Northgate Accounting Services

Northgate Accounting Services Friendly Accounting firm with offices based in Paisley and Elgin offering help for any and all of your accounting needs.

When was the last time you properly checked in on your business finances - not just looked at your bank balance?A quick ...
28/05/2026

When was the last time you properly checked in on your business finances - not just looked at your bank balance?

A quick financial review can give you powerful insight into where your business really stands.

Here are 3 key areas worth reviewing regularly:

1. Profit
Are you actually profitable once all costs are accounted for - not just “busy” or “bringing money in”?

2. Cash position
Do you have enough cash available to cover upcoming expenses, tax bills, and reinvestment?

3. Liabilities
What do you owe - VAT, loans, suppliers, tax - and when are those payments due?

A business can look successful on the surface but still feel tight on cash if these areas aren’t being tracked together.

💡 Tip: A 30-minute monthly “money check-in” can completely change how confidently you make decisions in your business.

If you’d like support setting up clearer reporting or understanding your numbers better, feel free to get in touch.

💭 ACCOUNTING MYTHS VS REALITY 💭❌ Myth: “If it’s a business expense, I can claim absolutely everything.”✅ Reality: HMRC r...
26/05/2026

💭 ACCOUNTING MYTHS VS REALITY 💭

❌ Myth: “If it’s a business expense, I can claim absolutely everything.”
✅ Reality: HMRC rules are much stricter than people think - expenses must be wholly and exclusively for business use.

❌ Myth: “Small businesses don’t need an accountant.”
✅ Reality: An accountant can help save time, avoid costly mistakes, and make sure you’re staying compliant.

❌ Myth: “I only need to think about tax at year end.”
✅ Reality: Good tax planning should happen throughout the year, not just when deadlines are approaching.

❌ Myth: “Limited companies always pay less tax.”
✅ Reality: It depends on your income, business structure, and personal circumstances - there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.

❌ Myth: “Making more money means I’ll lose it all in tax.”
✅ Reality: Tax bands only apply to the portion of income above each threshold - you won’t suddenly lose all your extra earnings to tax.

There’s a lot of misinformation out there when it comes to accounting and tax.

If you’re ever unsure, it’s always best to ask rather than rely on advice from social media comments or “a friend who knows about tax”.

📩 Get in touch with our team if you need support or have any questions.

We’re closed today for the Spring Bank Holiday 🌼Our offices will reopen as normal tomorrow, and we’ll be back to assist ...
25/05/2026

We’re closed today for the Spring Bank Holiday 🌼

Our offices will reopen as normal tomorrow, and we’ll be back to assist you then.

If you need anything in the meantime, feel free to send us a message and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

Enjoy your bank holiday!

For many individuals and business owners, pension contributions are one of the most tax-efficient ways to plan for the f...
21/05/2026

For many individuals and business owners, pension contributions are one of the most tax-efficient ways to plan for the future.

Here’s why it matters:

• Contributions may qualify for tax relief at your highest rate
• It can reduce your overall taxable income
• You’re building long-term financial security at the same time

Whether you’re self-employed or running a limited company, the way pension contributions are treated can vary - so it’s worth checking you’re using the most tax-efficient approach for your situation.

A small adjustment in how you contribute today could make a significant difference to your retirement fund and tax position over time.

If you’re unsure how pension contributions fit into your tax planning, it’s always worth getting tailored advice.

💬 ASK AN ACCOUNTANT 💬Got a question about tax, bookkeeping, VAT, payroll or running your business?Drop your questions in...
19/05/2026

💬 ASK AN ACCOUNTANT 💬

Got a question about tax, bookkeeping, VAT, payroll or running your business?

Drop your questions in the comments below or send us a message - no question is too small!

📍 Support available from both our Elgin and Johnstone offices.

From the 2025/26 tax year onwards, HMRC is introducing additional reporting requirements for directors of close companie...
14/05/2026

From the 2025/26 tax year onwards, HMRC is introducing additional reporting requirements for directors of close companies on self assessment tax returns.

If you own and run a limited company, this is likely to affect you.

Directors will now need to disclose:
• The company name and company registration number
• The total dividends received from the company
• Their percentage shareholding during the tax year

These details were previously optional but will now be compulsory.

Why the change?
HMRC is increasing its focus on how directors of owner-managed businesses extract income, particularly through dividends. The additional information will help identify cases where dividend income may not have been fully declared.

It’s important that the figures provided are accurate, especially where:
• Shares have changed during the year
• Dividends were received from more than one company
• Shareholdings fluctuated at any point in the tax year

One key point to note: HMRC requires the highest percentage shareholding held at any stage during the tax year to be reported.

These new requirements apply from the 2025/26 tax return, due for submission by 31 January 2027.

If you’re unsure how these changes affect you or your business, it’s worth getting advice early.

This week is Mental Health Awareness Week, led by the Mental Health Foundation.It’s a reminder that mental health is som...
11/05/2026

This week is Mental Health Awareness Week, led by the Mental Health Foundation.

It’s a reminder that mental health is something everyone has, and something that can change over time for a wide range of reasons.

Work, business pressures, personal circumstances and day-to-day life can all have an impact, even when it isn’t always visible to others.

This week is about raising awareness, encouraging understanding, and making space for conversations that often don’t happen enough.

If you are struggling, or know someone who is, support is available through organisations such as the Mental Health Foundation.

More information can be found here:
https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/our-work/public-engagement/mental-health-awareness-week?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23758894960&gbraid=0AAAAADy2YA9sE7S2H1gQtfzx_lwzjl8Si&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIttn8-9OhlAMVG6BQBh1asA0_EAAYASAAEgJH5fD_BwE

Things business owners are often surprised to learn 👇• Dividends can only be paid from available profits - not simply be...
07/05/2026

Things business owners are often surprised to learn 👇

• Dividends can only be paid from available profits - not simply because there’s money sitting in the bank.

• A card receipt on its own is not enough evidence to reclaim VAT.

• Putting personal costs through the business can create tax issues rather than tax savings.

• Payroll involves far more than just paying wages - there are pensions, submissions, holiday pay and compliance responsibilities too.

• Good bookkeeping is about more than “keeping HMRC happy” - it helps you actually understand how your business is performing.

• Waiting until year end to look at the numbers usually means missed planning opportunities.

Most business owners were never taught this stuff - which is why having proper support matters.

At Northgate Accounting, we don’t just handle your numbers - we help you build strong foundations from the very start. F...
05/05/2026

At Northgate Accounting, we don’t just handle your numbers - we help you build strong foundations from the very start. From registering your business and setting up the right structure, to keeping your finances organised and tax-efficient, we’re with you every step of the way.

Starting out can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to figure it out alone. Get in touch today and let’s make sure your business gets off to the best possible start.

📍 Supporting businesses in Elgin and Johnstone

We’re closed today for the Early May Bank Holiday 🌼Our offices will reopen as normal tomorrow, and we’ll be back to assi...
04/05/2026

We’re closed today for the Early May Bank Holiday 🌼

Our offices will reopen as normal tomorrow, and we’ll be back to assist you then.

If you need anything in the meantime, feel free to send us a message and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

Enjoy your bank holiday!

What a weekend for rallying in Elgin! 🏁We were delighted to sponsor a car in the Speyside Stages Rally, held at Cooper P...
30/04/2026

What a weekend for rallying in Elgin! 🏁

We were delighted to sponsor a car in the Speyside Stages Rally, held at Cooper Park, and be part of such an exciting event in the local community.

Some of our team headed along to soak up the atmosphere and watch the action up close.

Address

Suite 1, 141 High Street
Elgin
IV301DS

Opening Hours

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

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