Blog
Created by the BAS team members, take a look at the latest news accross tax, accountacy and business.

Payroll is a deceptively complex part of running a business. And getting it wrong can cost you far more than just time and stress. At BAS Associates, our payroll service is designed to take every element of payroll off your plate. Our goal is simple: keep you compliant, efficient, and penalty-free…while saving you time.

Many small, limited company owners, from builders and plumbers to consultants and landscapers, struggle to understand their tax obligations efficiently. While the core tax rules remain the same, there are industry-specific considerations that can help business owners reduce tax liabilities and improve profitability. Below, we break down key tax-saving strategies and considerations for different industries:

Many business owners think an accountant’s job is simply to file tax returns and submit accounts - but a truly great accountant does so much more. If your accountant isn’t actively helping you grow, save money, and stay compliant, you could be missing out on huge opportunities. Here’s what a great accountant should be doing for you (often without you even realising!).

Stricter HMRC penalties for late tax payments are coming in April 2025 under Making Tax Digital (MTD). If you're a UK landlord or small business owner, find out how these changes could affect you - and what steps you can take now to avoid costly fines.

If you’re earning income in the UK, you may be wondering whether you need to register for self-assessment or if tax is automatically deducted through PAYE (Pay as You Earn). Getting this wrong could mean underpaying tax (leading to penalties) or overpaying tax without realising it. This guide breaks down the differences between self-assessment and PAYE, who needs to register, and when it’s best to get professional help.

The Employment Rights Bill 2024 introduces one of the most significant shifts in UK employment law in recent years. Aimed at improving fairness, flexibility, and protections for employees, the bill presents important changes that every business owner should understand - especially those with staff or currently recruiting.
At BAS Associates Ltd (BAS), we work with businesses every day to help them stay ahead of changes like this, offering tailored advice and free access to expert HR guidance for all our clients. Below, we’ve broken down the key updates, where the bill stands right now, and how to prepare effectively.

If you run a limited company, it’s likely you already know that handling your business finances can be a little overwhelming at times. Sure, you could try to do it all yourself or rely on the cheapest accountant you can find - but that could be costing you money, time, and peace of mind?

HMRC to close online corporate tax filing service – What it means for your business
On 6th March 2025, HMRC announced a significant change that will impact thousands of UK businesses. The ...

Creating a Will is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your family's future. At BAS, we understand that the process can seem daunting, but it’s crucial to ensure your wishes ...

Choosing the right accountant can make a huge difference to your business. A good accountant will save you time, money, and stress, while a bad one could leave you paying more tax than necessary or struggling to keep up with financial obligations. Before hiring an accountant, ask these key questions to ensure they’re the right fit for you and your business.

With Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self-Assessment (MTD for ITSA) rolling out from April 2026, it’s essential to know whether you need to register and how to stay compliant. MTD for ITSA requires certain taxpayers to keep digital records and submit quarterly updates to HMRC.

Filing a self-assessment tax return can be stressful - especially if you’re unsure whether you’re claiming everything you’re entitled to. Many self-employed individuals and business owners end up paying more tax than they need to simply because they don’t know the rules. A good accountant can help you reduce your tax bill legally, ensuring you claim every possible deduction while staying fully compliant with HMRC. Here’s how:
Regardless of the services you select all clients will benefit from:

Free ongoing advice
We want you to succeed
Online portals
Access all historic and current accounts or returns at any time
No surprises
We will never send you a surprise bill for calls, emails or meetings
We keep it simple
We're not a fan of jargon either
Peace of mind
If we say we're going to do it, it will get done
Value for money
We work as efficiently and price as competitively as possible
Everything starts with a conversation,
how can we help?

Brett Smith
Tax & Accountancy

Sian Smith
Business & Development