As announced at the time of the 2025 Autumn Budget, the ordinary and upper dividend tax rates are increased by two percentage points from 6 April 2026. The additional dividend rate remains unchanged. The increase will affect those with shareholdings who receive dividend income, as well as shareholders in personal and family companies who extract […]
Taxation of dividends in 2026/27 Read More »
Not because it is wrong, but because it can create extra admin. Here is why 31 March is often worth considering for media production companies. First, it matches the tax year. That keeps planning simpler. One set of dates, fewer moving parts. It also makes life easier for directors and shareholders’ personal tax. Your company
It is the feeling that you are paying more, for something you did not ask for. I have had a few conversations recently with freelancers in film, TV, music and content who are annoyed about the extra cost of getting set up for MTD. I get it. Your work already comes with enough moving parts.
Making Tax Digital is not the bit that frustrates creatives. Read More »
We’re seeing a wave of letters from HM Revenue & Customs about businesses potentially exceeding the VAT threshold. Important point 👇📬 These letters often don’t actually ask for a response — they’re a prompt to check your figures, not an accusation or an enquiry. So if you’ve received one, don’t panic… but do take it
⚠️ HMRC VAT Threshold Letters – Read It Properly Before You Panic ⚠️ Read More »
I know that goes against what a lot of freelancers have been told for years, especially when work starts picking up and someone says, “Go limited, take dividends, save tax.” Here’s the part that often gets missed. A limited company is not just a tax choice. It is a compliance choice. It comes with rules,
But they *do* need one before “we’ll sort it later” turns into a mess you’re trying to fix mid-delivery. After 20+ years around film, TV and commercial production, I’ve noticed the same pattern: teams bring an accountant in when the pain becomes obvious… not when the risk quietly starts building. So here’s a grounded way
Most production companies don’t need an accountant on day one. Read More »
One enquiry turns into three. A “quick job” becomes a bigger conversation. People want quotes, calls, timelines — all at once. Nothing has gone wrong. It’s just that spring brings motion. I remember noticing this on a short trip between projects a few years ago. I’d landed somewhere new with a bit of time to
And yes… that can be true. But honestly, what I see day-to-day with creative people isn’t usually that they’re careless. It’s that they’re cautious. They don’t want to get it wrong. They don’t want to feel like they’re “pushing it”… or doing anything that might come back to bite them later. And I get that,
Our director Craig shares a personal experience… When I stop forcing being productive, I get more done! Surfing has been one of the best reminders of that for me. Not because I’m chasing big waves or ticking off another “hobby milestone”… but because it forces a kind of stillness you can’t fake. You’re out there,
A funny thing happens when I stop trying to be productive. Read More »
That’s the quiet reality behind Making Tax Digital. It’s not just “a new way to file”. It’s HMRC nudging self-employed people towards a more regular rhythm of reporting. And for creatives, that matters. Because most of the people I work with don’t have neat, predictable months. They have: So when someone says, “It’s just quarterly
If your work comes in waves, your admin can’t stay on an annual timetable anymore. Read More »