HMB Accountants

HMB Accountants Helping your business to live long and prosper

How often can you take dividends from your limited company? It's a question we hear regularly from business owners.The g...
22/07/2026

How often can you take dividends from your limited company?

It's a question we hear regularly from business owners.

The good news is that there's no legal limit on how often you can take dividends from your company, provided there are sufficient profits available to support them. Whether you take dividends monthly, quarterly or annually, it's important to make sure the right checks and paperwork are in place first.

Getting it wrong could lead to compliance issues, unexpected tax consequences, or cash flow problems.

In our latest blog, we explain:
✅ How often dividends can be paid
✅ The conditions that must be met
✅ The risks of taking excessive dividends
✅ Why many business owners choose quarterly payments

Read the full article on the link in the comments.

If you're unsure whether your current salary and dividend strategy is the most tax-efficient approach, our team is always happy to help.

Should HMRC be able to take tax debts directly from your bank account?HMRC is consulting on proposals to expand its Dire...
20/07/2026

Should HMRC be able to take tax debts directly from your bank account?

HMRC is consulting on proposals to expand its Direct Recovery of Debts powers to potentially cover tax debts of up to £10,000, with repayments taken directly from taxpayers' bank accounts where there has been persistent non-engagement.

HMRC says the aim is to recover debts through "affordable" monthly instalments, but concerns have already been raised by professional bodies about how affordability would be assessed and whether sufficient safeguards will be in place for vulnerable individuals and small businesses.

One notable point is that the consultation currently appears to contain no minimum balance that must be left in a taxpayer's account, unlike previous arrangements which required a minimum amount to remain available.

From a business perspective, it's another reminder of the importance of staying on top of tax obligations and engaging with HMRC early if payment difficulties arise.

What are your thoughts?
Do you think these powers strike the right balance between recovering unpaid taxes and protecting taxpayers facing genuine financial difficulties? Let us know what you think below.

School's out in the coming week for most Teesside families ... but the business still needs to keep running! ☀️📚For many...
17/07/2026

School's out in the coming week for most Teesside families ... but the business still needs to keep running! ☀️📚

For many business owners, the summer holidays bring a familiar challenge: balancing family time with the demands of running a business.

If the thought of stepping away from your desk fills you with dread, it could be a sign that your systems are relying a little too heavily on you. Automated invoicing, real-time cash flow visibility and streamlined processes can help keep things moving while you take some well-earned time with the family.

After all, your business should support your life – not prevent you from enjoying it.

On the blog, we explore how working parents can use smarter systems to create more freedom, reduce stress and keep their business running smoothly over the summer holidays. Click the link in the comments

HMRC wants most VAT and PAYE payments to be made by Direct Debit.Under new proposals, around 87% of businesses and emplo...
15/07/2026

HMRC wants most VAT and PAYE payments to be made by Direct Debit.

Under new proposals, around 87% of businesses and employers currently registered for VAT or PAYE could be affected, with Direct Debit becoming the required payment method in most cases. The consultation also suggests penalties could apply for not paying by Direct Debit, even where tax is paid in full and on time!

HMRC argues the change could reduce late payments and administrative errors. Critics may see it as another layer of compliance for businesses already facing rising costs and increasing administrative demands.

What do you think?

✅ A sensible way to improve tax compliance and reduce mistakes?

OR

❌ An unnecessary restriction on how businesses manage their cash flow and pay their tax bills?

We'd be interested to hear your views - let us know in the comments

Business confidence is taking another knock.New research from the British Chambers of Commerce shows that business inve...
13/07/2026

Business confidence is taking another knock.

New research from the British Chambers of Commerce shows that business investment plans have fallen to their lowest level since the pandemic. Just 17% of firms are planning to increase investment, while expectations for future turnover have also weakened.

Many business owners are understandably feeling cautious in the face of rising costs, economic uncertainty and ongoing pressure on cash flow.

But challenging times often make good financial planning even more important. Understanding your cash position, identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, and investing in the right areas can help your business stay resilient and ready for growth when confidence returns.

If you'd like to discuss your plans and priorities for the months ahead, we're here to help.

HMB is a small business with a big personality. Anyone who has spent any time with Howard will know about his love of al...
10/07/2026

HMB is a small business with a big personality. Anyone who has spent any time with Howard will know about his love of all things sci-fi – and particularly Doctor Who.

So, while we were updating our image library, we couldn't resist capturing this side of his personality. He might not be able to actually use a sonic screwdriver to prepare your accounts, but he can help you navigate the complexities of tax, accounts and business finances without needing to travel through time.

Whether you're starting a new business, growing an established one, or just trying to keep your business on track, you'll find a friendly face, practical advice, and maybe the occasional sci-fi reference along the way.

No time machines. No alien technology. Just good accountancy and business advice from a team that genuinely enjoys what they do.

AI-generated fake receipts now make up 71% of expense fraud (from a recent survey by Emburse)Let that sink in.What used ...
08/07/2026

AI-generated fake receipts now make up 71% of expense fraud (from a recent survey by Emburse)

Let that sink in.

What used to take time, effort (and a bit of nerve) can now be done in seconds with AI. And the results?
Convincing enough to fool even experienced finance teams.

But here’s the real issue:
It’s not just about big, obvious claims anymore. It’s the small, frequent expenses slipping under the radar, the ones that quietly add up over time.

For business owners, that creates a new challenge: Can you still trust what you’re seeing?

So, what can you do?
• Tighten approval levels for smaller claims
• Link expenses back to real transactions (not just receipts)
• Use smarter systems to flag unusual patterns
• Make sure your team understands the rules

AI is changing how businesses operate, but it’s also changing how fraud happens.

The key is staying one step ahead. At HMB, we’re helping clients strengthen their processes so they can focus on running their business with confidence. If you're looking for accountancy that goes beyond compliance, we're happy to help.

A major change to self assessment payments is on the horizon. But it won’t affect everyone.HMRC is proposing monthly tax...
06/07/2026

A major change to self assessment payments is on the horizon. But it won’t affect everyone.

HMRC is proposing monthly tax payments specifically for PAYE taxpayers who also complete self assessments, replacing the current twice‑yearly system from April 2029.

While the overall tax won’t increase, the timing will.

‘From April 2029, taxpayers will pay the first instalment of their forecasted ITSA liability for the 2029-30 tax year. Thereafter, taxpayers will pay instalments of their ITSA liability each payday,’ the HMRC consultation states.

‘Payday’ is defined in the consultation as being ‘divided into equal payments through the year’, effectively equal monthly instalments of 8.3% of the individual’s annual total HMRC estimated tax bill.

In the first year of operation, taxpayers will be hit by two years of tax liability in a single year.

With Making Tax Digital also coming in, the direction is clear: more frequent reporting and more regular payments.

If you're an income tax self assessment (ITSA) taxpayer with PAYE income we'll keep you informed on how this change will affect you.

We enjoyed a team get together at the Cricket earlier this week. Sadly, rain stopped play before England came into bat,...
03/07/2026

We enjoyed a team get together at the Cricket earlier this week. Sadly, rain stopped play before England came into bat, but despite the rain we all had a great time.

Everyone agreed a highlight of the evening was the amazing picnics we brought with us from The Copper Kettle and Deli Hartlepool Go give them a follow, they never disappoint!

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