Category Archives: Corporation Tax

Understanding Top Slicing Relief: Why It Doesn’t Always Save You Tax

Top slicing relief discussion

When you cash in a life insurance bond or certain investment policies, you might face something called a “chargeable event gain.” This is the profit built up inside the policy, which HMRC treats as income in the year you cash it in. The problem? The whole gain is added to your income for that year,

Why Both Spouses Should Be Involved in the Family Business

family business spouses

I was recently asked a really good question by a client. This husband and wife couple had been running their company together for many years. The husband started the business, and over time his wife became more and more involved, eventually taking on the admin and day-to-day running. At the start, some alphabet shares were

Should You Have a Company Car? The most asked Question we get!

DNA Branded Mini company car tax

If I were to create a hit list of questions asked by clients, the one that would be in our top 3 would be around company cars and company car tax implications. A company car is often seen as a desirable perk — but in reality, whether it’s a good idea depends on who you

Busting the Myths About Taking Your Pension Tax-Free

Gillian (woman) talking on the phone about pension tax-free myths

Over the years, many of us end up with several pensions from different jobs — some large, some small, and sometimes a bit forgotten about until retirement looms. When it comes time to draw from them, one question comes up again and again: “Can I take the whole thing tax-free?” The rules around pensions 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

Not All That Glitters Is R&D: Why HMRC Is Clamping Down on Dodgy Claims

R&D tax relief - women planning on whiteboard

At DNA Accountants, we’ve seen a worrying pattern lately: clients who were encouraged by so-called Research & Development (R&D) “specialist” firms to make claims they never should have submitted. The result? HMRC is now knocking on the door, asking for the money back – and in some cases, charging penalties on top. R&D tax relief

Buying or Leasing a Van: What’s Best for Your Business?

Buying or Leasing a Van - man loading boxes into van

If you’re a business owner, choosing between buying or leasing a van can feel like a big decision. In this guide, we break down the pros, cons, and tax advantages of buying or leasing a van, so you can make a choice that suits your business needs and budget. What’s the Difference When Buying or

Why Alphabet Shares Could Be a Smart Move for Your Business

Woman thinking about alphabet shares structure dividends for family businesses

If you run a limited company, you might assume all shares are created equal. But that doesn’t have to be the case — and in many small businesses, it shouldn’t be. Creating different types of shares, known as alphabet shares (like A shares, B shares, C shares etc), can offer you flexibility, control, and some