Beam Accountancy

1 September 2026 – Due date for corporation tax due for the year ended 30 November 2025.

19 September 2026 – PAYE and NIC deductions due for month ended 5 September 2026. (If you pay your tax electronically the due date is 22 September 2026)

19 September 2026 – Filing deadline for the CIS300 monthly return for the month ended 5 September 2026. 

19 September 2026 – CIS tax deducted for the month ended 5 September 2026 is payable by today.

1 October 2026 – Due date for Corporation Tax due for the year ended 31 December 2025.

19 October 2026 – PAYE and NIC deductions due for month ended 5 October 2026. (If you pay your tax electronically the due date is 22 October 2026)

19 October 2026 – Filing deadline for the CIS monthly return for the month ended 5 October 2026. 

19 October 2026 – CIS tax deducted for the month ended 5 October 2026 is payable by today.

31 October 2026 – Latest date you can file a paper version of your 2025-26 self-assessment tax return.

What happens if you discover a mistake on your tax return? The good news is that errors can usually be corrected, but it is important to take action as soon as possible to avoid paying the wrong amount of tax or missing out on a possible refund.

If you realise that you have made an error after submitting your self-assessment tax return, you can normally amend your return within 12 months of the self-assessment filing deadline. The amendment can be made online or by submitting a revised paper return. For example, your self-assessment for the 2024-25 tax year can usually be amended up to 31 January 2027.

If you amend your return online, your tax calculation will be updated immediately and will show whether you owe additional tax or are entitled to a repayment. Any changes may also affect payments on account.

If the 12-month amendment period has passed, you will need to contact HMRC in writing. This applies if you need to report income that was missed from your return or if you believe you have paid too much tax and want to claim overpayment relief.

Overpayment relief claims can generally be made up to four years after the end of the relevant tax year. You must explain why you believe the tax has been overpaid, provide details of the amount involved, and confirm that the information provided is correct and complete.

Employers can usually provide bicycles and cycling equipment to employees as a tax-free benefit. The Cycle to Work scheme can help employees save tax and National Insurance on the cost of providing cycling equipment while encouraging more sustainable travel.

Under the scheme, employers can lend or hire bicycles and cyclists’ safety equipment to employees without creating a taxable benefit, provided certain conditions are met. The offer must be available generally to employees and the bicycle must be used mainly for qualifying journeys, such as travelling between home and work. Employees can still use the bicycle for other purposes, including leisure use, provided this is not the main use.

The scheme can cover bicycles, including electrically assisted pedal cycles, together with relevant safety equipment such as helmets and other cycling accessories. Two bicycles may be provided where this is necessary for a qualifying journey, for example where an employee cycles at both ends of a train journey.

Where the conditions are satisfied, employers do not need to report the benefit to HMRC and there is no Income Tax or National Insurance charge for the employee or employer. The scheme is usually operated through a salary sacrifice arrangement, allowing employees to pay for the equipment from their gross salary and benefit from tax and National Insurance savings.

The £1,000 property allowance is a helpful for individuals with small amounts of property income. The allowance provides a tax exemption of up to £1,000 a year against gross property income, meaning some landlords may not need to report their income to HMRC.

The allowance applies to income from land or property, such as renting out a driveway or other small property-related income. If your total gross property income for the tax year is £1,000 or less, you will not usually need to tell HMRC or include this income on a tax return, provided you are eligible to use the allowance.

If you own property jointly with others, each person can claim their own £1,000 allowance against their share of the gross rental income. Where property income exceeds £1,000, you will normally need to declare the income and can choose whether to deduct the £1,000 allowance or claim actual allowable expenses. However, you cannot deduct more than the amount of your income to create a loss.

The property allowance cannot be claimed in certain circumstances. For example, it cannot be used where the income is from a property business connected to a company or partnership involving you or someone connected to you. It also cannot be used if you claim the tax claim  for residential property finance costs, such as mortgage interest, or if you use the Rent a Room Scheme and deduct actual expenses instead.

Cash basis accounting is a simplified method used by sole traders and other unincorporated businesses to work out income and expenses for self-assessment in a straightforward manner. 

