It’s one of the most common questions business owners ask us: “I’ve paid VAT on something for my business, why can’t I claim it back?” The short answer is simple: if you’re not VAT-registered, you can’t reclaim VAT. The longer answer, however, is worth understanding, especially if you’re close to the VAT threshold or wondering […]
Why can’t I reclaim VAT if I am not VAT-registered? Read More »
Whether you’re self-employed full-time or run your business alongside other work, your home office comes with running costs. The good news? Some of those costs can be claimed back. So if you’re asking yourself, “What can I actually claim for when working from home?”, this guide is for you. Two methods for claiming business-use-of-home There
What can I claim for running my business from home? Read More »
If you’ve ever Googled “How much does an accountant cost?”, you’ve probably noticed one thing: it’s not a simple answer. Some charge by the hour, others bundle services into monthly packages, and a few seem to pull their prices out of thin air. So, how do you know what’s fair? And, more importantly, what’s worth
How much do accountants cost your business? Read More »
Thinking about buying a business? While it’s an exciting prospect, before you sign on the dotted line, there’s one step you can’t afford to skip: due diligence. This is where you look to uncover any hidden risks, such as financial issues, legal troubles, or operational red flags. And skipping it? That’s a recipe for costly
Buying a new business? Here is a due diligence checklist Read More »
As accountants, one of the most common questions we get asked by business owners is, “Can I reclaim VAT on gifts for clients or staff?” The short answer is: yes. However, like with all things when it comes to HMRC, it depends on a range of factors and, of course, adhering to specific HMRC guidelines.
Can I reclaim VAT on gifts for clients or staff? Read More »
Ever looked at your tax bill and thought, “Where does all this money go?” If so, you’re not alone. You work hard, you pay your taxes, but what does HMRC do with it all? Here’s a breakdown so you can see exactly how your contributions are spent. First, what taxes are you paying? Before we
What does HMRC do with all the tax I pay? Read More »
Summer is a time when many of us take our holidays and slow down, leading to a natural lull for many businesses. While this might seem like a challenging period, it’s actually a fantastic opportunity to supercharge your productivity and get ahead of the game. We’ve compiled a list of actionable tips to help you
5 summer productivity hacks for business owners Read More »
At Zen, we have been passionate about embracing change, particularly in the realm of technology, as we navigate a changing business landscape. We have utilised technology to optimise our processing time, allowing us to spend more time with our clients. We’ve been a paperless practice for around ten years. When the recent pandemic arrived, it
Let’s be honest, running a business is already full-on. The last thing you need is the added stress of managing payroll. It’s not just about making sure everyone gets paid on time (although that’s important!). It’s the admin, the ever-changing tax rules, the deductions…and it all adds up, causing one giant payroll headache. So what
The benefits of outsourcing your payroll process Read More »
Ah, summer, the season of sunshine, BBQs, and… staffing nightmares?! If you run a business, you’ll know what we’re talking about: that summer often brings its unique challenges. For some businesses, summer means a surge in demand but not enough staff to manage it. For others, it’s a seasonal slowdown that leaves them paying a
Tackling Staffing Challenges During the Summer Months Read More »