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Taxfile Sponsors Movie for the Herne Hill Free Film Festival (HHFFF) 2026

Taxfile Sponsors Movie at the Herne Hill Free Film Festival (HHFFF) 2026

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Taxfile Sponsors Movie for the Herne Hill Free Film Festival (HHFFF) 2026

Taxfile is delighted to be a part of the Herne Hill Free Film Festival (HHFFF) this year. This wonderful movie festival takes place from 27 April to 22 May 2026 and is a fabulous opportunity for local residents to enjoy free entertainment across various locations in the area. With 15 feature films, a short film night, a film quiz, and a 48-hour film challenge, there really is something for everyone. What’s more, there is no need to buy* or book tickets — simply turn up at the appropriate time and venue, and enjoy!

* Although the film viewings and events are free, donations are invited in aid of HHFFF’s chosen charity, South East London Mind, who support those affected by mental ill-health or dementia.

Taxfile Sponsors Whip It in Mid-May

Taxfile is sponsoring the film ‘Whip It’, showing at the Ark Evelyn Grace Academy on 15 May 2026.Taxfile is sponsoring the film Whip It, which will be shown at the Ark Evelyn Grace Academy on 15 May 2026. Whip It is a heart-warming coming-of-age film and the directorial debut of Drew Barrymore (E.T.). Along with Barrymore, the film stars Elliot (then Ellen) Page (Juno) as a “rebellious, indie-rock-loving, Texan misfit teen who throws in her small-town beauty pageant crown for the rowdy world of roller derby.” The film also features Juliette Lewis (From Dusk Till Dawn), Kristin Wiig (Bridesmaids), and Marcia Gay Harden (Mystic River). If you’d like to check it out before the event, watch the official trailer below; the film looks highly entertaining.

For those attending Whip It on 15 May, doors open at 7:00 pm, and the film starts at 7:30 pm. Places are limited, so turn up promptly to avoid missing out.

Other Movies & Events at This Year’s HHFFF

Other films featured in the free film festival include One Battle After Another, Sinners, and family favourites like Stand by Me and Zootropolis. See more of the line-up in the poster below or find out more about the Herne Hill Free Film Festival and its programme of events via the festival website.

HHFFF Poster 2026.

Have a Fabulous Film Festival, from Taxfile

Taxfile would like to wish everyone, whether from Herne Hill itself or surrounding locations, a fabulous film festival. It’s sure to bring the community together in some of the neighbourhood’s iconic locations as each is transformed into a pop-up cinema or event venue. Taxfile staff look forward to seeing some of our lovely tax and accountancy clients there!

Transitioning to Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax This April

Transitioning to Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax – This April

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Transitioning to Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax This April

IMPORTANT: Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax officially takes effect from the beginning of April 2026. If you are self-employed, a sole trader, or receive income from property, it’s likely that this will affect you. Today’s guide outlines key dates, the changes, who they affect, how complying with MTD will impact your business — and how Taxfile can help new and existing clients transition quickly and easily.

What’s This About?

(Transitioning to MTD for Income Tax)

Today’s guide is about the need for many people in the UK to transition to Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax, the new and regular way of reporting income digitally to HMRC. For those affected, it replaces the traditional once-a-year tax return with 5 smaller submissions spread out through the year.

Who Does MTD for Income Tax Apply To?

MTD applies to those earning a qualifying income above a certain threshold from self-employment, property, or a combination of the two.

What is the Threshold for Participation?

Those with a qualifying income over £50k will be affected first. However, that £50k threshold for obligatory entry will reduce quite quickly, meaning people with much lower incomes will also soon be affected. Those earning a qualifying annual income as low as £20k will therefore also need to comply with MTD fairly imminently.

When Do People Need to Start Complying?

For those with a qualifying annual income over £50k in the financial year 2024-25, it’s time to get on board with MTD for Income Tax right away — MTD digital record-keeping is required from early April 2026. For them, their first quarter’s digital submission to HMRC is then required no later than 7 August.

Others with lower incomes will soon follow suit, with those receiving qualifying annual incomes over £30k starting in April 2027, and those over £20k in April 2028. It’s anticipated that those in partnerships will also soon need to comply (date TBA).

