Our Knowledge Hub: Accounting & Tax Insights

From Budget announcements and HMRC compliance changes to profit extraction, IHT planning and sector-specific tax strategy, the CoreAcc knowledge hub breaks down what's actually happening in UK tax law — and what it means for your business. Written by qualified accountants for company directors, landlords, contractors and growing SMEs across the UK, our guides turn complex legislation into clear, actionable advice you can use before deadlines hit.

How to Read Your Company Accounts: A Plain English Guide | CoreAcc Accountants

How to Read Your Company Accounts: A Plain English Guide | CoreAcc Accountants

New to running a company? CoreAcc Accountants explains how to read a profit and loss account and balance sheet, why profit is not cash, what retained earnings mean, and which numbers to check every month, with one worked example throughout.

Limited Company Filing Requirements Explained: Accounts, CT600 and Confirmation Statement | CoreAcc Accountants

Limited Company Filing Requirements Explained: Accounts, CT600 and Confirmation Statement | CoreAcc Accountants

Running a limited company for the first time? CoreAcc Accountants explains what you must file with Companies House and HMRC, what statutory accounts, the CT600 and the confirmation statement are, and when each is due, with a worked first year calendar.

Mansion Tax and Property Tax Changes: What Landlords and Second Home Owners Need to Know | CoreAcc Accountants

Mansion Tax and Property Tax Changes: What Landlords and Second Home Owners Need to Know | CoreAcc Accountants

The High Value Council Tax Surcharge starts in April 2028, and there is speculation it could be widened in the 28 October Budget. CoreAcc Accountants explains how it works, who pays, and how it combines with other property tax changes.

Should You Use Your ISA and Pension Allowances Before the Budget? | CoreAcc Accountants

Should You Use Your ISA and Pension Allowances Before the Budget? | CoreAcc Accountants

With pension tax relief changes rumoured and the Cash ISA limit falling in April 2027, CoreAcc Accountants explains what you can sensibly do before the 28 October Budget, and what you should not do, with worked examples.

Self Assessment Deadlines: Paper by 31 October, Online by 31 January | CoreAcc Accountants

Self Assessment Deadlines: Paper by 31 October, Online by 31 January | CoreAcc Accountants

The paper deadline for 2025/26 Self Assessment tax returns is 31 October 2026, and the online deadline is 31 January 2027. CoreAcc Accountants explains who needs to file, the key dates, penalties and how to spread the cost, with worked examples.

Autumn Budget 2026: What Is Ruled Out and What Is on the Table | CoreAcc Accountants

Autumn Budget 2026: What Is Ruled Out and What Is on the Table | CoreAcc Accountants

Chancellor John Healey delivers his first Budget on 28 October 2026. CoreAcc Accountants separates what has been ruled out, what is already law, and which taxes are genuinely in play, with worked examples.

Related Party Transactions and Sham Contracts: Lessons From the Man City Ruling | CoreAcc Accountants

Related Party Transactions and Sham Contracts: Lessons From the Man City Ruling | CoreAcc Accountants

An independent commission found Manchester City used sham commercial contracts, a finding the club is appealing. CoreAcc Accountants explains what a sham contract is, how related party transactions work in small companies, and how to keep yours on the right side of HMRC.

Work in Progress and Cash Flow for Architects, Agencies and Consultants | CoreAcc Accountants

Work in Progress and Cash Flow for Architects, Agencies and Consultants | CoreAcc Accountants

Why can a profitable project still leave your bank account empty? CoreAcc Accountants explains work in progress, the new FRS 102 revenue recognition rules from 2026, and how to fix the cash flow gap, with worked examples.

Amazon and Shopify Seller VAT Explained | CoreAcc Accountants

Amazon and Shopify Seller VAT Explained | CoreAcc Accountants

When do online sellers need to register for VAT, does Amazon collect it for you, and is the flat rate scheme actually worth it? CoreAcc Accountants explains marketplace VAT rules, import VAT and the limited cost trader trap.

