Category Archives: Self-Assessment/ Personal Tax

The Death of SA302s: Why Are We Still Being Asked for Them?

Introduction For many years, the SA302 was the go-to document for self-employed individuals applying for mortgages. Accountants were frequently asked to provide these forms to verify a client’s income. However, in 2017, HMRC stopped issuing SA302s directly to accountants, instead providing alternative ways for taxpayers to prove their income. Yet, eight years later, mortgage advisors

Who We Don’t Work With (And Who Might Be a Perfect Fit)

Two young businesswomen talking near the office building, having a small talk during the coffee break outdoors.

We love working with businesses that align with our values and approach. But we also know that not every client is the right fit—and that’s okay! Being upfront about this helps both of us save time and focus on businesses where we can really make a difference. In this post, we’ll share some red flags

Managing client expectations: How long will it take?

people working in an office with computers

We love working with our clients, but let’s be real – nobody enjoys chasing emails about deadlines. So, to keep things running smoothly, here’s a handy guide on when you can expect your accounts, tax returns, payroll, and everything in between to be completed. Key to Timelines ✅ Timelines below are based on receiving all

Capital Gains Tax: Reporting in 60 Days

Capital Gains Tax Reporting

The 60-Day Rule: What You Need to Know In 2021, HMRC introduced a significant change for UK residents selling property (not your main home). Now, if you sell a property and make a taxable profit, you must: Report the sale to HMRC within 60 days of the completion date. Pay any CGT due within the

Accounting vs. bookkeeping: Clearing up the confusion

Accounting vs bookkeeping

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

Behind the scenes of double-entry bookkeeping with Xero: Why the details matter

bookkeeping

For many small business owners, bookkeeping might feel like a bit of a mystery. You upload receipts, reconcile bank transactions, and assign account codes, but what’s really happening behind the scenes? At DNA, we love pulling back the curtain to show how double-entry bookkeeping – the unsung hero of good financial management – works its

Demystifying tax codes: a business owner’s guide to 1257L and 0T

tax codes

When you dreamed of running your own business, you probably didn’t kick your heels in delight for the day you’d have to deal with tax codes! While a good understanding of them is needed to avoid paying more tax than necessary, they’re really not as complicated as they seem. Let’s look at how to find

Dividend tax: what is it and how does it impact your business?

dividend tax

As a limited company owner, you’ll most likely pay yourself using a combination of salary and dividends. While it’s often the most tax-efficient way to withdraw money, be careful! Dividends have different tax rules compared to a normal salary. Don’t worry – we’re going to walk through what they mean for your business and how

Credit Control: Chasing invoices and lending clients money for no gain

credit control

In the bustling world of UK business, maintaining a healthy cash flow is paramount. Credit control, the process of managing a company’s credit policies, plays a crucial role in ensuring that invoices are paid on time and that the business does not inadvertently become a lender to its clients. Here’s a deep dive into effective

The importance of providing bank statements to your accountant despite Xero direct feeds

providing bank statements to your accountant

In today’s digital world, tools like Xero have made managing business finances much easier. With direct bank feeds, your transactions automatically show up in your accounting software, saving you time and effort. But even though this technology is fantastic, it isn’t perfect. That’s why your accountant might still ask for copies of your physical bank