While this represents a change in how tax information is reported, Taxfile’s goal is to ensure the transition is as easy as possible. We want you to feel free to continue delivering your services to customers as usual, while we handle all the MTD ‘heavy lifting’ for you.

Connect With Us to Get Started

with MTD for Income Tax

Taxfile’s tax agents are currently reaching out to new and existing clients to assist with this transition. If you are self-employed or a landlord, with an annual turnover above £50,000 and have not yet heard from your Taxfile agent — or are a new customer looking to begin your MTD journey — please contact us. We can then ensure you remain compliant.

020 8761 8000 Book Appointment

(or contact your dedicated tax agent directly if you are an existing client).

What Do You Need to Do?

To keep your records compliant and up to date, we require your financial data in a digital format:

  • Bank Statements: Please provide these as CSV or Excel digital downloads.
  • Cash Transactions: If you handle cash, please provide receipts or a clear digital record.
  • Business Bank Accounts: We strongly recommend using an account purely for business. Having little to no personal transactions therein will make tracking business income and expenditure much easier.

Personal Support & Reassurance from Taxfile

We understand that not everyone is comfortable with new technology. If you do not have a laptop, a home computer, or a banking app that provides downloads, please do not worry. You are more than welcome to sit with us each quarter to go through your records in person.

Ultimately, we will provide HMRC with the necessary transaction list that reflects your taxable earnings and relevant costs. We view this as a simplification; by filing on a real-time basis throughout the year, we all avoid the stress of a single year-end deadline.

Taxfile Fees

Taxfile will not be charging extra fees for this service. We will simply divide our usual annual self-assessment tax return fee into four equal instalments to help manage your cash flow.

Quarterly Deadlines

Please note the following periods and the deadlines by which you must submit your data to HMRC:

Accounting Period*HMRC Submission Deadline
1 Apr – 30 Jun OR 6 Apr – 5 Jul*7 August
1 Jul – 30 Sep OR 6 Jul – 5 Oct*7 November
1 Oct – 31 Dec OR 6 Oct – 5 Jan*7 February
1 Jan – 31 Mar OR 6 Jan – 5 Apr*7 May
Final submission for the completed yearThe subsequent 31 January

* (Your business accounts may be based on dates either from full calendar months e.g. starting from 1 April, or months based on the Financial Year, which starts on 6 April).

We very much look forward to hearing from — and seeing — our customers more regularly. The Taxfile team is here to support you every step of the way.

Get Started

Get in touch to start your transition to MTD for Income Tax today:

020 8761 8000 Book Appointment

(or contact your dedicated tax agent directly if you are an existing client).

 

Late with your tax return and tax payment? What happens now?

Missed the Tax Return Deadline? What Happens Now?

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Missed the Tax Return Deadline? What Happens Now?

[Updated 1 February 2026]: If you missed the 31 January deadline to submit your self-assessment tax return, you are now into the penalty stage. HMRC applies an automatic £100 penalty to those who are anywhere from 1 day to 3 months late. Further penalties are then added if you take even longer to comply. It’s even worse if you haven’t paid the tax owed to HMRC by 31 January because you’ll then owe interest on that too.

Our Advice if You’re Late

If you are late submitting your tax return and/or paying the tax owed, our advice is to:

  1. submit your tax return without delay;
  2. pay as much tax as you can as soon as possible*.
    By doing both, you’ll minimise the penalty and interest payable to HMRC.

* Payment of any historic tax for 2024/25 and prior years is best dealt with by the last day of February at the latest. Any amount that remains due for 2024/25 is considered late thereafter and will attract an automatic HMRC charge of 5%.

What if you Cannot Pay?

If you cannot pay, or have tax arrears, it’s important that you demonstrate to HMRC that you’re paying as much as you can — and as regularly as possible. The good news is that HMRC has a quick and easy facility for exactly this purpose. By calling 0300 200 3402, you can pay using a debit card. It takes only minutes and doesn’t require any explanation — give it a try!

You will need your tax reference and, after making a payment, will be given a payment reference.

Possible Excuses for Late Tax Returns

What are your options if there were genuine reasons, beyond your control, that stopped you being able to submit your tax return on time? Well, if you “took reasonable care to meet” a deadline and there was a genuine reason why you were late, you have the option to appeal. However, your circumstances must fit HMRC’s eligibility criteria. Let’s take a look at those below.

