Maximise Accounting

25/09/2025

07/04/2025

Jumping on the doll in a box trend.

Although AI is clever, it’s not that clever. Look closely at the calculators!

One of my clients recently used AI to predict her tax return figures. It was considerably different to my figures as it had missed out the basic rate tax band (ie no tax under £50k - if only!) and used an incorrect dividend allowance.

Use it for fun and inspiration, but please don’t rely on it when dealing with HMRC.

23/01/2025

Are you one of the 3.4 million people who haven’t filed their tax return yet?

The deadline is next Friday 31st January and there will be an automatic penalty of £100 for any filed late even if there is no tax to pay.

I’m only waiting for 2 to come in and a handful to pay me before I file.

Remember, if you filed ages ago, to pay your bill. HMRC sometimes send statements and reminders, but it is hit and miss.

If you are struggling to pay, HMRC have a Time to Pay arrangement to spread the cost. I’ve never known them to refuse.

If you don’t want the stress next year, I would be happy to help with your 24/25 tax return.

23/12/2024

Wishing you all a very happy Christmas!

I’m finishing today until 2nd January.

Some of you may know my husband has been very ill following a stroke and heart attack in October.

Following a stay in the cardiac unit, he moved to a neurological rehab unit for 7 weeks where has learned to walk again following paralysis of his left hand side.

He came home last Tuesday and is coping brilliantly. We haven’t needed any adaptations to the house and he doesn’t need a wheelchair.

Thankfully, I’ve been able to carry on working, thanks to the technology that enables me to work from anywhere. It has been a very welcome distraction.

Enjoy your Christmas, appreciate the simple things and it doesn’t need to be perfect.

See you in 2025!

10/10/2024

The best way for new prospects to contact me is via the contact form on my website maximiseaccounting.com.

I also have pricing on my website to save you calling if my fees aren’t what you are expecting.

I’m always happy to talk to existing clients as I have their number saved in my phone.

I tend not to answer calls from numbers I don’t recognise as 9 times out of 10, it’s a sales or nuisance call.

I answer all emails within 24 hours, usually quicker, and can arrange a phone call at a time I know I will be available.

I can’t always answer the phone if I’m in a client meeting, or networking.

If you do need to call, leave a message. I’ve had 6 calls in the last few days with no message.

Thanks for understanding.

09/10/2024

Why honesty is the best policy.

I received a call last week from somebody requesting a quote for ltd company accounts.

My starting prices are on my website, and after asking about her business, I said I would be able to do it for my starting price as it was very straightforward.

At this point the conversation turned strange and she asked how I arrived at my starting price and what did I charge my more complex clients.

Yesterday, I saw a press release that the same person was opening an accountancy franchise locally. The strange call made more sense after that!

If she had been honest, I would happily have spent more time discussing highs and lows of running a practice, and even sent clients her way if they weren’t a good fit for me.

The accountancy world is very supportive and there is plenty of work to go round, without being dishonest.

It goes without saying, clients need to be honest too!

Photo by the lovely and very honest

24/09/2024

If you are considering using software, Xero currently has a great deal of 90% off for 6 months.

I have only seen this once before - typically the deal is 50% off for 3 months.

It must be purchased by 30th September.

It is quite intuitive and most clients who switched from other software or spreadsheets love using it.

I’m not on commission, I’m just sharing what works well for me to save time and automate my bookkeeping.

It works by importing your bank feed which is then coded to the correct account type. Using AI, it recognises patterns so gets quicker to use each time.

www.xero.com/uk/

10/09/2024

My office space!

It’s not normally this tidy. I had a major declutter as it’s being decorated tomorrow.

I am paper free. I use a Remarkable instead of notepads and client work is all shared with them via a secure portal.

I always use 2 screens with a back up 3rd if necessary.

It’s quite a small space, but warm in winter as the hot water pipes run under the floor.

At a coaching session with , Cathrine asked what would my ideal workspace look like, so I’m recreating it. I’m going all in girly with pink walls , fairy lights , mirrors , a neon sign and nice accessories.

07/08/2024

I signed my 100th client today!

I could never have dreamt that would happen when I only had 3 clients in 2018 and was having to consider my options.

Thank you to everyone who has supported me, recommended me and added testimonials to Google.

It has meant my business could grow without paying for advertising.

It has given me freedom to only work with ‘good’ clients. I turn down far more than I accept these days.

Thank you!

Maxine x

03/07/2024

A reminder that a payment on account for personal tax bills is due on 31st July.

What is a payment on account? It’s an advance payment towards your next tax bill payable on 31st January and 31st July. It’s estimated based on the previous year’s tax bill.

It’s not necessary to make a payment on account if your last assessment tax bill was less than £1000 or 80% of your tax was deducted through PAYE (employment)

HMRC usually send statements to remind about making a payment on account, but don’t rely on this! Check your HMRC account to see if they are expecting a payment, either through the HMRC app or through your government gateway. If you have an accountant, check with them.

If you believe your profits have fallen and the July payment on account is too high, you can file a tax return prior to 31st July which will reduce it or advise HMRC (but they will charge interest if your new estimate is too low).

Everyone remembers the January tax payment, but it is easy to forget the July one.

30/06/2024

When you realise your Quickbooks Advanced Certification runs out at midnight at 9pm.

I’m not at my brightest on a Sunday night, but thankfully I passed, so I can help my clients who use Quickbooks.

I nearly left it as late at England to scrape through!

I’m certified with Xero, Quickbooks and Freeagent so can help clients who use any of them, although my preference is Xero.