Accounting Blog

Can you claim web hosting and plugin costs as business expenses? This guide explains what “business-related” really means, how to handle mixed personal use, common claimable website costs, documentation tips, and practical examples for freelancers, ecommerce sellers, agencies, and small businesses.

HMRC may use “estimated income” to calculate tax codes, Self Assessment bills, or payments on account. These figures are often provisional and can be wrong if information is missing or outdated. Understanding why estimates arise—and how to correct them—can help you avoid overpaying tax or facing unexpected demands.

If HMRC questions your bookkeeping methods, it does not automatically mean something is wrong. This guide explains why HMRC raises queries, what they are really checking, and how sole traders can respond calmly, organise records, explain their systems clearly, and reduce the risk of prolonged enquiries.

If your sole trader profits are under the personal allowance, you may not owe Income Tax—but that doesn’t mean no obligations. This guide explains profit vs turnover, Self Assessment rules, National Insurance, and when you might still need to register or file, even with a zero tax bill.

Learn how to accurately record income when using Stripe, PayPal, and bank transfers. This guide explains cash vs accrual accounting, gross sales vs net deposits, clearing accounts, fees, refunds, payouts, and reconciliation—helping small businesses avoid double-counting, improve reporting accuracy, and keep bookkeeping clean and tax-ready.

Can you deduct business cards and printing costs? This guide explains when business cards, flyers, brochures, signage, and stationery count as allowable business expenses, how different business structures affect claims, and how to handle mixed-use, rebranding, bulk printing, VAT, and recordkeeping to make your tax deductions defensible and clear guidance.

Learn how income from digital downloads is taxed, including income tax, self-employment tax, VAT, and sales tax. This guide explains what counts as digital product income, common deductions, platform fees, international sales issues, and how creators can stay compliant while growing an online digital product business.

Messy bookkeeping is more common than most business owners realise. This practical guide explains why bad records happen, how to reconstruct accounts from incomplete information, and how to create credible, usable financial statements for tax, lenders, and decision-making—without needing every receipt.

New to business? Bookkeeping records are more than year-end taxes—they’re daily proof of income, expenses, assets, and liabilities. Keep business and personal finances separate, capture receipts and invoices consistently, and reconcile bank statements monthly. Strong records clarify cash flow, profitability, and compliance, protecting you with lenders, investors, and tax authorities.