Time to Pay Your Tax

By Gary Robinson / January 10, 2026

Paying Your Tax The tax return deadline approaching there will be some people among us that need to settle our tax liabilities by 31 January annually. This comes at a time when some people will have cashflow problems as this is just after Christmas when the credit card bill have arrived and most of us…

Read More

Construction Industry Scheme Hints and Tips

By Gary Robinson / December 28, 2025

Registering for Construction Industry Scheme When you register for the scheme, it will come with registering for a PAYE (pay as you earn) scheme with HM Revenue & Customs. You must submit a return even if you do not pay anyone working for you for the month known as a nil return. If you are…

Read More

Gifts

By Gary Robinson / December 13, 2025

🎁 1. Gifts to Clients, Customers, Suppliers As we approach Christmas time there are particular rules around gifts and the tax rules assiocated with them General rule:These are classed as “business entertainment” by HMRC, so costs are non-deductible and no VAT reclaim, unless they meet strict exceptions. [gov.uk], Exceptions (for deductibility and VAT reclaim): If…

Read More

November 2026 Budget

By Gary Robinson / November 29, 2025

Understanding simple assessments If you owe income tax that cannot be collected automatically via PAYE, such as tax on bank interest or the state pension, HMRC may send you a simple assessment notice This letter shows how much tax HMRC believe you owe based on information they hold. It is important to check the figures…

Read More

Payroll

By Gary Robinson / November 2, 2025

Managing payroll in the UK is more than just paying employees—it’s about staying compliant with evolving regulations, maintaining accurate records, and ensuring your team is paid correctly and on time. Whether you’re a small business owner or part of a larger organisation, understanding the payroll landscape in 2025 is essential. What Is Payroll? Payroll is…

Read More

10 VAT Questions

By Gary Robinson / October 18, 2025

Should I be VAT Registered Navigating VAT (Value Added Tax) registration can be confusing for small business owners, freelancers, and startups. Here’s what you need to know to decide whether you should register. You must register for VAT with HMRC if: This threshold applies to standard-rated, reduced-rated, and zero-rated goods and services. It excludes VAT-exempt…

Read More

Autumn Tax

By Gary Robinson / October 1, 2025

Advisory fuel rates If you reimburse fuel or charging costs for employees using a company car for business travel there will be no taxable profit and no Class 1A national insurance, provided the mileage amount paid does not exceed the advisory rates From 1 September 2025 the advisory rates per mile for non-electric vehicles are:…

Read More

What Is a Director’s Loan Account (And Why Does It Matter)?

By Gary Robinson / September 20, 2025

Director’s Loan Accounts (DLAs) can be a helpful financial tool for small business owners, but they can also cause unexpected tax problems if not managed correctly. Whether you’re lending money to your company, withdrawing funds for personal use, or just trying to keep everything straight, it’s important to understand how DLAs work—and the tax rules…

Read More

Do I Need a Bookkeeper, an Accountant, or Both?

By Gary Robinson / September 13, 2025

If you run a business, chances are you’ve heard the terms bookkeeper and accountant thrown around—but do you really need both? And what’s the difference anyway? Whether you’re a sole trader, landlord, or small business owner in Bracknell, understanding the distinction between these two roles can help you stay compliant, save time, and make smarter…

Read More

Xero vs Sage: Which One’s Right for Your Business?

By Gary Robinson / September 5, 2025

Choosing the right cloud accounting software can save you hours every month and take the stress out of your financial admin. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution—what works brilliantly for one business might not suit another. At Cubic, we support Xero and Sage clients in Bracknell and across the UK, and I’ve worked with both across different…

Read More