Category

Accounting

The accounts section, brought to you in partnership with Sage, features in-depth guides and features for UK small businesses and start-ups needing advice on how to manage company accounts, including topics such as cashflow management, late payment, bad debts and bookkeeping.

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Debt advice for small businesses

Many small businesses operate on a very tight budget. Figures published by the Insolvency Service show that up to 13,000 companies go into liquidation and 11,000 self-employed people are declared bankrupt annually. The need for debt advice for small businesses has never before been in such demand.

Accounting

Accounting

Tax charges on a second income

My boyfriend and I are planning on starting a part-time business making and selling canvas prints of art work, personal photos and other images - on top of us both working full-time. We will not be making a massive amount of money, it will just be turning a hobby into profit, so will we have to pay tax or any other charges on whatever we earn? I have been told you can earn up to £4,999 without having to pay tax. Do I need to declare the money being earned even if it's less than this amount?

Accounting

Vehicles that are considered for tax relief

I am about to replace my car and have been told by my accountant that 25 per cent relief is allowed on cars and 40% relief is allowed on vans. Which vehicles are considered as 'vans' for the purposes of tax? I have quite a lot of equipment to carry around (ladders etc) and so maybe a van would been of greater benefit than a large estate car. I hope that you can advise. Thank you!

Accounting

UK tax issues when setting up a business overseas

When it comes to relocating and setting up a business overseas, there are a multitude of issues that have to be considered. Getting your tax position in order pre-departure should be high on your list of priorities.

Accounting

Tax for part-time businesses

When starting up for the first time, many people opt to retain their full-time job and set up their own business part-time. But what does this mean for their tax situation? Will the tax be deducted from the day job wage? Or is it only taken from what is earned from the business? Are they separate?

Accounting

Advice on tax and record keeping

I'm just starting a party plan business for women's clothing, lingerie and adult products. I've just graduated from university and know nothing about the legal side of businesses. What are the most important legal details I need and where can I get detailed advice on VAT and record keeping? I have already registered as a limited company, what next?

Accounting

Basic tax, VAT and cash flow for start-ups

When starting a business, there are a myriad of VAT, National Insurance, income tax and cash flow issues to consider. Clive Lewis of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales offers this introduction to what to expect.

Accounting

Do you need an accountant?

When starting a business accountants can provide a wide range of services. You can talk over the records that you need to keep for the business and whether you need to register for VAT.

Accounting

Basic tax, VAT and cash flow for start-ups

When starting a business, there are a myriad of VAT, National Insurance, income tax and cash flow issues to consider. Clive Lewis of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales offers this introduction to what to expect.

Accounting

Do you need an accountant?

When starting a business accountants can provide a wide range of services. You can talk over the records that you need to keep for the business and whether you need to register for VAT.

Accounting

Find an accountant

When you run a business, you are legally required to keep certain financial records, like tax returns and VAT details. You might decide to do some of this yourself, but you need to weigh up the cost of a professional accountant against the time and potential headaches it could cause you.

Accounting

Income tax, National Insurance and VAT

Red tape is a necessary evil in all businesses, so you need to make sure you're on top of it.

Accounting

PAYE for sole traders

If operating as a sole trader, profits (or losses) will be taxed under Income Tax rules and you can continue working in employment under PAYE (Pay As You Earn).

Accounting

Christmas cash flow tips

As shown by a recent Smallbusiness.co.uk poll Christmas can be a difficult time for small businesses as sales fall away over the festive period causing cash flow problems. Follow these ten golden rules to avoid financial headaches over Christmas and into the new year.

Business Loans

A guide to getting a small business loan

Everything you need to know on what small business loans are and what types of loan are available for your business.

Partner content

Small business owners: discover alternative funding solutions to help fuel your growth

Business Technology

Why you should upgrade your tech now rather than later

To run an optimal business, you must have optimal tech. We explain why you must upgrade your business technology on a regular basis

Investing in a franchise

Should I buy a franchise or go solo?

Starting a new business is an exciting venture. But – especially in well-established industry sectors – a key question is whether it would be better to buy a franchise or go solo.