Accounting

Articles, guides and advice on Accounting for UK small businesses. Topics covered include: accounting software, choosing accountancy services, preparing accounts, tax efficiency, financial regulations for SMEs and related subjects.

Accounting

Is my business ready for an HMRC visit?

Emily Coltman, chief accountant at FreeAgent, provides advice on staying on the right side of the taxman when it comes to compliance checks.

Accounting

Get your books ready now to avoid a stressful self-assessment

FreeAgent's Emily Coltman gives her top tips on what you can be doing right now to make self-assessment as painless as possible.

Accounting

How to manage your accounts better in an hour a week

Accountant Emily Coltman of FreeAgent gives some pointers on seeing the bigger financial picture of your business.

Accounting

Why cash flow planning is crucial for a small business

Introduction to effective cash flow forecasting.

Employing & managing staff

Two of my employees have been overpaid for the last month

My accounts manager has informed me that two of my employees have been overpaid for the last month. How can I rectify this mistake and get the excess money paid out refunded?

Employing & managing staff

Small business owners lukewarm on RTI implementation

The introduction of real-time information reporting could prove to be a time-consuming nuisance, small business owners fear.

News

UK SMEs clueless about their own finances

The majority of UK small businesses do not understand their finances, according to the accountants that represent them.

Business Technology

Cost of building a website – expense or capital?

We are a start-up business currently having a bespoke website built (total cost will be around £10k). Will this be treated as a capital cost or trading expense by HMRC?

News

Microsoft launches free office accounting software for small business

Microsoft has announced the launch of Microsoft Office Accounting 2008, which aims to enable small businesses, from sole traders to businesses with up to 25 employees, to more effectively manage their finances.

Accounting

Accounts packages

I buy and sell cars and I am using the SAGE accounts system, however I am struggling with putting on credit notes and working out the VAT I will have to pay back.

Business Ideas & Planning

Transferring assets to a company

If you set up a limited company, can you transfer assets to the company which you already own? e.g. an existing PC, already owned? I would assume it would have to be at market value.

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.