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16 Essential UK Accounting Guides for UK Small Businesses

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Running a small limited company in the UK means dealing with tax codes, Companies House filings, share rules and company names. The guides below explain each topic in plain English, with the steps, deadlines and forms you need. Bookmark this page and work through the ones that apply to your business. 1. Tax Code 1257L: Mean and Why Should You Care? Tax Code 1257L: Mean and Why Should You Care? The tax code 1257L means you usually receive the standard Personal Allowance of £12,570 before paying income tax. 2. What Is Corporation Tax? Rates, Deadlines, and How It Works What Is Corporation Tax? Rates, Deadlines, and How It Works Corporation tax is a tax that companies and some organisations pay on their taxable profits. In the UK, it is collected by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC). 3. What Is a Company Tax Return: How Do You Prepare and File It? What Is a Company Tax Return: How Do You Prepare and File It? A company tax return reports a company's taxable profits and corporati...

What Is an Online Accounting Service for a Small Business in the UK?

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An online accounting service lets a small UK business have its accounts, tax and filings handled by a qualified accountant, without visiting an office. You share documents and bank data online, and your accountant works in cloud software such as Xero or QuickBooks, so you can see your figures in real time. In this guide, we explain what is included, what it costs, and how to choose the right service for a limited company. What Is an Online Accounting Service? An online accounting service is professional accounting delivered remotely, through cloud software and digital communication, instead of face-to-face meetings and paper records. Your accountant prepares your annual accounts, files your Corporation Tax return, handles VAT and payroll where needed, and keeps your records up to date on Companies House and HMRC. You upload invoices and receipts, connect your bank feed, and check your position from a dashboard, rather than posting documents or waiting for a year-end meeting. For ...

How Do You Dissolve a Company in the UK?

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Closing a limited company is a formal process, not just stopping trading. If you want to dissolve a company in the UK, you normally do it by applying to strike it off the Companies House register. Done correctly, it is straightforward. Done incorrectly, it can leave tax, debts, or filings unresolved. In this guide, we explain when strike off is the right route, how it works, and what to check first. What Does It Mean to Dissolve a Company? To dissolve a company means to remove it from the Companies House register, so it no longer legally exists. Once dissolved, the company cannot trade, hold a bank account, or own assets. Any remaining assets usually pass to the Crown as bona vacantia, unless they are dealt with before dissolution. That is why dissolution is different from simply closing a business down. The company, its directors, and its filings all need to be wound up properly first. When Should You Strike Off a Company? Strike off is usually suitable when a company is no lo...

How Can You Change Your Company Name in the UK?

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A change of company name can help a business reflect a new brand, expand into a different market or move away from an outdated name. A UK limited company can change its registered name without forming a new company, provided it follows the correct legal process. The process usually involves choosing an acceptable new name, approving the change, filing the correct form with Companies House and updating your business records. If you want to change company name UK , this guide explains the process, forms, fees, timescales and key steps you need to follow. Why Might a Company Need to Change Its Name? Businesses change their names for many reasons. The registered name may no longer match the company's activities, brand or long-term plans. Common reasons include: Rebranding the business Expanding into new services Entering a new market Merging with another business Removing an outdated name Changing the company's business focus Creating a stronger brand identity Correcting a name th...

Corporate Services

Corporate Services | Xact+ Accountants Corporate Services That Simplify Compliance & Accelerate Growth From formation to strike off — all in one expert place Book Free Consultation What We Offer 🏢 Company Formation Quick and compliant UK company setup. Learn More → 🔁 Company Name Change Update your brand legally and easily. Learn More → 📄 Confirmation Statement Stay compliant with timely CS01 filings. Learn More → 👤 Director Changes Add or remove directors easily and legally. Learn More → 📈 Share Transfers Smooth share reallocation process. Learn More → ❌ Company Strike Off Close your company the correct way. Learn More → ...
UK Stock Market Insights Share of Stock: UK Market Insights How to buy, key benefits, and current market trends Benefits of Owning Shares Dividend Income Receive regular dividend payments from profitable companies Capital Growth Potential for your investment to increase in value over time ...

Are cash gifts taxable?

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As we get older, if we’ve worked hard and done alright for ourselves, naturally, we might want to gift a reasonable wodge of cash to a loved one. Often, people want to help a son, daughter or grandchild to go to university, go travelling, buy a car, start a business, get married or put down a deposit on a first house. The “Bank of Mum and Dad” remains a crucial source of funding, but there are a few tax rules that you and your loved ones should be aware of before you go gifting them large amounts of your hard-earned dosh. Cash gifts and  Income Tax There are no potential income tax implications for the person to whom you gift cash – unless they put it into a savings account and it generates taxable interest or they buy shares from which they receive taxable dividend payments. Dividend  payments are subject to Income Tax once they go over the threshold (£500 for the 2024/25  tax year ), while interest can be taxable once the recipient’s total income exceeds their tax-free...