Author: Björgvin Vigfússon
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When Should a Sole Trader Become a Limited Company? (UK 2025/26)
When Should a Sole Trader Go Limited? (UK 2025/26): Tax, Risk & Practical Triggers Thinking of going limited? Discover the key tax, liability and mortgage considerations before switching from sole trader to limited company in 2025/26 explained in plain English, with GOV.UK & bank sources.
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Why DIY Cash-Flow Forecasts Often Fail (and How to Fix Them)
DIY Cash-Flow Forecasts (UK): Why They Fail and How to Fix Them UK guide to reliable cash-flow forecasting: fix the 7 DIY failure modes, bake in VAT/PAYE dates, and run a 52-week rolling forecast with weekly updates.
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CIS penalties & appeals (and how to protect or reinstate GPS)
CIS Penalties & Appeals (UK 2025/26) Late Returns, Late Payments & Protecting GPS.
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CIS isn’t employment status: getting PAYE vs subcontractor right (CEST + risk controls)
CIS Isn’t Employment Status: PAYE vs Subcontractor, CEST & Controls UK 2025/26. Decide correctly between PAYE and CIS on each engagement. Use CEST, document evidence, and then run either PAYE or CIS (verify, labour-only base, CIS300). Includes VAT DRC interaction and GOV.UK sources.
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CIS returns & statements in Xero/QuickBooks/Sage (screenshots + step-by-step)
CIS Returns & Payment/Deduction Statements in Xero, QuickBooks & Sage, UK 2025/26 Step-by-step to run CIS month-end in your software: split labour vs materials, issue PDS by the 19th, file CIS300 on time, and pay by the 22nd plus clean DRC handling. GOV.UK-sourced and ready to use.
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CIS vs VAT Domestic Reverse Charge: when both apply (decision flow + wording)
CIS vs VAT Domestic Reverse Charge (UK 2025/26): When Both Apply + Exact Invoice Wording. Clear decision flow for CIS and the VAT Domestic Reverse Charge on the same job. Know when DRC applies, how end-user letters switch it off, and how to invoice while calculating CIS on labour only backed by GOV.UK.
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How to Qualify for (and Keep) CIS Gross Payment Status in 2025/26
How to Qualify for (and Keep) CIS Gross Payment Status in 2025/26. Pass HMRC’s turnover, business and compliance tests (now includes VAT) to get CIS Gross Payment Status, then keep it at annual review. Clear tolerances, worked examples, and a 20-minute GPS Readiness Check.
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Deemed contractor rule explained: calculating the £3m spend and when it bites (UK 2025/26)
Deemed Contractor Rule (CIS): £3m Rolling Spend & Reg 22 UK 2025/26. Cross £3m ex-VAT construction spend in 12 months and CIS applies even if you’re not a builder. Learn how to track the threshold, apply Reg 22, and start CIS.
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CIS Registration (CIS302 / CIS304 / CIS305): Which form do you need and how to get it right (UK 2025/26)
CIS Registration (CIS302/304/305) Sole Trader, Partnership, Company & GPS [UK2025/26). Which CIS form do you need, CIS302, CIS304 or CIS305? Learn the fastest route to register, when to apply for Gross Payment Status, and how to avoid 30% unmatched deductions. 2025/26]
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CIS Gross Payment Status (GPS) Tolerance: What HMRC Really Allows (UK 2025/26)
CIS Gross Payment Status Tolerance (UK 2025/26): Exact HMRC Limits, Reviews & Appeals. Know the real GPS tolerance lines: how many late returns/payments HMRC can overlook, what’s fatal, VAT from April 2024, review timings, and how to appeal a withdrawal.