Christopher R Brown Ltd

Christopher R Brown Ltd Christopher R Brown Ltd is a leading independent firm of chartered Accountants in Clevedon. We offer a wide range of accountancy and tax advice.

MTD Phase 2 is coming April 2027 - is your income between £30k and £50k?Making Tax Digital started with incomes over £50...
19/06/2026

MTD Phase 2 is coming April 2027 - is your income between £30k and £50k?

Making Tax Digital started with incomes over £50,000 in April 2026. But next April, the threshold drops to £30,000 - bringing an estimated 970,000 more sole traders and landlords into the system.

Then in April 2028: the threshold drops again to £20,000.

If you're earning between £30k and £50k from self-employment or property, you have roughly 10 months to prepare. That means:

- Choosing MTD-compatible software (Xero, QuickBooks, FreeAgent, HMRC-approved apps)
- Setting up digital record-keeping now so the habit is formed
- Understanding what counts towards the threshold - it's gross income, not profit
- Getting an accountant set up on your software

The businesses that prepare early find it straightforward. The ones that leave it until March are the ones who panic.

Talk to us today about getting MTD-ready before the deadline.

Employer NI is 15%. What it really costs your business.Since April 2025, employer National Insurance has been 15% - and ...
16/06/2026

Employer NI is 15%. What it really costs your business.

Since April 2025, employer National Insurance has been 15% - and the threshold dropped from £9,100 to just £5,000 per employee per year. That means you're now paying NI on nearly every employee, including many part-timers who were previously exempt.

For an employee on the UK average wage of £36,000, that's an extra £938 per year in employer NI. Multiply that across your team and the impact stacks up fast.

The good news? The Employment Allowance is now £10,500, with the old £100,000 eligibility cap completely removed. For many small businesses, this wipes out the NI bill entirely.

A business with 5 employees each earning £25,000 has an NI bill of around £15,000. After the allowance: just £4,500.

Are you claiming yours? Many businesses forget to activate it in their first payroll submission. Let us check.

Sole trader or limited company - which wins in 2026?A question we're asked almost every day. The answer genuinely depend...
12/06/2026

Sole trader or limited company - which wins in 2026?

A question we're asked almost every day. The answer genuinely depends on your profit level. Here's the quick guide:

Under £40,000 profit - Sole trader. Simpler, similar tax, less admin.
£40,000-£60,000 profit - The grey zone. Depends on your family setup and how much you retain.
Over £60,000 profit - Limited company usually wins. Corporation tax at 19% vs income tax + NI as a sole trader.

The main tax advantages of a limited company:
- Pay yourself a modest salary + dividends (no NI on dividends)
- Retain profits in the company at the lower corp tax rate
- Potential to split dividends with a spouse

Important caveat: limited companies mean more admin and accountancy fees. Don't incorporate just because you can.

Drop us a message - we'll run the numbers for your specific situation for free.

Making Tax Digital is live. Are you caught?The biggest change to UK tax reporting since 1997 arrived on 6 April. If you'...
09/06/2026

Making Tax Digital is live. Are you caught?

The biggest change to UK tax reporting since 1997 arrived on 6 April. If you're a sole trader or landlord earning over £50,000, quarterly digital filing with HMRC is now mandatory.

- Digital record-keeping throughout the year
- Four quarterly updates to HMRC
- A final year-end declaration
- MTD-compatible software is mandatory

Miss a submission and penalties follow. The good news? We can help you get compliant quickly - often with no disruption to how you already work.

Book a free call with us this week if you're not sure where you stand.

Planning to grow your business this Quarter?Growth is exciting, but it’s important to make sure your finances support it...
04/06/2026

Planning to grow your business this Quarter?

Growth is exciting, but it’s important to make sure your finances support it.

Things like cash flow, pricing, and tax planning all play a part.

Good financial planning helps growth happen sustainably.

How often do you review your business finances?Many owners only look closely at the numbers once a year.But regular revi...
02/06/2026

How often do you review your business finances?

Many owners only look closely at the numbers once a year.

But regular reviews help you:

• Understand where money is going
• Spot problems early
• Make better business decisions

Even a quick monthly check can make a big difference.

QuickBooks, Xero or Sage – which is best?The truth is, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer.Different businesses prefe...
28/05/2026

QuickBooks, Xero or Sage – which is best?

The truth is, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer.

Different businesses prefer different systems depending on how they operate.

We’re specialists in QuickBooks, Xero and Sage, so we can help you choose the right software for your business. [email protected] - ask the question!

Simple tip to improve your business cash flowReview your invoices.Are they going out quickly enough?Are payment terms to...
26/05/2026

Simple tip to improve your business cash flow

Review your invoices.

Are they going out quickly enough?
Are payment terms too long?

Sometimes improving cash flow is as simple as sending invoices sooner and following up on payments.

Are spreadsheets still the best way to manage your accounts?Many businesses start with spreadsheets, but as they grow it...
19/05/2026

Are spreadsheets still the best way to manage your accounts?

Many businesses start with spreadsheets, but as they grow it can become time-consuming.

Accounting software can automate tasks like:

• Tracking income and expenses
• Sending invoices
• Recording receipts
• Preparing tax information

It can save hours of work each month. If you'd like to know more about how they can work for your business, get in touch via [email protected]

One of the most common mistakes business owners make…Mixing personal and business finances.Having a separate business ac...
14/05/2026

One of the most common mistakes business owners make…

Mixing personal and business finances.

Having a separate business account helps you:

• Keep records organised
• Track expenses easily
• Prepare accounts faster
• Reduce stress at tax time

A small change can make bookkeeping much easier.

Address

Tickton Lodge, Clevedon
Bristol
BS217NR

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Monday 8:30am - 5pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 5pm
Thursday 8:30am - 5pm
Friday 8:30am - 5pm

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