HMRC has officially opened applications for the new Vaping Products Duty (VPD) from 1 April 2026. This is a major regulatory change affecting manufacturers, importers, and warehousekeepers across the UK vaping supply chain. Reach out to get it set up From 1 October 2026, a new excise duty of £2.20 per 10ml will apply to …
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Simple, practical ways to stop overpaying tax If you’re running a business in Newcastle, there’s a strong chance you’re paying more tax than necessary. Not because you’re doing anything wrong — but because: That’s exactly why we created this checklist. What’s inside: ✔ Common expenses most business owners forget✔ Simple ways to reduce your tax …
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Getting a mortgage isn’t just about how much you earn. It’s about how your financial information is presented to the lender. This is particularly important if you are self-employed or a company director. Why mortgage applications get delayed Many applications run into issues because: Accounts are not up to dateTax returns don’t align with accountsIncome …
Retirement should be about peace of mind. Unfortunately, many pensioners tell us they feel confused or stressed when they hear about tax changes in the news. Frozen tax allowances, changes to savings rules, digital reporting requirements – it can all sound complicated. The good news is that most of these issues are manageable once they …
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Running a business is challenging, and paying less tax legally is always welcome news. From 1 January 2026, unincorporated businesses like sole traders and partnerships can benefit from a new 40% First-Year Allowance (FYA) on qualifying plant and machinery that aren’t fully covered by other allowances. At Friendly Assist Accountancy, we help businesses make the …
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The UK tax system is getting more digital, and two key changes are on the horizon: the mandatory payrolling of Benefits in Kind (BIKs) and the wider rollout of Making Tax Digital (MTD). Whether you’re a business, charity, sole trader or landlord, understanding these developments now will make compliance easier in the years ahead. What …
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Freelancing gives you freedom. Tax deadlines do not. If you didn’t file or pay your Self Assessment by 31 January 2026, don’t panic. You are not the only one, and this is still very fixable. What matters now is what you do in February. Here’s how to reduce penalties, calm HMRC down, and set yourself …
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If you live in the UK and have income from abroad, it can be hard to know what HMRC expects – especially if your situation feels a bit messy or complicated. As a Newcastle‑based accountant specialising in international and cross‑border tax, I help clients with overseas income, EU connections and late returns understand their position …
AI-powered bookkeeping tools are advancing quickly. Platforms such as Xero, QuickBooks, Sage and FreeAgent now automate bank feeds, VAT coding and transaction explanations at scale. Used well, they save time. Used badly, they accelerate errors. The issue is not the technology. It is the quality of the bookkeeping underneath it. Automation does not fix weak …
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The Autumn 2025 Budget introduced several updates to the VAT system that will matter to many UK businesses. Some are helpful, some require attention, and all are worth understanding early. Below is a clear, client-focused overview that keeps things simple and practical. At Friendly Assist Accountancy, we combine local expertise with extensive international experience. Whether …
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