Makes Sense - Chartered Accountants

Makes Sense - Chartered Accountants Your Partner in Financial Growth

HMRC’S NEW PROPERTY EYEThink a "rough estimate" for a property valuation will fly with HMRC? Think again.HMRC has sharpe...
18/05/2026

HMRC’S NEW PROPERTY EYE

Think a "rough estimate" for a property valuation will fly with HMRC? Think again.

HMRC has sharpened its focus on residential property values in (IHT) returns. By integrating with the Valuation Office Agency (VOA), they now have a clearer view of actual market values: and they won’t hesitate to challenge "convenient" ballpark figures.

Inaccurate valuations are a major red flag, leading to investigations and eye-watering penalties. HMRC is acting as a watchdog, hunting for discrepancies.

At Makes Sense Accountants, we act as your shield. We ensure your valuations are robust enough to withstand scrutiny and remove the stress by managing deadlines. You get direct partner access to navigate these high stakes without the jargon.

Don’t let a valuation error become a bureaucratic headache.

Phone: 0121 238 2206
Web: https://www.msaccounts.co.uk/blog/
Email: [email protected]



Image: https://cdn.marblism.com/8-OBrwrc676.webp

**Fueling Up? New Rules are Live.**The new VAT road fuel scale charges for 2026/27 are officially here. If you drive a p...
17/05/2026

**Fueling Up? New Rules are Live.**

The new VAT road fuel scale charges for 2026/27 are officially here. If you drive a petrol or diesel company car and use it for private trips, these updated rates determine how much VAT you need to account for on that fuel.

Why does this matter?
It is a simplified way to handle private fuel use without the headache of tracking every single mile. HMRC updates these figures annually to reflect current fuel prices, so staying on top of them is a must to avoid "tax barnacles" and unnecessary penalties.

The choice for drivers is simple:
1. Use the scale charges to simplify your reporting and save time.
2. Opt not to claim any VAT on fuel if your private use is very high.
3. Keep meticulous, detailed records of every business and private journey.

At Makes Sense Accountants, we explain the figures in plain English. We are here to help you choose the most cost-effective path for your business and take the stress out of compliance.

Need a hand with the calculations or deciding which path is best? Give us a call.

Phone: 0121 238 2206
Web: https://www.msaccounts.co.uk/blog/
Email: [email protected]

If you’re a sole trader or CIS Subcontractor earning over £50k, the way you report to HMRC is about to change forever. M...
17/05/2026

If you’re a sole trader or CIS Subcontractor earning over £50k, the way you report to HMRC is about to change forever. Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax isn't just another tax barnacle: it’s a total shift in how you manage your books.

👉 READ THE GUIDE & BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULTATION:
https://www.msaccounts.co.uk/blog/

Forget the once-a-year scramble. From April 2026, you’ll be required to submit quarterly digital updates. It’s a significant administrative hurdle that could easily become a headache if you’re not prepared.

We explain the new rules in plain English: no jargon, just proactive advice to keep you on track.

Phone: 0121 238 2206
Web: https://www.msaccounts.co.uk/blog/
Email: [email protected]

COP-9 SECRETS: WHEN HMRC DIGS DEEPWhen the Fraud Investigation Service (FIS) sends a Code of Practice 9 (COP-9) notice, ...
15/05/2026

COP-9 SECRETS: WHEN HMRC DIGS DEEP

When the Fraud Investigation Service (FIS) sends a Code of Practice 9 (COP-9) notice, they aren't just checking your math; they suspect deliberate tax evasion. This is the "big leagues" of investigations.

The first secret? The Contractual Disclosure Facility (CDF) is a double-edged sword. You get immunity from criminal prosecution only if you make a full, honest disclosure. Hold anything back, and you are back in the firing line.

HMRC can probe back 20 years in these cases. It is an eye-watering process: a "tax barnacle" stuck to your life. While investigators are professional, their primary goal is to maximise recovery.

At , we act as your shield. We speak the language of the FIS and translate technical jargon into plain English. If you are facing a serious investigation, we have the experience to manage the risk and navigate the tribunal if needed.

