Blog

HMRC's mileage rate has just risen for the first time since 2011 — a change worth understanding properly if you drive for business. This guide breaks down the two claiming methods, the full current rates, and exactly what counts as genuine business mileage versus ordinary commuting. It also covers what you can claim on top of mileage, including a Kent-specific detail: Dartford Crossing tolls. Read on to make sure your claim is set up correctly.

This is the year Making Tax Digital for Income Tax became mandatory for sole traders earning over £50,000 — the biggest change to self-employed tax reporting in a generation. This guide breaks down exactly what that means, alongside the current tax bands, National Insurance rates, and the Payments on Account bill that catches nearly every first-year sole trader off guard, all with worked examples. It also flags the common mistakes and deadlines worth knowing for this specific tax year. Read on to see exactly where you stand.

Most people assume an accountant just files a tax return once a year — but that's only a small slice of the job. This post walks through everything else that goes on behind the scenes, from bookkeeping and payroll to tax planning, VAT scheme reviews, and guiding business decisions, using real examples from clients across Kent. It also looks at why this support matters even more for small businesses than large ones.

91% of UK businesses have considered switching accountants in the past year — a sign that most people choose one without really knowing what to look for. This definitive guide walks through 15 genuine questions to ask before hiring, from qualifications and fees to proactive tax planning and response times, all localised to Kent business owners in Folkestone, Ashford, Canterbury, and beyond. We're upfront about what separates a firm that just files your accounts from one that genuinely looks after your business. Read on before you sign up with anyone.