News & Insights
Stay up to date with the latest thinking from the In Front Accounting team — covering tax tips, regulatory changes, and practical guides to help you manage your money with confidence.
Latest Articles & Resources
Tax rules shift, regulations evolve, and staying informed is the best way to protect your finances. Our articles break down complex topics into clear, actionable advice you can use straight away.
Browse our most recent posts, guides, and company updates below.
Incorporation Relief: Moving from Sole Trader to Limited Company
What incorporation relief (s162) actually does to your Capital Gains Tax bill — it defers the gain rather than cancelling it — plus the VAT side: TOGC treatment and transferring your VAT number on form VAT68.
Read ArticleHow to Send Receipts to FreeAgent Smart Capture
A dead-simple guide to getting receipts and supplier invoices into FreeAgent — snap them on the mobile app or upload them on your computer.
Read ArticleHow to Log In and Pay Your HMRC Self Assessment Tax
A step-by-step guide to signing in to your HMRC Self Assessment online account, using your UTR, and paying your tax bill on time.
Read ArticleSelf Assessment Help in Brentwood and Essex
Fixed-fee Self Assessment for individuals, sole traders, landlords and directors across Brentwood, Shenfield, Billericay, Chelmsford and the wider Essex area.
Read ArticleAccountants for Tradespeople in Essex
Specialist accounting for builders, electricians, plumbers and subcontractors across Essex — CIS, VAT, payroll and Self Assessment handled by a local Brentwood team.
Read ArticleSmall Business Accountants in Brentwood
A friendly, proactive local team supporting limited companies, sole traders and partnerships across Brentwood, Shenfield, Hutton and the wider Essex area.
Read ArticleHow to Take Dividends from a Limited Company (and Can You Do It Before the Tax Year End?)
Yes — dividends can be paid at any time during the year, not just at year end. The step-by-step process, the paperwork HMRC expects, and how to time them around 5 April.
Read ArticleWhat I Wish I Knew Earlier — A Guide for New Company Directors
The tax, compliance and money lessons that catch out most new UK directors — salary vs dividends, VAT thresholds, corporation tax timing, director's loans, registered office and more.
Read ArticleHow to Close a Solvent Limited Company (DS01)
Step-by-step guide to closing a solvent company — bring accounts and tax up to date, file the DS01 strike-off, notify HMRC and clear every asset before the company is dissolved.
Read ArticleClosing an Insolvent Limited Company
If your company owes money it cannot pay, a DS01 is not an option. The proper insolvency routes — CVL, Administration, CVA — and how to appoint a licensed liquidator.
Read ArticleOutsourced Xero Accounts Payable Service
Done-for-you supplier invoicing and payment runs for UK businesses on Xero. We handle the bookkeeping and prepare your pay runs; you approve payments in Wise (or your bank) and stay in full control.
Read ArticleEmployers' National Insurance Explained
What Employers' NI is, when you pay it, the current rate and threshold, and how Employment Allowance could save your business up to £10,500 a year.
Read ArticleAutomated Accounts Payable with Xero and Wise
A practical example of automated AP — clients snap or forward invoices into Xero, we review and approve, then one-click pay runs in Wise clear suppliers and reconcile back automatically.
Read ArticleOutsourced Accounts Payable, Done Properly
A simple, streamlined service — bookkeeping enters invoices, you approve, payment files are submitted and the bank auto-clears. Suppliers paid on time, books always up to date.
Read ArticleStop Paying Invoices Outside Your Finance System
Paying supplier invoices straight from the bank is the single most expensive bookkeeping habit. Here's why a system-first process cuts queries by 75% and keeps suppliers happy.
Read ArticleHMRC Starter Checklist for New Employees
When and how to use HMRC's Starter Checklist for new employees who have no P45 — including which employee statement to choose and the correct tax code to apply.
Read ArticleBookkeeping Accountability — Why a Monthly Review Changes Everything
A 30-minute monthly call to keep your books tidy, catch missing invoices and stay VAT-ready — instead of losing days every quarter playing catch-up.
Read ArticleThe £90,000 VAT Registration Threshold Explained
When you must register for VAT, the 30-day deadline, and step-by-step instructions for registering with HMRC. Based on turnover, not profit.
Read ArticleWhere Do I Find My Company Authentication Code?
Lost your Companies House authentication code? Here's how to find or request a new 6-character code so you can file online via WebFiling.
Read ArticleHow to Get Your Companies House Personal Code
A step-by-step guide to verifying your identity with Companies House and obtaining the Personal Code you need for company formation and confirmation statements.
Read ArticleMaking Tax Digital for Income Tax
MTD for Income Tax is here. Learn who needs to comply, which software to use, and how to get MTD-compliant bookkeeping software completely free via a NatWest Group bank account.
Read ArticleCan Someone Request My Authentication Code for Me?
Yes — anyone can request your Companies House authentication code. Here's how the process works, where the code gets sent, and when your legal team might need to do it.
