Blog
Welcome to the accountancy blog from ZincBooks
We love to share the latest news, views and advice with our clients and the weekly blog gives us the ideal opportunity to do this.
Feel free to get in touch with us if you wish to discuss any of the blog topics in more detail.
ZincBooks are proactive accountants that offer fantastic services to both companies and individuals. If you are looking for something more than a traditional accountancy service then why not get in touch with us today.
The innocent touch – where a lack of clear guidelines and policies makes a dismissal more likely to be unfair
A school inspector dismissed for brushing water off a pupil’s head won his unfair dismissal claim against OFSTED. Mr. Hewston worked as a Social Care Regulatory Inspector and, on the 8th of October 2019, during a school
Higher rate tax relief on pension contributions
Want to make the most of your pension savings? You could claim up to 45% tax relief on contributions, plus carry forward unused allowances. Here’s how to boost your retirement pot with generous HMRC incentives.
Tax
Tax and employee suggestion schemes
Have you set up a suggestion scheme for ideas that could save or earn you money? Employee suggestion schemes can offer up to £5,000 tax-free for valuable input — and even £25 for smaller efforts. A win for
Still time to repay private fuel costs and avoid tax charge
Use a company car for personal trips? Avoid a hefty tax charge by reimbursing your employer for private fuel by 6 July 2025. It’s called “making good” – and it could save you a chunk in tax if your private
Understanding VAT Bad Debt Relief
Struggling with unpaid invoices? If you’ve paid VAT to HMRC but never received payment from your customer, you may be able to reclaim that VAT. Learn how bad debt relief works and whether switching to cash accounting
Statutory Redundancy rights
Redundant? You could receive up to £30,000 tax-free, whether it’s statutory pay or a better deal from your employer. Know your rights, check the 2025-26 limits, and understand how your age and service affect your
Tax relief for landlords replacing domestic items
Swapped an old fridge or carpet in your rental property? Landlords can claim tax relief on replacing domestic items – but not if it’s an upgrade! Know the rules and save money by claiming what you are entitled.
The
UK Responds to New US Tariffs
The UK’s Business and Trade Secretary, Jonathan Reynolds, has set out the government’s position following the United States’ recent imposition of new tariffs on UK exports. These include a 10% reciprocal tariff on
£13.9bn of R&D funding
The UK government has announced a record-breaking £13.9 billion in research and development (R&D) funding for the coming year. This major investment is designed to drive innovation, create quality jobs, and support
Filing ATED return April 2025
From April 2025, updated ATED rates apply to residential properties held by companies and other Non-Natural Persons (NNPs). Make sure returns and payments are submitted by 30 April to avoid penalties. Reliefs may apply
Don’t forget to update your NMW and NLW wage rates
Minimum wage rates rose on 1 April 2025. NLW now £12.21, and big increases for younger workers too. Make sure you’re compliant – underpayment can cost up to £20K per worker and a director ban. Time to check your
Frozen tax allowances and fiscal drag
Tax thresholds frozen till 2028? That’s fiscal drag in action – more tax paid without rate rises. It’s a stealthy revenue boost for HM Treasury, projected to bring in £38bn a year by 2029. Inflation and pay rises make it
See how we can help
From Payroll and Bookkeeping to VAT and Corporation Tax, your perfect accountant is right here – giving you the fast, efficient and friendly support you need.