Circumstances that are taken into account by HMRC when considering appeals include:

  • if a close relative or partner died shortly before the tax return or payment deadline;
  • if you had to stay in hospital unexpectedly;
  • if you had a life-threatening or serious illness;
  • if your computer or software failed at the time you were preparing your online return;
  • if HMRC’s online services were disrupted;
  • if you were prevented from filing your return or paying your tax because of a fire, flood or theft;
  • if there were unexpected postal delays;
  • if you have a disability of mental illness that affected the delay;
  • if you misunderstood your legal obligation, or were unaware of it;
  • if someone you’d appointed for the task (e.g. accountant or tax adviser) failed in their obligation on your behalf;
  • and occasionally other reasons which, if genuine, HMRC may deem to be relevant (for example, some Covid-related circumstances).

Excuses that aren’t usually accepted by HMRC include:

  • you didn’t receive a reminder from HMRC;
  • you found HMRC’s online system too difficult to use;
  • your cheque bounced or payment failed due to you having insufficient funds;
  • you made an error on your return.

Appealing Against an HMRC Penalty

You have the right to appeal against HMRC’s decision to issue you a penalty so long as it’s appealed soon enough after the penalty notice. That includes penalties for late tax returns or payments. Taxfile can help advise you about all of that (see below).

Taxfile are Here to Help

If your tax return is late, you owe HMRC tax, or are owed a refund by them, come and see us as soon as possible. Taxfile are accountants and tax advisors in Tulse Hill, South London. We’ll help to sort it all out for you with the minimum of fuss, at a competitive price. Come in as early in the month as you can and we’ll help you to sort things out — for the best possible outcome. We know the rules and liaise with HMRC every single day on behalf of our clients. So, if we can help convince HMRC to reduce or completely remove any penalty you may be facing, we will do so, so long as your circumstances fit the relevant HMRC criteria. You can only appeal within 30 days of the date of any penalty notice you receive, so the earlier you contact us the better – give us a call on 020 8761 8000 or fill in this short form and we’ll take it from there. Alternatively, book an appointment with one of our expert tax advisors to chat things over, without obligation. Payment plans called ‘Time to Pay’ arrangements may also be available for eligible people who cannot to afford to pay their tax in one lump sum — Taxfile would be happy to tell you more.

020 8761 8000 Book Appointment Get Started Here
Information You Need to Supply for Professional Help with Your Tax Return

Information You Need to Supply for Professional Help with Your Tax Return

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Information You Need to Supply for Professional Help with Your Tax Return

[Updated November 2025]: If you’re self-employed in the UK and earn more than £1,000 after allowable deductions, you need to file a self-assessment tax return each year. It’s not only the self-employed, though. If you are on a higher income* or receive untaxed income from things like property rental, tips, commission, savings, investments, dividends, or foreign income, you also have to submit a return. Partners in business partnerships and those who made a capital gain resulting in Capital Gains Tax (CGT) also need to submit a return. You can check here if you’re not sure.

If you do have to fill in a self-assessment tax return, getting all the tax return fields filled in properly and the figures right can sometimes be difficult. That’s where professional help from companies like Taxfile is worth its weight in gold. But what information will your accountant or tax advisor need from you? In today’s guide, we’ll explain exactly what you’ll need to supply.

* (Those earning more than £100,000 for tax years up to and including 2022-23, or over £150,000 for the tax year 2023-24. Higher earners earning only through PAYE for tax years thereafter only need to submit a tax return if their tax was not collected correctly at source). You can check here if you’re not sure.

What Information Do You Need to Supply for Professional Help with Your Tax Return?

If you’re getting help filling in and submitting your tax return through an accountant or tax advisor like Taxfile, a list of what they will need from you follows below. You’ll need to supply information for the right financial tax year, of course, unless you have a different accounting period.

For the purpose of this post today, let’s assume information will be required for the tax year starting on 6 April 2024 and ending on 5 April 2025.

Here’s what will be needed:

Income-related information if applicable:

  • Copies of all employment income documents (P60s, P45s, and P11ds), as well as any unreimbursed employment expenses.
  • Copies of all pension income documents (P60s, state pension notices, etc.).
  • Details of bank and building society interest.
  • Details of all investment income (interest, dividends, etc.), as well as details of any investments that may qualify for relief, such as the Enterprise Investment Scheme.
  • Details of any self-employed income and expenses (schedules and paperwork).
  • Details of any rental income and expenses (schedules and paperwork).
  • Details of any assets that were sold (or gifted) and may be subject to Capital Gains Tax (CGT).
  • Details of any other income received, including foreign income.

