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A reminder for landlords and self-employed individuals whose income was £50,000 or more in the 2024/25 tax year - you wi...
23/04/2026

A reminder for landlords and self-employed individuals whose income was £50,000 or more in the 2024/25 tax year - you will be moving over to Making Tax Digital, a new digital way of reporting income throughout the year rather than just once at the end. This has already started, from 6th of April 2026.

It’s not too late to get set up for MTD and its worth being prepared and organised to keep MTD simple, stress-free, and to avoid any potential fines.

Here, at Sidmouth based Blackdown Accounting, we offer a range of solutions to suit businesses of all sizes 😊

Check out our website for more information or give us a ring on 01395 642 434 😊
https://blackdownaccounting.co.uk/making-tax-digital-accountants

✨ At the FAB Festival of Accounting & Bookkeeping today! ✨What a brilliant day surrounded by so many inspiring people in...
25/03/2026

✨ At the FAB Festival of Accounting & Bookkeeping today! ✨

What a brilliant day surrounded by so many inspiring people in the world of finance, accounting, and bookkeeping 🙌

Always love stepping out of the day-to-day to learn, connect, and bring back fresh ideas to support all of you even better 💡

Plus… it’s not every day accountants get a festival, so we’re making the most of it! 😄🎉

⏳ Don’t Leave Allowances on the Table – 5th April Is Nearly Here!The tax year ends on 5th April — and it’s very much use...
25/03/2026

⏳ Don’t Leave Allowances on the Table – 5th April Is Nearly Here!

The tax year ends on 5th April — and it’s very much use it or lose it when it comes to your tax-free allowances.

💡 With tax thresholds frozen, making the most of these is more important than ever.

Here’s what to check before the deadline 👇

💷 ISA: £20,000
💼 Pension: up to £60,000
👶 Junior ISA: £9,000
📈 CGT allowance: £3,000
🎁 Gifting allowance: £3,000

⚠️ Don’t leave it too late — some providers have earlier cut-off dates.

Even using one or two of these could make a real difference to your tax bill 💸

📘 Coming soon: What Everyone Needs to Know About Tax — your no-nonsense guide to saving tax and staying compliant 👀

📢 Dividend Tax Is Going Up in 2026 – Directors Take NoteFrom April 2026, dividend tax rates are increasing by 2%:💷 Basic...
06/03/2026

📢 Dividend Tax Is Going Up in 2026 – Directors Take Note

From April 2026, dividend tax rates are increasing by 2%:

💷 Basic rate: 8.75% → 10.75%
💷 Higher rate: 33.75% → 35.75%
The dividend allowance also stays at just £500.

For many company directors, this means it could be worth reviewing how profits are taken from the business.

💡 If you plan to take dividends in the next 12–24 months, taking some before 6 April 2026 may help you benefit from the lower rates.

Small planning steps now could make a real difference later.

📘 Coming soon: What Everyone Needs to Know About Tax — a straight-talking guide to help business owners save tax and stay confidently compliant.

Making Tax Digital (MTD): Don’t Assume It Doesn’t Apply to You!Are you a side hustler, landlord, or part-time business o...
13/02/2026

Making Tax Digital (MTD): Don’t Assume It Doesn’t Apply to You!

Are you a side hustler, landlord, or part-time business owner?

If your self-employment + property income was over £50,000 in 2024/25 — Making Tax Digital applies to YOU from April 2026.

✅ Keep digital records
✅ Use MTD software
✅ Submit quarterly updates

If that sounds like a headache, don’t worry — get ahead now and make it simple.
📲 Need help figuring it out? Drop me a message.

Director? Effectively save for tax bills?Let me introduce you to the 3 Jar Method – my favourite stress-busting tip for ...
04/02/2026

Director? Effectively save for tax bills?

Let me introduce you to the 3 Jar Method – my favourite stress-busting tip for staying ahead of your tax 👇

It’s a straightforward, practical way to separate your business income into clear “pots” — or jars — so you always know what money is really available and what’s spoken for.

Set up three separate business accounts, and every time income lands, move a portion into each one. Do it with standing orders, and it all happens automatically.

🫙 Jar 1: Corporation Tax – Save 20% of profits
🫙 Jar 2: VAT – Save 20% of all income if VAT registered
🫙 Jar 3: Operational Money – What you can actually spend

Bonus tip:
Taking dividends, rental or investment income?
Pop 20–30% into a personal tax pot for Income Tax & NI 💷

✨ Set up standing orders and never be on the back foot at a tax bill deadline.

📢 Business Owners — Your Self Assessment Deadline Is Coming!🗓️ 31st January 2026 is the deadline to:✅ Submit your Self A...
14/01/2026

📢 Business Owners — Your Self Assessment Deadline Is Coming!

🗓️ 31st January 2026 is the deadline to:
✅ Submit your Self Assessment tax return
✅ Pay any tax you owe

Already filed and paid? Amazing! You’re all set 👏
Still working on it? Here’s what to check before you hit submit 👇

💼 Include ALL taxable income:

Self-employed or sole trader income

Salary + dividends (if you’re a director)

Rental income

Savings interest & pensions

Side hustle or freelance earnings

Any benefits-in-kind (like a company car)

💸 Don’t forget to claim the expenses you’re entitled to!
Whether you’re self-employed or a director, claiming the right costs can reduce your bill.

🎯 Need help or a second pair of eyes? You know where I am!

📘 And watch this space… my brand-new Tax Playbook is landing soon!
It’s packed with money-saving tips and clear guidance to help you stay compliant and keep more of your hard-earned cash 💥

📢 Budget 2025: The Key Points at a GlanceBudget Day has come and gone, and whether you're self-employed, running a limit...
27/11/2025

📢 Budget 2025: The Key Points at a Glance

Budget Day has come and gone, and whether you're self-employed, running a limited company, or just trying to stay smart with your money — this year’s announcements have a few important changes you’ll want to know about.