The cash basis is the default method for calculating income and expenses for self-employed individuals and partnerships when completing their Income Tax self-assessment return. Businesses that prefer traditional accruals accounting, or are not eligible for cash basis, must opt out of the cash basis when submitting their return.

One of the main benefits of cash basis is that businesses only record income when payment is received and expenses when they are paid. This means they do not pay Income Tax on money they are still waiting to receive, which can help improve cash flow management.

The scheme can also simplify accounting records. Equipment purchased for business use can usually be claimed as an allowable expense rather than through capital allowances, making the process more straightforward.

Cash basis is available to sole traders and partnerships without corporate partners. However, limited companies, limited liability partnerships and certain other businesses cannot use the scheme. Traditional accounting may also be more suitable for businesses with complex arrangements, significant stock levels or those needing accounts for finance and funding purposes.
 

Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) is a tax that may apply when you buy land or property in England or Northern Ireland. It is important to check whether SDLT applies before completing a purchase, as the tax can represent a significant additional cost.

SDLT can apply when you buy a freehold property, a new or existing leasehold property, a property through a shared ownership scheme, or when land or property is transferred in exchange for payment. The amount of SDLT due depends on factors including the type of property, the purchase price and whether any reliefs or exemptions apply.

For residential property purchases in England and Northern Ireland, SDLT is charged on a banded basis, meaning different portions of the purchase price are taxed at different rates. The current rates for a standard residential property purchase are:

• 0% on the first £125,000
• 2% on the portion from £125,001 to £250,000
• 5% on the portion from £250,001 to £925,000
• 10% on the portion from £925,001 to £1.5 million
• 12% on the portion above £1.5 million

Different rules apply for certain buyers. First-time buyers may qualify for relief, while those purchasing an additional residential property will usually pay an additional 5% on top of the standard rates. Non-UK residents may also be subject to different rates.

SDLT only applies to property and land transactions in England and Northern Ireland. Scotland has a separate tax called Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT), while Wales has Land Transaction Tax (LTT). 

An SDLT return normally needs to be submitted to HMRC and any tax due paid within 14 days of a property purchase completion. Your solicitor or conveyancer will usually deal with this as part of the purchase process.

After someone dies, the beneficiaries may find that the way an estate has been distributed does not reflect their wishes or the family’s circumstances. A Deed of Variation can allow beneficiaries to change how inherited assets are passed on and, in some cases, can help reduce the amount of tax payable. It is important to note that any beneficiaries who would receive less as a result of the changes must agree to the alteration.

A Deed of Variation (also known as a deed of family arrangement) allows beneficiaries to redirect all or part of their inheritance. This could include passing assets to another family member, changing who receives certain assets, or placing assets into a trust.

For tax purposes, where the required conditions are met, HMRC treats the variation as if it had been made by the person who died. This means the redirected assets are generally treated as passing directly from the deceased rather than from the original beneficiary. This can be useful for Inheritance Tax planning and may also have Capital Gains Tax benefits.

To be effective for tax purposes, the variation must normally be made within two years of the date of death. It must be in writing and contain the required statements confirming that the relevant tax rules are to apply. All beneficiaries whose interests are affected must agree to the changes.

A Deed of Variation cannot be used simply to avoid tax after an inheritance has already been received. Before making any changes, beneficiaries should consider the wider tax and family implications.

Many successful businesses eventually reach a point where additional finance is needed. Whether the objective is purchasing equipment, expanding premises, recruiting staff or improving cash flow, access to funding can often determine how quickly a business can grow.

Unfortunately, many applications are rejected, not because the business lacks potential, but because lenders are unconvinced by the information they receive.

Before approaching a bank or other lender, it is worth taking time to understand what they are likely to assess. Profitability is important, but it is only part of the picture. Lenders also want reassurance that the business generates sufficient cash to meet future loan repayments. A profitable business can still experience cash flow difficulties, making cash flow forecasts an essential part of any application.

Up-to-date financial information is equally important. Management accounts, current balance sheets and realistic forecasts demonstrate that the owners understand their business and actively monitor performance. Out-of-date figures can quickly undermine confidence.

