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A cartoon woman looking shocked and worried while a piece of paper with the word "fine" hangs behind her

How much is 2025 going to cost me? Key tax penalties and interest rate changes to know

In 2025, HMRC is tightening the reins on late filings and payments, with increases in VAT penalties and interest rates for overdue tax bills. Failing to keep up could be more expensive than ever. …Hint, hint! There are plenty of AI apps to help you keep up to day and compliant! As a small business

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a worried man looking at a computer screen

​Understanding director responsibilities: Lessons from Ant Middleton’s disqualification​

When you think of Ant Middleton, you probably picture the no-nonsense ex-Special Forces guy from SAS: Who Dares Wins. But in a recent twist, Ant and his wife Emilie have found themselves in a spot of bother… not on a battlefield, but in the boardroom. As of March 2025, the couple has been banned from

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cartoon of a woman with a giant calculator and notepad surrounded by pound coins representing business budgeting for the new tax year

7 tips on smart business budgeting for the new tax year

The new tax year is upon us so now’s the time to start your business budgeting, but smarter. Entering a new tax year is the perfect time to take a strategic approach to your finances for small business owners and contractors. Business budgeting can help you manage cash flow, reduce unnecessary costs, and set your

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animation of a woman sat at her home office desk looking at a laptop while decorators paint the walls and lay the floors behind her - representing claiming home renovations through your business

Home renovations & taxes: Smart business move or risky strategy?

If you’re a contractor or small business owner working from home all or some of the time, you’ve probably looked for ways to maximise your business expenses. One area that often sparks debate is home renovations: can you, or should you, put those costs through your business? On the surface, it might seem like a

Home renovations & taxes: Smart business move or risky strategy? Read More »

a paper sculpture of a head and a pattern where the brain would be, with a tie and white shirt and navy blazer to symbolise a business growth mindset

The growth mindset: New potential for established businesses

Long-term success in business doesn’t mean simply maintaining what you’ve built. It means remaining adaptable, embracing new opportunities, and continuing to innovate. For established businesses, this means adopting a growth mindset – a strategic outlook that advances expansion, resilience, and innovation. At Companion Accountancy, our team of accountants believe this mindset is essential for thriving as

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a cartoon giant orange company car parked in the car park of a small business

Company cars: What small businesses and contractors should know

Are you driving into 2025/2026 tax-efficiently? Allowable benefits, such as company cars, are affected by things like Benefit-in-Kind and National Insurance Contribution rates. Business is changing all the time and small businesses and contractors need to stay on top of these latest tax considerations to keep their businesses cruising smoothly. Whether you’re driving around town

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two people shaking hands

5 strategies for sourcing your next IR35 contract

Finding your next IR35 contract can be a rewarding journey, especially when you’re equipped with the right strategies. As an accountancy firm dedicated to helping and advising small business owners, we’ve put together some key tips to help you navigate this process with confidence and success. 1. Leverage professional networks LinkedIn and specialist forums: Maintain

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