Company News & Announcements
Grand Opening: Accountant Pal Officially Opens Its Doors in Burnley!
July 29, 2026
Understanding the New UK Tax Regulations for Small Businesses
📍 Location: 14 Ormerod Street, Burnley, BB11 1EP
⏰ Time: 6:30 PM BST
📅 Date: Monday, 3rd August 2026
Empowering Local Businesses with Modern Accounting
Accountant Pal was founded with a clear mission: to take the stress out of finances for small business owners, freelancers, and growing enterprises. Whether you need assistance with bookkeeping, tax planning, financial compliance, or payroll, our dedicated team brings a proactive, hands-on approach to modern accounting.
"We don't just crunch numbers—we build long-term partnerships that empower business owners to focus on what they do best: growing their business."
Join Us for the Celebration
Our opening ceremony is an excellent opportunity to:
• Meet the Team: Get to know our experts and learn how we can support your financial goals.
• Network with Local Leaders: Connect with fellow Burnley business owners and community members.
• Explore Our Services: Discover tailored accounting solutions, from day-to-day bookkeeping to comprehensive tax strategy.
Light refreshments and drinks will be served throughout the evening.
RSVP & Contact Information
While all are welcome, space is limited! Please let us know if you plan to attend so we can ensure enough refreshments for everyone.
August 10, 2026
Navigating HMRC Compliance: A Guide for Freelancers in 2026
📍 Location: Online Webinar via Zoom
⏰ Time: 10:00 AM BST
📅 Date: Wednesday, 12th August 2026
Simplified Tax Professional Advice for the Modern Worker
As the freelance economy continues to grow, staying on top of your tax obligations is more important than ever. At Accountant Pal, we specialize in helping self-employed professionals manage their finances efficiently.
"Transitioning from employment to freelance can be daunting, but with the right systems in place, your financial management becomes second nature."
What You Will Learn
• Self-Assessment Tips: How to organize your records to avoid the January rush.
• Deductible Expenses: Ensure you aren't paying more tax than you need to by claiming the right costs.
• MTD Updates: What Digital Tax records mean for you in the coming year.
Register now to secure your spot in our upcoming financial clarity session.
3 Overlooked Business Expenses That Could Lower Your Tax Bill
Running a small business or working as an independent director comes with its fair share of overheads. Between managing operational costs, supplier invoices, and administrative duties, every pound counts. However, many business owners end up paying more tax than necessary simply because they aren't fully aware of what qualifies as an allowable business expense under HMRC rules.
To help you keep your books tax-efficient and compliant, here is a detailed look at three commonly overlooked tax deductions that could significantly lower your overall taxable profit.
1. Home Office Costs & Household Utilities
If you run your business from home or spend a substantial amount of time working outside a traditional office, you are entitled to claim a portion of your running costs against your income.
- What Can You Claim?
When using a home office, you can claim a calculated proportion of household running costs, including:
Electricity & Heating: The cost of lighting and heating the specific room or area where work takes place.
Broadband & Landlines: The business proportion of your internet connection and phone expenses.
Council Tax & Rent/Mortgage Interest: Calculated strictly based on the proportion of space and time dedicated solely to business operations.
How to Calculate It:
Actual Cost Method: Divide your utility bills by the number of rooms in your home and the percentage of time those rooms are used for work.
Flat Rate (Simplified Expenses): HMRC offers flat rates based on the number of hours worked per month from home (e.g., £10/month for 25–50 hours, £18/month for 51–100 hours, or £26/month for 101+ hours).
Key Takeaway: Don't let your personal bank account absorb expenses that are directly fueling your daily business operations.
2. Professional Subscriptions, Training & Software
- Investing in your business knowledge and professional network isn't just good practice—it's also tax-efficient.
Allowable Deductions Include:
Professional Body Fees: Annual membership fees for approved professional organizations or accredited trade bodies relevant to your industry.
Software Subscriptions: Cloud-based bookkeeping software, design applications, practice management tools, and cybersecurity solutions necessary for running your business.
Training Courses & Books: Courses, seminars, and educational materials that maintain or upgrade existing skills relevant to your current business activities.
Important Note on Training:
Training intended to teach you an entirely new skill or start a new trade is generally viewed by HMRC as capital investment rather than a revenue expense, and may not be deductible. Focus on claiming costs for maintaining high-level expertise in your existing field.
3. Trivial Benefits & Employee Perks
- Rewarding yourself and your team doesn't always have to trigger extra tax charges or National Insurance Contributions (NICs). Under HMRC's Trivial Benefits scheme, small perks provided to employees and directors can be completely tax-free.
The Rules for Trivial Benefits:
To qualify as tax-free, each benefit must meet four main conditions:
It costs £50 or less (including VAT) per benefit.
It is not cash or a voucher that can be converted directly into cash (store gift cards for retail shops are allowed).
It is not a reward for work performance or part of an employee's contractual agreement.
It is not provided as part of a salary sacrifice scheme.
Annual Cap for Directors:
For directors of close companies (companies managed by 5 or fewer shareholders), tax-free trivial benefits are capped at £300 per tax year.
Are You Claiming Everything You're Entitled To?
Small deductions across these three categories quickly add up over a tax year, keeping more money within your business to support future growth.
At Accountant Pal, we help business owners keep their ledgers accurate, maintain strict compliance, and ensure no legitimate tax savings are left on the table.
Need Guidance on Your Expenses?
If you want to review your current expense tracking or explore how to optimize your business accounts, our team is here to help.
Get in touch with us today to schedule a consultation.
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