C B Accounting

22/10/2026

And so begins the great Government Gateway treasure hunt. Was it set up five years ago? Did your previous accountant create it? Nobody knows but somewhere deep within HMRC's systems, there's an account that apparently belongs to you and we're now expected to find it and the you need to get into it to sort something out but you can't get into it because you don't know the login details so you (we) try to recover them. HMRC wants to send a security code to a mobile number you no longer have or an email address that hasn't existed for years. Wonderful. Just wonderful. 🫣

And before anyone thinks we're being dramatic this can genuinely cause problems when we're trying to register you for VAT, access tax services or get everything set up correctly. The frustrating thing is that your accountant can't simply wave a magic wand and recover your personal login details for you. So here's a little plea … if you have a Government Gateway account, keep your User ID, password and recovery details somewhere secure and make sure your contact information is up to date.

And if you genuinely don't remember ever setting one up, don't worry. There are ways to investigate and recover access — it just might involve more than a little patience, a few security checks and possibly a phone call to HMRC because nothing quite tests an accountant's optimism like the words… “I'm sure I've never had one, Claire!”

Closely followed by HMRC insisting that you absolutely have. 😂

20/10/2026

20/10/2026

The second quarterly update deadline for Making Tax Digital is approaching. ⏰

If you’re a sole trader or landlord with a combined turnover of over £50,000, you need to send your second quarterly update by 7 November.

Get started below. ⬇️

https://makingtaxdigital.campaign.gov.uk/quarterly-updates/?&utm_source=f.co_hmrcgovuk&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=mtd&utm_content=q3

19/10/2026

15/10/2026

You know the one.A slightly battered Tesco bag proudly delivered with the words “I've got everything you need in here!” and technically you might be right.Unfortunately somewhere amongst the crumpled petrol receipts, faded till slips, takeaway menus and the occasional receipt from 2022 we now have to piece together an entire year's worth of business expenses. It's a bit like doing a 1,000 piece jigsaw puzzle except half the pieces are blank, some are missing and we're not entirely sure what the finished picture is supposed to look like.Here's a little tip that will make both our lives easier… keep on top of your receipts throughout the year.Take photos, upload them to your accounting software or save them somewhere sensible. Just make sure they're legible and you can find them when needed.Not only does it make preparing your accounts easier it helps ensure nothing gets missed and you're claiming everything you're entitled to.

So please, spare a thought for your accountant.We're quite fond of Tesco bags.We'd just prefer them to contain the shopping. 😂

08/10/2026

Honestly it's the little things.We send an email with five questions. You reply with…Five answers.All of them.In the same email and if you really want to spoil us in the same order we asked them.Five questions asked. Five questions answered. Nothing missed. No follow up required. There is a reason we're asking though. We're not firing questions at you when we already know the answers or have the information sitting in front of us we're trying to fill in the gaps so we can get your bookkeeping, accounts or tax return right. That said sometimes you might reply with “Claire, that's on the spreadsheet I sent you.” and you know what? Sometimes it is.Contrary to popular belief, accountants are actually human too. We occasionally miss things! Pointers in the right direction are always gratefully received.

So when we sends you a list of questions, don't panic. We're not interrogating you.We're just trying to piece everything together and five answers to five questions makes us ridiculously happy.

And ultimately, we're all on the same team. You know your business better than anyone, we know the accounts and when we share what we both know it makes everyone's life that little bit easier.Which is exactly how it should be.

05/10/2026

01/10/2026

Sending us your tax return information before January.That's it. That's the post. Flowers are lovely. Chocolates are always welcome.
But do you know what really says “Claire, I appreciate you”?
Sending me everything I need for your tax return in October.
No January panic. No frantic searching for a P60. No suddenly remembering an extra bank account three days before the deadline. Just all the information, nicely together, with months to spare. Honestly, it's basically an accountant's love language.
And before anyone says “But the deadline isn't until 31st January…”
Yes. I know. Please don't ruin this lovely moment. 😂