Potential tax relief information:

  • Details of any personal pension contributions made from taxed income.
  • Details of any gifts to charity using Gift Aid.

You’ll also need to confirm if there is any other information that may be relevant to the completion of your tax return.

Personal Information:

If you’re a new client or an existing client who hasn’t supplied them already, you’ll also need to provide the following:

  • A copy of your passport or driver’s licence. This is to comply with ‘Know Your Customer’ (KYC) and ‘Anti-Money Laundering’ (AML) regulations.
  • Confirmation of any changes to your personal details, such as a change of address.
  • If you or your partner receive Child Benefit, you’ll need to provide details.
  • If you have a student loan, you’ll need to provide details of the amount you paid during the year and the remaining balance as at April 5, 2025.

Once your accountant or tax advisor receives all of your information, they will be in a position to prepare your tax return. Once approved by you, they will be able to submit it to HMRC on your behalf.

Do You Need Help With Your Tax Return?

Taxfile would be delighted to help you with your self-assessment tax return — or any other type of tax return. We prepare and submit hundreds of tax returns every year for our clients as well as offering all the usual accountancy-related services like bookkeeping, VAT returns, end-of-year accounts for limited companies, arranging tax rebates for CIS sub-contractors and others, accounting for capital gains tax (CGT), payroll, auto-enrolment for workplace pensions and much more.  If it involves tax or accounting, we can help!

For help with any tax or accounting matter, call Taxfile on 020 8761 8000 or book your free 20-minute, no-obligation consultation here. Alternatively, send us a message and we’ll come right back to you. We’re tax advisors and accountants in Tulse Hill near Dulwich (SE21) in the South East. We are open 6 days a week during December and January!

020 8761 8000 Book Appointment Contact Us

For opening times, please see the footer of this website.

 

Decoding IR35: Your Guide to Contractor Tax Status

Decoding IR35: Your Guide to Contractor Tax Status

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Decoding IR35: Your Guide to Contractor Tax Status

For many independent professionals, the flexibility and financial benefits of contracting are a significant draw. However, navigating the complexities of UK tax legislation, particularly IR35 (Off-Payroll Working Rules), can be a daunting task. At Taxfile, we understand these challenges and are here to provide clear, actionable insights to help you manage your IR35 status effectively and ensure HMRC compliance.

What is IR35

and Why Does it Matter?

Introduced to tackle “disguised employment,” IR35 aims to ensure that individuals working through an intermediary (like a Personal Service Company or PSC – a limited company set-up to provide the services of a single contractor) who would otherwise be considered employees are taxed appropriately. Getting your IR35 status determination right is crucial, as an incorrect assessment can lead to significant backdated tax bills, interest, and penalties from HMRC.

Essentially, IR35 differentiates between a genuinely self-employed contractor and someone who, despite operating through a PSC, is performing work akin to an employee.

Who Determines Your IR35 Status?

A vital change in recent years is the shift in responsibility for IR35 status determination. Generally, the end client (the company you are contracting for) is now responsible for assessing your IR35 status, unless they qualify as a “small business” or are based overseas. If your client is a small business, the responsibility for determining your status typically remains with you.

When determining status, HMRC takes an “overall view” of the working relationship, considering both the written contract and the actual working practices. No single factor is definitive, but several key areas are heavily weighted.

The Three Key Pillars of IR35 Status

HMRC primarily focuses on three critical areas to test your employment status for tax purposes:

1. Control

This assesses the extent to which your client dictates how, where, and when the work is performed.

  • Outside IR35 indicators — You have significant autonomy over your work delivery, set your own hours (within project scope), and decide your work location.
  • Inside IR35 indicators — Your client dictates your working hours, location, and closely supervises your methods, much like an employee.

2. Personal Service / Right of Substitution

This examines whether you are required to personally provide the services or if you have a genuine right to send a suitably qualified substitute.

