We’re pleased (well…as pleased as we can be given the ever-increasing tax rates being imposed on our clients…) to unveil the new Alexander Knight & Co tax cards for 2025-2026.

The tax cards display all the current tax rates relevant to you and your business.

This time we are making it available as a mobile-friendly digital version – and we have a limited number of printed cards available in our office for those who cherish them like we do!

You can download your new tax card for free here.

If your business provides benefits or expenses to employees or directors — such as company cars, private medical insurance, or interest-free loans — it’s essential that these are reported to HMRC using form P11D. With the 6 July deadline fast approaching, here’s a quick checklist to help you stay compliant and avoid penalties.

1. Check Who Needs a P11D

  • Any employee or director earning more than £8,500 annually and receiving benefits in kind needs a P11D.
  • Don’t forget about company directors, even if they’re the only employee.

2. Gather Accurate Benefit Details

Ensure you have up-to-date records for:

  • Company cars or fuel: CO2 emissions, list price and availability dates.
  • Private medical insurance: full cost to the business.
  • Loans to employees: especially those over £10,000 at any point in the tax year.
  • Assets made available for personal use: property.
  • Living accommodation: rent paid, value of the property, and any services provided.

3. Report Mileage and Travel Expenses

  • HMRC allows tax-free mileage rates, but excess mileage or reimbursed travel over the approved rates must be reported.
  • Don’t include business expenses reimbursed with proper receipts unless they exceed HMRC’s approved limits.

4. Review Payrolled Benefits

  • If you’ve opted to payroll benefits, they don’t need to be included on P11Ds, but you must still submit a P11D(b) to report Class 1A National Insurance contributions.

5. Submit the P11D(b)

  • This form summarises the total benefits you’ve provided and calculates the Class 1A NIC due.
  • Even if you’re submitting no P11Ds, you must still file a P11D(b) declaration if HMRC has asked you to.

6. Meet Deadlines

  • 6 July 2025 – Submit P11Ds and P11D(b).
  • 22 July 2025 – Pay Class 1A NIC electronically (19 July if paying by post).

7. Give Copies to Employees

  • You must provide employees with copies of their individual P11D forms by 6 July.

If you’re unsure about what to include or need help with your reporting, speak to our team. We’re here to help you stay compliant and avoid unnecessary penalties!

 

The January tax deadline is often a source of stress for many individuals and businesses, but this year, we are pleased to confirm that yet again, all of our clients who provided their information to us saw their tax returns filed on time.

This highlights our commitment to providing seamless and reliable service, ensuring our clients can focus on their priorities without worrying about tax compliance.

Murray Patt, founder of Alexander Knight & Co, said:

“We’re always pleased to take the hassle away from our clients during the busy January rush. Filing tax returns can be daunting, but our team’s dedication and expertise ensured that every client met their obligations without any last-minute panic.

A huge well done to our team who delivered yet again. Their hard work and dedication are what makes us stand out. They went above and beyond to ensure each client’s tax affairs were handled with the utmost care and professionalism.”

From early planning to meticulous follow-ups, our professional team in Hale worked tirelessly to ensure everything was completed efficiently and accurately. The high-pressure environment of the January filing season can be challenging, but our team’s collaborative spirit and problem-solving mindset once again delivered outstanding results.

The success of this year’s tax filing season is not just a reflection of our technical expertise but also of the trust our clients place in us. By entrusting their tax compliance to Alexander Knight & Co our clients can rest easy knowing that their tax affairs are in safe hands.

Our proactive approach, combined with a focus on building strong client relationships, ensures that we stay ahead of the curve and deliver value at every step. We want to thank our clients for their trust and our incredible team for their unwavering dedication.

Here’s to another successful year of taking the stress out of tax and delivering peace of mind for all those entrepreneurs we serve!

 

As concerns grow about imminent tax rises, Murray Patt of Hale-based accountants Alexander Knight & Co, takes a look at possible areas that could be targeted by Rachel Reeves  (the Chancellor) and the ‘new’ Government.

