• Posted November 4, 2025

Your VAT Invoice Checklist: What to Check Before Claiming Input VAT

When you’re preparing your VAT return, it’s tempting to rush through the pile of invoices and receipts. However, HMRC is increasingly vigilant about VAT claims, and holding an invalid invoice could mean your input VAT claim is rejected during an inspection. This could result in additional tax, interest, and potentially penalties. Here’s your essential guide […]


  • Posted November 4, 2025

Making Tax Digital Update: Corporation Tax Changes for 2026

If you’re a company director, you’ll need to prepare for one of the most significant changes to UK tax administration in recent years. Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Corporation Tax is rolling out from April 2026, and it will fundamentally change how your limited company reports its tax affairs to HMRC. While MTD for VAT […]


  • Posted October 28, 2025

Preparing for 2026: Budget Planning Best Practices

As we approach 2026, business leaders face an increasingly complex economic landscape requiring sophisticated budget planning approaches. With inflation volatility, evolving regulatory requirements, and shifting consumer behaviours continuing to impact business operations, the importance of robust financial planning has never been greater. Successful businesses are those that move beyond traditional budgeting methods to embrace comprehensive […]


  • Posted October 24, 2025

Football Clubs and Administration: What Does It Really Mean?

The financial struggles of Sheffield Wednesday have recently brought the term “administration” back into the headlines. The Championship club faces a potential winding-up petition from HMRC over unpaid tax bills, highlighting how even historic football institutions can find themselves in severe financial difficulty. But what does it actually mean when a football club enters administration, […]


  • Posted October 21, 2025

Inheritance Tax Planning: Protecting Your Family’s Wealth

Inheritance tax (IHT) represents one of the most significant threats to generational wealth preservation. With IHT rates of 40% on estates exceeding the nil-rate band, the impact on family wealth can be devastating without proper planning. However, with strategic foresight and expert guidance, there are numerous legitimate ways to minimise your IHT liability whilst ensuring […]


  • Posted October 15, 2025

The Hidden Costs of DIY Bookkeeping: When to Call in the Professionals

As a start-up founder or small business owner, every pound matters. When faced with mounting expenses and tight budgets, it’s tempting to tackle bookkeeping yourself. After all, how hard can it be to track income and expenses? The reality is far more complex. What appears to be a cost-saving measure often becomes an expensive mistake […]


  • Posted October 7, 2025

Self-Assessment Deadline Approaching: Your October Action Plan

With autumn upon us, the 31st January Self-Assessment deadline may feel distant, but savvy self-employed individuals and landlords know that October is the perfect time to get organised. Acting now means avoiding the January rush, maximising your tax efficiency, and ensuring you don’t miss any valuable deductions or planning opportunities. Why October Matters for Your […]


  • Posted September 30, 2025

Q3 Financial Review: Key Metrics Every Business Should Analyse

The end of the third quarter is the perfect time for business owners to take a step back and evaluate their financial performance. While daily operations often consume our attention, quarterly reviews provide crucial insights that can make or break your business’s success in the final stretch of the year. For small to medium enterprises, […]


  • Posted September 22, 2025

We are hiring – part-time bookkeeper

Hours: Part-time (16-20 hours per week) Whitesides Chartered Accountants is an independent firm of Chartered Accountants based in Horsforth. We are looking for a part-time bookkeeper to join our close-knit team. Our supportive, friendly environment and flexible approach to work makes us a great place to build your career. The Role We are seeking an […]


  • Posted August 19, 2025

Benchmarking Your Business: Are You Really Making Enough Profit?

As a business owner turning over between £500,000 and £1 million, you’re in good company. You’ve built something substantial, created jobs, and are contributing significantly to the UK economy. But here’s the question that keeps many owner-managers awake at night: Am I actually making enough profit for all this effort and risk? If you’re not […]