Business news and opinion from Evans Weir

A new HMRC service has been introduced to make it easier to pay the High Income Child Benefit Charge. Eligible employees can now pay the charge directly through their PAYE tax code, without needing to complete a Self Assessment tax return. Previously, taxpayers had to either opt out of receiving child benefit or register for […]

With a New Year upon us, it’s a good time to take stock and consider what key trends might help shape small business success in 2026. As interest rates and inflation stabilise, but economic growth looks more uncertain, it’s likely that operational efficiencies will be the key to success this year. So as a business […]

One of the fastest growing areas of tax evasion is VAT fraud. This involves individuals illegally avoiding or evading Value Added Tax (VAT), usually by not paying VAT owed, claiming VAT refunds or collecting VAT from customers but not submitting it. One area where tax evasion is growing is among small businesses, and a significant […]

If you owe income tax that can’t be collected automatically – for example, tax on bank interest or your State Pension – HMRC may send you what’s called a simple assessment notice. The notice is a letter which explains how much tax HMRC thinks you owe based on the information they have. It’s important to […]

It’s safe to say that this Autumn’s Budget is possibly one of the most shambolic of recent times. After months of speculation, the Chancellor Rachel Reeves shared a speech which contained very few surprises following numerous media briefings and, rather embarrassingly, a leak of the full OBR report before she even stood up. The main […]

From 1 February 2026, Companies House will be changing its fees in the first major update since the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency (ECCT) Act came into force. While the increases are being introduced to support transparency and enforcement, the increased fees will mean a rise in running costs for many small business owners. What […]

As the self assessment deadline fast approaches, and with AI growing in use, it’s inevitable that many taxpayers are considering whether AI can offer a shortcut for this year’s submission. So are you tempted to use AI – and should you even try? It’s clear that AI is creeping into many aspects of our lives. […]

Holding shares in a company can amount to a sizeable asset, especially when you’re planning what will happen to your estate after you die. Depending on the way the business is structured will impact on how your assets are handled so it’s sensible to consider what you might need to do for inheritance purposes. Generally […]

Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) is the minimum amount which can be paid to those taking maternity leave. All employees who are eligible can take up to 52 weeks maternity leave, split into 26 weeks Ordinary Maternity Leave and 26 weeks Additional Maternity Leave. SMP is payable for up to 39 weeks of that leave and […]

A business loan can be a useful tool for SMEs, offering access to capital which can help with growth, stability and resilience. Loans can facilitate investment in new locations, staff or equipment, as well as helping smooth cash flow and build business credit. When managed well, interest on a business loan can be more affordable […]

In a bid to help boost the economy the Government has revealed details of its Small Business Plan. The consultation, which aims to back SMEs and support growth, has been designed to help deliver £320 billion into the UK economy by 2030. So what’s been announced, and how will the plans support SMEs? Employer National […]

HMRC has announced that it is abandoning its plans for Making Tax Digital for Corporation Tax (MTD for CT). The news came in the tax authority’s recent Transformation Roadmap. The focus is now on ensuring that any future administration of CT is well suited “to the varying needs of the diverse CT population”. Clearly the […]