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Saturday Appointments Available — Book Now for Tax Returns & More

December 23, 2025/in 2024, 2025, Accountancy, Accountants, Accounts, Annual Return, Self-assessment, Self-employed, tax rebates, Tax refunds, Tax return, Tax returns, Taxes, Taxfile, Tulse Hill/by Mark

Taxfile is open on Saturdays until the end of January, by appointment, with this coming Saturday 24 January 2026 opening from 9 am to 5 pm. We’re also open on Sunday 25 January, from 10 am to 5 pm, by appointment. Weekend appointments might be useful if you need to see us for your 2024/25 tax return, or any other accountancy work, but can’t do it on a weekday. Weekend slots are limited, so please book in urgently if a weekend appointment suits you — before slots are all taken. Late appointments are also available on Mondays and Tuesdays, when we open until 6pm during January, or choose any other weekday if you can come earlier. Please see the footer of our website for latest opening times.

Book in on 0208 761 8000 or book your appointment online (here). We are happy to do virtual (video/phone) or physical appointments at our Tulse Hill office in Thurlow Park Road — whichever suits you best. Read more

Companies House ID Verification 2025: A Director’s Guide to the New UK Rules

June 11, 2025/in 2025, Companies House, CT, Directors, Proof of Identity/by Taxfile

A major change is coming for all UK company directors in 2025. Companies House is introducing mandatory identity verification and we’ve created this essential guide to explain what the new director ID verification rules mean for you, ensuring you stay compliant and avoid significant penalties.

These new measures are part of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act (ECCTA), a significant piece of legislation designed to improve the quality of data on the UK Companies Register and prevent corporate structures from being used for fraudulent activities.

This guide will walk you through the key changes, deadlines, and the exact steps you need to take.

What Are the New Director ID Verification Rules?

The core of the new legislation is the requirement for all new and existing company directors and other key individuals to verify their identity with Companies House. The goal is to ensure that every registered company has a real, verified person behind it, making it much harder to appoint fictitious directors or hide beneficial ownership.

This is a one-time verification process per individual, regardless of how many directorships you hold.

Who Needs to Complete the Companies House Identity Verification?

The new identity verification requirements apply to a wide range of individuals. You will need to verify your identity if you are:

An existing or newly appointed company director.
A Person with Significant Control (PSC).
A member of a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP).
Any individual who files information or documentation with Companies House.

Key Deadlines:

When Do I Need to Be Verified By?

The rollout of these new ID check rules is happening in phases. It’s crucial to be aware of these dates:

From April 8, 2025 (Voluntary Verification) — You can (and should) get ahead of the deadline by verifying your identity now.
From Autumn 2025 (Mandatory for New Appointments) — ID verification will be compulsory for all new company incorporations and for any newly appointed directors or PSCs.
Autumn 2025 – Autumn 2026 (Transitional Period for Existing Directors) — If you are an existing director, you will have a 12-month window to verify your identity. This period will be linked to your company’s confirmation statement filing date.
From Spring 2026 (Mandatory for Filers) — Anyone who files documents with Companies House, such as accountants or administrative staff, must have a verified identity.

Step-by-Step:

How to Complete Your ID Verification

There are two official methods for completing your director identity verification:

1. Directly with Companies House (digital route): This is a free digital process using the GOV.UK One Login system. You will need a form of photo ID, such as a passport or UK driving licence. The system will ask you to take a photo of your document and then a “selfie” to biometrically match your identity.

2. An in-person option at a Post Office will be available for those unable to use the digital service.

Penalties for Non-Compliance:

What Happens If You Don’t Verify?

Companies House is taking these new rules very seriously. Failing to verify your identity within the deadline is not an option. The consequences of non-compliance are significant and include:

A Criminal Offence — It will be a criminal offence for the unverified individual.
Financial Penalties — You could face substantial fines.
Inability to Act — You will be unable to legally act as a director.
Filings Blocked — You will be barred from filing any documents for your company.
Director Disqualification — You could be disqualified from being a director.
Reputational Damage — The public register will flag your status as “unverified,” which could damage your company’s credibility.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is Companies House identity verification free?
A: Yes, verifying your identity directly with Companies House using the GOV.UK One Login system is free.

