Bradshaw Johnson Chartered Accountants

Bradshaw Johnson Chartered Accountants www.bjca.co.uk Chartered accountants with offices in Hitchin, Hertfordshire and St Neots, Cambs

As a friendly and dynamic Practice, we pride ourselves on our long term relationships with many of our clients, some of whom have been with us for over 40 years. Such is their confidence in the service we offer, we now act for younger generations and their families as well! As well as acting for clients who are local to our two offices, we also represent high-value enterprises based in London, as

well as an extensive portfolio of national and international clients. We offer a broad spectrum of expertise in many diverse areas including industrial, commercial, farming, building, technological and professional businesses. We also liaise closely with professional institutions, solicitors and barristers on many investigations and litigation support matters.

📣 Important Companies House update for directors and business owners.Identity verification is now a legal requirement fo...
02/06/2026

📣 Important Companies House update for directors and business owners.

Identity verification is now a legal requirement for company directors and People with Significant Control (PSCs), following changes introduced by Companies House from 18 November 2025.

A 12-month transition period is currently in place, with millions of individuals expected to complete verification before November 2026.

Verification can usually be completed:
✔️ Online through Companies House
✔️ In person at selected Post Office branches
✔️ Through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP)

Bradshaw Johnson Chartered Accountants is proud to be an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP), meaning we can assist clients with identity verification requirements and help ensure compliance with the new rules.

These changes form part of wider reforms aimed at improving the accuracy and transparency of Companies House records.

Failure to complete identity verification could result in:
⚠️ Restrictions on company filings
⚠️ Delays with Companies House submissions
⚠️ Potential penalties

If you are unsure what action you need to take, or would like support with the verification process, our team is here to help.

📞 Please contact us to arrange a free consultation with one of our Partners.

📣 Making Tax Digital (MTD) is now here — are you prepared?Since April 2026, many self-employed individuals and landlords...
01/06/2026

📣 Making Tax Digital (MTD) is now here — are you prepared?

Since April 2026, many self-employed individuals and landlords with qualifying income over £50,000 are now required to keep digital records and submit quarterly updates to HMRC using compatible software.

The thresholds are set to reduce further:
✔️ £30,000 from April 2027
✔️ £20,000 from April 2028

meaning many more businesses and individuals will soon fall within the scope of MTD.

We understand that for many people, the move to digital accounting and quarterly reporting can feel overwhelming and add further pressure to already busy businesses and households.

At Bradshaw Johnson Chartered Accountants, we can help relieve that pressure by:
✔️ Recommending suitable MTD-compatible software
✔️ Assisting with digital record keeping
✔️ Managing quarterly submissions
✔️ Providing ongoing support and guidance
✔️ Helping you stay compliant with HMRC requirements

Whether you currently use spreadsheets, accounting software, or are completely new to digital bookkeeping, our team can help make the transition as smooth and stress-free as possible.

📞 Please contact us to arrange a free consultation with one of our Partners and find out how we can support you with Making Tax Digital.

⚠️ Is your business protected against unexpected risks?Many business owners understandably focus on growth, staffing and...
29/05/2026

⚠️ Is your business protected against unexpected risks?

Many business owners understandably focus on growth, staffing and profitability, but important business risks are often overlooked until a problem arises.

Taking time to review a few key areas can help protect both your business and your personal finances.

Some important areas to consider include:
✔️ Insurance cover – does it still reflect your current business activities and turnover?
✔️ Cyber security – are your systems protected against phishing, ransomware and fraud?
✔️ Cash flow – could your business cope with slow-paying customers or rising overheads?
✔️ Customer reliance – would losing one major client significantly impact your income?
✔️ Staff knowledge – are key processes dependent on just one person?

Even simple steps such as reviewing policies, improving cyber security, monitoring cash flow and documenting procedures can make a significant difference to the resilience of your business.

In many cases, preventative planning today can help avoid much larger financial and operational problems later on.

If you would like support reviewing the financial health and risk areas within your business, our team at Bradshaw Johnson Chartered Accountants is here to help.

📞 Contact us to arrange a free consultation with one of our Partners.

The Government has announced a new “Great British Summer Savings” scheme aimed at helping households with the cost of da...
28/05/2026

The Government has announced a new “Great British Summer Savings” scheme aimed at helping households with the cost of days out during the school holidays.

From 25 June to 1 September 2026, VAT on a range of family activities will be temporarily reduced from 20% to 5%, including:
✔️ Children’s meals in restaurants
✔️ Cinema and theatre tickets
✔️ Theme parks and attractions
✔️ Soft play and adventure centres
✔️ Zoos, wildlife parks and more

There will also be free local bus travel throughout August for children aged 5–15 in England.

The scheme is designed to help families enjoy affordable days out while also supporting hospitality, leisure and tourism businesses across the UK.

With the cost of living continuing to affect many households, any additional support for families and businesses will no doubt be welcomed this summer.

If you would like advice on managing finances during challenging times, our team at Bradshaw Johnson Chartered Accountants is always here to help.

📞 Please get in touch for support and guidance.

