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Understanding Tax Codes: What They Mean and How to Check Yours
Tax codes. Those cryptic little combinations of numbers and letters sitting on your payslip, often ignored until your tax feels… well, a...
Aug 22, 20253 min read


Flat Rate VAT – What Is It, How Does It Work, and Is It Right for You?
VAT – three little letters that strike fear into the hearts of business owners everywhere. The rules can feel as twisty as a country...
Aug 15, 20254 min read


“My Mate Dave Doesn’t Pay That Much Tax!” Why pub talk isn’t a reliable tax strategy
We hear it all the time: “My mate Dave says he barely pays any tax.” “Dave reckons he puts everything through the business.” “Dave’s...
Aug 8, 20254 min read


How Often Should I Run Payroll? Weekly, Monthly, or Something In Between?
When it comes to payroll, there’s no one-size-fits-all. Whether you’re an established employer or about to take the exciting step of...
Aug 1, 20253 min read


MTD ITSA: Time vs Money – What's the Best Balance?
If you're a sole trader or landlord, you’ve probably heard whispers (or full-on panic) about Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self...
Jul 25, 20254 min read


Meet Bay Bookkeeping Solutions: More Than Just Numbers
If you’ve ever wondered who’s behind Bay Bookkeeping Solutions — what we do, how we do it, and why we love it — you’re in the right...
Jul 18, 20253 min read


Payments on Account to HMRC: What Are They, and Why Do I Have to Pay Them?
If you've ever received a surprise bill from HMRC in late January that was twice what you were expecting, you may have met the infamous...
Jul 11, 20254 min read


Bookkeeper vs Accountant: Do You Need Both?
We often get asked, “What’s the difference between a bookkeeper vs an accountant?” followed quickly by, “Do I really need both?” It’s a...
Jul 4, 20253 min read


How Long Should I Be Keeping Records For?
Whether you’re a seasoned business owner or just starting out, one question we get asked time and time again is: “How long do I need to...
Jun 27, 20254 min read


Working from Home Allowance: What You Can Claim from HMRC
Let’s be honest: working from home can be a dream—no commute, your own coffee, and comfy slippers. But it’s not all cosy vibes and kettle...
Jun 20, 20254 min read


The HMRC App – Why It’s More Useful Than You Might Think
If you’ve ever wished you could just check your tax stuff with a few taps on your phone—well, it turns out you can. The HMRC app might...
Jun 13, 20254 min read


Verifying Subbies: Why It Matters and How to Do It
If you’re a contractor working in the construction industry and paying subcontractors, there’s a good chance you’re already familiar with...
Jun 6, 20254 min read


Taxable Benefits and P11Ds – Everything You Need to Know
If you’re a small business owner with employees, you may have heard of something called a P11D and quietly hoped it was nothing to do...
May 30, 20253 min read


Taking Control of Admin: How a Virtual Assistant Can Help You Stay Sane
Let’s face it—running a small business often feels like spinning plates. Between client work, emails, invoices, and trying to remember...
May 23, 20253 min read


A Quickbooks Review
Choosing accounting software can feel a bit like buying a mattress—you know it’s important, you’ll be using it daily, but the options are...
May 16, 20253 min read


The Role of a Bookkeeper
When you run a small business, your to-do list can feel never-ending. You wear a lot of hats – from sales and customer service to...
May 9, 20253 min read


Navigating VAT: Understanding Rates & Rules
Let’s face it, VAT can feel like a tangled web of percentages, rules, and exceptions. For small businesses, knowing which VAT rate to...
May 2, 20253 min read


VAT Registration and Your Business
If you're a small business owner in the UK, you’ve probably heard people talk about VAT—often with a sigh and a slightly stressed...
Apr 25, 20254 min read


Payroll Year End: What Employers Need to Know
Payroll year end is one of those things that can sneak up on small business owners. One minute you’re happily paying staff as usual, and...
Apr 17, 20253 min read


Sole Trader Or Limited Company: What’s Right for You?
If you're a sole trader, chances are you've wondered whether becoming a limited company is the next logical step. Maybe you've been...
Apr 11, 20254 min read
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