If you've ever had to hunt through old emails trying to find your Government Gateway ID, you'll be pleased to hear that HMRC is finally modernising the way people access its digital services.

The 31 January deadline has come and gone, and HMRC has confirmed that 11.48 million people filed their Self Assessment tax return on time.

Running a business is about far more than keeping your accounts in order. At Alera Accounting & Advisory, we offer a range of advisory services designed to help you make better decisions, grow sustainably, and protect what you've built.

With the new tax year approaching in April, sole traders and landlords with income over £50,000 need to prepare for Making Tax Digital (MTD). From 6 April 2026, around 900,000 individuals will be required to submit quarterly updates to HMRC using approved software.

The government has stepped back from plans to make workers register for a digital ID programme to prove their right to work in the UK. While right-to-work checks will still move to a digital format by 2029, registration for a digital ID will now be optional rather than compulsory.

From April 2027, the way employers report benefits in kind is changing. If your business provides taxable benefits to employees, whether that's a company car, private medical insurance, or gym memberships, you'll….

January is widely recognised as one of the toughest months of the year for business cash flow in the UK. After the festive period—when spending is often higher and trading activity can slow…

The UK economy continues to present a mixed picture, with recent data offering some relief for households while businesses continue to face headwinds.

Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax Self Assessment is a major HMRC reform aimed at modernising the way individuals report income. From April 2026, anyone with more than £50,000 of combined self-employment and/or property income….

The Government has announced a £725 million package of reforms aimed at expanding apprenticeship and training opportunities for young people. While the headline focus is on addressing youth unemployment, there may be meaningful benefits for small and medium-sized businesses over the coming years.

The deadline for submitting your 2024/25 Self Assessment tax return is approaching. Your return must be filed, and any tax due paid, by 31 January 2026 to avoid late filing penalties and interest charges.

The Autumn Budget 2025 introduces significant changes to how electric vehicles (EVs) are taxed in the UK. These reforms will affect both private motorists and businesses operating company cars….

HMRC has recently clarified several points in its capital allowances guidance following consultations with professional bodies. These updates aim to reduce uncertainty and make claims easier for businesses to apply. While some ambiguity remains due to the principle-based legislation, the guidance provides useful improvements for companies planning capital investment.

The Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) has confirmed that the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) deposit protection limit will increase from £85,000 to £120,000 from the start of December. HM Treasury has approved the change, marking the first rise in the limit since 2017.

The Intellectual Property Office (IPO) has announced plans to increase its fees by an average of 25% from 1 April 2026, subject to parliamentary approval. The changes will apply to patent, trademark and design applications and renewals.

This is the first significant fee rise in many years, with some charges unchanged for more than two decades. According to the IPO, the increase is needed to keep pace with inflation and ensure services remain high quality and financially sustainable.

The end of the financial year is a strategic point for SMEs to assess their tax exposure and ensure they’re operating as efficiently as possible. Proper year-end planning helps safeguard compliance, manage liabilities, and capitalise on reliefs provided under UK tax law.

HMRC has started writing to taxpayers to help them prepare for the upcoming Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax rules, which come into force in April 2026.

The UK tax landscape is changing. The government’s Making Tax Digital (MTD) initiative, which currently applies to VAT, will soon extend to Income Tax Self Assessment (ITSA). From April 2026, many self-employed individuals, landlords, and sole traders will face more frequent digital reporting obligations.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has launched a new national campaign offering no-fee specialist recruitment support to UK employers through Jobcentre Plus. The service is open to all businesses, regardless of size, sector, or the number of roles they need to fill.