Plain-English guides to the UK tax topics that come up most often. All figures checked against current HMRC guidance.
How to Pay Yourself as a Limited Company Director in 2026/27
Salary or dividends — or both? The optimal extraction strategy for limited company directors, with a full worked example showing the real tax numbers at different profit levels. One of the most important decisions any director makes.
Making Tax Digital for Income Tax: What You Need to Know in 2026
MTD is rolling out now for self-employed people and landlords earning over £50,000. Quarterly reporting is already required. Here's what it means in practice.
Capital Gains Tax on Property: What Landlords Need to Know 2026/27
CGT rates of 18% and 24% on residential property, the 60-day reporting window, the reduced £3,000 annual exempt amount, and what reliefs are still available when you sell. Don't complete before you've read this.
HMRC Penalties: What Happens If You Miss a Tax Deadline?
The exact penalty structure for late filing and late payment, how to appeal, and what to do if you can't afford your bill — including Time to Pay arrangements.
The High Income Child Benefit Charge Explained 2026/27
Earning over £60,000? You may be paying back some or all of your Child Benefit. How the taper works and how pension contributions can help.
Pension Tax Relief: How It Works and Why It Matters
The government adds 20% to every pension contribution — 40% if you're a higher-rate taxpayer. How relief is claimed, the annual allowance, and using pensions to manage your tax bill.
Sole Trader vs Limited Company: Which is Better in 2026/27?
A side-by-side comparison of tax, liability, admin and take-home pay — and the exact profit level at which incorporation typically starts to make financial sense. With comparison table.
Self Assessment Deadlines 2025/26: Key Dates Not to Miss
All the filing and payment deadlines for the 2024/25 tax year — including 31 January, payments on account, and late filing penalties.
The Marriage Allowance: Claim Up to £1,260 in Tax Relief
Millions of eligible couples still haven't claimed. If one partner earns below £12,570, you can save up to £252 a year — backdated up to four years.
How to Register as Self-Employed with HMRC
The deadline, the process, your UTR number, National Insurance and what records you need — everything you need when starting out as a sole trader.
What Expenses Can I Claim as a Sole Trader?
A comprehensive guide to allowable business expenses — from home office costs and mileage to professional fees, equipment and the rules on clothing.
Mileage Claims for the Self-Employed: HMRC Rates 2026/27
The approved mileage rates (45p per mile for the first 10,000), what counts as a business journey, and how to keep a mileage log that will stand up to scrutiny.
IR35 Explained: What Contractors Need to Know in 2026/27
A plain-English guide to IR35 — who it affects, how employment status is determined, what being inside IR35 actually costs you in take-home pay, and how to protect yourself. Essential reading for anyone contracting through a limited company.
Do I Need to Register for VAT? The £90,000 Threshold Explained
When must your business register for VAT? The registration threshold, voluntary registration, and what changes once you're registered.
Corporation Tax Marginal Relief Explained
How the taper between 19% and 25% works for profits between £50,000 and £250,000 — with worked examples and the formula you need.
The Rent-a-Room Scheme: Up to £7,500 Tax-Free
Renting a furnished room in your own home? The first £7,500 a year is completely tax-free. How the scheme works and what happens if you exceed the threshold.
The Trading Allowance: £1,000 Tax-Free for Side Hustles
Earning on the side from odd jobs, online selling or casual freelance work? The first £1,000 a year may be completely tax-free — no return, no registration required.
Scotland's Second Home Council Tax Premiums: What Owners Need to Know
Some Scottish councils are charging up to 500% extra on second homes. Here's the full council-by-council picture for 2026.