  • Outside IR35 indicators — Your contract explicitly allows for a genuine right of substitution, and your client’s acceptance of a substitute is not unduly restrictive. This demonstrates you’re providing a service, not just your personal labour.
  • Inside IR35 indicators — Your client insists that only you perform the work, with no genuine right of substitution.

3. Mutuality of Obligation (MOO)

This considers whether there’s an ongoing obligation for the client to offer work and for you to accept it.

  • Outside IR35 indicators — Your engagement is for a specific project with a defined end date, with no expectation of continuous work or obligation for you to accept further assignments.
  • Inside IR35 indicators — There’s an expectation of ongoing work, regular contract renewals, and an implicit obligation for you to accept work offered, similar to an employment relationship.

Other Important Factors HMRC Considers

Beyond the core three, HMRC also looks at a range of other factors to build a comprehensive picture of your working relationship:

  • Financial Risk — Do you bear any genuine financial risk for the work, such as having to rectify mistakes at your own expense?
  • Provision of Equipment — Do you use your own equipment, or is it provided by the client?
  • Part and Parcel of the Organisation — Are you integrated into the client’s organisation (e.g., attending staff meetings, having an internal email address, receiving employee benefits)?
  • Exclusive Service — Do you work for multiple clients, or are you effectively working exclusively for one?
  • Basis of Payment — Are you paid by the job/project, or on a regular, fixed basis similar to a salary?
  • Intention of the Parties — While not solely determinative, the mutual intention of both parties (as reflected in documentation and practices) to establish a self-employed or employed relationship can be considered.
  • Business on Own Account — Do you operate as a genuine business (e.g., having your own website, business cards, professional indemnity insurance, marketing your services)?

The Status Determination Statement (SDS)

When an end client determines your IR35 status, they are legally required to issue a Status Determination Statement (SDS). This written statement declares your deemed employment status (inside or outside IR35) and provides the reasons for that conclusion. The client must take “reasonable care” when making this determination.

Utilising the CEST Tool

HMRC provides an online tool called Check Employment Status for Tax (CEST), which can assist in determining IR35 status. If the tool is used correctly and all information is entered accurately, HMRC states it will stand by the outcome. You can find it here.

It’s crucial to remember that IR35 status is assessed on a case-by-case basis for each engagement. Both the contractual terms and the actual working practices are considered equally important.

The Impact of Being ‘Inside IR35’

If your contractor engagement is deemed to fall inside IR35, the implications for your take-home pay and financial arrangements can be significant:

  • Your client (or the agency) will generally place you on a PAYE (Pay As You Earn) scheme, deducting Income Tax and National Insurance Contributions (NICs) at source, similar to a traditional employee. This will directly affect your net income.
  • The expenses you can claim will be significantly limited compared to being outside IR35.
  • You typically won’t be able to pay yourself in tax-efficient company dividends.

Taxfile: Tax & Accountancy Help

Contact Taxfile for help with any tax-related and accountancy issues for individuals, the self-employed, sole traders, limited companies and more. Whether you are confused about your IR35 status, have a one-off accounting-related issue, or require something more regular like payroll handling, Taxfile can help. We excel in bookkeeping, limited company accounts, VAT, taxes, self-assessment tax returns, tax refunds for CIS subcontractors, and many more areas of accountancy and tax. Contact us today — we offer a free 20-minute introductory consultation at our Tulse Hill office in South London or, if preferred, via a simple phone call or video link.

020 8761 8000 Book Appointment Contact Us

UK Landlords: Is Your Portfolio Ready for the Digital Tax Revolution? (Making Tax Digital for Landlords)

UK Landlords: Is Your Portfolio Ready for the Digital Tax Revolution? (Making Tax Digital for Landlords)

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UK Landlords: Is Your Portfolio Ready for the Digital Tax Revolution? (Making Tax Digital for Landlords)

Attention UK landlords! The way you manage your property finances and report to HMRC is undergoing a major transformation. Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self Assessment (‘MTD IT’) is no longer a distant whisper – it’s becoming a reality, and Taxfile is here to help you navigate this essential change.

Forget the headache of last-minute annual Self-Assessment tax returns! MTD for Landlords is designed to streamline your landlord tax obligations, demanding a shift to digital record keeping and MTD-compatible software. Don’t get caught unprepared – let’s explore everything you need to know about MTD for landlords and how to ensure a smooth transition.

