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
Category Archives: Tax Planning & Saving Tips
Corporation Tax, Director’s Pay vs Dividends, MTD for Income Tax (ITSA), P11D's, PAYE, Self-Assessment Tips for Sole Traders, Self-Assessment/ Personal Tax, Tax Planning & Saving Tips
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
Allowable Limited Company Expenses, Tax Planning & Saving Tips
Not All That Glitters Is R&D: Why HMRC Is Clamping Down on Dodgy Claims
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
Allowable Limited Company Expenses, Director’s Pay vs Dividends, Tax Planning & Saving Tips, Year-End Preparation Tips
Salary, dividends or both? What you need to know about directors’ loans
If you run a limited company, one of the biggest perks is the flexibility in how you pay yourself. But with that flexibility comes confusion. Should you take a salary, dividends… or a bit of both? And what’s this “director’s loan account” everyone keeps talking about? Let’s break it down in plain English (with no
Allowable Limited Company Expenses, Self-Assessment Tips for Sole Traders, Tax Planning & Saving Tips
Buying or Leasing a Van: What’s Best for Your Business?
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
Director’s Pay vs Dividends, Tax Planning & Saving Tips
Why Alphabet Shares Could Be a Smart Move for Your Business
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
Allowable Limited Company Expenses, Corporation Tax, Organising Your Receipts & Invoices, Tax Planning & Saving Tips, Xero Tips & Tricks, Year-End Preparation Tips
Year-end tax planning for limited companies – top saving tips
Year-end tax planning for limited companies is all about making the most of reliefs and allowances before the clock runs out. If your company’s financial year-end is on the horizon, now’s the perfect time to review your finances and make sure you’re not missing any golden opportunities to save tax. From pension contributions to equipment
Many business owners set up a limited company to work as a contractor or consultant. But what if things change? Maybe you’ve landed a full-time job and no longer need to invoice through your company. Instead of shutting it down straight away, you have a few options. Let’s go through them step by step. 1.
Common Bookkeeping Mistakes, Self-Assessment Tips for Sole Traders, Tax Planning & Saving Tips
Accounting vs. bookkeeping: Clearing up the confusion
If you’ve ever found yourself wondering what the difference is between an accountant and a bookkeeper, you’re not alone. Many business owners use the terms interchangeably, assuming they mean the same thing. However, while accounting and bookkeeping often go hand-in-hand, they’re distinct roles with unique responsibilities – and understanding these differences can help you make
Allowable Limited Company Expenses, Organising Your Receipts & Invoices, Tax Planning & Saving Tips
Why Allowable Expenses aren’t always Black and White
When it comes to allowable expenses, things aren’t always as straightforward as we’d like. The idea of reducing your tax bill by claiming legitimate expenses is appealing, but what happens when those expenses fall into a grey area? In this blog, we’ll explore some of the trickier expenses that aren’t always black and white, and
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