Author Archives: Samantha Green

Entertaining staff, subcontractors and spouses – what you can (and can’t) claim as a business expense

Treating your team to a night out or saying thank you to a subcontractor can feel like a well-earned reward after a busy period. But when it comes to putting it through the books, HMRC doesn’t always share the same sense of celebration! Here’s what counts (and what doesn’t) when entertaining staff, subcontractors – and

So you want to take a dividend from your company?

woman talking about So you want to take a dividend from your company?

Thinking about taking some money out of your limited company? Before you hit ‘transfer’, it’s worth understanding how dividends actually work — and what to check before you pay yourself. Dividends can be a brilliant, tax-efficient way to pay yourself as a business owner, but they come with a few rules and responsibilities. Let’s break

Payroll basics for Employers: Everything you need for 2025/26

payroll basics for employers

As an employer (big or small), getting payroll right is essential. It’s not just about paying staff — it’s about staying compliant, avoiding penalties, and running a smooth, trustworthy operation. This guide walks you through the essentials: starter forms, right to work, P45s, submissions, P11Ds, part-time staff, holiday pay, and more — all specific to

Cars and Limited companies: mileage logs vs fuel repayments (what HMRC says)

limited company car mileage vs fuel benefit white car with the DNA logo

When you run a limited company, using a car for work can quickly get confusing. Should you log mileage and claim it back — or have the company pay for fuel? And what about tax? Let’s break down the limited company car mileage vs fuel benefit debate, straight from HMRC’s official rules, so you can

Sole Trader vs Limited Company director – what’s best for your business?

woman thinking about Sole Trader vs Limited Company director – what’s best for your business?

Why it matters Setting up as a sole trader or limited company director isn’t just a bureaucratic choice—it’s a strategic decision that affects your taxes, your rights, and your long‑term goals. Whether you’re nearing £50K income and facing MTD ITSA, or edging over £100K and losing your personal allowance, this clear breakdown will help you

Meet the DNA team: The people behind the numbers

At DNA Accountants, we’re more than just number crunchers – we’re a close-knit team that truly cares about our clients, their goals, and their stories. We believe business is personal, and we love getting to know the people behind the businesses we support. So, we thought it was about time we introduced you to the

The Construction Industry Scheme (CIS), decoded: A straight-talking guide for builders, subbies and contractors

If you’re in the building trade and you’ve ever scratched your head wondering why 20% got taken off your invoice — or whether you’re supposed to register with HMRC — you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a friendly, plain-English guide to the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) that explains everything without the jargon. Whether

Tax-saving tips for sole traders: expenses you might be missing

tax-saving tips for sole traders, orange coffee mug and notebook on a table

Navigating self-employment in the UK comes with a learning curve, especially when it comes to managing your taxes. One of the easiest ways to reduce your tax bill is by making sure you’re claiming all the allowable business expenses you’re entitled to. But lots of sole traders miss out on some. That’s where these tax-saving