HMRC flat rates can save record-keeping, but actual costs often beat them. A worked comparison for sole traders deciding which method to use.
On one GBP 65,000 salary supporting a family, the higher-rate band and the High Income Child Benefit Charge both bite. Here is the 2026/27 take-home and how a pension contribution can claw value back.
The small pots rule lets you take up to three personal pensions worth GBP 10,000 or less each as lump sums, with 25% tax-free and no Money Purchase Annual Allowance trigger. Here is how it works in 2026/27.
New sole traders are often blindsided by a tax bill that includes income tax, Class 4 National Insurance and a payment on account. Here is how much of each invoice to set aside in 2026/27, with a clear worked example.
ISA allowances cannot be shared, but spouses each get their own GBP 20,000. Used together, a couple can shelter GBP 40,000 a year tax free in 2026/27. Here is how to do it properly.
Even someone with no earnings can pay GBP 2,880 a year into a pension and HMRC adds GBP 720 of tax relief to make GBP 3,600. Here is how the non-earner pension rule works for a stay-at-home spouse in 2026/27.
The Capital Gains Tax Annual Exempt Amount is just GBP 3,000 in 2026/27. Splitting a disposal across two tax years and transferring assets to a spouse can shelter up to GBP 12,000 of gains, legally and free of tax between spouses.
Employers can give small gifts up to GBP 50 each with no tax for the employee, as long as the rules are met. Here is how the trivial benefits exemption works and the GBP 300 annual cap for directors.
A household with two GBP 32,000 earners is not the same as one person on GBP 64,000. Here is how splitting income across two Personal Allowances changes take-home in 2026/27.
APD rates for all bands in 2026/27, who is exempt, how it affects business travel costs, and how UK air tax compares with European equivalents.
AMAP rates for 2026 -- 45p/mile (first 10,000), 25p above, motorbike 24p, bicycle 20p. How to claim via P87 or Self Assessment, the mileage log you need, and what to do if your employer pays less.
HICBC explained for 2026/27: the £60,000 threshold, the £80,000 full clawback, how the charge is calculated, and how pension contributions can reduce your adjusted net income.