Unpacking Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Landlords

MTD is a cornerstone of HMRC’s initiative to modernise the UK tax system, making it more efficient and accurate. For landlords, this translates into a few key changes:

Mandatory Digital Record Keeping

Bid farewell to paper trails and spreadsheets! You’ll be required to keep all your rental income and expenses in a digital format, using HMRC-recognised software. This includes meticulous details of income received, dates, amounts, sources, and all supporting documents like receipts and invoices.

Quarterly Digital Updates

The biggest shift! Instead of a single annual submission, summaries of your income and expenses are submitted to HMRC every three months through the HMRC-approved software. This offers a more real-time picture of your tax position.

The New “Final Declaration”

At the end of the tax year, a final reconciliation is submitted to HMRC, confirming the accuracy of your quarterly updates and finalising your overall tax liability. This effectively replaces your traditional annual Self-Assessment tax return.

Will MTD for Landlords Affect YOU?

(Key Income Thresholds)

The implementation of MTD for Landlords is phased, so understanding your MTD income threshold is crucial:

  • From April 6, 2026: If your total annual gross income from property (and any self-employment) exceeded £50,000 in the 2024-25 tax year, you’ll be mandated into MTD.
  • From April 6, 2027: The requirement expands to landlords with a total annual gross income from property (and any self-employment) over £30,000.
  • From April 6, 2028: The scheme is set to include landlords with a total annual gross income from property (and any self-employment) exceeding £20,000.

Important Consideration: This “income” refers to your gross income before any expenses are deducted. If you jointly own property, the threshold applies to your individual share of the income. Even if your income falls below these thresholds, you have the option to voluntarily sign up for MTD, allowing you to get ahead of the curve.

Finding Your Perfect MTD Landlord Software Solution

To comply with MTD IT, you absolutely must use software that is HMRC-compatible and can communicate directly with HMRC’s systems. This software will be your new best friend for:

  • Maintaining precise digital records of your income and expenses.
  • Submitting your quarterly updates to HMRC with ease.
  • Submitting your final declaration to complete your tax year.

While there are many options for accounting software for landlords MTD, we at Taxfile are particularly impressed with FreeAgent for its user-friendliness and powerful features.

We recommend FreeAgent for MTD IT and digital accounting for landlords.

Why We Recommend FreeAgent for Landlords:

  • Free access potential — FreeAgent is completely free to you while you bank with NatWest, Royal Bank of Scotland, Ulster Bank, or have a Mettle Account (just ensure Mettle is set as your primary business account within the software). This is a significant cost-saving for landlords.
  • Tailored for landlords — FreeAgent offers a version specifically designed to meet the unique needs of property owners, including a convenient mobile app for landlords to manage finances on the go.
  • Unincorporated landlord support — FreeAgent is specifically tailored for unincorporated landlords.
  • Automated bank imports — Say goodbye to manual data entry! FreeAgent automatically imports bank transactions, simplifying your landlord bookkeeping.
  • HMRC compatible & user-friendly — It’s fully recognised by HMRC for MTD and boasts an intuitive interface, making it accessible even for those new to digital accounting.
  • Excellent support & training — FreeAgent provides top-notch customer support and comprehensive training resources, helping you get the most out of the software.

Any optional add-ons may be chargeable.

Your Essential MTD Preparation Checklist: Don’t Delay!

MTD is a substantial change, but with a proactive approach, you can ensure a smooth transition. Here’s your action plan:

  1. Assess your income. Confirm your gross property and self-employment income for recent tax years to pinpoint your mandatory MTD start date.
  2. Embrace digital records NOW. Start digitising all your rental income and expenses immediately. This will make the transition to MTD software much easier.
  3. Research & select MTD-compatible software. Explore options like FreeAgent or other HMRC-recognised landlord accounting software that suits your portfolio size and needs.
  4. Get hands-on with your software. Familiarise yourself with your chosen software’s features for record keeping and submitting updates well before the deadlines.
  5. Consider the MTD pilot (if eligible). Voluntarily joining the MTD for Income Tax pilot can provide invaluable experience with the system in a low-pressure environment.
  6. Partner with Taxfile. This is where we come in! Our team at Taxfile is ready to provide expert MTD advice for landlords and guide you every step of the way.

Taxfile is Here to Help You Thrive with MTD!

