The Accounts Centre

15/10/2026

£8.2 billion in R&D tax relief. But fewer businesses are claiming.

New HMRC figures reveal that the total value of Research & Development tax relief increased by 5%, while the number of claims fell by 17%.

And the average claim value? Up 27%.

It's an interesting trend, particularly for businesses investing in developing new products, processes or technology.

R&D tax relief isn't just about laboratories and scientists.

Some businesses undertaking qualifying projects to overcome scientific or technological uncertainty may be eligible without realising it.

Of course, not every improvement or innovation qualifies, and the rules around claims are strict.

But if your business is investing in genuine research and development, it's worth understanding whether tax relief could be available.

Don't overlook potential tax relief simply because you haven't explored it.

Speak to us if you'd like to discuss whether your business could qualify.

13/10/2026

Your pension could soon leave your family with a much bigger Inheritance Tax bill.

From April 2027, most unused pension funds will be included in your estate for Inheritance Tax purposes.

With thresholds frozen until 2031, thousands more families could be affected.

Our latest blog explains what's changing, who could be affected and why reviewing your pension and estate planning now is important.

👇 Read the full article below.

08/10/2026

Another Making Tax Digital update is here.

From April 2027, MTD for Income Tax expands to sole traders and landlords with qualifying income over £30,000.

And unlike the first group, there will be no penalty free grace year for quarterly updates.

Our latest blog covers the new threshold, who will be affected, software requirements and what you should be doing now to prepare.

👇 Read the full article below.

Making Tax Digital for Income Tax will affect a much larger group of sole traders and landlords from 6 April 2027.

06/10/2026

Does running a business feel like it comes with more tax admin every year?

You're certainly not alone.

A new survey of the small business community found that **61.6% believe the legislative burden has worsened over the last 12 months.**

And 62.8% said they had been directly affected by legislative changes.

MTD.

Payroll changes.

Tax deadlines.

Record keeping.

New reporting requirements.

Keeping on top of the numbers is one thing. Keeping up with the rules surrounding them is another.

That's a big part of what a good accountant should take off your plate.

Less time worrying about what HMRC needs from you.

More time actually running your business.

01/10/2026

It’s crunch time for Self Assessment.

January might feel a while away, but now is the time to start getting everything together.

Bank statements.

Income records.

Business expenses.

Invoices and receipts.

Anything your accountant needs to complete your return.

The earlier you get your records submitted, the more time there is to deal with any missing information, answer questions and work out exactly what you owe.

Leaving it until January only adds unnecessary pressure.

If we prepare your Self Assessment, start getting your records over to us now.

Future you will be glad you did.

29/09/2026

Our October News Round Up is here.
This month, we cover:
• A record 48,189 HMRC tax penalties being cancelled
• UK inflation rising to 3.1%
• AI helping drive surprise UK economic growth
• Growing concerns around the UK tax environment
👇 Read our latest News Round Up for the key updates you need to know.

For individuals and businesses, the figures are an important reminder that receiving an HMRC tax penalty does not necessarily mean the matter is closed.

24/09/2026

Interest rates are staying at 3.75%.

But that doesn't mean businesses should stop thinking about borrowing costs.

UK inflation has risen to 3.1%, and the Bank of England has warned that its position could change if inflation continues towards 4%.

For businesses with loans, overdrafts or plans to borrow, that uncertainty matters.

So does knowing what your business can actually afford.

What happens to cash flow if borrowing costs increase?

How much headroom do you have each month?

Would planned investment still make financial sense?

You can't control interest rates.

You can make sure your business is prepared for them.

Good forecasting gives you the numbers before you have to make the decision.

22/09/2026

Company director? Your Self Assessment now requires more information.

From the 2025/26 tax year, directors of close companies who complete a Self Assessment return must provide additional details to HMRC.

That includes:

• The company name and registration number
• Dividend income received from the company
• Your percentage shareholding

And there is an important detail that could easily be missed.

Even if you're an unpaid director, own 0% of the company or the company is dormant, the new boxes may still need completing.

HMRC has confirmed that incorrect completion could result in a £60 penalty.

Tax returns are getting more detailed, not less.

If you're a company director and we handle your Self Assessment, we'll make sure the right information is reported.

17/09/2026

Could your business cope if borrowing became more expensive?

UK government borrowing costs have recently reached levels not seen for decades.

At the same time, businesses are facing continued uncertainty around tax, energy costs and inflation.

For small businesses, that matters.

An overdraft becomes more expensive.

A business loan costs more to service.

Margins get squeezed as other costs rise.

And suddenly a business that looks profitable on paper can find itself short of cash.

This is why cash flow forecasting matters.

Don't wait until money becomes tight to find out where the pressure points are.

Know what your business can comfortably afford now, and what the numbers would look like if costs rise again.

15/09/2026

Selling, gifting or transferring a valuable asset?

Capital Gains Tax can apply in more situations than you might expect, even when no money changes hands.

Our latest blog covers the key Capital Gains Tax rules for 2026/27, including current rates, the £3,000 allowance, property, investments, gifts and available reliefs.

👇 Read the full article below.
https://www.theaccountscentre.co.uk/capital-gains-tax-rules/