PAYE or Limited Company for Locum Work in 2026/27 | CoreAcc Accountants

PAYE or Limited Company for Locum Work in 2026/27 | CoreAcc Accountants

Should a locum doctor, nurse or allied health professional work through PAYE, as a sole trader, or through a limited company? CoreAcc Accountants explains the tax, pension and IR35 implications, with worked examples.

CIS Deductions Explained for Subcontractors | Verification, Rates and Reclaiming Tax | CoreAcc Accountants

CIS Deductions Explained for Subcontractors | Verification, Rates and Reclaiming Tax | CoreAcc Accountants

How does the Construction Industry Scheme actually work? CoreAcc Accountants explains CIS deduction rates, verification, gross payment status and how to reclaim overpaid CIS tax, with worked examples for sole traders and limited companies.

Bank of England Interest Rate: The Latest Decision Explained | CoreAcc Accountants

Bank of England Interest Rate: The Latest Decision Explained | CoreAcc Accountants

The Bank of England held the base rate at 3.75% in September 2026, but signalled a rise could follow. CoreAcc Accountants explains what happened, why, and what it means for borrowing, mortgages and savings.

IR35 and Off Payroll Working in 2026/27 | CoreAcc Accountants

IR35 and Off Payroll Working in 2026/27 | CoreAcc Accountants

Two major changes hit off payroll working from April 2026, higher small company thresholds and new umbrella company liability rules. CoreAcc Accountants explains what changed and what it means for contractors and the businesses that engage them.

Director's Loan Accounts and the Section 455 Charge Explained | CoreAcc Accountants

Director's Loan Accounts and the Section 455 Charge Explained | CoreAcc Accountants

What happens if your director's loan account is overdrawn? CoreAcc Accountants explains the Section 455 tax charge, the 2026/27 rate rise, benefit in kind rules and how to avoid the trap, with worked examples.

How to Pay Yourself as a Director in 2026/27 | Salary and Dividends | CoreAcc Accountants

How to Pay Yourself as a Director in 2026/27 | Salary and Dividends | CoreAcc Accountants

What is the most tax efficient way to pay yourself from your limited company in 2026/27? CoreAcc Accountants explains salary, dividends, National Insurance thresholds and Employment Allowance, with worked examples and FAQs.

MTD for Income Tax: The £30,000 Threshold Explained | CoreAcc Accountants

MTD for Income Tax: The £30,000 Threshold Explained | CoreAcc Accountants

From April 2027, sole traders and landlords with qualifying income over £30,000 must join Making Tax Digital for Income Tax. CoreAcc Accountants explains who is affected, what qualifying income means, and the steps to take now.

Mandatory E-Invoicing UK 2029 | Peppol Network Explained | CoreAcc Accountants

Mandatory E-Invoicing UK 2029 | Peppol Network Explained | CoreAcc Accountants

The government confirmed mandatory e-invoicing via the Peppol network from 2029. CoreAcc Accountants explains what e-invoicing is, who needs to act now, and why early adoption is a commercial advantage — not just a compliance obligation.

Tax Planning for E-Commerce and Retail Businesses 2026/27 | CoreAcc Accountants

Tax Planning for E-Commerce and Retail Businesses 2026/27 | CoreAcc Accountants

From DAC7 platform data to overseas VAT, stock valuation, and Corporation Tax — CoreAcc Accountants' complete 2026/27 tax planning guide for UK online sellers and retailers.

UK Technical Recession 2026 | What It Means for Small Business | CoreAcc Accountants

UK Technical Recession 2026 | What It Means for Small Business | CoreAcc Accountants

Two consecutive quarters of negative GDP growth have been confirmed. CoreAcc Accountants explains what a technical recession means for cash flow, HMRC Time to Pay, banking relationships, and debtor risk.

VAT on Business Electricity 2026 | October Cut Explained | CoreAcc Accountants

VAT on Business Electricity 2026 | October Cut Explained | CoreAcc Accountants

The October 2026 domestic electricity VAT cut to 0% does not apply to business supplies. CoreAcc Accountants explains what does and does not change for SMEs — and the energy reliefs that actually are available to you.

