September 8, 2026
Confirmation Statement Overdue? What Happens and How to Fix It
There is no automatic late filing penalty for a confirmation statement. The real risks are a £250–£2,000 penalty, daily charges, strike-off and a criminal…
Read articleUK tax and accounting guides for business owners
Plain-English guides to company accounts, Corporation Tax, VAT, Self Assessment, MTD and payroll.
September 8, 2026
Companies House Late Filing Penalties — and How to Appeal
The full Companies House late filing penalty bands, the doubling rule, and the excuses the registrar explicitly rejects — including relying on your accountant.
Read articleSeptember 8, 2026
Companies House Filing Deadlines 2026: Accounts, CS01 and Penalties
Every Companies House deadline for 2026 — accounts (9 months), first accounts (21 months), confirmation statement (14 days), ARD change rules and the penalty…
Read articleSeptember 8, 2026
Employer NI at 15% from £5,000: What It Means for Director Pay
Employer NI is 15% above a £5,000 threshold. The cost at each salary level, why salary still beats dividends to £12,570, and where the…
Read articleSeptember 7, 2026
How to Pay Yourself a Dividend Legally (Vouchers, Minutes, Timing)
Distributable profits, board minutes, dividend vouchers and the date a dividend counts as paid. What the Companies Act actually requires, and the cost of…
Read articleSeptember 7, 2026
The Most Tax-Efficient Director Salary for 2026/27
£12,570 for most sole directors — with full arithmetic. Employer NIC at 15%, the £5,000 threshold, and why single-director companies cannot claim Employment Allowance.
Read articleSeptember 7, 2026
Dividend Allowance Explained: How Much Is Tax-Free This Year?
The dividend allowance is £500 for 2026/27, down from £2,000. How it stacks with unused Personal Allowance, what it is worth, and when you…
Read articleSeptember 7, 2026
Dividend Tax Rates 2026/27: The New 10.75% and 35.75% Bands
Dividend tax rose on 6 April 2026 to 10.75%, 35.75% and 39.35%, with a £500 allowance. Full comparison table, worked examples and which year…
Read articleSeptember 6, 2026
How Much Does an Accountant Cost for a Sole Trader?
What a sole trader accountant actually costs in 2026, why most published price lists are limited company prices, and the five things that move…
Read articleSeptember 6, 2026
Dormant vs Non-Trading Company: The Difference That Causes Penalties
Non-trading is not a filing status. A non-trading company can still owe Corporation Tax and a CT600, and still be barred from filing dormant…
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