Compliance

I still remember the first time a client walked into my kitchen-table office clutching an HMRC penalty notice. Their face said panic; their voice said embarrassment. I’ve seen this reaction enough times to know two things: penalties themselves are usually not the end of the world, and how you respond in the immediate days after receiving a notice determines whether it becomes an uncomfortable bump or a long‑term cashflow problem.Understand...

Read more...

Hello — I’m writing from Muressaccounts Co (https://www.muressaccounts.co.uk), where I help UK micro‑businesses and SMEs get their bookkeeping and tax sorted without the panic. Over the years I’ve supported clients through HMRC compliance checks, so I want to share what HMRC typically looks for and practical steps you can take to prepare confidently. This is written for busy business owners who want straightforward actions, not...

Read more...

I work with a lot of small agencies and freelancers who operate through personal service companies (PSCs), and one question comes up more than any other: “Will IR35 affect me — and if so, how do I deal with it without losing sleep or all my clients?” This is my practical, no-nonsense guide to IR35 aimed at people who want clear steps, real examples and paperwork tips they can action straight away.What IR35 actually means for small agencies...

Read more...

I’ve seen plenty of panicked messages from business owners who spot a VAT mistake after submitting a return — and before you stress, most errors can be corrected without triggering heavy penalties if you act promptly and sensibly. Below I’ll walk you through how I approach VAT return errors for clients: how to assess the problem, when to amend a return, when to notify HMRC separately, and practical bookkeeping steps to fix things...

Read more...

Running payroll as a micro‑employer can feel like juggling while walking a tightrope — one missed deadline and HMRC will let you know about it. Over the years I’ve helped dozens of sole‑traders and tiny teams get payroll right without burning time or losing sleep. Below are the simple, practical checks I use with clients to avoid late filing and, crucially, late payment penalties.Why simple checks matterYou don’t need a payroll team to...

Read more...