Read our blog: https://www.msaccounts.co.uk/blog/
Private consultation: [email protected]
Phone: 0121 238 2206

**THE £1,400 LETTER YOU CAN'T IGNORE**Did a letter from HMRC land on your doormat recently? If you’ve got a 16-19 year o...
15/05/2026

**THE £1,400 LETTER YOU CAN'T IGNORE**

Did a letter from HMRC land on your doormat recently? If you’ve got a 16-19 year old at home, that envelope could be worth over £1,400 a year.

HMRC is currently sending out 1.5 million letters to parents across the UK. It’s a simple reminder, but the stakes are high: if you don’t confirm your teen is staying in full-time education or training by August 31st, your Child Benefit payments will stop automatically.

Don’t let it become a "tax barnacle" that slows you down. You can tick this off your to-do list in seconds using the HMRC app or your personal tax account.

At Makes Sense Accountants, we’re all about horizon-scanning to spot these little hurdles before they trip you up. We explain everything in plain English, so you can focus on what matters most.

Need a hand with your personal tax or a direct chat with a partner? Get in touch.

Phone: 0121 238 2206
Web: https://www.msaccounts.co.uk/blog/
Email: [email protected]

MTD: AUGUST 7TH DEADLINE EXPLAINEDThe August 7th deadline for Making Tax Digital (MTD) is fast approaching, but it doesn...
14/05/2026

MTD: AUGUST 7TH DEADLINE EXPLAINED

The August 7th deadline for Making Tax Digital (MTD) is fast approaching, but it doesn’t have to be a source of stress.

One of the biggest misconceptions about this date is what is actually required. At Makes Sense Accountants, we want to clear that up: this is a quarterly "update," not a full tax "return." It is a smaller reporting obligation designed to keep your records digital, yet HMRC’s messaging can often make it feel like a major hurdle.

We act as your shield against the complexities of the system. We explain your figures in plain English: no jargon, just clarity. When you work with us, you speak directly to a partner, ensuring you get proactive advice to improve your business while we handle the reporting "headaches" and manage your deadlines for you.

Let us take the weight off your shoulders so you can focus on what you do best.

Phone: 0121 238 2206
Web: https://www.msaccounts.co.uk/blog/
Email: [email protected]

Deciding between staying a or moving to a ? In 2026, the stakes are higher than ever. With Making Tax Digital ( ) now...
13/05/2026

Deciding between staying a or moving to a ? In 2026, the stakes are higher than ever. With Making Tax Digital ( ) now fully in force for those earning over £50,000, your reporting obligations have fundamentally changed. Is the "corporate veil" worth the extra paperwork? For many, the liability protection of a Limited Company is a non-negotiable safeguard for personal assets. But then there’s the tax efficiency puzzle: balancing corporation tax against dividends and salary in a shifting economy. At Makes Sense Accountants, we ditch the jargon and explain your options in plain English. We don’t just crunch numbers; we look ahead to spot hurdles before you hit them. Whether you're a construction sub-contractor or a growing firm, we manage the deadlines so you can focus on the work. Check out our latest deep dive on the blog for the full comparison: https://www.msaccounts.co.uk/blog/ Ready for a proactive partner who speaks your language? Let’s talk. Phone: 0121 238 2206 Web: https://www.msaccounts.co.uk/blog/ Email: [email protected]

**A RARE WIN FROM HMRC: THE CORPORATION TAX PENALTY PAUSE**It’s not every day we get "good news" from the taxman, but Li...
13/05/2026

**A RARE WIN FROM HMRC: THE CORPORATION TAX PENALTY PAUSE**

It’s not every day we get "good news" from the taxman, but Limited Company directors just got a rare moment of relief.

HMRC has officially paused automatic penalty notices until June 30, 2026. Due to system updates, the automatic "fine machine" for late filings is temporarily switched off.

What does this mean for you?
If you’ve been feeling the pressure, you’ve just been handed a grace period. It’s a chance to catch your breath without an immediate penalty hitting your desk.