HMRC Crypto Stablecoin Tax Rules April 2027 | What Businesses Need to Know | CoreAcc Accountants

HMRC Crypto Stablecoin Tax Rules April 2027 | What Businesses Need to Know | CoreAcc Accountants

Draft legislation published in July 2026 introduces specific tax rules for stablecoins from April 2027. CoreAcc Accountants explains what changes and what crypto-holding businesses should do before the new rules arrive.

Business Rates Reform 2026 | What Independent Retailers Must Know | CoreAcc Accountants

Business Rates Reform 2026 | What Independent Retailers Must Know | CoreAcc Accountants

Long-awaited proposals to overhaul UK business rates are moving through Parliament. CoreAcc Accountants explains what the reform involves, who stands to benefit, and how to maximise reliefs under the current system now.

Corporation Tax Capped at 25% | Business Planning Certainty 2026 | CoreAcc Accountants

Corporation Tax Capped at 25% | Business Planning Certainty 2026 | CoreAcc Accountants

The Burnham government has confirmed Corporation Tax will not exceed 25% this parliament. CoreAcc Accountants explains what the certainty means for investment decisions, profit extraction, and long-term planning.

HMRC DAC7 Platform Data 2026 | Online Sellers & Undeclared Income | CoreAcc Accountants

HMRC DAC7 Platform Data 2026 | Online Sellers & Undeclared Income | CoreAcc Accountants

HMRC now receives automatic annual income data from Amazon, eBay, Etsy, Airbnb, Vinted and dozens more. CoreAcc Accountants explains who is at risk of a nudge letter and what to do if your income has not been fully declared.

HMRC Timely Payments Consultation 2026 | Quarterly Tax for Self-Employed | CoreAcc Accountants

HMRC Timely Payments Consultation 2026 | Quarterly Tax for Self-Employed | CoreAcc Accountants

HMRC's Timely Payments consultation proposes moving self-employed taxpayers to quarterly tax payments instead of the current January and July system. CoreAcc Accountants explains what it could mean for your cash flow.

Strait of Hormuz: How Rising Energy Prices Are Hitting UK Business Costs in 2026 | CoreAcc Accountants

Strait of Hormuz: How Rising Energy Prices Are Hitting UK Business Costs in 2026 | CoreAcc Accountants

Geopolitical tension in the Strait of Hormuz is keeping UK energy prices elevated. CoreAcc Accountants explains what it means for SME operating costs and the practical steps to reduce energy cost risk.

HMRC NI Gaps Letters August 2026 | State Pension Shortfall | CoreAcc Accountants

HMRC NI Gaps Letters August 2026 | State Pension Shortfall | CoreAcc Accountants

HMRC is contacting 800,000 self-employed people about National Insurance gaps that could reduce their State Pension. CoreAcc Accountants explains what to do if you receive a letter — and how to check your record now.

Autumn Budget 28 October 2026 | What to Expect and How to Prepare | CoreAcc Accountants

Autumn Budget 28 October 2026 | What to Expect and How to Prepare | CoreAcc Accountants

John Healey delivers his first Budget on 28 October 2026 — 78 days away. CoreAcc Accountants explains what is likely to change and the actions business owners should take now before the rules shift.

Bank of England Rate Hold July 2026: 6-3 Vote & What It Means for UK Businesses | CoreAcc

Bank of England Rate Hold July 2026: 6-3 Vote & What It Means for UK Businesses | CoreAcc

The MPC held Bank Rate at 3.75% on 30 July 2026 in a 6-3 vote — the most divided decision in over a year. CoreAcc explains what the growing hawkish minority signals for September, and what businesses should do now.

How to Build a Cash Flow Forecast for a Small Business 2026/27 | CoreAcc Accountants

How to Build a Cash Flow Forecast for a Small Business 2026/27 | CoreAcc Accountants

82% of UK SMEs have faced cash flow difficulties. CoreAcc's step-by-step guide to building a 12-month and 13-week rolling cash flow forecast — with worked examples, templates, and FAQs.

