Maynard Johns Chartered Accountants

28/05/2026

Are you looking for a new challenge? We're currently looking for a new trainee administrator for our Launceston Office and a new Client Manager based at either our Bideford or Launceston Office. For more details and how to apply, check out our website:

See current job vacancies available at Maynard Johns, a modern, fast growing, and progressive accountancy practice with a friendly and supportive team

27/05/2026

Golfers of North Devon… it’s back.

After the success of previous years, the Maynard Johns Golf Day returns to Royal North Devon Golf Club on Wednesday 10 June 2026.
Expect coffee and bacon rolls on arrival, a full day of golf, prizes, and the chance to catch up with clients, contacts and fellow golfers in a relaxed setting.

Tee times are available between 11:08am and 12:36pm.

To book your place, please call 01237 472071 and choose the option “Edward is my accountant” or email [email protected], indicating your preferred tee time.

26/05/2026

Choosing an accountant is about more than numbers

A good accountant should do more than file returns and produce accounts.

They should help you stay organised, spot opportunities, avoid costly mistakes and make better decisions as your business grows.

At Maynard Johns, we work closely with businesses across Devon and Cornwall and beyond to provide practical advice, straightforward support and long-term financial guidance.

If you feel like you’re only hearing from your accountant once a year, it may be time for a different approach.

19/05/2026

🤔 What do you find most frustrating about bookkeeping?

A) It takes too long ⏳

B) It’s confusing 😩

C) I don’t know if I’m doing it right 🤷‍♂️

D) I just don’t like doing it! 😆

If you answered ANY of the above, we’ve got the perfect solution for you! Our expert-led Xero bookkeeping course will make bookkeeping easier than ever.

💡 See how it works: https://maynardjohns.com/xero-bookkeeping-course/

12/05/2026

MTD confusion is reaching breaking point…

A recent report by TaxFix has revealed that 23% of sole traders are considering giving up self-employment due to the pressures of Making Tax Digital.

That’s a huge number — and it highlights a real issue.

Despite MTD being introduced to modernise the tax system, many business owners are still unclear on what it actually means. Some believe tax returns are disappearing altogether, others think they’ll be paying tax four times a year — and many simply feel overwhelmed.

The reality?
MTD doesn’t increase the tax you pay — but it does change how you manage and report it, with more frequent updates and stricter requirements.

What this shows is simple:
There’s a clear gap between what’s being introduced and what people understand

And that’s where the right advice makes all the difference.

If you’re unsure how Making Tax Digital affects you, now is the time to get clarity and get prepared — before deadlines start to bite.

08/05/2026

As more businesses move to cloud accounting and MTD software, protecting financial data online is becoming increasingly important.

From phishing scams and fake HMRC emails to weak passwords and online fraud, cybercriminals are increasingly targeting small businesses.

Our latest blog looks at some of the most common risks and simple steps businesses can take to improve cybersecurity and protect sensitive financial information.

Read the full article here: https://maynardjohns.com/business-cybersecurity-how-to-secure-financial-data/

If you would like advice on cloud accounting software or digital bookkeeping, please get in touch with the team on 01237 472071 / 01566 779111 or email [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])

Business cybersecurity is vital as more companies move to cloud accounting and MTD software. Find out how to protect your financial data from online threats.

06/05/2026

MTD for Income Tax penalties are changing – are you prepared?

From April 2026, HMRC is introducing a new penalty system under Making Tax Digital for Income Tax — and it’s very different from what you’re used to.

Instead of one-off fines, a points-based system will apply. Miss deadlines and points build up… reach the threshold and you could face £200 penalties, with further fines for continued delays.

Late payments are also tightening, with penalties starting after 15 days and increasing the longer tax remains unpaid.

While the system is designed to be fairer, it also means:
✔ More deadlines to manage
✔ Greater risk if you fall behind
✔ A real need for accurate digital records

The key takeaway? Preparation is everything.

If you’re a landlord or self-employed and unsure how this affects you, now is the time to get clarity.

👉 Read our full guide on MTD for Income Tax penalties here:
https://maynardjohns.com/mtd-for-income-tax-penalties/

Understand MTD for Income Tax penalties, including late submission points, payment fines and how to avoid HMRC charges from 2026.

28/04/2026

Making Tax Digital For Income Over £30,000

Making Tax Digital for Income Tax is being introduced in stages. While individuals with income over £50,000 are already affected, the next group — those with combined income over £30,000 — will follow.

If you expect your income to approach or exceed £30,000, now is the time to start paying attention.

Waiting until MTD becomes mandatory leaves little room to learn new systems, understand digital record-keeping requirements or correct mistakes. By contrast, those who prepare early gain confidence and control.

Using MTD-compliant software ahead of time allows you to:

✅Understand digital record keeping without pressure
✅Establish good habits early
✅Avoid rushed implementation later

MTD is not a one-off change — it’s a long-term shift in how income is recorded and reported. Preparing early makes that shift far easier.

Making Tax Digital for Income Over £30,000

21/04/2026

Common bookkeeping mistakes small businesses make (and how to avoid them)

Bookkeeping might not be the most exciting part of running a business, but getting it wrong can cause real headaches later on. Here are a few mistakes we see all too often:

❌Mixing personal and business expenses
Using one bank account for everything makes it much harder to track what’s really going on in your business. Keep them separate — it’ll save you (and your accountant) hours of work.

❌Forgetting to record small purchases
Those coffee meetings, parking tickets or bits of stationery add up. Missing receipts can mean lost tax deductions.

❌Leaving bookkeeping until year-end
Catching up at the last minute leads to stress and missing information. A few minutes each week keeps things accurate and under control.

❌Not reconciling regularly
If your bank balance doesn’t match your books, it’s a sign something’s off. Regular reconciliations catch errors early before they become bigger problems.

❌Doing it all manually
Spreadsheets can work for a while, but cloud accounting software such as Xero or QuickBooks makes life much easier — from automatic bank feeds to instant reports.

Good bookkeeping isn’t just about compliance; it gives you the insight to make better business decisions all year round.

If you’d like to learn how to manage your own books more confidently, take a look at our Xero bookkeeping course: https://maynardjohns.com/xero-bookkeeping-course/

14/04/2026

New Tax Year, New Accountant

A new tax year is the perfect opportunity to take a fresh look at your finances.

If you’ve been meaning to review your current accountant — whether it’s communication, responsiveness, or proactive advice — now is the time to make a change.

A good accountant should do more than file returns. They should help you plan ahead, stay compliant, and make confident financial decisions.

If you’re ready for a more proactive approach, we’re here to help.