So, let’s break it all down into a quick and clear summary (no jargon, no overwhelm!) 👇

🧾 Tax Threshold Freeze Extended (Again)

The income tax thresholds will now stay frozen until 2031 — meaning you could be pulled into higher tax bands as your income increases, even if the rates themselves don’t change.

💡 A subtle move, but one that’s expected to raise £8 billion for the Treasury through what's often called "fiscal drag".

📈 Changes to Dividend, Savings & Property Income Tax
💷 Dividends (from April 2026)

Basic rate: increases to 10.75%

Higher rate: increases to 35.75%

Additional rate: remains at 39.35%

👉 If you take dividends from your company, this will impact your personal tax bill.

💰 Savings Interest (from April 2027)

Basic rate: rises to 22%

Higher rate: 42%

Additional rate: 47%

👉 This applies to interest earned on personal savings (outside of tax-free ISAs).

🏠 Property Income (from April 2027)

For unincorporated landlords, property income will now have its own set of rates:

22%, 42%, or 47%, depending on your income band

Mortgage interest relief will continue to be given as a tax credit, capped at 22%.
And from April 2027, your personal allowance must be applied to earned income (salary, self-employment) before it's used on property or savings income.

👶 Two-Child Benefit Cap Scrapped (from April 2026)

Parents will now be able to claim Child Benefit for all children, regardless of how many they have or when they were born.

💼 Salary Sacrifice Pension Changes (from April 2029)

If you use salary sacrifice to boost your pension tax-efficiently, take note:
From April 2029, National Insurance will be charged on contributions above £2,000 per year.

👵 State Pension Increases (from April 2026)

Basic state pension increases by £440 a year

New state pension increases by £575 a year

💰 Cash ISA Reforms – But the £20,000 Limit Stays

From April 2027, the cash ISA allowance

📢 Self-Employed? Your Tax Return is Due 31st January!The Self Assessment deadline is creeping up — and if you're self-em...
25/11/2025

📢 Self-Employed? Your Tax Return is Due 31st January!

The Self Assessment deadline is creeping up — and if you're self-employed, now’s the time to get organised (future you will thank you!).

Here’s how to stay on HMRC’s good side and avoid paying more tax than you need 👇

✅ Claimable expenses:
🏠 Working from home
🚗 Business mileage (not your commute!)
📱 Phone & Wi-Fi (business-use % only)
☕ Client meals (not your daily lunch!)
🎓 Training related to your current business

✅ Top tips:
📂 Keep all receipts (digital is fine!)
📝 Make quick notes on what each cost was for
📅 Keep records for at least 6 years
🚫 No receipt = no claim (except mileage & flat rates)

The earlier you start, the smoother it goes — and if you’re not sure what to claim, just ask. That’s what I’m here for 💁♀️

🎄 Want to thank your team (or yourself!) this Christmas — without triggering a tax bill?HMRC actually lets you do it tax...
19/11/2025

🎄 Want to thank your team (or yourself!) this Christmas — without triggering a tax bill?

HMRC actually lets you do it tax-free if you follow a few simple rules 👇

🎉 Staff Party?
Host an annual event (like a Christmas do) and spend up to £150 per person, including food, drink, taxis, and accommodation = no tax, no NI, fully deductible ✅
💥 Go even £1 over = the whole thing becomes taxable 😬

🎁 Trivial Benefits?
Gift up to £50 per person (non-cash) like a hamper, bottle of bubbly or gift card.
💡 Directors can treat themselves too — up to £300 per year (that’s 6 x £50 gifts) 🎁

Spread the cheer — not the tax!

Need help claiming it right in your accounts? You know where I am 💌

📢 Budget 2025: What Might Be Coming?The next Budget is just around the corner (🗓️ 26th November), and while nothing's co...
06/11/2025

📢 Budget 2025: What Might Be Coming?

The next Budget is just around the corner (🗓️ 26th November), and while nothing's confirmed yet, here's what could be on the horizon 👀👇

🔹 Income tax thresholds still frozen = stealth tax rise
🔹 Cash ISA allowance might be halved
🔹 VAT threshold could gradually drop to £30k
🔹 LLPs may lose National Insurance exemptions
🔹 Pensions likely untouched (phew!)
🔹 Possible tweaks to inheritance tax, landlords & wealth rules

👉 I’ll be breaking it all down when the real announcements hit. For now, stay informed — no panic needed 💁♀️

📬 7 Mistakes That Can Put You on HMRC’s Radar — And How to Avoid Them!Being investigated by HMRC doesn’t always mean you...
28/10/2025

📬 7 Mistakes That Can Put You on HMRC’s Radar — And How to Avoid Them!

Being investigated by HMRC doesn’t always mean you’ve done something wrong…
…but it can mean a load of stress, digging through paperwork, and professional fees you didn’t budget for 😩

The good news? Most investigations start from small, avoidable mistakes 🙈

Here are 7 red flags that could trigger an HMRC investigation:

🚗 Living beyond your declared income
💵 Running a cash-heavy business
🕒 Late or inaccurate tax returns
🏦 Mixing personal & business money
✈️ Over-claiming expenses
📉 Big income drops with no explanation
📬 Ignoring letters from HMRC

Each of these has a simple fix — and I break them all down in this week’s blog (link in bio or drop me a DM and I’ll send it your way ✨)

If you’re worried about getting caught out or just want peace of mind — start here 💡

Yours in stress-free tax confidence,
Lisa x

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