Stuart Hall & Co

07/04/2026

🎉🔥 HMRC Loses the Giant Marshmallow VAT Battle! 🔥🎉
In one of the sweetest tax stories of recent years, HMRC has officially lost its long‑running fight to classify giant “Mega Marshmallows” as taxable confectionery — meaning they aren’t subject to VAT.
After years bouncing through courts, the latest tribunal ruling (published this week) found that giant marshmallows are not “normally eaten with the fingers”, which is the key legal test that would make them standard‑rated confectionery. Instead, judges agreed that they’re mostly used for roasting on skewers or in s’mores, meaning they fall under zero‑rated food. 🍡🔥
This decision backs the earlier wins by the distributor, Innovative Bites Ltd — and leaves HMRC’s attempt to impose nearly £473k in VAT flat as a pancake. 😅
Will HMRC appeal again? Maybe. But for now, lovers of giant marshmallows (and tax nerds everywhere) can enjoy a rare and perfectly toasted victory.
💬 Anyone fancy a celebratory s’more?

Isn't UK VAT just amazing 🙃

30/03/2026

𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐄𝐒 𝐓𝐎 𝐏𝐀𝐘𝐑𝐎𝐋𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐁𝐄𝐍𝐄𝐅𝐈𝐓𝐒

There are changes coming to how benefits in kind are reported, and this will impact many employers.

From April 2027, payrolling benefits will become mandatory, meaning that tax will need to be processed through payroll in real time rather than reported at year end.

So, what does this mean for you?
-Benefits will be taxed through payroll each month
-Less reliance on year end forms like P11Ds
-A need for accurate and timely information on any benefits provided

✏️ A key point: We will need to be informed as soon as benefits are provided or changed so that everything can be reported correctly and on time.

Although this change isn’t mandatory just yet, it’s important to start preparing now to ensure a smooth transition.

If you’re unsure what counts as a benefit or how this applies to your business, feel free to get in touch.

26/03/2026

Jane & Jo attended another great event held by Durham Business Club this week.

They always pick the best venues, and this time it was brilliant to visit The Pin at Ramside Golf & The Pin.⛳

Conversations were flowing with the fellow attendees, and there were even a few swings of a golf club.

Now we just need to work on the boss to arrange our next staff social event in that VIP golf booth 😉

23/03/2026

𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐏𝐀𝐍𝐈𝐄𝐒 𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐒𝐄 𝐏𝐑𝐈𝐂𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐄𝐒

Last month we saw further price increases at Companies House.

Here is a quick summary of what has changed:
- Company Formation - Increased from £50 to £100
- Confirmation Statement - Increased from £34 to £50
- Strike off a Company - Decreased from £33 to £13

In short, it is becoming more expensive to run and maintain a company. Although, slightly cheaper to if you decide to close one.

These changes are part of a wider reform aimed to improve transparency and reduce fraud.

As a result, our updated pricing is now in place to reflect the higher filing costs and associated work. Existing clients will see this reflected in their ongoing fees.

If you have any questions about this, then feel free to get in touch.

16/03/2026

Just a heads up....

SELF-ASSESSMENT PENALTY CHANGES - COMING APRIL 2027

From April 2027, HMRC will introduce a new points-based penalty system for late Self-Assessment 𝐬𝐮𝐛𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬.

For those using quarterly Making Tax Digital (MTD):
• A penalty point will be issued for each missed quarterly submission
• Once 4 points are reached, a £200 penalty will be applied.

For those filing annual Self-Assessment (Outside MTD):
• The £200 penalty is triggered after 2 penalty points (two late returns)

✅ The Good news is that this doesn’t start until April 2027, so for those of you starting MTD during the 2026/27 tax year, no penalty points will be issued for late quarterly updates during that year.

💰There are also changes to penalties for late 𝐩𝐚𝐲𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 of Self- Assessment!

Currently taxpayers have a 30 day window, after the 31st January deadline, to pay without incurring penalties (although interest still applies)

However, under the new regime, this window will reduce to 15 days, with penalties increasing the longer that payment remains outstanding.

26/02/2026

Making Tax Digital 🚩

Big changes are coming this April, with the start of Making Tax Digital for Income Tax.

If you are a Sole trader or Landlord and have turnover above £50,000 (gross income before expenses), then this applies to you.

HMRC are using 2024/25 Tax Return figures to determine whether you fall within MTD. If you do, then you will be required to submit quarterly updates in line with MTD.

The first update covers the dates 05th April - 5th July (or 1st April - 30th June) and is due by 7th August. 🗓️

We are already working our way through setting up clients on the MTD systems so that everything is in place for the deadline.

Some further guidance can be found here:

Learn how Making Tax Digital for Income Tax works - the new way of recording and reporting income and expenses for sole traders and landlords

24/02/2026

A glimpse of Stuart and Harry at work ... caricature style! 😆

19/02/2026

If you've been by the office recently, you may have noticed the scaffolding and a bit of action happening up on the roof.

We've had solar panels installed 🌞

The weather didn't exactly cooperate last week, so big thanks to the team for working through the rain to get everything up and running!

And now, we just need some more sunshine!

10/12/2025

🎄Our team enjoyed a fantastic Christmas party at Hardwick Hall Hotel on Saturday. A delicious 3 course meal followed by live music through the decades.

Great food, great music and even better company! ✨

18/11/2025

Companies House ID Verification

From today all Director's and Person's of Significant Control need to verify their ID with Companies House.

Failure to do so will mean we can no longer file for your company and you could be fined.

We are contacting customers in order of when they need to verify their ID.

Please watch out for an email from one of the team but if you do not receive anything do not worry, it just means you do not need to do it yet.

Any questions do not hesitate to get in touch.

21/10/2025

💥 Budget season is almost here! 💥

We’re all wondering what surprises the Chancellor might have in store this year...
💰 Tax cuts?
📈 Business incentives?
💡 Relief measures to help with the cost of living?

Whatever comes our way, the team at Stuart Hall & Co. will be watching closely — ready to break down what it all means for you and your business.

👀 What are YOU hoping (or secretly wishing!) to see in this year’s Budget?
Drop your thoughts below — we’d love to hear your predictions!

17/10/2025

This week, Jane & Jo had a blast at Durham Business Club’s latest event at Lumley Castle! 🏰 SABOUTEUR!
The murder mystery style challenge is inspired by the TV show Traitors, and the team loved every minute… even if Jane didn’t last the whole night!
Thanks to Durham Business Club, Tall Tales Mysteries and Lumley Castle for a fantastic night!