BP Accounting

19/10/2026

🏡 Planning an HMO conversion in Stoke-on-Trent? The rules could be changing!

If you’re a landlord or property investor looking to convert a residential property into a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO), this is an important update.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council has approved plans for city-wide Article 4 planning controls, with implementation scheduled for 23rd October 2026.

Under the proposed changes, converting a family home into a small HMO could require planning permission, even where the conversion would previously have fallen under permitted development rights.

📍 What does this mean for local landlords?

Whether you’re purchasing your next investment property, expanding your rental portfolio or planning an HMO conversion, it’s important to check the planning position before committing to any work.

⚠️ The important bit: The proposals are subject to the statutory process, including consultation and a subsequent confirmation decision. Don’t assume the new controls are already fully in force.

At BP Accounting, we support landlords and property investors with property accounts, rental income, tax planning and business finances.

💗 Investing in property? Make sure your numbers work before making your next move.

📍 Based in Stafford, supporting landlords and property businesses across Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire and the UK.

📩 Get in touch to discuss your property accounting and tax requirements.

🌐 bpastaffs.co.uk

Follow BP Accounting for local landlord updates, UK property tax changes, HMRC news and practical business support.

19/10/2026

Alert for company directors: New tax return rules mean more info is now mandatory in your self-assessment. Think close companies and dividends. Make sure you're ready. Find out why this matters and what you need to have to hand for your next tax return.

Company directors who complete a self-assessment tax return should be aware of

17/10/2026

💗 Booking half-term childcare? Your £80 could become £100!

With half-term approaching, childcare costs can quickly add up. But did you know the Government could help cover some of those costs? 👀

Through the Tax-Free Childcare scheme, eligible working parents can receive a Government top-up towards approved childcare, including holiday clubs!

💷 Here’s how it works:

✨ You pay in £80
✨ The Government adds £20
✨ You have £100 towards eligible childcare costs!

You can receive up to £500 every three months per child, or £1,000 for a disabled child, subject to eligibility.

And it’s not just for parents who are employed. Self-employed parents may qualify too!

The scheme can help with approved nurseries, childminders, after-school clubs and holiday clubs.

📌 Already using Tax-Free Childcare? Remember to reconfirm your eligibility every three months.

Check your eligibility and make sure your childcare provider accepts Tax-Free Childcare payments through GOV.UK.

At BP Accounting, we’re here to keep you informed about tax changes, Government support and opportunities that could help you and your family.

💗 Because your money matters, both in business and at home.

📍 Based in Stafford, supporting individuals, families and businesses across the UK.

🌐 bpastaffs.co.uk

Follow BP Accounting for useful UK tax updates, financial support information and ways to make more of your money.

16/10/2026

Alert for businesses trading between Great Britain and Northern Ireland: a new customs platform is launching soon. Make sure you pre-enrol to avoid disruptions with your goods movements after 20 October 2026. Find out why this switch matters and how to prepare today.

Businesses using the Trader Support Service (TSS) to move goods between Great

16/10/2026

💷 Your pension could soon be included in your estate for Inheritance Tax. Are you prepared?

A significant change to UK Inheritance Tax rules is coming, and it could affect how much of your wealth you leave behind.

From 6th April 2027, most unused pension funds and pension death benefits will be included in a deceased person’s estate when calculating Inheritance Tax (IHT).

Previously, many pensions could be passed to beneficiaries outside the estate for IHT purposes.

So what does this mean for you and your family?

If you have a pension, own property or have built up savings and investments, this change could affect your estate planning.

It may be time to review:

💗 Your pension beneficiary nominations
💗 Your will and existing estate arrangements
💗 Your potential Inheritance Tax liability
💗 How your beneficiaries would fund any tax due

Does this mean everyone will pay more Inheritance Tax?

No. Existing exemptions, allowances and individual circumstances still matter. Some pension death benefits also remain exempt.

However, it’s important not to assume that your pension will automatically pass outside your estate.

At BP Accounting, we believe good tax planning isn’t just about protecting your money today. It’s also about understanding what happens to it in the future.

📍 Based in Stafford, supporting individuals, families and businesses across the UK.

📩 Concerned about how these changes could affect your estate? Get in touch.

🌐 bpastaffs.co.uk

Follow BP Accounting for UK tax updates, Inheritance Tax changes and practical financial guidance.

More than numbers. Your money matters.

15/10/2026

Selling a UK home? Your property gains need reporting to HMRC within 60 days, even if you don't usually fill out a tax return. Miss the deadline and penalties could apply. Find out why this matters for your next sale and how to stay on the right side of tax rules.

Anyone selling a UK residential property usually needs to report the disposal to

14/10/2026

💷 Capital Gains Tax changes: is a tax increase still on the cards?

With the Autumn Budget approaching on 28th October 2026, there’s growing speculation about what could happen to Capital Gains Tax (CGT).

Recent reports suggest the Chancellor may have ruled out aligning Capital Gains Tax rates with Income Tax rates.

But that doesn’t mean CGT rates won’t increase! 👀

Currently, the main Capital Gains Tax rates are:

💗 18% for basic-rate taxpayers
💗 24% for higher-rate taxpayers

A smaller increase could still be announced in the upcoming Budget.

Who could be affected?

🏡 Landlords selling investment properties
💼 Business owners selling shares or businesses
📈 Investors disposing of shares or other chargeable assets
💷 Individuals considering significant asset disposals

It’s important to remember that these are press reports, not confirmed Government announcements.

If you’re considering selling a property, business or investment, understanding your potential Capital Gains Tax liability is essential.

At BP Accounting, we help individuals, landlords and company directors understand their tax position and plan ahead.

Don’t make financial decisions based on rumours. Make them based on your numbers.

📍 Based in Stafford, supporting clients across the UK.

💌 Follow BP Accounting for UK Budget updates, Capital Gains Tax changes, HMRC news and practical tax planning insights.

🌐 bpastaffs.co.uk

More than numbers. Real support for you and your business.

14/10/2026

Capital allowances face new limits for early project costs. If you're investing in development, this update could change your tax deductions. Find out why this matters now.

The tax treatment of predevelopment costs has been the subject of a recent

13/10/2026

🛍️ The company bank account is NOT your personal shopping account!

Just because you’re the director doesn’t mean every penny in the company bank account belongs to you personally. 👀

And unfortunately, HMRC isn’t particularly impressed by the argument “But it’s my company!” 😂

Taking money from your limited company needs to be accounted for correctly, whether that’s through:

💗 Salary
💗 Dividends
💗 Reimbursement of legitimate business expenses
💗 Your director’s loan account

Getting it wrong could mean unexpected personal tax liabilities, additional Corporation Tax charges or an overdrawn director’s loan account.

The good news? With proper tax planning, there are ways to withdraw money from your company tax-efficiently.

At BP Accounting, we help company directors understand their finances, plan ahead and avoid unnecessary tax bills.

Because earning the money is one thing. Keeping more of it, legally, is even better.

📍 Based in Stafford, supporting limited companies and small businesses across the UK.

📩 Looking for an accountant who’ll help you understand the bigger picture? Get in touch.

🌐 bpastaffs.co.uk

Follow BP Accounting for UK tax tips, HMRC updates and practical support for company directors and business owners.

13/10/2026