Q: What documents do I need for the ID check?
A: You will typically need a form of photographic ID. A valid passport or a UK photocard driving licence are the most common documents used.

Q: What happens if I am a director of multiple companies?
A: You only need to verify your identity once. The verified status will then be linked to your name and apply across all your directorships.

Taxfile

This guide was brought to you by Taxfile, South London’s favourite accountants and tax advisors. We help individuals, sole traders, the self-employed, and limited companies with all aspects of accountancy and tax including accounts, bookkeeping, tax returns and much more.

For help with any accounting or tax matter, call Taxfile on 0208 761 8000 or choose an option below:

020 8761 8000 Book Appointment Contact Us

Don’t Miss Out! Your Future Pension Needs YOU! – Check Your NI Contributions by April 5th, 2025

March 20, 2025/in 2024-25, 2025, National Insurance, NI, NI Class 3, NIC, NIC's/by Taxfile

By Mohamed at Taxfile.

Have you ever thought about your pension? It might seem far away, but it’s super important to start thinking about it now! One of the key things that helps build your future pension is your National Insurance (NI) contributions.

What are NI Contributions?

Think of NI contributions like little building blocks for your future. When you work and earn money, some of that money goes towards your NI. These contributions help you qualify for things like the State Pension when you’re older.

Why is it Important to Check?

Sometimes, there might be gaps in your NI record. Maybe you didn’t earn enough in a year, were travelling, or something else happened. If you have gaps, it could mean you get less State Pension later on.

The Good News: You Can Fill the Gaps!

You can often fill these gaps by making voluntary NI contributions to fill the gaps between 2006 to 2018 This means you pay a bit extra now to make sure you have a stronger pension later.

Big Deadline Alert! April 5th, 2025

There’s a really important deadline coming up: April the 5th, 2025. This is the last day you can pay voluntary NI contributions to fill certain gaps in your record. After the 5th of April 2025, everyone will only be able to pay for voluntary contributions for the past 6 years.

Why the Rush?

Boost your pension because filling gaps means a bigger pension in the future.
Don’t miss out — after the 5th of April 2025, everyone will only be able to pay for voluntary contributions for the past 6 years.

What Should You Do?

Check your NI record — it’s free and easy! You can check your NI record online through the government’s website.
See if you have gaps — look for any years where you didn’t contribute enough.
Think about voluntary contributions. If you have gaps, consider paying voluntary contributions.

Need Help? Taxfile Can Help!

If you’re feeling a bit confused or need help understanding your NI record, don’t worry! Taxfile is here to help. We can explain everything clearly and help you make the right decisions for your future.

020 8761 8000 Book Appointment Contact Us

Taxfile are South London accountants and tax advisors based in Tulse Hill.

Boost Your State Pension with Voluntary National Insurance Contributions

December 15, 2023/in 2025, National Insurance, NI, NIC, NIC's, pension contributions, Pensions, State Pension/by Taxfile

As we approach retirement, ensuring a comfortable financial future becomes a top priority. The state pension, a crucial source of retirement income, is dependent on the number of qualifying years of National Insurance (NI) contributions you have made. While gaps in your NI record can diminish your state pension entitlement, there’s a solution: voluntary NI contributions.

To receive the full state pension, you need 35 qualifying years of NI contributions. These years typically accumulate as you work, with contributions automatically deducted from your salary. However, there may be instances where you may not have earned enough to make mandatory NI contributions, leading to gaps in your record. Read more

Deadline for Voluntary Insurance Contributions Extended to 5th April 2025

June 15, 2023/in 2023, Class 2 NICs, National Insurance, NI, NIC, NIC's, pension contributions, Pensions, State Pension/by Taxfile

The original deadline for buying National Insurance ‘credit’ was 31st July 2023, but you can now ‘buy’ incomplete years to boost your state pension until 5th April 2025. The extension was approved by the Government, giving HMRC more time to deal with the process.

