Are you paying apprentices correctly?
Many employers unintentionally underpay apprentices simply because the rules around the apprentice rate can be complex and easily misunderstood. Factors such as an apprentice’s age, the stage of their apprenticeship, and whether they are in their first year of training can all affect what rate should be applied. On top of this, employers may not always be clear on what should be included as paid working time, such as training hours, travel time, or time spent completing required apprenticeship activities.
What Tax Changes Have Happened Over The Past 12 Months?
Approaching the end of the 2025/26 tax year provides a valuable opportunity to review what has changed. Covering 12 key points, this briefing brings together information about the main allowances, reliefs, and exemptions, with clear planning points you can act on before the tax year closes.
Companies House ID Verification
Companies House has started rolling out mandatory identity checks for directors and people with significant control (PSCs).
Identity verification became a legal requirement from 18 November 2025. Companies House describes this as the start of a 12-month transition period, giving companies time to ensure directors and PSCs verify and then connect their verified identity to each role by the relevant due dates.
This guide explains who needs to verify, how the process works in practice, what you need to do for your own roles and what happens if you miss your due date.
MTD For Income Tax
Making Tax Digital for income tax (MTD IT) will become mandatory for many sole traders and landlords from 6 April 2026. It will change how you keep records and report income, and it will affect the way you plan. your cashflow and manage deadlines. The timetable and thresholds are now confirmed, and Autumn Budget 2025 has added some easements to the penalty regime rather than delaying the start date.
Top Three Tips to File Your Self-Assessment Correctly and Avoid Penalties
Self-employed professionals, landlords, high-income employees or those who generate income in addition to PAYE may be required to compete a self-assessment tax return. If this is you, whilst it can feel like a looming administrative burden, it’s actually an opportunity to get clarity on your finances, optimise your tax position, and demonstrate strong financial control.
Here are 3 essential tips to stay compliant, avoid penalties and improve your financial position.
