Blogs

A refreshing take on finance and accounting

Here, we blend expert advice with real-world applications, ensuring you’re always a step ahead in managing your business finances effectively.

MTD for Landlords in Lincoln: Quarterly Updates Explained

If you own rental property in Lincoln and earn more than £50,000 a year from it, your relationship with HMRC is about to change. From April 2026, MTD for landlords in Lincoln becomes mandatory, replacing the once-a-year Self Assessment routine you have used for decades. Four quarterly submissions plus a final declaration will become your […]

Making Tax Digital Lincoln: A Sole Trader’s Guide

If you’re a Lincoln sole trader and you’ve spotted the words Making Tax Digital on an HMRC letter, you’re not alone. The rules change in April 2026, and many self-employed people across Lincolnshire are unsure what to do next. This guide explains what making tax digital Lincoln rules mean for you. You’ll learn the deadlines, […]

9 Best Accountants in Lincoln for 2026 (Honest Review)

By the UK SME Finance Research Desk — cross-referencing Companies House records, ICAEW’s Find a Chartered Accountant directory, and each firm’s verifiable public profile. Looking for the best accountants for Lincoln businesses in 2026? This guide ranks nine trusted options — local Lincoln chartered firms plus one standout cloud-first practice serving Lincoln remotely — scored […]

Tax Accountants in Lincoln: Minimise Your Tax Bill Legally

Introduction Most Lincoln business owners pay more tax than they need to. Not because they break rules. They simply miss legal savings already written into UK tax law. If you are searching for tax accountants in Lincoln, you probably feel that frustration. Your bill keeps climbing. Your current accountant only calls in January. You just […]

Bookkeepers Near Me in Lincoln: Local Experts You Can Trust

Searching for bookkeepers near me in Lincoln and getting a wall of faceless directory listings? You are not alone. Every week, Lincoln business owners type that exact phrase hoping to find someone local, qualified, and trustworthy to take the books off their plate. This guide cuts through the noise. Below, you will find out exactly […]

How to Choose an Accountant in Lincoln: 10 Questions to Ask

Choosing an accountant in Lincoln can feel overwhelming. You search online, find a dozen firms that all say roughly the same things, and you’re left wondering how to tell who’s actually right for your business. The truth is, the wrong accountant costs you more than no accountant at all. Missed tax reliefs, late filings, HMRC […]

What Expenses Can Digital Nomads Claim?

A Practical Guide for Location-Independent Workers Digital nomads enjoy the freedom to work from anywhere in the world — but when it comes to expenses and tax relief, the rules can feel far less flexible. If you’re running a business, freelancing, or working as a contractor while travelling, it’s important to understand which expenses are […]

Claiming Flights and Hotels Through Your Limited Company

When It’s Allowable – and When It Definitely Isn’t Travel expenses are one of the most commonly misunderstood areas of limited company tax. Directors often assume that if a flight or hotel is “linked to work”, the company can pay for it or claim it back. Unfortunately, HMRC takes a much stricter view. Here’s how […]

Content Creators: “Surely That Counts as a Business Expense… Right?

If you’re a content creator, influencer, YouTuber, podcaster, or online personality, chances are you’ve thought: “But my brand is me… so doesn’t that make everything business-related?” We get it. Your face, your style, your lifestyle — that’s literally what you’re monetising. But when it comes to tax, HMRC doesn’t care how many views something got. […]

Sole Trader Starter Guide: For New Self-Employed Businesses

So, you’ve registered as self-employed with HMRC and received your UTR. Great — now let’s make sure everything is set up properly.   Set Up a Dedicated Business Bank Account While not legally required, it’s strongly recommended. Use a separate account for business income and expenses Makes bookkeeping, tax returns, and MTD compliance much easier […]

Self-Assessment Tax Returns in Lincoln: Expert Help When You Need It

If you need help with self-assessment in Lincoln, you are not alone. Thousands of sole traders, landlords, and small business owners across Lincolnshire need to file a tax return each year, and getting it wrong can mean penalties starting at £100. This guide covers who needs to file, key deadlines, what it costs, common mistakes, […]

Small Business Accountants Lincoln: Tailored Support for Growing Companies

Small business accountants in Lincoln help sole traders, partnerships, and limited companies manage bookkeeping, tax returns, VAT, payroll, and year-end accounts. With Making Tax Digital launching in April 2026, now is the time to get the right support in place. Explore our full range of accounting services or get in touch for a free consultation. […]

Bookkeeping in Lincoln: Professional Services for Local Businesses

Bookkeeping in Lincoln helps local businesses stay organised, compliant with HMRC, and ready for Making Tax Digital. Professional bookkeepers typically charge between £20 and £55 per hour, or £120 to £500 monthly. With over 45,000 SMEs in Greater Lincolnshire, finding the right bookkeeping support can save you time, reduce errors, and keep your finances on […]

How Do You Pay Your Self Assessment Tax Bill? (Including the 31st January Deadline)

If you’re self-employed, a landlord, or have income that isn’t taxed automatically, Self Assessment is one of those things that comes around every year whether you’re ready for it or not. We know tax isn’t exactly exciting… but paying it on time does make life a lot easier.   The all-important date: 31st January For […]

What Are Payments on Account (and Why Do They Catch So Many People Out?)