Tax Planning for Tech & Creative Professionals | IR35, R&D, SEIS 2026/27 | CoreAcc

Tax Planning for Tech & Creative Professionals | IR35, R&D, SEIS 2026/27 | CoreAcc

From IR35 and PSC decisions to R&D tax credits, SEIS/EIS funding and profit extraction — CoreAcc's complete 2026/27 tax guide for UK tech contractors, freelancers and agency founders.

HMRC SME Investigations 2026: Record Tax Recovery & What It Means for Your Business | CoreAcc

HMRC SME Investigations 2026: Record Tax Recovery & What It Means for Your Business | CoreAcc

HMRC recovered a record £6.3bn from 255,000 SME investigations in 2024/25, averaging £24,700 per case — up 23%. CoreAcc explains what triggers an enquiry and how to protect your business.

Welfare Reform 2026: What It Means for the Self-Employed | CoreAcc Accountants

Welfare Reform 2026: What It Means for the Self-Employed | CoreAcc Accountants

The Universal Credit health element has been cut for new claimants from April 2026. CoreAcc explains what changed, who is affected, and what self-employed people and small employers should consider now.

Bank of England Holds Rate at 3.75% — What It Means for Businesses | CoreAcc Accountants

Bank of England Holds Rate at 3.75% — What It Means for Businesses | CoreAcc Accountants

The MPC voted 7-2 to hold Bank Rate at 3.75% at its June 2026 meeting. CoreAcc explains what it means for business loans, buy-to-let mortgages, cash deposits, and financial planning.

Employee Ownership Trusts (EOTs) Explained 2026/27 | Tax, Exit Planning & Rules | CoreAcc

Employee Ownership Trusts (EOTs) Explained 2026/27 | Tax, Exit Planning & Rules | CoreAcc

Selling to an Employee Ownership Trust now attracts a 12% effective CGT rate after the November 2025 Budget change. CoreAcc explains how EOTs work, who qualifies, and whether it's right for your exit.

HMRC Let Property Campaign 2026: Landlord Nudge Letters & What to Do | CoreAcc

HMRC Let Property Campaign 2026: Landlord Nudge Letters & What to Do | CoreAcc

HMRC sent over 10,000 Let Property Campaign nudge letters in 2025 — and the number is rising sharply in 2026. CoreAcc explains why they're arriving, what they mean, and the urgent steps to take.

Tax Planning for Landlords & Property Investors | Limited Company 2026/27 | CoreAcc

Tax Planning for Landlords & Property Investors | Limited Company 2026/27 | CoreAcc

Section 24, SDLT, CGT, IHT — the tax landscape for UK landlords is more complex than ever in 2026/27. CoreAcc explains the limited company option with worked examples and FAQs.

Tax Planning for Healthcare Professionals | Limited Company 2026/27

Tax Planning for Healthcare Professionals | Limited Company 2026/27

Locum doctors, GPs and private clinicians face a unique tax position in 2026/27. CoreAcc explains profit extraction, IR35 risk, NHS pension traps and allowable expenses — with worked examples.

P&L Filing Opt-Out 2028: What the ECCTA Changes Mean for Small Companies

P&L Filing Opt-Out 2028: What the ECCTA Changes Mean for Small Companies

From April 2028, small companies and micro-entities must file P&L accounts with Companies House — but can opt out of public disclosure. Here's what's changing and when.

Capital Allowances 2026: New 40% FYA & 14% WDA

Capital Allowances 2026: New 40% FYA & 14% WDA

Discover how the 2026 capital allowances changes affect businesses, including the new 40% First-Year Allowance and 14% WDA.

Implementing EV Salary Sacrifice Schemes: A 2026/27 Compliance Guide for UK Businesses

Implementing EV Salary Sacrifice Schemes: A 2026/27 Compliance Guide for UK Businesses

Discover how a 2026/27 electric vehicle salary exchange protects high earners from the 60% tax trap while lowering corporate NICs.

