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Helen Beaumont

Essendon Tax

Independent tax consultants ...



Self-assessment filing deadline, Ticking clock, papers pile high, Deep breath, taxes done
New Year Nudge: Beat the self-assessment filing deadline without stress

Here's the simple reality of the self-assessment filing deadline: it doesn't move, but your stress can. My blog post this week explains why filing early helps, what HMRC charges for delays, and how an online tax return can ke ...

It's crucial for online sellers to ensure that their income is accurately reported!
HMRC Taking A Good Look At Savvy Online Sellers

HMRC's new data sharing initiative, which aligns with the OECD's global objective to tackle tax evasion, has been met with mixed reactions from online sellers ... ...

HMRC Christmas tax rules, Complicate the season's joys, Taxes on all gifts
How HMRC Christmas tax rules trip up festive side hustlers

HMRC Christmas tax rules often surprise side hustlers each December. Here's what counts, what doesn't, and when to register. Stay compliant and keep more of your Christmas earnings ... ...

File a self assessment tax return, Crunching numbers tight, Owed or refunded
Do I need to file a self-assessment tax return?

Unsure if you must file a self-assessment tax return? This guide explains who needs to file, what income triggers it, and how to register with HMRC. Get clear before the tax return deadline ... ...

Salary sacrifice changes , Savings for the future , Trade now for later
Salary sacrifice changes set to hit millions of UK employees

Salary sacrifice changes will cap tax-free pension contributions at £2,000 from April 2029. Many employees and employers will face higher costs and new admin. Here's what's changing, who's affected, and how to prepare ... ...

Beat the Budget tax, Shake off financial burden, Freedom in our grasp
Nine ways to beat the Budget tax burden this year

Here's my smart, simple guide to beat the Budget tax burden without drama. I'll cover pensions, ISAs, dividends, cash, IHT and more. Read this to prioritise your tax savings and plan ahead with calm planning ... ...

Splitting a business, To avoid VAT costs high, Savings or stress?
Why splitting a business to avoid VAT can backfire badly

Splitting a business to avoid VAT may look clever, but it often isn't. HMRC can join entities together where links exist and challenge the arrangement. Consider contracts, commercial reality, and long-term costs before acting ...

Pension salary sacrifice, A choice for the future, Savings bloom in spring?
Chancellor eyes pension salary sacrifice: a £5.1bn question

Rumours in the media suggest the Chancellor may curb pension salary sacrifice in the Autumn Budget. Employers, employees, and HMRC see risks to take-home pay and saving habits. Here's what could really happen ... ...

Inheritance tax, Transitional gifting rule, Pass on with purpose
Why farmers need an inheritance tax transitional gifting rule now

Older farmers face a cliff edge in April 2026. An inheritance tax transitional gifting rule could ease pressure and protect family businesses. Here's why it matters and what should happen next ... ...

Inheritance tax risk, Family business at stake, Planning is crucial
Inheritance Tax risk for family-owned businesses: act before reliefs shrink!

Here's the lowdown on Inheritance Tax risk for family-owned businesses and why time matters. Reliefs are tightening, and proactive planning can save millions. Start now to secure business succession and family wealth ... ...

Pension tax raid, oh, Hard-earned savings taken, gone, Retirement dreams fade
A pension tax raid would put the NHS in danger

A pension tax raid risks driving GPs to retire early and undermining new neighbourhood care plans. It could also destabilise NHS funding and deepen workforce gaps. Clarity on tax reforms is urgently needed, especially with th ...

Real-time HICBC, Payment without delay, Efficient and fast
HMRC launches real-time HICBC payment for smoother PAYE

HMRC's real-time HICBC payment lets employees settle the charge through PAYE. It's quick, accurate and avoids self-assessment for many. It's a practical win for households receiving child benefit ... ...

Directors loans flow, From company to owner, Debt ties them tightly
Are directors' loans a good cash flow strategy or just another tax trap?

Here's a straight-talking take on directors' loans. They can ease cash flow or invite HMRC scrutiny. Used with discipline, they work; misused, they hurt ... ...

Optimising income, For directors, a balancing act, Profit and purpose
Salary or Dividends: Optimising Income for Directors

Directors of limited companies must make informed decisions about their remuneration strategies. Optimising income for directors involves balancing salaries and dividends while considering significant changes to tax legislati ...

Salary sacrifice, A smart way to reduce tax, More money for you!
Should Directors Use Salary Sacrifice To Reduce Income Tax And National Insurance?

Wondering if salary sacrifice to reduce tax is worth it? You can cut NI, boost pension contributions, and keep payroll efficient. Here's how it works for directors ... ...

Amnesty for Covid loan debtors, A weight lifted at last, New beginnings await
UK Unveils Amnesty For Covid Loan Debtors: Your Last Clean-Slate Chance

Here's what the UK's amnesty for Covid loan debtors means for you. Pay back what you shouldn't have taken, no questions asked. Miss it, and expect tougher enforcement soon ... ...

