Bank deposit protection limits set to rise

The UK’s financial regulator has proposed an increase to the level of savings protection available under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS). If approved, the changes would take effect from 1 December 2025 and will be welcome news for individuals...

Exception from VAT registration

Businesses over £90,000 turnover must register for VAT, but HMRC may grant exceptions if the increase is temporary. A business must register for VAT if either of the following applies: At the end of any month, its taxable turnover in the previous 12 months has...

Are casual payments taxable?

Not all casual payments are tax-free; HMRC’s miscellaneous income rules may apply depending on the circumstances. The special miscellaneous income rules sweep-up provisions that seek to charge tax on certain income. This unusual provision, which is...

Two important 2025 self-assessment deadlines

Paper tax returns are due 31 October 2025, and new registrants must notify HMRC by 5 October 2025. Act early to avoid penalties. Firstly, the deadline for submitting paper self-assessment tax returns is 31 October 2025. If you miss this deadline a £100 late...