Navigating new tax legislation can be daunting, but you don’t have to do it alone. Taxfile offers comprehensive support for landlords preparing for MTD:

Expert Guidance & Setup

We can answer all your MTD for landlords questions and assist with the initial setup of your chosen software.

Structured Planning

We’ll help you establish monthly goals to ensure your digital tax records are up-to-date, avoiding a last-minute rush before those crucial MTD deadlines.

Bookkeeping & Quarterly Filing Assistance

Whether you need a little help or full involvement, we can assist with your landlord bookkeeping and ensure accurate quarterly submissions.

Don’t let Making Tax Digital for Landlords become a burden. Contact Taxfile today to ensure your property portfolio is MTD-ready and positioned for continued success!

020 8761 8000 Book Appointment Contact Us

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

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

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

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

CIS sub-contractor refunds - a service from Taxfile, Tulse Hill, South London

CIS Sub-contractors – Claim Your Tax Refund Now!

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CIS sub-contractor refunds - a service from Taxfile, Tulse Hill, South London

[Updated April 2025]: It’s now time to start the process of claiming your tax refund if you are a sub-contractor working within the Construction Industry Scheme (‘CIS’). Refunds are usually fast through Taxfile. What’s more, we’ve reduced our prices this year for CIS customers earning less than £40k (click here for details).

What you need to do

Don’t delay – book an appointment with Taxfile today or call 0208 761 8000 and we’ll sort it all out for you. We have staff who speak English, Polish, Pashto, Dari, Russian, Malayalam, and Dutch, should you need them on the day. Our Tulse Hill office is at 25 Thurlow Park Road, London SE21 8JP. Call 0208 761 8000 or book an appointment — the first 20 minutes is free! Alternatively, you can have a ‘virtual’ appointment with us on Zoom, Teams, Google Hangouts, Skype, FaceTime, WhatsApp or whatever you prefer.

We’re open from Monday to Saturday in April & May including early evenings on Mon/Tues

Our Tulse Hill office is open 6 days a week during April & May and offers Saturday morning appointments plus early evening appointments on Mondays and Tuesdays if standard office hours do not suit you (please see the footer of this website for details or simply call us).

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Lower Prices for CIS Clients – We’re on Your Side!

Lower Prices for CIS Clients – We’re on Your Side!

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Lower Prices for CIS Clients – We’re on Your Side!

By Julie at Taxfile.

At Taxfile, we understand that the cost of living is hitting everyone’s pockets. That’s why we have taken bold action to make things a little easier for our valued CIS (Construction Industry Scheme) clients earning less than £40k. We are dropping our prices like never before! Now, you can benefit from our expert services for just £220 +VAT (£264).  That’s right – we have slashed our prices by £55 to make sure you keep more of your hard-earned money where it belongs: in your pocket.

Why Choose Taxfile?

With over 25 years of experience, we know a thing or two about providing reliable, friendly, and expert accountancy services. Unlike other accountants, we pride ourselves on being approachable and accessible. When you work with us, you’re not just another number – you are part of our Taxfile community.

The internet is full of agents promising you huge tax rebates, but the truth is, many of these so-called “experts” leave you at risk of being investigated by HMRC.  Taking shortcuts with your taxes can be costly in the long run. At Taxfile, we do things the right way – no dodgy deals, just honest, professional advice you can trust.

Our invoices will have an additional £6 HMRC investigation cover fee, which means you are protected from additional costs if HMRC decides to investigate your tax return. At a total cost of £270, not only will we calculate and submit your tax return, but we will support you after its completion.

If you are a sub-contractor working in the CIS scheme, find out what you need to provide to begin your tax refund claim here.

We want to Give Back to Our Community

We value your trust in us. That is why we offer a £35 referral fee for every new CIS client you recommend. So, why not share the love and put some extra cash in your pocket?

We hope to be leading the way by giving access to affordable, professional accountancy services. Together we can build a stronger and more financially secure community, bucking the trend of rising costs.

Contact Taxfile

Our team of friendly, experienced agents are here to make your life easier. We know times are tough, and we’re doing everything we can to ensure our services remain affordable and accessible.

020 8761 8000 Book Appointment Contact Us

Taxfile: CIS tax returns and tax rebates for sub-contractors, accountancy and tax advice in South London.

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