Monthly Archives: May 2025

If you’ve ever prepared your self-assessment return, you know how time-consuming it can be. Even with the regular updates from the HMRC, managing the process independently can be challenging. But spreadsheets and tax rules shouldn’t be this overwhelming. The good news is that modern software — and support from a self-assessment accountant — can make things much easier.

At Allenby Accountants, we can recommend reliable platforms that streamline tax filing and help you stay compliant. You don’t need in-depth tax knowledge to use these tools because they’re designed to be easy to navigate, helping you complete your tax return more efficiently and with less stress. Although there’s a cost to using them, the time saved — and the reduced risk of mistakes or penalties — often makes it worthwhile.

Let’s take a look at some of the well-known Self-Assessment software options available in the UK:

• QuickBooks is a widely trusted platform for preparing Self-Assessment returns. It’s packed with automation tools and real-time tracking features that help you stay organised well ahead of the HMRC deadline.
• Xero Tax is another well-established option our self-assessment accountant can recommend, especially if you’re already using Xero’s bookkeeping tools. It allows you to prepare and submit both personal and company tax returns with ease.
• ClearBooks is an easy-to-use platform built with sole traders and landlords in mind. It simplifies the Self Assessment process by letting you manage all your transactions in one place, giving you more time to focus on running your business.

Need expert support?

At Allenby Accountants, we work with all major platforms — including ClearBooks and Xero. Our self assessment accountant knows how to use these tools to create reports that give you better insight into your business performance.

Many successful businesses across London trust us with their self-assessment because they know how much it matters. Don’t let poor recordkeeping hold your business back. Call us today at 0208 914 8887 for a free, no-obligation consultation or request a quote to find out how affordable it is to get professional support.

Long-term planning often takes a back seat if running your small business demands your full attention. But whether you’re handing the business over to a family member or a long-time business partner, preparing early helps protect what you’ve built, long after you’ve stepped away.

Small accountancy firms in London can help you develop a clear succession plan to ensure that when the time comes, whether expected or not, your business will continue in capable hands.

What is succession planning?

Succession planning outlines who will take control of your business when you step down or are no longer able to run it. It’s just as important for smaller or family-run businesses as it is for large corporations. Without a plan, even a short disruption can affect long-term stability.

With succession planning, you can:

• Prepare for unexpected events
• Simplify the transition process
• Clarify your retirement timeline
• Support future business growth
• Ensure the business continues under reliable leadership

Start planning sooner rather than later

Planning ahead means you’re not caught off guard and can act quickly if needed. Take a limited company as an example — if you plan to split ownership among your children, having a shareholder agreement in place early can prevent confusion and avoid future disputes. Small accountancy firms in London can get you started right away.

Choose the right successor

The next step is identifying who will take over. That could be a family member or even someone outside the company. Whoever you choose should have the right mix of skills and values to carry your business forward.

Ownership changes often bring operational shifts, especially in businesses built by founders with different strengths. That’s why selecting a successor who can fill that gap effectively is key to keeping the business stable and successful.

Plan the transition and train your successor

A smooth handover doesn’t happen without preparation. Set up a structured transition plan that includes training, mentorship, and time to build experience in critical areas of the business. Encourage your successor to take on responsibilities gradually and build relationships with key clients.

Set clear timelines and goals for the transition. This might include completing relevant certifications or reaching specific performance milestones. This kind of preparation helps the successor feel confident and ready to lead. If you need help, don’t hesitate to turn to small accountancy firms in London.

Work with experienced accountants

Succession planning is easier when you have expert support. Small accountancy firms in London, like Allenby Accountants, can guide you through each step—from choosing a successor to managing legal and financial details.

Call 0208 914 8887 for a free, no-obligation consultation.

If you’re working in construction as a subcontractor and fall under the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS), your contractor likely deducts tax from your payments. While this helps to ensure your compliance with HMRC rules, it often means that you also pay more tax than necessary, and that you might be due a refund. Let’s look at how this refund process works and how our construction accountants can help.