You can view our original blog on what you need to do to plug the gaps in your National Insurance contributions here.

Boost State Pension by Plugging Gaps in National Insurance

April 21, 2023/in Class 2 NICs, National Insurance, NI, NIC, NIC's, pension contributions, pension scheme, Pensions, State Pension/by Mark

^{IMPORTANT: the video mentions the original deadline in April 2023. This has now been extended to 5th April 2025.}

Do you have gaps in your National Insurance record? If so, it could mean that you could get a lower State Pension when you reach state retirement age, particularly if you are aged between approximately 45 and 70 at the moment. Generally speaking, you need 10 years of contributions for a basic state pension and around 30 to 35 years for a full state pension. It does vary by circumstance though and, even with gaps, some people might have enough qualifying years for the full state pension already.

Urgently Check Whether You Have National Insurance Gaps

Our advice is to urgently check whether you do have any gaps in your National Insurance record. If so, in many cases it would be wise to make some one-off payments to plug any gaps for the years 2006 to 2016. However, there is limited time to do so despite the deadline for this opportunity having been extended from early April to the end of July 2023 [UPDATE: This has now been extended again to 5th April 2025]. Thereafter, the chance to fix all 11 years from 2006 to 2016 will be gone forever. Read more

TODAY is the deadline for submission of your tax return. Contact Taxfile for help filing & avoid a minimum £100 fine!

31st January was the Self Assessment Tax Return Deadline!

January 29, 2023/in 2021, 2022, Accountancy, Accountants, Deadline, HMRC, Self-assessment, South London, Tax accountants, Tax advice, Tax advisers, Tax returns, Taxfile, Tulse Hill/by Mark

[As at 1 February 2023]: The 31st January was the Self Assessment tax return and tax payment deadline. Miss the deadline and you’ll be in for a £100 HMRC fine right away. Interest will also be charged from 1 February, as usual, if tax is not paid by midnight on 31 January (rules apply). Time is short, so contact Taxfile for help with your tax return as soon as possible please. Book an appointment* with one of our helpful tax advisors and accountancy experts TODAY — we’ll make it easy!

020 8761 8000 Book Appointment Get Started Here

A Personal Message from Guy Bridger at Taxfile

January 29, 2022/in 2020, 2021, 2022, Accountancy, Accountants, Advice, Deadline, Dulwich, Filing deadlines, Guy Bridger, HMRC, Income tax, Late return, London, Online returns, payment plans, payments on account, penalties, Self-assessment, Self-employed, Sole traders, South London, Tax, Tax accountant, Tax accountants, Tax advice, Tax advisers, Tax agents, Tax calculation, Tax returns, Taxfile, Tulse Hill/by Taxfile

Dear Taxfile Client,

We’re aware that many people are struggling right now. So, I wanted to personally touch base with you to confirm that, although the official deadline for submission of 2020/21 self-assessment tax returns and tax payments is Monday (31 January), there is now some extra time this year. This is great news for you if you are concerned about missing the deadlines or having to pay an HMRC penalty for being late. It should really take the pressure off for those who are struggling or worried.

For self-assessment tax returns, you now have until midnight on 28 February to submit. HMRC will only charge you a late filing fee if you file later than this.
For self-assessment tax payments, you now have until 1 April to make your payment (or arrange an HMRC payment plan) before incurring an HMRC late tax payment surcharge. While you will still incur interest for late tax payments from 1 February, HMRC’s interest rate is only 2.75% per annum, so even a month’s interest is unlikely to equate to much for most people.
For tax payments on account (payment in advance for the next tax year), there is no HMRC surcharge/penalty if you’re late but it does attract interest. However, again, that’s only at HMRC’s low rate, so is unlikely to amount to much for most.