Read ArticleHow to Access Your Business PAYE Account Online
A step-by-step guide to registering for and logging into HMRC's PAYE Online service — including the Employer PAYE Reference and Accounts Office Reference you'll need.
Read ArticleHow to Register as a CIS Contractor (Limited Company)
A guide for limited companies that need to register as a contractor under the Construction Industry Scheme — covering PAYE registration and HMRC requirements.
Read ArticleCompany Formation the Right Way
A complete guide to forming a UK limited company — from incorporation and share structure to tax registrations, banking, and ongoing compliance.
Read ArticleHow to Register for CIS (Construction Industry Scheme)
A step-by-step guide to registering for CIS as a subcontractor — covering deductions, verification, and gross payment status.
Read ArticleHow Do I Get My Tax Year Overview?
A step-by-step guide to downloading your HMRC Tax Year Overview online — needed for mortgage applications, visa requests, and proof of income.
Read ArticleI've Just Set Up a Limited Company — Now What?
A practical checklist covering registered offices, bank accounts, accountants, bookkeeping software, insurance, and storing your tax references from day one.
Read ArticleHow to Register for Self Assessment with HMRC
A practical guide to registering for Self Assessment — covering rental income, side hustles, capital gains, and every other reason you may need to file a tax return.
Read ArticleDo I Qualify for Employment Allowance?
Find out if your business qualifies for Employment Allowance and how to claim up to £10,500 off your employers' National Insurance bill.
Read ArticleWhat Is a Confirmation Statement and Do I Need to File One?
A clear guide to confirmation statements — what they are, who must file, the costs involved, and why identity verification now matters.
Read ArticleHow to Register for Self-Employment
Register as a sole trader with HMRC, watch the post for your UTR, and stay aware of Making Tax Digital at £30k turnover and the £90k VAT threshold.
Read ArticleHow Do I Set Up My Company to Start Paying People?
A step-by-step guide to registering with HMRC for PAYE, understanding payroll thresholds, and getting your company ready to pay employees.
Read ArticleNew Employee Payroll Checklist
A practical guide covering right to work checks, P45s, the HMRC Starter Checklist, and employers' liability insurance when taking on a new employee.
Read ArticleHow to Change Your Company Name
A step-by-step guide to changing your limited company name — check availability, file with Companies House, and notify HMRC and your bank.
Read ArticlePSC Identity Verification: What That Companies House Letter Means
Received an overdue letter from Companies House about PSC identity verification? Here's what it means and how to verify your identity online in minutes.
Read ArticleDirector's Loan Account
A practical guide covering what a DLA is, how directors can use it, and the tax implications of an overdrawn balance.
Read ArticleInheritance Tax Planning Advice
Key strategies for protecting your estate and reducing the inheritance tax burden on your beneficiaries.
Read ArticleWhat Are Statutory Accounts?
An overview of statutory accounts — who must file them, what they contain, and why they matter.
Read ArticleWhat is an audit accountant?
A look at the role of audit accountants and how to know if your company requires one.
Read ArticleWhere can I find my UTR code?
A straightforward guide to tracking down your Unique Taxpayer Reference for HMRC filings.
Read ArticleHow are bonuses taxed in the UK?
Breaking down how HMRC treats bonus payments and what that means for your net pay.
Read ArticleHow to Change Tax Code
Practical steps for reviewing your tax code and getting it corrected if it's wrong.
Read ArticleIs it worth getting an accountant?
Weighing the cost of professional accounting support against the time, money, and stress it saves.
Read ArticleHow to Handle Receipts and Expenses in Xero
Only add receipts to Xero that match a company bank or credit card payment. For anything paid personally, use Xero Expenses instead — here's how to keep your books clean.
Read ArticleHow to Register for a Nest Pension Scheme
Set up a Nest workplace pension for auto-enrolment, plus a quick summary of when and why you need to register as an employer with HMRC and The Pensions Regulator.
Read ArticleRegistered Office vs Trading Address for Limited Companies
Three addresses, one company. What goes on the public Companies House record, what HMRC actually wants for VAT, and what suppliers and banks expect to see.
Read ArticleWhy Do You Need an Accountant for Your Business?
How working with a qualified accountant benefits businesses at every stage of growth.
Read ArticleNavigating VAT: A Comprehensive Guide
A thorough overview of VAT registration thresholds, return deadlines, and compliance essentials.
Read ArticleWhy Using an Accountant is Worth Every Penny
Real-world reasons why professional accounting support delivers a strong return on investment.
Read ArticleHow Cloud Bookkeeping Has Improved Business Accounting
Exploring the shift to cloud-based bookkeeping and its benefits for MTD compliance and efficiency.
Read ArticleStreamline Your Finances with Xero
How limited company owners can leverage Xero to simplify invoicing, expenses, and reporting.
Read ArticleWhich Accountancy Qualification Is Best?
Comparing the UK's leading accountancy qualifications to help you understand what each involves.
Read Article