🏡 Selling a property? Don’t assume Capital Gains Tax won’t apply.Many homeowners believe that if a property has been the...
27/05/2026

🏡 Selling a property? Don’t assume Capital Gains Tax won’t apply.

Many homeowners believe that if a property has been their main residence at some point, any profit made when selling it will automatically be exempt from Capital Gains Tax (CGT). While this is often true, there are important exceptions that can affect how much tax may be payable.

For example, periods spent living away from the property could reduce the amount of Private Residence Relief available.

However, some absences may still qualify for relief, including:
✔️ The final 9 months of ownership (in most cases)
✔️ Certain periods where the property was being built or renovated
✔️ Up to 3 years away from the property for any reason
✔️ Time spent working elsewhere in the UK or overseas

Things can become even more complex if:
• You own more than one property
• You have a second home
• You have spent long periods living elsewhere
• You are married or in a civil partnership

Understanding the rules before selling a property can make a significant difference to the amount of CGT payable.

If you would like advice on your personal circumstances, our team at Bradshaw Johnson Chartered Accountants is here to help.

📞 Please contact us for guidance and support.

We understand that times are challenging for both businesses and individuals right now.With rising costs, increasing bil...
26/05/2026

We understand that times are challenging for both businesses and individuals right now.

With rising costs, increasing bills, staffing pressures and ongoing financial uncertainty, many people are feeling the strain more than ever. Whether you are running a business, self-employed, or managing personal finances, it can sometimes feel overwhelming trying to stay on top of everything.

At Bradshaw Johnson Chartered Accountants, we work closely with our clients to provide practical, supportive advice tailored to their individual circumstances. From managing cash flow and tax planning to business support and financial guidance, we are here to help you navigate the challenges with confidence.

Sometimes, a simple conversation can make a huge difference.

That’s why we offer a free initial consultation with one of our Partners, giving you the opportunity to discuss your situation, ask questions, and explore how we may be able to support you moving forward.

📞 If you would like to arrange a free consultation, please get in touch with our team today.

📢 Employment law changes are creating new challenges for small businesses.Many business owners are already dealing with ...
22/05/2026

📢 Employment law changes are creating new challenges for small businesses.

Many business owners are already dealing with rising staffing costs, recruitment pressures and increasing administration. Recent employment law updates are now adding further responsibilities for employers — particularly those without dedicated HR support.

Several of the changes introduced during 2026 affect everyday workplace procedures and employee rights, including:
✔️ Statutory Sick Pay
✔️ Parental leave
✔️ Redundancy protections
✔️ Record keeping requirements

For many smaller businesses, the real challenge is not just the financial impact — it’s ensuring employment contracts, policies and procedures remain fully up to date.

Now is a good time for employers to review:
• Employment contracts
• Staff handbooks
• Sickness absence procedures
• Parental leave policies
• Redundancy processes

Taking preventative action early can often help businesses avoid more costly disputes and compliance issues later on.

If you would like advice on how recent employment law changes may affect your business, our team at Bradshaw Johnson Chartered Accountants is here to help.

📞 Please get in touch for support and guidance.

💡 Did you know earning over £100,000 could result in an effective tax rate of 60%?Many taxpayers are surprised to discov...
20/05/2026

💡 Did you know earning over £100,000 could result in an effective tax rate of 60%?

Many taxpayers are surprised to discover that once income exceeds £100,000, their personal allowance begins to reduce — creating what’s often referred to as the “60% tax trap”.

Here’s how it works 👇

For every £2 earned over £100,000, £1 of your personal allowance is withdrawn.

So, if your income increases from £100,000 to £101,000:
✔️ The extra £1,000 is taxed at 40%
✔️ Plus, £500 of your personal allowance is lost
✔️ Meaning another £200 tax is effectively paid

➡️ Total extra tax = £600 on an additional £1,000 earned.

The good news? With careful financial planning, there may be ways to reduce your adjusted net income and avoid this trap, including:
• Pension contributions
• Charitable donations
• Tax-efficient investment planning

If you think this could affect you, our team at Bradshaw Johnson Chartered Accountants can help you plan efficiently and make the most of available reliefs.

📞 Get in touch to discuss your personal tax position.

💰 Paying Staff Bonuses? Here’s What Employers Need to KnowBonuses are treated as taxable earnings, meaning both employer...
19/05/2026

💰 Paying Staff Bonuses? Here’s What Employers Need to Know

Bonuses are treated as taxable earnings, meaning both employers and employees should understand how they are taxed and reported.

✔️ Cash bonuses are added to salary and taxed through PAYE
✔️ Income Tax and National Insurance must be deducted through payroll
✔️ Bonuses can sometimes push employees into a higher tax band temporarily

Non-cash rewards, such as gifts or incentives, may be taxed differently depending on the type of benefit provided. Some are taxed through PAYE, while others may be treated as benefits in kind.

Getting the treatment wrong could lead to underpaid tax, reporting issues or HMRC penalties.

If your business pays bonuses or staff incentives and you would like advice on the correct tax treatment, our team is here to help.

Address

Hitchin

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 5pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 5pm
Thursday 8:30am - 5pm
Friday 8:30am - 1pm

Telephone

0800 026 0854

Website

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