If you’ve ever looked at your Self Assessment tax bill and thought “Why am I paying tax for a year that hasn’t even finished yet?” then you’ve met Payments on Account. They’re one of the most confusing parts of Self Assessment — and one of the biggest causes of January panic. So let’s break them […]

How Much Tax Should I Be Saving?

One of the most common questions we’re asked is: “How much tax should I be putting aside?” And it’s a good question — because guessing (or hoping for the best) is usually what leads to nasty surprises in January. The honest answer is: it depends. But we can give you some sensible guidelines to help […]

How to Find the Best Accountants in Lincoln for Your Business Type

Updated in January 2026 Accountants in Lincoln: Your Complete Guide to Finding the Right Financial Partner TL;DR: Finding the right accountants in Lincoln means looking for a team that understands your business, offers cloud-based solutions like Xero, and provides services from bookkeeping to year-end accounts. The best Lincoln accountants will save you time, reduce stress, […]

What Is Bookkeeping? A Simple Guide for Businesses in Boston, Lincolnshire

What Is Bookkeeping?   Are your business receipts piling up and spreadsheets getting messy? You’re definitely not the only one. For many business owners across Boston and Lincolnshire, bookkeeping can feel like a confusing chore best left until tax season. But it doesn’t have to be stressful. At its core, bookkeeping is about keeping your […]

Can an Accountant Really Save You Money on Your Self Assessment Tax Return? 

Short answer: Yes—absolutely.  A lot of people see hiring an accountant as just another expense. But when it comes to your Self Assessment tax return, working with a professional can actually save you money—and a whole lot of time and stress.    ✅ We Spot What You Might Miss  Most people aren’t sure what expenses […]

HMRC Is Chasing Incorrect Debts – What UK Business Owners Need to Know

HMRC Is Chasing Incorrect Debts – What UK Business Owners Need to Know At Total Accounting Kent, we’ve noticed a sharp increase in clients being wrongly pursued by HMRC for debts that have already been paid or resolved. This worrying trend is affecting otherwise well-organised businesses and could pose a serious risk to financial stability. […]

Bookkeeping Basics: What Does a Bookkeeper Really Do?

Are you feeling overwhelmed by spreadsheets and receipts piling up on your desk? You’re not alone. For many business owners, bookkeeping feels like a mysterious, jargon-heavy task best left untouched — until the tax deadline looms.  But it doesn’t have to be daunting.  At its core, bookkeeping is simply about keeping your business finances organised […]

We’re Moving! A Fresh New Chapter for Total Accounting Kent

We’re Moving! A Fresh New Chapter for Total Accounting Kent We’re excited to share some big news — Total Accounting Kent is on the move! After years of building our business and supporting our clients from The Innovation Centre in Chatham, we’re relocating to a beautiful new office just a stone’s throw away at Platform […]

At What Point is it Worth Getting an Accountant?

At What Point is it Worth Getting an Accountant? When it comes to managing finances, many individuals and business owners often wonder whether they should hire a professional or go it alone. That’s where the question arises: at what point is it worth getting an accountant? This decision can be especially crucial for those based […]

Why April is the Perfect Time to Switch Payroll Providers

Why April is the Perfect Time to Switch Payroll Providers At Total Accounting Kent Ltd, we understand that running a business means juggling many responsibilities. Payroll shouldn’t be one of the things that keeps you up at night. Whether you’re a small business owner or managing a growing team, having an efficient and compliant payroll […]

Andy is running the London Marathon

April is now well underway, and it finally feels like Spring is here! Later this month our amazing Admin Support and Payroll Manager, Andy, is participating in the London Marathon. After years of trying, Andy has finally secured a charity place in the London Marathon! 🏃‍♂️💪 He’s running to raise money for Pancreatic Cancer UK, […]

Tax changes from 6 April

Employer’s National Insurance Contributions (NICs) Starting from 6 April, employers will face a 1.2% increase in National Insurance contributions (NICs). This change affects all employers, adding an average of £800 per employee to employment costs. Additionally, the secondary threshold will drop to £5,000 from the current £9,100.   Employment Allowance Meanwhile, the employment allowance will […]

The Impact of Trade Tariffs

It’s been a few days since the Trump Administration announced their planned trade tariffs at the Oval Office in Washington D.C. The full impact is yet to be felt, leaving many wondering how it will affect them and their businesses.   What are Trade Tariffs? A trade tariff is a duty imposed by a government […]

What are Payroll Services?