Qualifying for the UK State Pension: A 2026/27 Guide for Directors and the Self-Employed

Qualifying for the UK State Pension: A 2026/27 Guide for Directors and the Self-Employed

How directors and the self-employed can secure a qualifying 2026/27 National Insurance year and protect their State Pension without overpaying NI.

Corporate Identity Theft: Lessons for SMEs From the March 13th WebFiling Breach

Corporate Identity Theft: Lessons for SMEs From the March 13th WebFiling Breach

The Companies House WebFiling breach showed SMEs are targets for corporate identity theft. Learn how to secure your company registry data.

Companies House Pauses New Filing Rules for Small Businesses

Companies House Pauses New Filing Rules for Small Businesses

Small companies have a 21-month reprieve as the government pauses plans requiring them to file full profit and loss accounts.

To Register or Not? Voluntary VAT Explained

To Register or Not? Voluntary VAT Explained

Learn how registering before the £90,000 threshold can unlock 20% expense reclaims and boost your brand’s corporate credibility.

Payroll Under Pressure: The Fair Work Agency

Payroll Under Pressure: The Fair Work Agency

The new "super-regulator" is here. Audit your holiday pay and SSP records now to stay compliant before proactive inspections begin.

The End of Freestanding WFH Tax Relief

The End of Freestanding WFH Tax Relief

HMRC is changing the rules for remote work. Discover how to restructure reimbursements to keep your staff benefits tax-free and compliant.

Moving Beyond CATO: The 2026 Digital Shift

Moving Beyond CATO: The 2026 Digital Shift

With the free filing portal closing, ensure a seamless transition to commercial software and secure your historic iXBRL data.

Companies House Identity Verification 2026 | Directors and PSCs | CoreAcc Accountants

Companies House Identity Verification 2026 | Directors and PSCs | CoreAcc Accountants

From 18 November 2025, all UK directors and PSCs must verify their identity with Companies House. CoreAcc Accountants explains the deadline, the process, the consequences of failure to comply, and how we can verify you as a registered ACSP.

Director's Guide to Allowable Business Expenses 2026/27 | Wholly & Exclusively | CoreAcc

Director's Guide to Allowable Business Expenses 2026/27 | Wholly & Exclusively | CoreAcc

From mileage and home office to staff entertaining and electric vehicles — CoreAcc's complete 2026/27 guide to allowable business expenses for limited company directors, with worked examples and FAQs.

HMRC Doubles Corporation Tax Late Filing Penalties from 1 April 2026 | CoreAcc Accountants

HMRC Doubles Corporation Tax Late Filing Penalties from 1 April 2026 | CoreAcc Accountants

From 1 April 2026, the penalty for a late Corporation Tax return doubles from £100 to £200. CoreAcc Accountants explains the full penalty schedule, late payment interest, and how to avoid escalating charges.

BADR Rate Rise April 2026: 14% to 18% | Exit Planning Guide | CoreAcc Accountants

BADR Rate Rise April 2026: 14% to 18% | Exit Planning Guide | CoreAcc Accountants

Business Asset Disposal Relief rises to 18% on 6 April 2026 — seventeen days away. CoreAcc Accountants explains who qualifies, what the rise costs, how MVL timing works, and what can still be done before the deadline.

Dividend Tax Hike 2026/27 | Is Your Profit Extraction Still Efficient? | CoreAcc Accountants

Dividend Tax Hike 2026/27 | Is Your Profit Extraction Still Efficient? | CoreAcc Accountants

Dividend tax rates rise by 2 percentage points from 6 April 2026. CoreAcc Accountants models the optimal salary, dividend, and pension mix for director shareholders and shows what the rise actually costs.

2026 Business Rates Revaluation | New Multipliers, Transitional Relief and Appeals | CoreAcc Accountants

2026 Business Rates Revaluation | New Multipliers, Transitional Relief and Appeals | CoreAcc Accountants

From 1 April 2026, new rateable values take effect across England. CoreAcc Accountants explains the new multipliers, retail and hospitality relief, transitional caps, and how to challenge your new bill if it is wrong.