Lenders also look closely at the purpose of the borrowing. A well-prepared application should explain exactly how the funds will be used and how the investment will improve the business. For example, purchasing equipment that increases productivity or investing in technology that reduces operating costs presents a stronger case than borrowing simply to cover recurring losses.

Existing borrowing will also be reviewed. Businesses should understand their current commitments and be prepared to explain how any new borrowing fits within their overall financial position. Demonstrating sensible financial management can improve credibility considerably.

Credit history matters too. Paying suppliers, lenders and HMRC on time helps build confidence, while resolving any historic issues before applying can improve the chances of success.

Business owners should also remember that banks are no longer the only source of finance. Asset finance, invoice finance, Government-backed lending schemes and regional investment funds may all provide suitable alternatives depending on the circumstances.

Finance providers want confidence that a business is professionally managed and capable of repaying what it borrows. By preparing thoroughly and presenting clear, well-supported financial information, businesses can significantly improve their chances of obtaining the funding they need to support future growth.

Energy costs remain a significant overhead for many UK businesses. Although wholesale prices have eased from the exceptional highs seen in recent years, uncertainty in global energy markets means prices can still fluctuate sharply. For many small businesses, reducing energy consumption remains one of the simplest ways to improve profitability.

The first step is to understand where your energy is being used. Reviewing recent electricity and gas bills can help identify seasonal patterns and unusually high periods of consumption. If your business has a smart meter, you may be able to access more detailed information that highlights where savings could be made.

Lighting is often one of the easiest areas to address. Replacing older bulbs with LED lighting can reduce electricity consumption significantly, while installing motion sensors in less frequently used areas prevents lights being left on unnecessarily. Businesses should also ensure that external lighting is switched off outside trading hours unless it is required for security.

Heating and cooling systems deserve equal attention. Poorly maintained boilers and air conditioning units consume more energy than necessary. Regular servicing, combined with sensible temperature settings, can reduce running costs without affecting staff comfort. Improving insulation and eliminating draughts may also provide worthwhile savings, particularly in older premises.

Office equipment is another area where costs can quietly accumulate. Computers, printers and other devices should be switched off when not in use rather than left on standby overnight or during weekends. Many modern devices include power-saving settings that can reduce electricity consumption automatically.

Businesses should also review their energy contracts before renewal. The cheapest tariff several years ago may no longer represent good value today. Shopping around or using an independent broker may identify more competitive deals, particularly where fixed price contracts are available.

For businesses planning longer-term improvements, investment in energy-efficient machinery or renewable technologies may reduce operating costs over many years. While such projects require careful financial evaluation, they can also improve resilience against future price increases.

Finally, involve your employees. Simple measures such as turning off unnecessary equipment, reporting maintenance issues promptly and adopting energy-conscious habits can make a noticeable difference over time.

Every pound saved on energy costs falls directly to the bottom line. At a time when many businesses continue to face rising employment, borrowing and operating costs, reviewing energy usage is a practical exercise that can improve cash flow and profitability without increasing sales. A regular review could reveal savings that are easier to achieve than you might expect.

The Employment Allowance can help eligible employers reduce their National Insurance costs by up to £10,500 each tax year. The allowance reduces an employer’s Class 1 National Insurance liability and is applied automatically through payroll once a valid claim has been made.

Most businesses can claim, provided they do not carry out more than half of their work in the public sector. Public sector bodies are generally excluded. Charities, including community amateur sports clubs, and employers of care or support workers may also qualify. In addition, the old £100,000 restriction on employers’ Class 1 National Insurance liabilities was removed from April 2025 meaning more employers are able to benefit from the allowance. 

There remain certain employers that cannot claim such as companies where the only employee liable for secondary Class 1 National Insurance is the sole director. The allowance cannot be claimed for certain employees, such as workers caught by the off-payroll working rules or those employed for personal or domestic work, unless they are providing care or support.

Employers must claim the allowance each tax year. The earlier a claim is made, the sooner the saving can be used against payroll costs. Claims are made through payroll software by submitting an Employment Payment Summary (EPS) to HMRC.

Eligible employers can also make claims for the previous four tax years, subject to the relevant conditions.