Moulton Johnson Limited

17/07/2026

"It'll probably be fine."

Under new HMRC proposals, those five words could carry a criminal record.

HMRC is consulting on a new criminal offence for making reckless, untrue statements about direct taxes such as Income Tax and National Insurance. Not deliberate fraud. Not dishonesty. Recklessness.

This already exists for VAT and Customs. The proposal brings direct taxes into line, with talk of a maximum two year sentence and unlimited fines.

HMRC's own examples of reckless behaviour: https://bit.ly/4wELa4y

Claiming a significant relief without reading the guidance or taking advice, on the basis it will probably be fine.

Suspecting there's taxable income across several bank accounts but only checking the main one and estimating the rest.

Neither is a deliberate lie. Both could become criminal offences.

Genuine carelessness wouldn't be caught. But the gap between careless and reckless is exactly where DIY tax returns tend to live.

So if you're not sure, check. If you can't check, ask someone who can.

Questions about what this could mean for you? Get in touch on 01277 228444.

HMRC have proposed a new criminal offence for making reckless, untrue statements or declarations about what's known as 'direct taxes' - Income Tax, National Insurance and the like. For Customs and Excise and VAT ('indirect taxes'), it is already possible to prosecute individuals who make untrue stat...

08/07/2026

Late payments are pushing UK construction firms to the brink.

The numbers make grim reading:

93% of firms are being paid late, with invoices averaging 53 days overdue

20% are funding projects from their own pockets

86% are in, or at risk of, serious financial distress

Rising costs are turning profitable contracts into loss makers

https://bit.ly/4vO4zAd

Cash flow is the lifeblood of construction. These figures show why real-time visibility, robust forecasting and access to the right finance now matter more than ever.

At Moulton Johnson, we help construction companies and property developers strengthen financial performance through project costing, cash flow planning, management reporting, raising finance and strategic advice.

Resilience alone isn't enough. Better payment practices and stronger financial management will decide who thrives.

What's the biggest challenge facing construction businesses right now?

A new report has concluded that late payments and rising costs are crippling Britain’s construction sector. Firms already in or at risk of financial distress make up more than eight in ten companies.

03/07/2026

Next, in our monthly Meet the Team series, we're introducing Peter Moulton FCA.

With more than five decades of experience in accountancy, business development and commercial finance, Peter has seen the profession evolve and he's helped countless businesses grow along the way.

Peter qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1974 before gaining valuable commercial experience with Lex Motor Group and Hertz Rentals. He later returned to practice, establishing and leading the Moulton Johnson practices in Surrey and Dorset, building long-lasting relationships with clients through practical advice and a genuine understanding of business.

Today, Peter continues to support our clients and our team as a Consultant, helping to develop Moulton Johnson's Essex-based business. His wealth of knowledge, commercial insight and approachable style make him an invaluable part of our business.

When he's not talking numbers, you'll often find Peter out on the water racing Heron dinghies or behind a drum kit, where he's equally at home as a drummer and singer.

25/06/2026

Big changes are coming to Companies House filing from April 2028.

You may have received an email from Companies House recently. Under the new rules, all companies will need to file accounts digitally using commercial software, while small companies and micro-entities will be required to file profit and loss accounts (with an option to keep them off the public register).

The ability to file abridged accounts will also be removed.

https://bit.ly/4apRkx9

While 2028 may seem a long way off, now is the time for businesses and accountants to review their processes and ensure they have the right software in place to meet the new requirements.

Which accounts production and filing software do you think is best positioned for these changes Xero, QuickBooks, Sage, FreeAgent, IRIS, Taxfiler, Capium, or another platform?

18/06/2026

If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

HMRC has arrested two men in connection with a suspected £153 million tax fraud scheme that allegedly used TikTok to persuade people to hand over their tax account details in exchange for "easy money" and financial rewards. HMRC says it blocked £153 million of suspected fraudulent repayment claims linked to the scheme.

https://bit.ly/3QPd4vB

The story is a timely reminder that taxpayers and business owners should never share Government Gateway credentials, tax account access, or sensitive financial information with anyone promising quick cash, refunds, or risk-free returns.

HMRC has warned that victims could still be liable for repayments, penalties, or further investigation if fraudulent claims are submitted in their name.

As accountants and advisers, we often focus on tax planning and compliance but cyber awareness and fraud prevention are becoming just as important.

Have you seen an increase in tax-related scams on social media? What more can businesses, accountants and HMRC do to protect taxpayers from fraud?

12/06/2026

Big change coming for UK small companies: P&L accounts will be mandatory from April 2028.

From April 2028, small companies will be required to file Profit & Loss accounts with Companies House as part of wider reforms to improve transparency and tackle economic crime.

https://bit.ly/4agd7Y3

While this may seem a long way off, it's worth reviewing your accounting processes and software now to ensure you're ready for the move to mandatory digital filing and enhanced reporting requirements.

Planning ahead today can help avoid compliance headaches tomorrow.

03/06/2026

HMRC launches a new Targeted Advance Assurance service for R&D tax relief claims

For SMEs navigating the increasingly complex R&D tax relief landscape, this could be a significant development.

Eligible businesses can now apply for HMRC's new Targeted Advance Assurance pilot, allowing them to obtain clarity on specific high-risk or complex areas of an R&D claim before submitting it. The pilot is scheduled to run until May 2027.

https://bit.ly/4ub11pU

Want to know if this scheme could be right for your business? Call us on 01277 228444

27/05/2026

A business can be profitable on paper and still run out of cash.

A business can look profitable on paper and still struggle if payments aren’t coming in on time. Credit control rarely gets talked about as a growth strategy, but it absolutely is one.

Credit Control: The Quiet Discipline That Keeps a Business Alive highlights something a lot of businesses learn the hard way: https://bit.ly/4uWc7Qq

The businesses that stay healthy long term are usually the ones doing the “unexciting” things consistently well:

• Clear payment terms

• Fast, accurate invoicing

• Chasing overdue payments early

• Keeping a close eye on debtor days

• Having difficult conversations when needed

In uncertain markets, strong credit control can be the difference between reacting to problems and being prepared for them.

21/05/2026

This month it's Ian Sutton turn to spend some time in the spotlight.

Some people measure success in balance sheets. Others measure it by whether West Ham United survive in the Premier League!

Luckily, Ian manages both with remarkable composure.

Having joined Moulton Johnson Limited back in 2005 after graduating from University of Kent, Ian has worked his way up to joint Managing Director, building extensive expertise in tax, audit and accounting for SMEs along the way.

Outside of work, Ian can usually be found:

Searching for warmer climates and better golf courses
Playing fiercely competitive six-a-side football
Watching every twist and turn of Test Match cricket
Stressing about West Ham’s league position
Enjoying time with family and friends

We’re still not sure what causes Ian more anxiety, tax deadlines or a 90th-minute relegation battle.

Fingers crossed for the Irons for this weekend Ian!

13/05/2026

“The business is doing well, so why don’t I feel better off?” It’s a question we get asked a lot.

Strong revenue. Growing profits. Everything looks right on paper and yet behind the scenes, many still feel uncertain, overwhelmed, or disconnected from their finances.

Why?

Because success often brings complexity, not clarity. More moving parts, bigger decisions, and finances that evolve faster than the systems managing them. Many business owners accumulate pensions, investments, and cash across different places, but without a clear overall picture, it becomes difficult to make confident decisions.

This article breaks it down brilliantly: https://bit.ly/4deixTU . Worth a read if you want your finances to feel as strong as your business looks.