taxplanning Archives - Zen Chartered Accountants

Why Creatives Need a Niche Accountant — And What That Really Means

In today’s creator-led economy, more artists, designers, writers, filmmakers and other creatives are turning passion into business. Yet while creativity fuels innovation, the financial side is often complex, inconsistent and misunderstood. That’s precisely why a niche accountant for creatives isn’t just a luxury — it’s a strategic advantage. 1. Creative Income Isn’t “Traditional Income” Unlike […]

Why Creatives Need a Niche Accountant — And What That Really Means Read More »

Can I Pay My Spouse a Wage? The Tax Benefits (and Rules) Explained

Uncategorised / craigwilliams

If you’re self-employed or run your own limited company and your partner helps out in the business, you might have wondered if you can pay them a wage. Even if they don’t, maybe you’re looking for smart ways to manage tax and household income more efficiently. Whatever the reason, this is one of the most

Can I Pay My Spouse a Wage? The Tax Benefits (and Rules) Explained Read More »

Can I build a garden office and claim it all through the business?

Uncategorised / craigwilliams

It’s one of the most common questions we get: “Can my company pay for a garden office?” The answer is yes, partly, but the rules are more complex than they seem. Like with everything involving HMRC, there are conditions to follow and boxes to tick, so you need to know what you can and can’t

Can I build a garden office and claim it all through the business? Read More »

When should I look at moving from a sole trader to a limited company for tax-efficient savings?

Uncategorised / craigwilliams

This is one of the most frequently asked questions we get from business owners, and for good reason. The move from sole trader to limited company can be a big step, but it can also unlock significant tax savings. So, when does it make sense to switch? We’ve put together this mini-guide to help you

When should I look at moving from a sole trader to a limited company for tax-efficient savings? Read More »

What can I claim for running my business from home?

Uncategorised / craigwilliams

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 »

Can I reclaim VAT on gifts for clients or staff?

Uncategorised / craigwilliams

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 »

Best Way to Lower Your Corporation Tax Bill: Contribute to a Pension

Uncategorised / craigwilliams

As a business owner, one of the most efficient ways to reduce your Corporation Tax bill—and extract value from your company—is through pension contributions. Not only do employer contributions reduce your company’s taxable profits, but they can also help you save on National Insurance and build long-term personal wealth. This article explores how contributing to

Best Way to Lower Your Corporation Tax Bill: Contribute to a Pension Read More »

Relief for Furnished Holiday Lettings losses post April 2025

Uncategorised / craigwilliams

From 6 April 2025 onwards, furnished holiday lettings are treated for tax purposes in the same way as other residential lets, and residential lets and furnished holiday lets owned by the same person (or same persons) form part of the same property rental business. Prior to 6 April 2025, furnished holiday lettings had their own

Relief for Furnished Holiday Lettings losses post April 2025 Read More »

Reporting 2024/25 taxable expenses and benefits

Uncategorised / craigwilliams

If as an employer you provided employees with taxable expenses and benefits in the 2024/25 tax year, you will need to ensure that you meet your reporting obligations in respect of those benefits. This will include providing information to HMRC and to your employees. The exact nature of your reporting obligations will depend on whether

Reporting 2024/25 taxable expenses and benefits Read More »

Pension savings in 2025/26

Uncategorised / craigwilliams

Putting money into a registered pension scheme can be tax-efficient. Individuals can make contributions in their own right, or even for someone else, and employers can make contributions on their employees’ behalf (and indeed must do so under auto-enrolment). Tax relief is available on contributions up to certain limits. Auto-enrolment Under auto-enrolment, employers must enrol

Pension savings in 2025/26 Read More »

taxplanning

Why Creatives Need a Niche Accountant — And What That Really Means

Can I Pay My Spouse a Wage? The Tax Benefits (and Rules) Explained

Can I build a garden office and claim it all through the business?

When should I look at moving from a sole trader to a limited company for tax-efficient savings?

What can I claim for running my business from home?

Can I reclaim VAT on gifts for clients or staff?

Best Way to Lower Your Corporation Tax Bill: Contribute to a Pension

Relief for Furnished Holiday Lettings losses post April 2025

Reporting 2024/25 taxable expenses and benefits

Pension savings in 2025/26

Offices

Useful pages

Join our newsletter

Listen to our podcast