Blog

Rising Inheritance Tax in the UK The Inheritance Tax UK receipts have reached a record £4.4 billion in just six months, signalling how more families are being drawn into the IHT net. With property values increasing and tax thresholds remaining frozen, many once-exempt estates now face significant tax bills. HMRC’s data show that IHT has...

The UK tax system is undergoing a significant digital transformation through Making Tax Digital (MTD) — an HMRC initiative designed to modernise the way businesses, landlords, and individuals record, report, and manage taxes. The goal of MTD is simple yet powerful: to make tax administration more efficient, accurate, and easier for everyone. At Care Accountancy,...

Understanding HMRC’s data-driven tax approach In recent years, HMRC’s large-scale data analysis has become one of the UK’s most powerful tools for increasing tax revenue and improving compliance. By harnessing advanced analytics and artificial intelligence, HMRC can now identify tax irregularities, detect avoidance schemes, and recover billions of pounds in unpaid taxes. This digital transformation...

Embracing digital accounting in today’s business world The way businesses manage their finances is changing rapidly, with digital tools now at the forefront of accounting processes. For small businesses, adopting digital accounting has become more than just a trend—it’s a necessity. By moving away from manual spreadsheets and outdated systems, SMEs can enjoy greater efficiency,...

Why family estate planning matters When it comes to protecting your wealth and ensuring your loved ones are looked after, family estate planning is essential. Whether through wills, trusts, or a combination of both, it provides peace of mind that your assets will be distributed according to your wishes while minimising complications for your family....

Understanding the latest SME tax update Staying informed about the latest SME tax update is essential for small and medium-sized businesses navigating an evolving tax landscape. HMRC continues to adjust tax rules, reporting obligations, and digital requirements that directly impact SMEs. Missing these updates could result in unnecessary penalties, so business owners must stay proactive...

Filing your annual tax return is not just about meeting deadlines – it’s about making sure the information you submit is right the first time. HMRC is now reminding individuals and businesses of the importance of submitting correct and complete tax returns, as errors can lead to costly investigations and penalties. At Care Accountancy, we...

Why personal service companies must handle contracts correctly An important reminder for those using personal service companies: income can only be treated as company income if contracts are signed in the company’s name. A recent tribunal case involving England cricketer Paul Collingwood highlights what happens when contracts are signed personally instead of by the company....

The government’s Making Tax Digital (MTD) initiative is set to transform how millions of people manage their tax affairs. According to recent reports, up to three million individuals may soon be required to comply with MTD Compliance rules, expanding the scope beyond businesses and landlords. This move highlights the UK’s ongoing efforts to modernise the...

Inheritance tax 2025 remains a significant concern for many families in the UK. It is a tax on the estate (property, money, and possessions) of someone who has passed away. As property values continue to rise, more estates are being caught in the inheritance tax net. Knowing the rules and exemptions can help families plan...

When Trust Was Broken: False LPA Witnessing Estate planning relies heavily on trust and legal integrity. A recent case of false LPA witnessing shattered that trust when an estate planner falsely claimed to witness signatures on a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA). This misconduct has led to a professional ban, highlighting the grave consequences of...

A Win for Caregivers: PRR Relief Granted on Multiple Properties In a recent case, a caregiver who moved into his parents’ home to care for his ailing father successfully claimed Principal Private Residence Relief (PRR) on not one, but two separate property disposals. The First Tier Tribunal (FTT) sided with the taxpayer, confirming that his...

Understand Your Company’s Financial Health If you’re a company director facing growing bills and unpaid liabilities, now is the time to take control. The first step in effective company debt management is a full, honest assessment of your financial position. Review your profit and loss statement line by line. Are all expenses necessary? Are you...

Understanding Adverse Possession in Estate Contexts Adverse possession is a legal doctrine allowing someone to claim ownership of land under certain conditions if they’ve occupied it without permission. In the estate administration landscape, this concept becomes particularly complex, as seen in the High Court case of Nazir v Begum [2023]. This case clarifies the interaction...

A growing concern is emerging among small business owners, as government tax reforms could inadvertently force 15,000 family-run businesses into closure. A recent warning highlights the potentially devastating impact of proposed pension tax changes, particularly those involving Inheritance Tax (IHT) and the treatment of family business assets. Understanding the Pensions Tax Raid At the heart...

Starting from November 2025, the UK government will officially roll out a compulsory ID verification system for company directors, Persons with Significant Control (PSCs), and those filing on behalf of companies. This step is part of the broader reforms outlined in the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, which aims to enhance corporate transparency and combat fraud....

Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) can be a confusing area, especially when dealing with run-down or damaged properties. A recent Court of Appeal ruling in the case Mudan v HMRC ([2025] EWCA Civ 799) brings important clarity to the residential SDLT rules, especially regarding properties in poor condition at the time of purchase. Background to...

Employment Allowance is a valuable government scheme that allows eligible employers to reduce their annual National Insurance liability by up to £5,000. While this relief can benefit many businesses, there are certain restrictions in place—and one of the most misunderstood is the employment allowance exclusion for single-director companies. In this article, we break down what...

As tax rules become more complex, UK companies are being urged to reassess their loan relationships—a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of their financial planning. HMRC’s ongoing scrutiny in this area makes it even more essential for businesses to assess how loans and financing arrangements are being reported. Why Loan Relationships Matter A loan relationship is broadly defined...

Inheritance tax (IHT) is often viewed as a financial burden; however, in certain situations, it can provide strategic advantages, particularly when a company repurchases its shares. For family-run businesses, this can be a tax-efficient opportunity that turns a challenge into an advantage. Understanding Share Buybacks and Inheritance Tax (IHT) When a shareholder passes away, their...