R&D Tax Relief 2026 Merged Scheme | Audit Proof Claims and HMRC Compliance | CoreAcc Accountants

R&D Tax Relief 2026 Merged Scheme | Audit Proof Claims and HMRC Compliance | CoreAcc Accountants

HMRC opened over 3,000 R&D compliance checks in 2025/26. CoreAcc Accountants explains the merged RDEC scheme, ERIS, the Additional Information Form, and how to build a claim that stands up to scrutiny in 2026.

BPR and APR Changes April 2026: What Family Business Owners Must Do Now | CoreAcc Accountants

BPR and APR Changes April 2026: What Family Business Owners Must Do Now | CoreAcc Accountants

From 6 April 2026, Business Property Relief and Agricultural Property Relief are capped at £2.5 million per person. CoreAcc Accountants explains the full impact, who is affected, and the planning steps to take in the next 31 days.

Late Payment Law 2026: 60 Day Cap, Statutory Interest and Your Rights | CoreAcc Accountants

Late Payment Law 2026: 60 Day Cap, Statutory Interest and Your Rights | CoreAcc Accountants

From April 2026, large firms face a 60-day payment cap and fines of tens of millions of pounds for persistent late payment. CoreAcc Accountants explains your rights, how to calculate interest owed, and how to enforce payment.

How to Calculate Dividends and Avoid Illegal Dividends 2026 | CoreAcc Accountants

How to Calculate Dividends and Avoid Illegal Dividends 2026 | CoreAcc Accountants

An illegal dividend can be reclassified as a director's loan — triggering a 33.75% Section 455 tax charge. CoreAcc Accountants explains how to calculate distributable profits, prepare the right paperwork, and pay dividends legally every time.

Sole Trader vs Limited Company 2026/27 | Which Structure Is Right for You? | CoreAcc Accountants

Sole Trader vs Limited Company 2026/27 | Which Structure Is Right for You? | CoreAcc Accountants

Should you operate as a sole trader or incorporate as a limited company in 2026/27? CoreAcc Accountants compares the tax, compliance, liability and profit extraction implications with full worked examples and FAQs.

New VAT Relief for Business Donations to Charity April 2026 | Complete Guide | CoreAcc Accountants

New VAT Relief for Business Donations to Charity April 2026 | Complete Guide | CoreAcc Accountants

From 1 April 2026, VAT-registered businesses can donate surplus goods to registered charities without triggering an output VAT charge. CoreAcc Accountants explains who qualifies, what goods are covered, and how to claim the relief correctly.

£10,500 Employment Allowance 2026/27 | Eligibility, How to Claim & Worked Examples | CoreAcc Accountants

£10,500 Employment Allowance 2026/27 | Eligibility, How to Claim & Worked Examples | CoreAcc Accountants

The Employment Allowance rose to £10,500 in April 2025 and remains the single most valuable NI relief for small employers in 2026/27. CoreAcc Accountants explains who qualifies, how to claim, and the situations that catch employers out.

FRS 102 Periodic Review Changes: Leases, Revenue & Section 1A Changes | CoreAcc Accountants

FRS 102 Periodic Review Changes: Leases, Revenue & Section 1A Changes | CoreAcc Accountants

The FRS 102 periodic review brings the biggest changes to UK GAAP since 2015. CoreAcc Accountants explains the new lease accounting model, five-step revenue recognition, and Section 1A disclosures — with worked examples and FAQs.

New UK Company Size Thresholds 2025 | Audit Exemption & Filing | CoreAcc

New UK Company Size Thresholds 2025 | Audit Exemption & Filing | CoreAcc

From April 2025, UK company size thresholds rose by ~50%. Thousands of businesses can now claim audit exemptions and simplified filing. CoreAcc explains what changed, who benefits, and how to act.

April 2026 Payroll Changes for Small Businesses | SSP, NMW & Benefits | CoreAcc

April 2026 Payroll Changes for Small Businesses | SSP, NMW & Benefits | CoreAcc

From Day-One SSP rights to rising minimum wages and the final voluntary year for payrolling benefits — CoreAcc explains every April 2026 payroll change with worked examples and costs.