10-Year charge on trusts, Loyalty and growth abound, A decade of trust
Understanding The 10-Year Charge On Trusts Without The Headaches

The 10-Year charge on trusts can be a confusing subject for many, so here's a clear, friendly guide in blog post form. Learn what it is, how it's calculated, and what you need to do. Stay compliant and avoid surprises ... ...

HMRC pension relief, Crackdown on tax avoidance, Retirement fears grow
HMRC Pension Relief Crackdown: What Higher-Rate Taxpayers Need To Know

The HMRC pension relief crackdown means stricter evidence rules, no phone claims, and more checks. If you're a higher-rate taxpayer, you'll need accurate figures and documents. Get your pension contributions data ready to cla ...

Inheriting a pension, A legacy of wealth, Retirement awaits
Why Inheriting A Pension Could Become Painfully Taxing

From 2027, inheriting a pension may drag funds into IHT and sometimes income tax. My blog post this week explains the rules, deadlines, and the RNRB trap. It outlines practical steps to mitigate exposure while keeping family ...

Taxing income from wealth, Takes a toll on the wealthy, But helps those in need?
Rethinking Taxation: The Case for Taxing Income from Wealth, Not Work

As debates on taxation intensify, the effort to transition toward taxing income from wealth rather than work emerges as an intriguing policy alternative, potentially reshaping the fiscal landscape in the United Kingdom ... ...

Stamp duty burden, Heavy tax on home buyers, Ouch, my wallet weeps
HMRC Warns Against Stamp Duty Rogue Agents: Stay Vigilant!

Following a recent Court of Appeal ruling, HMRC has announced a crackdown on fraudulent Stamp Duty repayment claims. Homebuyers are advised to avoid rogue agents touting misleading schemes that could result in significant pen ...

Employing young people , Seeds of growth and opportunity , Blooming futures bright
The Ins and Outs of Employing Young People

The first thing to consider when employing young people is their age. Children under the age of 13 are not allowed to work except in certain circumstances. However, there are a number of restrictions for all individuals under ...

Property tax advantages, A married couple's delight, Less burden to bear
Unpacking the Property Tax Advantages of Being Married

Marriage offers profound property tax advantages, affecting Income Tax, Capital Gains Tax, Inheritance Tax, and more. Couples can maximise reliefs, allocate income wisely, and transfer assets without incurring tax liabilities ...

Wealth tax, a burden, On the rich, a small price paid, For a fairer world
Exploring Alternatives to a Wealth Tax: Practical Solutions for Raising Revenue

As pressure mounts to introduce a Wealth Tax in the UK, innovative tax strategies could pave the way for increased revenues. In this blog post, I'll examine options such as Capital Gains Tax reforms, Inheritance Tax simplific ...

Crypto-investors, Riding the volatile waves, Holding tight their dreams
New Regulations to Fine Crypto-Investors £300 for Non-Disclosure

With the introduction of the OECD Cryptoasset Reporting Framework, UK crypto-investors will be subject to stricter regulations. Starting from January 2026, they must disclose personal details and cryptocurrency transactions t ...

Side hustle taxation, A burden on my shoulders, But my dreams won't wait
Understanding Side Hustle Taxation: Essential Tips from HMRC

With the rise of side hustles, HMRC highlights the need to understand side hustle taxation. Earnings above £1,000 require registration and a self-assessment tax return. By being proactive, side hustlers can manage their oblig ...

Capital gains tax, A burden on our wallets, But a must for growth
The Dangers of Raising Capital Gains Tax Rates at the Autumn Budget

The debate surrounding Capital Gains Tax rates intensifies as the Chancellor approaches the Autumn Budget. While potential increases aim to address fiscal challenges, history suggests that drastic rate hikes may hinder rather ...

Tax Freedom Day comes, A day of financial bliss, Spring's true liberation
Tax Freedom Day Falls Three Weeks Later in 2025

In 2025, Tax Freedom Day has shifted to the 12th of June, marking a worrying trend for British tax payers. This later date is attributed to rising taxes and frozen thresholds, urging individuals to explore strategies to bring ...

The Rent A Room Scheme, Offers space and company, Shared home, shared stories
Unlock Extra Income with the Rent A Room Scheme

By participating in the Rent A Room Scheme, you can effortlessly earn up to £7,500 a year tax-free. This applies whether you own your home or are simply renting. In today's economy, this scheme provides a vital opportunity fo ...

VAT on private school fees, A burden for some, Education's cost
How VAT on Private School Fees Triggered a 22.6% Rise in Education Costs

The addition of VAT on private school fees since January has caused a substantial increase in education costs, with fees rising by an average of 22.6%. This change has already triggered student enrolment declines, raising con ...

The 'Afsha Chugtai vs HMRC' case serves as an essential teaching moment in the realm of inheritance tax and trust law
Trusts Did Not Benefit Family in £442k Inheritance Tax Case

The recent case of Afsha Chugtai vs HMRC has significant implications for Inheritance Tax (IHT) legislation, particularly regarding trusts. The tribunal examined whether funds in two trusts qualified for exemption from IHT, u ...

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