We are here to help you, so don’t worry if you owe tax or are running late on your tax return. The Taxfile team can help you sort things out, particularly as we have a little longer than usual. We can work something out during February if you are worried about HMRC surcharges, interest and deadlines. Please get in touch if so.

020 8761 8000 Book Appointment Get Started Here

Lastly, don’t forget that we are open on Saturdays during January and February (by appointment) and open later (until 6pm) on Mondays and Tuesdays. Read more

HMRC Waives Late Filing & Payment Penalty for 31st January Deadline

January 10, 2022/in 2020, 2021, 2022, Accountants, Coronavirus, COVID-19, Pandemic, Self-assessment, Self-employed, Sole traders, Tax, Tax accountant, Tax accountants, Tax advice, Tax advisers, Tax affairs, Tax agents, Tax bill, Tax calculation, Tax return, Tax returns, Taxes, Taxfile/by Taxfile

HMRC has taken the decision to not issue a late filing penalty for anyone who does not submit their self-assessment tax return before midnight on 31st January 2022. It is important to point out that the deadline for filing your 2020-21 tax return remains 31/01/22 but the waiving of the penalty allows anyone who is unable to file their self-assessment tax return by the 31/01/22 deadline avoid a £100 late filing penalty as long as they submit their tax return sometime before midnight 28th February 2022.

Furthermore, anyone that is unable to pay their self-assessment tax liability before 31st January 2022 will not receive a late payment penalty if they pay their tax in full, or call HMRC to arrange a payment plan before 1st April 2022. It is important to note that interest will be added on taxes owed from 1st February 2022.

For a second year in a row, due to COVID, an extra Read more

Christmas & New Year Opening Times at Taxfile

December 22, 2021/in 2021, 2022, Accountancy, Accountants, Accounts, Annual Return, Christmas, Limited companies, London, Opening Times, Self-assessment, Self-employed, Tax, Tax accountants, tax rebates, Tax refunds, Tax returns, Taxfile, Tulse Hill/by Mark

Season’s greetings to all our clients and readers and sincere thanks to all of you who have kept us busy with work during 2021 — we really appreciate it.

Here’s a quick reminder of our opening times during the Christmas period and into the New Year. This is for our Tulse Hill office (Thurlow Park Road) and our Dulwich office (Turney Road) except where otherwise indicated.

Friday 24 December 2021 (Christmas Eve): we’re open from 9am until 3pm (Tulse Hill office only).
Saturday 25 December 2021 (Christmas Day): closed.
Sunday 26 December 2021 (Boxing Day): closed.
Monday 27 December 2021 (a public holiday): closed.
Tuesday 28 December 2021 (a public holiday): closed.
Wednesday 29 December 2021: open 9am until 5pm.
Thursday 30 December 2021: open 9am until 5pm.
Friday 31 December 2021: open 9am until 3pm (Tulse Hill office only).
Saturday 1 January 2022 (New Year’s Day): closed.
Sunday 2 January 2022: closed.
Monday 3 January 2022 (a public holiday): closed.
Tuesday 4 January 2022: we re-open from 9am until 6pm.
Wednesday 5 January 2022: open as usual, 9am until 5pm.
Thursday 6 January 2022: open as usual, 9am until 5pm.
Friday 7 January 2022: open as usual, 9am until 3pm (Tulse Hill office only).
Saturday 8 January 2022: open 9am until 1pm by appointment (Tulse Hill office only).
Sunday 9 January 2022: closed.
From week commencing Monday 10 January: open as usual (see footer).

Have You Contacted Taxfile About Your Tax Return Yet?

If you need a self-assessment tax return or any other kind of return and haven’t yet arranged it with us, please arrange an appointment urgently. January becomes frantically busy in the accounting world, so please make the most of the remaining December appointments while they’re still available — thank you. Appointments are by telephone, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, in person (under safety protocols) … Read more

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