Angela Rayner’s £40,000 SDLT Error – and How You Can Avoid It

Iconic London skyline with Big Ben

The recent headlines about Angela Rayner’s property purchase may have caught your attention. While the political story has dominated coverage, the more important takeaway for most people is that Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) is rarely straightforward. Where trusts or complex family arrangements are involved, the rules can be particularly difficult to navigate. What appears…

Read More

September 2025 Newsletter

Tree branches with yellow leaves

As we settle into autumn, it’s a good time to review recent developments in tax and payroll that may affect your business or personal finances. In this September edition of the Mercian Accountants newsletter, we highlight HMRC’s renewed focus on private use adjustments for business expenses, upcoming changes to Statutory Sick Pay from April 2026,…

Read More

August 2025 Newsletter

a butterfly flying over flowers

As summer moves into its final stretch, now is an opportune moment to take stock of the latest tax developments and legislative updates. In the August edition of the Mercian Accountants newsletter, we unpack the key announcements from Legislation Day 2025, including measures aimed at closing the tax gap, proposed changes to inheritance tax reliefs,…

Read More

HMRC letters to company directors on undeclared dividend income

hmrc letter 1

HMRC is contacting Company directors suspected of receiving dividends without declaring the income on their Self-Assessment Tax Returns Business owners have been receiving letters from HMRC as part of a recent campaign. These letters notify them about the potential requirement to declare dividend income. HMRC has been conducting investigations on company reserves, specifically targeting those…

Read More

Understanding Dividend Tax: A Comprehensive Breakdown for Investors

dividend tax

How much dividend tax will you owe? Get straight to the facts with our deep dive into dividend taxes. This article gives you the lowdown on rates, allowances, and formulas—everything you need to keep your dividend tax bill to a minimum. Stay informed and plan ahead for smarter investment decisions. Key Takeaways Dividend Tax Basics:…

Read More

Business Tax Accountants

business tax accountants

Navigating the UK Tax Landscape: The Role of Business Tax Accountants As a business owner or employer in the UK, you are undoubtedly familiar with the intricate and ever-evolving world of taxation. The UK tax landscape is complex, with numerous regulations, obligations, and potential pitfalls that can impact your financial stability and growth. In this…

Read More

Tax-Free Dividend Allowance

Tax-Free Dividend Allowance

What is the Tax-Free Dividend Allowance? The Tax-Free Dividend Allowance is a specific threshold up to which individuals can receive dividend income without having to pay tax on it. In the 2023/24 tax year, the allowance was set at £1,000. This allowance is relevant to individuals who receive dividends, either from investments in companies or…

Read More

Company Tax Return Essentials: CT600 and Corporation Tax

Three business people discussing the company tax return.

Introduction Welcome to our introduction to Company Tax Returns, CT600, and Corporation Tax. This article is designed to be a valuable resource for business owners, financial professionals, and anyone involved in managing a company’s financial obligations. Understanding the complexities of tax compliance can be challenging, but it is crucial for the successful operation of your…

Read More

From Registration to Recovery: The Complete UTR Number Guide

An example of how to write a letter to a friend about the recovery from an illness.

Understanding Your Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) Number Welcome to an essential read from Mercian Accountants, where we demystify one of the critical elements of UK taxation – the Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) number. Designed to provide clarity and insight, this guide is invaluable for anyone navigating the UK tax system, whether you’re a self-employed individual,…

Read More