The Dogs B0ll0x

23/06/2026

The RSPCA has issued a warning to dog owners about the dangers of using damp towels incorrectly

22/06/2026

With Clever K9s – I'm on a streak! I've been a top fan for 4 months in a row. 🎉

13/06/2026

🚗 REMINDER FOR DRIVERS: The HMRC Mileage Allowance has increased!🚗
Don’t forget! If you use your personal car or van for business journeys, your tax-free mileage rate just got a serious upgrade. The Approved Mileage Allowance Payment (AMAP) rate has officially jumped from 45p to 55p per mile for the first 10,000 miles!
Here is what you need to know:
👉 The New Rate: 55p per mile (up to 10,000 miles per tax year for cars and vans).
👉 It Can Be Backdated! Even though this was announced mid-year, the increase is fully backdated to 6 April 2026. This means it applies to all eligible business travel you’ve already completed this tax year.
What does this mean for you?
• If you are an employer: You can now reimburse your staff at the higher 55p rate. If you've already paid them at the old 45p rate since April, you may want to look into topping up your payments or adjusting payroll to reflect the backdated amount.
• If you are self-employed: You can claim 55p per mile as a simplified expense on your next Self-Assessment, putting more money back into your pocket to help offset rising vehicle and fuel costs.
• If your employer pays you less than 55p: Don't worry—you can claim the difference back as Mileage Allowance Relief through HMRC.
Keeping track of your mileage logs has never been more important.
www.thedogsbollox.uk

20/05/2026

Taming the VAT beast doesn't have to be a quarterly nightmare!

If you’ve ever reached the end of a quarter and felt that VAT panic set in, you’re not alone. But remember: the VAT you charge on your invoices isn't your money—you’re merely holding it for HMRC.

Here are the 3 most effective strategies to ensure the cash is there when the VAT bill lands:

1. The Invisible Money Rule
The simplest trick in the book? Open an interest-bearing savings account. Every time a customer pays an invoice, immediately transfer the VAT portion (usually 20%) into that pot.

• Pro Tip: if you're on the Flat Rate Scheme, transfer your specific percentage instead.

By the time the quarter ends, the money is already there, and it’s earned you a little interest in the meantime!

2. Switch to Cash Accounting
Not happy with having to hand over the VAT on invoices your customers haven't actually paid yet? The Cash Accounting Scheme is a game-changer. You only account for VAT when the cash actually hits your bank account.

• Eligibility: generally available if your VAT taxable turnover is £1.35 million or less. It aligns your tax bill perfectly with your actual cash flow, preventing you from being out of pocket.

3. Real-Time Bookkeeping
Waiting until month three to do your accounts is where nasty surprises come into play. Checking your VAT due figure once a week turns a giant mountain into a manageable molehill. Knowledge is power!

www.thedogsbollox.uk

18/05/2026

Being a ‘Business Owner’ sounds glamorous... until it’s 10 PM and you’re staring at a pile of receipts.
For most micro-enterprises in the UK, you aren't just the CEO. You’re the marketing department, the HR manager, and the delivery driver. The last thing you want to be is an unpaid intern for HMRC!
The Dogs BolloX specialises exclusively in businesses of your scale. We know that for you:
• Every £100 in tax saved isn’t just a stat—it’s a win for your household budget.
• Growth doesn't always mean hiring 50 people; sometimes it just means better margins and more free time.
• You need an accountant who speaks plain English, not ‘Statutory Instrument’ jargon.
Stop treating your accounts like a DIY project you’re failing at and get back to the work you actually love!
[email protected]
www.thedogsbollox.uk

27/04/2026

📢 ATTENTION: Sole Traders & Landlords! 📢

Did you know that over 500,000 UK taxpayers have still not signed up for Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax—despite the mandate starting earlier this month?

Recent HMRC data shows that while roughly 780,000 people were legally required to switch to the new digital system by April 6th, 2026, fewer than 3 in 10 have registered.

❓ Does this apply to you?
If your combined ‘qualifying income’ (gross self-employment and/or rental income) was over £50,000 in the 2024/25 tax year, you are now legally required to:

✅ Keep digital records of all your income and expenses.
✅ Use HMRC-compatible software to manage your accounts.
✅ Send quarterly updates to HMRC (the first one is due by 7th August 2026!).

⏳ Why you shouldn't wait
HMRC has introduced a 'soft landing' for the first year, meaning they won't issue penalty points for late quarterly updates immediately. However, you cannot submit your end-of-year declaration without being registered and having your software in place.
Waiting until the last minute often leads to software setup headaches and unnecessary stress.

🚀 What to do now:
1. Check your 2024/25 tax return: Was your gross income over £50,000?
2. Find compatible software: HMRC does not provide the software; you’ll need a third-party provider like Xero, QuickBooks, Sage, or a specialised bridging tool.
3. Register: Head over to the GOV.UK website to sign up for MTD for Income Tax.

Don’t be part of the 70% still waiting! Getting set up now means you can focus on your business rather than playing catch-up with the taxman.

👇 Have questions about the switch? Drop them in the comments below!


www.thedogsbollox.uk

21/04/2026

20/04/2026

📢 Are you leaving money on the table with your VAT scheme?

When you first registered for VAT, you may have picked the quickest option to get your VAT number. But as your business evolves, the scheme you’re on can make a massive difference to your bank balance and your Sunday afternoons.

Here is a quick reality check for 2026:

• The Standard Scheme: Great if you have high overheads or buy lots of stock, because you reclaim every penny of VAT on your expenses. But the paperwork is a slog.

• The Flat Rate Scheme: Ideal for service-based freelancers (like consultants or designers) with low expenses. You pay a fixed percentage of your turnover and keep the difference. It’s simpler but watch out for the Limited Cost Trader 16.5% rate—it can kill the tax benefits if you don't spend enough on "relevant goods".

• The Cash Accounting Scheme: A lifesaver for cash flow. You only pay VAT to HMRC once your client has paid you. If you have clients who take 60+ days to settle an invoice, this is your best friend.

The Golden Rule: Just because a scheme was right for you two years ago doesn't mean it’s the most efficient one today. With Making Tax Digital (MTD) now fully in force for everyone, your software should make switching or comparing easier than ever.

💸 Quick Tip: If you’re a new business, don’t forget you get a 1% discount on your Flat Rate percentage for your first year of VAT registration!

Not sure if you’re on the right track? [email protected]
www.thedogsbollox.uk

16/04/2026

Keep the dirty laundry behind the scenes. 🧺

When you’re a one-man band or a small team, your reputation is everything. It’s easy to let frustrations slip when talking to third parties, but those "venting" sessions can cost you more than you think.

✅ A united front = A premium brand.
❌ External complaining = Eroded trust.

If there’s a problem, fix it internally. Whether it’s with a subbie, a VA, or a partner, handle it behind the scenes so you can present a solid, professional face to the world.

When you protect your business's image, you’re protecting the value of your hard work. 🛠️

www.thedogsbollox.uk

11/04/2026

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