Phinch Accountants and Tax Advisors

09/10/2026

Making Tax Digital: Q2 has closed 🗓️

If you're a sole trader or landlord using Making Tax Digital for Income Tax, your second quarter ended on 5 October 2026 (or 30 September if you use calendar update periods). Your quarterly update is due by 7 November 2026.

Quick checklist ✅
📲 Get your digital records up to date in your MTD-compatible software
📤 Send your Q2 update by 7 November
🔎Check your Q1 update (due 7 August) actually went through
📅 Q3 runs to 5 January 2027, with the update due 7 February 2027

Good to know: HMRC won't apply penalty points for late quarterly updates in the 2026/27 tax year. But you need to send all your updates before you can file your tax return, and points will apply from 2027/28 (4 points = a £200 penalty).

Not in MTD yet? It applies from 6 April 2027 if your qualifying income from self-employment and property (before expenses) was over £30,000 in 2025/26. From April 2028 the threshold drops to £20,000.

Want us to handle your updates, or check whether MTD applies to you?
Talk to us. 👉 www.phinch.co.uk 📞 01934 404 000 ✉️ [email protected]

07/10/2026

Scottish landlords - rent control is on the radar 🏠

The Housing (Scotland) Act 2025 put a rent-control area framework in place, but no areas have been designated yet. Councils must complete local assessments by 31 May 2027. If an area is designated, rent increases would generally be capped at CPI+1%, with a
6% maximum.

Worth watching your local authority’s progress — especially if you have a Scottish portfolio.

Scottish portfolio? Talk to us 👉 01934 404 000 📞

06/10/2026

Self-employed? Keep an eye on your post 📬

HMRC is contacting people about National Insurance gaps that could affect their State Pension. Voluntary NI can fill missing years (back as far as 2015–16 for some) - and up to around 800,000 people may be affected.

Important: a letter doesn’t mean you must pay. Check your NI record and State Pension forecast first, then decide if topping up actually helps you.

Not sure what your letter means? Ask us.

www.phinch.co.uk 🌐
01934 404 000 📞

01/10/2026

Landlords - HMRC is cross-checking rental income 👀

They’re using third-party information (including tenancy deposit schemes) to spot where declared rental income may not match. Letters urge a review of what you’ve reported - and often remind you about Making Tax Digital too.
If a letter lands, don’t ignore it. Check your figures and reply by the deadline.

Got a letter, or want a second pair of eyes? We’re here. 👉 www.phinch.co.uk 📞 01934 404 000

27/08/2026

A warm welcome to Joe, our newest US/UK Tax Trainee 👋

Joe joins us with a year of UK personal tax experience and will be working closely with both our UK and US tax teams as he continues to build his knowledge and works towards his ATT qualification. He has already made a brilliant start and is fitting in really well with the team.

To help welcome him properly, we recently enjoyed a team lunch at Bistrot Pierre in Weston-super-Mare — a lovely chance to spend time together and get to know Joe outside the office 🍽️

We’re very pleased to have you on board, Joe. Welcome to the team! 🎉

06/08/2026

Phinch are now an IRS authorised e-file provider 💻🎉

This means we can now submit US returns digitally on behalf of our clients, directly to the IRS's secure systems! To find out more, click the link 👉 https://phinch.co.uk/knowledge-hub/articles/e-filing-us-tax-returns-with-the-irs/

Find out how you can use e-filing to complete US tax returns. Hear from the experts at Phinch accountants.

04/06/2026

Phinch don't just go the extra mile, they do 20! 🚶

A massive well done to Seb and David for doing the Mendip Challenge for Weston Hospicecare 🥾 Sore legs and blisters but a great sense of achievement knowing we've raised money for the amazing work of our local Hospice 🩵

15/05/2026

Big updates are coming to our USA Tax Service 👀🎉

We’re excited to announce that we’ll soon be introducing a range of new improvements designed to make our service even better for our clients. These upcoming updates will bring added benefits, a smoother experience, and enhanced support to help you navigate your tax needs with greater ease and confidence.

We can’t wait to share more details with you soon - stay tuned for what’s ahead! 🚀

06/05/2026

Bringing a little slice of the US back to the office 🥧

Kirsten returned from the US✈️ with key limes and turned them into a homemade key lime pie for everyone to enjoy. As specialists in US tax, we’re used to working with all things American… but working with dessert is always better🍋👩‍🍳

30/04/2026

Are your accountancy fees sky rocketing for 2025/26? 🚀💰

We know the headlines. Accountancy fees are rising across the board in 2025/26 and many of our clients have been bracing for the same conversation. We know times are tough. With the cost of living still biting, the last thing you need is another bill going up.

So we've made the decision to hold our self-assessment fees for 2025/26, in fact we haven't risen our fees for the last two years.

If you're looking for a reliable, straightforward accountant, now might be a great time to switch. Here's what we offer:

✅ Qualified Accountants & Tax Advisors
✅Starting from only £25+VAT a month
✅ No hidden charges
✅ Friendly, jargon-free advice
✅ Speak to us directly, not just bots or by email

Get in touch for a free, no-obligation quote!
📧 [email protected]
📞 01934 404 000