As children return to school for the new term there are plenty of parents worried about the impact of VAT on future school fees. Recently the Chancellor confirmed that this 20% levy will be introduced, together with legislation to prevent those looking to pay early and avoid the levy, as the Government seeks to implement a key manifesto pledge.

Even those not affected by VAT on private school fees are anxious about the prospect of handing more money over to the taxman from elsewhere.

It’s no secret that changes have been promised and are actively being planned but the key question is exactly where will they seek to raise revenue? Here are some possible areas:

  • Removal of tax breaks

The removal of certain tax breaks looks increasingly likely. Politically, it is a safer move than simply hiking up existing taxes. We are keeping a close eye on what is commonly referred to as ‘business asset disposal relief’ (formerly known as ‘entrepreneurs’ relief’) which reduces the rate of capital gains tax on disposals of businesses or business assets from 20% to 10%. Another area under threat could be Research and Development (R&D) tax credits which have been helpful for innovative companies over the past few years.

  • Freezing of thresholds

The freezing of tax thresholds means that people will pay more tax.

Simply put, earning more money tips you into a higher tax band and a higher income means a higher proportion that can be taxed.

  • Introduction of additional income tax thresholds

The Government may consider introducing an additional rate of income tax, perhaps on earnings over £250,000. Currently this is taxed at 45%.

  • More tax for landlords?

The sale of property by landlords could possibly be targeted as a revenue stream. Landlords with buy-to-let portfolios are already offloading stock at record levels as they seek to minimise the risk to their investments.

  • Inheritance Tax

This hugely unpopular tax for swathes of the population doesn’t look like disappearing. In fact, there is likely to be significant reform in this area which will presumably be aimed at raising tax revenues not reducing them.

  • Firmer enforcement

Labour has already pledged to provide HMRC with 5,000 more staff to help reduce what it calls the ‘tax gap’. We already expect to see compliance enforcement activity increased over the next five years with SME’s targeted first, much to the frustration of business owners.

As the rumour mill continues to swirl, we are ruling out nothing.  We will support our clients to limit the amount of tax they pay whilst being compliant with ever changing legislation in every way we can.

If you run a business and want to make sure you are optimising all the available tax reliefs and need support navigating future tax rises contact Murray Patt on (0161) 980 8788 or email murray@alexanderknightacccountants.co.uk

 

 

 

Our practice in Hale, Cheshire is expanding. If you are an experienced tax professional and you’d like to join our team  – or you know someone suitable – please send a confidential email to Alison Spier in the first instance.

We have an exceptional list of loyal clients with multi-million turnover businesses. The majority of these companies have been working with us for many years and we are highly focused on building long term, meaningful relationships.

We are growing our team and have created this new Tax Senior Manager role. Part-time will also be considered for the right candidate. 

Suitable candidates will have experience working in a fast-paced accountancy practice, dealing with clients both face to face and over the phone, advising them on a variety of tax issues, including corporation tax, including R&D, & CGT. You must be able to demonstrate exceptional client relationship skills, and have an approachable, professional manner. Experience with income tax, IHT & SDLT would also be extremely useful.

As part of MGI Worldwide, the global accounting network, you will also join the Tax Forum, enabling you to network with peers from other practices across the UK and worldwide. International tax conferences are also organised by MGI Worldwide and you will join delegations to these when they occur.

If you feel that your experience is a good fit and you are looking for a modern accountancy practice – based in Grade A offices in the heart of Hale – to develop your career, and you would like to find out more, please email Alison Spier with your updated CV and details of your current package.

Disclaimer 

Alexander Knight & Co is an equal opportunities employer and no terminology in this advert is intended to discriminate on the grounds of a person’s gender, marital status, race, religion, colour, age, disability or sexual orientation.

All candidates will only be assessed in accordance with their merits, qualifications and abilities to perform the role expected. Only successful applicants will be invited to the next stage consisting of an interview and assessment.

Following changes to Government policies since the original ‘Mini Budget’ we’ve updated our Mini-Budget Report. You can download it here.