But don’t treat this as a total holiday. Interest on unpaid tax still builds daily, and the penalty system returns with a vengeance on July 1st.

At Makes Sense Accountants, we’re helping clients clear the decks and get reporting spot on before the "tax barnacles" return. We spot problems before they arise, saving you stress and money.

Need to get up to date while the pressure is off? Let's talk.

Phone: 0121 238 2206
Web: https://www.msaccounts.co.uk/blog/
Email: [email protected]

**7 Bookkeeping Hacks for MTD Success**Is your paperwork eating into your Saturday?Making Tax Digital (MTD) is often fra...
12/05/2026

**7 Bookkeeping Hacks for MTD Success**

Is your paperwork eating into your Saturday?

Making Tax Digital (MTD) is often framed as a technical hurdle, but it’s actually a great excuse to reclaim your time. We see many business owners drowning in spreadsheets and shoe-boxes of receipts when they should be out enjoying their downtime.

Here is how we help our clients stay ahead of the game:

1. Automate Bank Feeds: Stop manual entries. Link your bank to your software for real-time updates.
2. Snap Receipts on the Go: Use your phone to scan expenses the moment they happen.
3. Go Paperless: Digital records are easier to search and harder to lose.
4. Weekly Mini-Audits: Spend 10 minutes a week instead of 10 hours a quarter.
5. Separate Your Accounts: Never mix personal and business spend.
6. Automate Invoices: Set up automatic reminders to get paid faster.
7. Speak to a Partner: We explain the figures in plain English, taking the stress out of compliance.

Let’s get your weekends back and keep HMRC happy.

Phone: 0121 238 2206
Web: https://www.msaccounts.co.uk/blog/
Email: [email protected]

**URGENT: HMRC SCAM ALERT** STOP! Before you click that link or scan that code, take a second to think. We’re seeing an ...
12/05/2026

**URGENT: HMRC SCAM ALERT** STOP! Before you click that link or scan that code, take a second to think. We’re seeing an extraordinary surge in fake tax refund scams. Fraudsters are now targeting business owners directly through and malicious QR codes in physical letters. These "tax barnacles" are designed to look identical to official communications, but their only goal is to steal your sensitive data. HMRC will NEVER contact you via WhatsApp to offer a refund. If you receive an unsolicited message claiming you’re owed money, treat it as a high-alert warning. How to spot the trap: 1. HMRC does not use WhatsApp for refunds or personal tax matters. 2. Official letters rarely use QR codes for direct payments or refunds. 3. If a link asks for bank details or card numbers, close it immediately. We are here to be your shield. If a message looks too good to be true, it probably is. Report suspicious texts to 60599 or emails to [email protected]. If you’re unsure about any message, speak directly to us first. Phone: 0121 238 2206 Web: https://www.msaccounts.co.uk/blog/ Email: [email protected]

**BREAKING THE GROWTH CEILING** Ever feel like you’re running faster just to stand still? That’s the "Growth Ceiling." I...
11/05/2026

**BREAKING THE GROWTH CEILING** Ever feel like you’re running faster just to stand still? That’s the "Growth Ceiling." It often starts with the Founder Trap: the moment your business can't move forward because every decision depends on you. Add in the "cash flow mystery" where turnover grows but the bank balance doesn't, and it’s easy to feel stuck. At Makes Sense Accountants, we’ve spent 15 years helping business owners smash through these barriers. Our partner-led advisory services focus on proactive business improvements, not just historical reporting. We explain your and figures in plain English, helping you spot before they arise. Stop managing the stress and start managing the growth. Phone: 0121 238 2206 Web: https://www.msaccounts.co.uk/blog/ Email: [email protected]

Address

12 Summer Hill Street
Birmingham
B12PE

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5am
Tuesday 9am - 5am
Wednesday 9am - 5am
Thursday 9am - 5am
Friday 9am - 5am

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Makes Sense - Chartered Accountants posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Makes Sense - Chartered Accountants:

Shortcuts

Share

Category