  In a dynamic business environment, managing finances effectively is crucial. One aspect that often requires a specialised approach is payroll, leading many businesses to ask, “what are payroll services?” For Total Accounting Kent – your trusted accountants in Medway, Kent – understanding and utilising payroll services can significantly streamline the payment process for businesses, […]

Change is scary pt 2: Changing accounting software and seeing your numbers for the first time

We recently wrote about a blog all about how scary change can be, especially when you’re thinking of switching accountants. Today we want to talk about another big change you might be putting off – switching to a better accounting software. Your choice of accounting software is about more than just the bells and whistles […]

Change is scary – How you can overcome the fear of switching accountants

Like most business owners, you’re busy. You’ve got a thousand things on your to do list and you’re not sure how you’re going to get around to doing any of them. The idea of adding to that never-ending list seems crazy. So when things aren’t working out with your accountant, and you’re struggling on the […]

What is Bookkeeping?

At Total Accounting Kent, a trusted accountant in Medway, Kent, we understand that bookkeeping is an essential function in the world of finance and business. Whether you’re a small business owner, freelancer, or simply someone looking to manage your finances effectively, mastering the fundamentals of bookkeeping can set you on the path to financial success. […]

Why Outsourcing Your Maternity or Long-Term Sickness Cover is the Smart Choice for Your Business

What happens when a key member of your finance team goes on maternity leave or takes an extended absence due to illness? Your business can’t afford financial disruptions, but hiring a temporary replacement isn’t always the best solution. That’s where outsourcing comes in. Instead of hiring a temporary replacement, why not consider outsourcing your bookkeeping […]

Year-end accounting checklist for sole traders

Your year-end accounting checklist for a smooth year end. Learn key steps for sole traders to stay on track and plan ahead.

Navigating the latest tax changes for SMEs

A new wave of tax changes for SMEs is coming into effect in 2025. Here is what you need to know and how they could affect your business.

A simple guide to payments on account

If you’re a business owner and submit self-assessment tax returns, you may need to contend with payments on account. But how do they work?

How To Prepare Your Business for Christmas: A Guide for UK Entrepreneurs

As the festive season approaches, small businesses across the UK are presented with an exciting opportunity to boost sales, strengthen customer relationships, and end the year on a high. However, the Christmas rush can also bring challenges like supply chain issues, increased demand, and heightened competition. Preparing early and strategically is the key to making […]

HMRC cuts late payment interest rate to 7.25%

Following the November reduction in the Bank of England base rate, HMRC is adjusting its late payment and repayment interest rates accordingly. The base rate was cut to 4.75% on 7 November, marking the second reduction this year. These changes to HMRC rates will take effect from 18 November.   Key Changes to HMRC Interest […]

Autumn Budget update blog

The Autumn Budget introduced several changes to address economic challenges and support businesses. Here’s a breakdown of the key measures.

Recent tax changes for farmers

The government has pledged to support farmers and rural communities, with measures to help families pass land to future generations. In the Autumn Budget on 30 October 2024, the Chancellor announced reforms to agricultural property relief (APR) and business property relief (BPR).   What is Agricultural Property Relief (APR)? APR is an inheritance tax relief […]

How to escalate and recover debt from invoices

Struggling with unpaid invoices is frustrating when you deliver work in good faith. Here are strategies you can use to get what you’re owed.

Companies House Scam Awareness

At Total Accounting Kent, we would like to help raise your awareness regarding a new scam that is doing the rounds. These letters arrived at our office this week and even made us look twice. For a new business owner this is a real danger, as you won’t know what’s normal and what’s odd…. So […]

Business growth 101 – how to make a successful business without overworking staff

Running a successful business is incredibly rewarding, but overworking staff is counterproductive. We explore strategies for achieving that delicate balance.

How to automate invoicing and get paid faster

Automate invoicing to streamline your business and get paid faster. Discover time-saving tools and tips to boost your cashflow.

Should I invest in a buy-to-let property?

Explore the pros and cons of buy-to-let property investments. Learn about rental yields, tax implications, and market trends.

Hire an accountant, not a virtual admin

As a business owner, many odd jobs constantly demand your attention. You might hire a virtual assistant – but an accountant would be better.

Mastering your business’s financial health: A simple guide to cashflow forecasting

In business, having a strong hold over your financial health is essential. One way to stay in control is with cashflow forecasts.

A simple guide to company tax return deadlines

Staying on top of your tax obligations is essential for any business, and knowing your company tax return deadlines is key to managing your finances.

Spring Budget update: What it all means

The Chancellor’s Spring Budget was awaited by many. In this blog, we’re excited to delve into the key takeaways from the Chancellor’s address.

The Best Accounting Tips to Get Paid on Time as a Contractor

Are you a contractor tired of waiting on late payments from clients? Here are some top tips to speed up the process.

How businesses can improve their operations through outsourced financial services

Outsourcing financial services is exceptionally popular today. Find out more about outsourcing and how it can support your business.

A simple guide to CIS

The Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) is paramount for contractors in the construction sector. Learn about it here.