 

We’re growing our practice in Hale, Cheshire. If you’re an experienced tax professional and you’d like to join our team, send a confidential email to Alison Spier to arrange an informal chat about the role.

We have an exceptional list of loyal clients with multi-million turnover businesses. The majority of these companies have been working us for many years and we are highly focused on building long term, meaningful relationships.

We are now looking to grow our practice.We have vacancies for a Tax Manager/Senior Tax Manager. 

Suitable candidates will be experienced working in a fast-paced accountancy practice, dealing with clients both face to face and over the phone, advising them on a variety of tax issues, including corporation tax, including R&D, & CGT. A mixed tax background would also be of interest. You must be able to demonstrate exceptional client relationship skills, and have an approachable, professional manner.

As part of MGI Worldwide, the global accounting network, you will also join the Tax Forum, enabling you to network with peers from other practices across the UK and worldwide. International tax conferences are also organised by MGI Worldwide and you will join delegations to these when they occur. 

We will consider full time or part time, (including term time contracts), and would consider a hybrid working model for the right candidate.

If you feel that your experience is a good fit and you are looking for a modern accountancy practice based in Grade A offices in the heart of Hale to develop your career and would like to know more please email Alison Spier with your updated CV and details of your current package.

Disclaimer 

Alexander Knight & Co is an equal opportunities employer and no terminology in this advert is intended to discriminate on the grounds of a person’s gender, marital status, race, religion, colour, age, disability or sexual orientation.

All candidates will only be assessed in accordance with their merits, qualifications and abilities to perform the role expected. Only successful applicants will be invited to the next stage consisting of an interview and assessment.

PS – no agencies, thank you.

 

We are pleased to have extended our specialist tax advisory service by forming a strategic alliance with a fellow MGI Worldwide member firm.

Freestone Jacobs is a leading specialist tax advisory firm founded by Paul Taylor together with Allison Walker. Paul in particular has over 35 years of experience as a Chartered Accountant and a Chartered Tax Advisor and will enhance the strategic planning for clients in a range of scenarios including mergers, acquisitions and restructuring.

Murray Patt, founder of Alexander Knight & Co, said:

“There is a natural fit between our two practices as a result of us both being member firms of MGI Worldwide, the global network of accountants. It means that as our client base grows, both in terms of size and sophistication, we can be confident that we are continuing to provide the appropriate level of tax specialism that our clients both need and expect from us.

“We’re being innovative and ambitious with our growth and development in 2022 and we’re dedicated to working with and hiring the best people in the accountancy marketplace. We’re enjoying working with Paul and Allison and we’re looking forward to building on this relationship to bring the benefits of their experience to our range of entrepreneurial clients.”

Paul Taylor, founder of Freestone Jacobs, said:

“Allison and I are delighted to be working with Murray and his colleagues and look forward to providing a bespoke solution to the particular requirements of the Alexander Knight & Co clients, as they undertake significant business transactions or transformation. We’ve already formed a good working relationship and it helps that we have the same vision for providing the accountancy expertise required by the modern business owner.”

If you – or your client – requires specialist tax advice involving a merger, acquisition or restructure or other significant business transaction – contact us now on (0161) 980 8788 or email murray@alexanderknightacountants.co.uk

Murray Patt of Alexander Knight & Co

Coronavirus tax credits for business

Coronavirus tax credits should be introduced for businesses that suffer from the impact of coronavirus – as well as more measures to assist SMEs.

The Italian government has introduced tax credits for businesses effected by coronavirus and tax experts say the UK should follow suit to lessen the impact for SMEs.

The Government has now announced an action plan which includes help for businesses. In our view, this should include tax credits for firms who have been hit especially hard like in Italy where firms who see a 25% drop in revenue as a result of the virus can secure further tax breaks.

Impact on business

We are in uncharted waters with regards to the impact of the virus on UK businesses. We know that the FTSE100 has been volatile but we also need to look at the impact on SMEs who are the backbone of the economy.

Tax credits should be introduced for firms who get hit hard and they should be announced in the Budget next week. With companies doing their very best to take precautions to protect their staff we must give SMEs all the support and confidence they need.