We all send emails daily. Yet, an increasingly large number of emails are a phishing email. Phishing (pronounced “fishing”) emails are sent by criminals who want you to give them your personal details. The email will ask you to fill in a form or to click on a link and download code to your computer – this allows the criminals to simply gather information or more severely, attack your IT system by implanting malware: software that will disrupt or destroy your data or tools or install ransomware, which encrypts data that will only be released once the victim has paid a ransom. Cybercrime is sadly rife.
Continue readingMaking Tax Digital Income Tax Self Assessment delay announced (MTD ITSA) delayed to 2024
MTD ITSA has been delayed by the government to 6 April 2024 – MTD for general partnerships postponed until to 2025 – the change to the tax year basis has also been delayed until at least April 2024
Another deferral to the MTD programme
Continue readingHB Accountants are buzzing about positive changes
Climate chance: Evidence shows that our planet is warming up. The Paris Agreement is the UK’s legal target to achieve net zero by 2050 – businesses all over Hertfordshire and Essex and throughout the UK are collectively on this journey together – the first step: create a plan. Embedding that plan and utilising your business’ net zero efficiencies and educating your people will drive a positive change.
Continue readingThe HB Accountants History part 4: The life of a post-war articled clerk
As we celebrate our 100th birthday, we thought it would be fun to look back at the history of HB Accountants. You can read part 1 – our birth – here or read about how the 2nd World War impacted us here or how we got our name here. In this blog, part 4, we revisit what life was like for an articled clerk, learning his trade as an accountant.
Continue readingCelebrating Colin Wilkinson’s 60th Birthday: Do you know your accountant?
This week, HB Accountants’ are celebrating Colin’s 60th Birthday! If ever Team HB needed an excuse to celebrate, this is it, thank you Colin!
Continue readingBoris Johnson outlines new 1.25% health and social care tax to pay for reforms – National Insurance increase NICs
A new health and social care tax will be introduced across the UK to pay for reforms to the care sector and NHS funding in England. It will raise £36bn for front line services over the next three years.
Continue reading12 things your Charity needs to know about Gift Aid
Registered charities and Community Amateur Sports Clubs (CASCs) can claim an additional 25p for every £1 donated by an individual. This whopping 25% boost on donations is known as Gift Aid and it can soon add up. As accountants working with a number of charities, we are well aware of the difference this extra money can make to that fantastic work you are all doing.
Continue readingHMRC told our client to wait 6 months for tax refund to be processed – not on our watch!
James* is 22 years old and is self-employed. He has successfully claimed the SEISS, as his business was negatively financially impacted during the Covid19 pandemic – he wasn’t able to work during most of the Covid19 lockdowns.
Continue readingWhat does MTD Making Tax Digital mean for sole traders from 2023 – MTD for Income Tax
Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self-Assessment becomes law on 6 April 2023 and aims to make tax accounting easier for businesses and individuals such as sole traders by legislating the digitalisation of tax data and submission.
Continue readingWhy your business deserves a great audit and how to find a great auditor!
A great audit delivers an objective assessment of your business accounts and your current business circumstances. When your audit gives you peace of mind from knowing your financial reporting is accurate, you have robust internal controls and are aware of and have minimised potential fraud, it’s a great audit.
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