Who qualifies for a CIS tax refund?

If you’re self-employed in the construction industry and earning a modest income, you may be entitled to a refund. This is because CIS deductions are taken before your personal allowance and allowable business expenses are considered, meaning you could have overpaid tax.

When you file your self-assessment tax return, you can claim back costs that are wholly and exclusively related to your construction work. This is why it’s important to keep detailed records and receipts, as HMRC may request evidence to verify your claims. Don’t include personal spending or anything you didn’t actually pay for — submitting false expenses is considered serious misconduct and could lead to penalties.

Ways to claim your CIS tax refund

You can claim a CIS refund through your self-assessment tax return. Once you’ve filed it, HMRC will calculate your refund based on your income, tax paid, and allowable expenses.

You also have a few other options for claiming your CIS refund:

Use a tax agent

Many people hire tax agents to help with their self-assessment, especially when the process feels complex. If you do, read the fine print. Some agents — especially those focused on securing refunds — may ask HMRC to send your refund to them first. They’ll then deduct their fee before transferring the remainder to you.

Claim in-year

If you’ve stopped working in construction mid-tax year and your records are up to date, you may be able to request a refund before the tax year ends. You’ll need to complete form CIS40, which you’ll find on GOV.UK. Our construction accountants can also help you with the process.

Even if you get a refund this way, you’ll still need to file your full self-assessment tax return for that year. The refunded amount should be included in the return as a provisional payment received.

Let experts handle it for you

Claiming your refund doesn’t have to be stressful when you have our construction accountants to guide you through every step. Call 0208 914 8887 to schedule your free initial consultation here at Allenby Accountants and see how we can help you get back what you’re owed.

Whether you’re managing corporation tax or filing a self-assessment, staying on top of your tax obligations is essential to keeping your business running smoothly. Mistakes can be expensive—and that’s why you need to understand what taxes apply to your business, and when they’re due.

This guide breaks down the main types of business tax in the UK and explains how your structure affects what you need to pay. Plus, we’ll show how small business accountants in London can help you stay compliant and avoid costly mistakes.

What taxes might your business need to pay?

The taxes your business owes depend on a few key factors:

• How your business is set up
• How you pay yourself (drawings, salary, dividends)
• The amount of profit your business makes

You may not have to pay every type of business tax, but which ones may apply can help you plan better and run your business more efficiently.

Here are the main taxes small businesses in the UK should be aware of:

• Income tax
• Corporation tax
• Capital gains tax
• National Insurance
• Dividend tax
• Business rates
• VAT

How the business structure affects tax

Your tax responsibilities will vary depending on how your business is structured and whether you employ others. All businesses are taxed on profits, but how those taxes are calculated and paid depends on whether you operate as a sole trader or a limited company. If you’re just starting out, our small business accountants in London can help you pick the right structure that complies with HMRC requirements.

Sole traders

As a sole trader, you own the business yourself, without any partners or directors, though you can still hire employees. You take on full responsibility and make all the decisions for any business debts, including taxes.

You’ll pay income tax on your profits once they exceed the personal allowance. In addition, you’ll need to pay National Insurance contributions. And you must register for VAT if your turnover exceeds £85,000 in a 12-month period.

Limited companies

A limited company is recognised as a legally separate entity from the owners. It must be registered with Companies House to receive a company registration number.

If you run a limited company, you must pay corporation tax on profits. You’ll also need to register for VAT if your taxable turnover goes above £85,000 and you provide goods or services subject to VAT.

Let’s take the guesswork out of business taxes

Hiring small business accountants in London is the best way to efficiently handle your business taxes. They can help you make the most of available deductions and stay on top of all your obligations.

If you’re looking to reduce your tax bill and run your business more efficiently, give us a call at 0208 914 8887. At Allenby Accountants, we offer a free, no-obligation consultation to demonstrate how our services can support your operations.