Death of buy to let
The number of buy to let mortgages fell drastically in 2016 and 2017, from 117,500 in 2015 to 74,900 in 2017, a two year drop of 38%, which has prompted many news outlets to herald the ‘death of buy to let’. A number of factors have…
Benefits of a limited company vs sole trader
Self employment isn’t as simple as finding clients and starting to work. Before you can start working for yourself you need to carefully weigh the pros and cons of the legal form your business is going to take. There are two ways in which…
Why use an accountant, and the benefits of using an accountant
If you are starting a small business, or working as a sole trader, it might be worth looking into hiring an accountant instead of trying to handle your accounts yourself. When you are first getting started, it might be fairly easy to stay on…
Marriage allowance versus family shareholders
Two million married couples and civil partners are missing out on the Marriage Allowance. Because so many of us have not taken up the allowance, it’s saving HMRC a massive £1.3bn every year.
For Accounting Gem clients who are married or…
Is someone undercutting your prices?
Is someone undercutting your prices? Has a new competitor opened up and you can see from your takings that your customers are leaving you for them?
It’s a scary situation. Price is surely only one consideration when it comes to people parting…
IR35 coming to the private sector
IR35 is coming to the private sector.
If you manage or own a business, you may well have noticed that your use of flexible workers, contractors or freelancers has grown substantially over the course of the last few years. You aren’t alone…
Making Tax Digital – the countdown has begun
Making Tax Digital – the countdown has begun
The roll-out of Making Tax Digital is, without doubt, the biggest change to the way tax liabilities are reported and paid for since the introduction of Self Assessment in the 1990s. This brand…
New Office Opens
We are pleased to announce we now have a second office on the Norwich Road in Ipswich. If you would prefer to see us here instead of our main office, please feel free to pop in!
Attention Landlords
This year the rules have changed on tax relief for mortgages on buy-to-let properties. If you need help in completing the property pages for your personal tax return, please give us a call on 01473 744700.
Gross pay pension scheme
Do you pay into a pension scheme? Contributions to your employer's pension scheme (including any additional voluntary contributions you make) can be made from your gross pay, before any tax is charged. The government will top up your pension…