Blogs, News & Useful PDFs
Stratford-upon-Avon
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Timothy's Bridge Road
Stratford-Upon-Avon
Warwickshire CV37 9NP
What to Expect from the Chancellor’s Spring Statement 2025
by Grenfell James
The Chancellor’s Spring Statement, scheduled for 26 March 2025, is expected to focus on navigating the challenges of public finances, economic growth, and household pressures.
Economic Context
The UK economy is forecast to grow by 2% in 2025,
by Grenfell James
1 February 2025 – Due date for Corporation Tax payable for the year ended 30 April 2024.
19 February 2025 – PAYE and NIC deductions due for month ended 5 February 2025. (If you pay your tax electronically the due date is 22 February 2025)
19
Cash-basis default position for self-employed
by Grenfell James
The cash basis is now the default for self-employed income reporting. Learn about the key updates, opt-out options, and how this simplified method can ease your self-assessment obligations with HMRC.
The cash basis is used by sole traders and other
Capital Gains Tax – the new rates
by Grenfell James
Capital Gains Tax rates have increased for disposals from 30 October 2024, with further changes ahead. Stay informed on the updated rates for assets, property, and reliefs to optimise your tax planning.
We would like to remind our readers of the
Advising HMRC of employees’ company car details
by Grenfell James
Ensure compliance with HMRC rules when providing company cars. From P46(Car) submissions to benefit reporting, learn what steps to take for private use and specific exemptions.
Here are the steps you need to follow to inform HMRC if you make any
by Grenfell James
Advisory fuel rates for company cars help employers and employees manage fuel costs without triggering tax liabilities. Learn how to use these rates to avoid tax, especially car fuel benefit charges.
HMRC’s fuel rates also known as advisory fuel
Inheritance Tax thresholds and the RNRB
by Grenfell James
Inheritance Tax nil-rate bands remain frozen until April 2030. Learn how this affects estates, the residence nil-rate band, and planning opportunities to maximise tax-free inheritance for loved ones.
The Inheritance Tax (IHT) nil-rate bands have
Making Tax Digital for Income Tax volunteers
by Grenfell James
From April 2026, Making Tax Digital for Income Tax (MTD for ITSA) will transform tax compliance for businesses, self-employed individuals, and landlords, mandating digital record-keeping and online submissions. Get prepared!
The mandatory signup for
WASPI claims – apology but no compensation
by Grenfell James
The UK government has recently addressed the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman’s (PHSO) report concerning the communication of changes to women’s State Pension age. The PHSO identified maladministration by the Department for Work and
Grenfell James Technology Adoption Index
How does your business perform against others adopting financial tech? Find out with our interactive diagnostic:
1.
How does your business receive invoices?
A)
Invoices are mainly received in paper form
B)
Invoices are mainly received by email
C)
Invoices are emailed then automatically forwarded to a designated mailbox
2.
How are purchase invoices processed?
A)
Invoices are entered manually
B)
Invoices are attached to manually raised invoices
C)
Automated software (e.g. ReceiptBank, 1Tap, HubDoc etc) collates invoices
3.
How are accounts processed?
A)
Using Excel/paper-based
B)
Using Computer-based, offline software
C)
Using cloud-based accountancy software
4.
How often is business data revised?
A)
Data is updated annually
B)
Data is updated quarterly
C)
Data is updated monthly or more often
5.
How is banking updated for your business?
A)
Banking is updated manually
B)
Banking is updated by imports
C)
Banking is updated via a live feed
6.
How are bank payments made?
A)
Bank payments are manual
B)
Bank payments are made using bulk imports
C)
Bank payments are made directly via accounting software
7.
How are bank receipts reconciled?
A)
Receipts are chased and reconciled manually
B)
Receipts are chased and reconciled automatically
C)
A third-party platform is used to chase debts and collect fees
8.
How often are management reports produced?
A)
No reports are provided
B)
Reports are provided but often too late to be valuable
C)
Reports are automated with real-time information
Score 8-12:
Curious Exploration
Your financial technology phase is Curious Exploration
% of respondent businesses are in this phase too.
Switching accountancy systems may seem like an upheaval, but can be much more straightforward than most businesses imagine. From talking to our clients, they have found moving from paper invoicing and desktop-based accounting software to the cloud and apps quickly makes the transition process a worthwhile investment of time. Digital accounting solutions bring in streamlined processes, up-to-date business data and greater confidence in the accuracy of information when making financial decisions.
Grenfell James works with your team to fully assess the needs of your business and minimise the impact of any transitions for solutions we recommend.
Score 13-19:
Measured Discovery
Your financial technology phase is Measured Discovery
% of respondent businesses are in this phase too.
Once cloud accountancy software is in place, there’s still plenty of scope to improve your accountancy processes and make sure your business is maximising the benefits of adopting a digital accounting solution. Grenfell James assesses each business to understand how any implemented solutions are being used, identify areas for improvement and the needs of the business overall to support your business goals and achieve success.
Our team of experts can discuss a range of time-saving automation and get different apps and cloud-based solutions talking to create and manage a digital accountancy eco-system to help your business grow.
Score 20-24:
Bold Innovation
Your financial technology phase is Bold Innovation
% of respondent businesses are in this phase too.
You know the benefits of accounting technology and the impact it can have on your business goals. If you want to take it a step further, our team can conduct a systematic review of your processes, apps and business goals to ensure your digital accountancy ecosystem is keeping pace with the changing needs of a growing business.