01234 355300
October 21, 2015
Another great day at the Beds SME Expo yesterday at Center Parcs. Thanks to everyone that came to see us. We will be announcing our Halloween Hamper Winner towards the end of this week, so keep your eyes peeled for the lucky winner!
October 14, 2015
According to recent guidance published by HMRC, contractors and freelancers have been bombarded by promoters who make claims that they can help individuals take home up to 90% of their income using a contractor loan scheme. These arrangements artificially divert the income through a chain of companies, trusts or partnerships and pay the contractor in…Read More
October 12, 2015
The Summer Budget 2015 announced that the allowance which reduces the NI liability for companies will no longer be available where the only employees are the directors (one-man bands, husband and wife set ups etc.). This will also be effective from April 2016.
October 7, 2015
Cowley Holmes Accountants will be exhibiting at the Beds SME Expo on Tuesday 20th October 2015 at Centre Parcs, Woburn Forest, Millbrook MK45 2HZ. Come and meet Barry, Kim and Amanda anytime between 9.30am to 1.30pm for a chat and to find out more about us and how we can help you. A warm welcome…Read More
September 7, 2015
When thinking of starting your own business it can be difficult to decide whether to form a limited company straight away or not. Taking all the pros and cons of Limited company incorporation into account, it is sometimes best to carry on a business as a sole trader in the early years. This situation may be particularly relevant…Read More
September 1, 2015
Q. I bought my flat in 2008 and lived in it until 2013 when I moved into my now wife’s house. The flat was in negative equity so we kept it and rented it out. Now that the housing market has improved we have decided to sell it. We plan to use the proceeds to…Read More
August 20, 2015
Q. I have realised that I made a mistake on my most recent VAT return. What should I do? A. You can adjust your current VAT account to correct errors on past returns if the error: was below the reporting threshold (broadly, less than £10,000, or up to 1% of your box 6 figure (up…Read More
August 4, 2015
Barry is participating in a pensions and auto enrolment presentation at the Business Club, Bedford on Monday 10th August. Time: 6.00-9.00pm Location: The Barns Hotel, Cardington Road, Bedford MK44 3SA. If anyone wishes to attend, just email Amanda at We hope to see you there.
July 30, 2015
Q. I personally own a number of buy-to-let residential properties. My son will attend a new school from September and it would be convenient for the family to live in one of those let properties. Can the cost of repairs made to that property while we are living there be claimed as expenses against the rental…Read More
June 12, 2015
Question: Following the relaxation of the pension rules in April I took a cash lump sum from my pension scheme but the pension company deducted tax from the payment. I have no other income in this tax year so I shouldn’t have to pay any tax. How do I get that tax back? Answer: You…Read More
May 15, 2015
A large number of small companies will be exempt from auto-enrolment, if they don’t technically have any “workers” at their staging date. A company director is not a “worker” if he or she does not have a contract of employment with the company. A company with no staff other than directors has no obligations under…Read More
May 12, 2015
The forms P11D and P9D need to be submitted to HMRC by 6 July 2015 where expenses or benefits were provided to your employees in 2014/15, which are not covered by a dispensation, or are not otherwise exempt from tax. If the forms are not submitted on time, HMRC will issue penalties. But how does…Read More
April 30, 2015
We are delighted to announce our Spring Hamper Winner of our Draw from the Beds SME Expo goes to John Yatchisin of Woodfines Solicitors. Congratulations John! Barry presenting John with his prize! Woodfines Solicitors is a long-established legal practice head-quartered in Bedford, with additional offices in Milton Keynes, Cambridge and Sandy. John joined Woodfines last…Read More
April 17, 2015
Another great day at the Beds SME Expo yesterday. Thanks to everyone that came to see us. We will be announcing our Spring Hamper Winner next week, so keep your eyes peeled for the lucky winner!
April 2, 2015
In the recent Budget, further powers have been passed to HMRC to aid them in their efforts to tackle tax evasion and tax avoidance. One such power is the introduction of a “strict liability” criminal offence of failing to declare taxable income and gains arising offshore. “Strict liability” means, essentially, that the act itself becomes…Read More
Click here to see how easy it is to switch to Cowley Holmes
Claim your FREE Essential Guide to Understanding your accounts