Business guide
Starting a Business in the UK: Accounting Checklist
Choose a structure, register correctly and put reliable records, banking and tax processes in place.
Use the business startup checklistPractical accounting guidance
Accounting resources for UK businesses and individuals
Find clear guidance on starting and running a business, tax deadlines, payroll, VAT, Making Tax Digital and property tax. Our maintained resources explain the essentials and link to official sources.
Start with the essentials
Practical guidance for common accounting questions
Current, source-led resources for business owners, employers, landlords and individuals.
Tax guide · Deadlines in 2026/27
Self Assessment Guide for the 2025/26 Tax Return
Check whether you need to file, what records to gather and the registration, filing and payment deadlines.
Prepare your 2025/26 Self Assessment returnVAT guide · Reviewed 2026
VAT Guide for Small Businesses
Understand the registration threshold, VAT rates, records, returns and common decision points.
Understand VAT registration and returnsMTD guide · 2026/27
Making Tax Digital for Income Tax: 2026 Guide
Find out who must use MTD now, how qualifying income works and what quarterly updates involve.
Check what MTD for Income Tax means for youEmployer guide · 2026/27
PAYE and Payroll Guide for Employers 2026/27
Review PAYE registration, FPS and EPS reporting, payments and year-end responsibilities.
Review your payroll responsibilitiesProperty guide · 2026/27
Property Tax Guide for UK Landlords 2026/27
Understand rental records, allowable costs, finance-cost relief, disposals and MTD preparation.
Read the landlord property tax guideBrowse by topic
Find guidance for the task in front of you
Starting & running a business
Understand structures, registrations, record keeping, finance and the practical steps involved in running a UK business.
Get business start-up support →Tax rates & deadlines
Check current rates, allowances and key filing dates, with the applicable tax year clearly shown.
Discuss tax planning with Makesworth →Payroll & employment
Practical guidance covering PAYE, National Insurance, payroll reporting, minimum wage and workplace obligations.
Explore payroll and RTI support →VAT & Making Tax Digital
Learn when registration is required, how digital records and VAT returns work, and what MTD means for your business.
Get help with VAT and indirect taxes →Personal, property & capital taxes
Guidance on Self Assessment, rental income, property disposals and Capital Gains Tax considerations.
Explore personal tax services →Tools and practical resources
Useful help beyond the guides
Current checklists, official services and software support—without broken or unverified calculators.
Guides and checklists
Step-by-step HTML guidance that can be updated when rules change, with printable versions added only where useful.
Browse the practical guidesOfficial forms and services
Use current HMRC, Companies House and GOV.UK services rather than outdated copies of official forms.
Visit GOV.UK business and tax servicesSoftware training
Guidance and support for Xero, QuickBooks, FreeAgent, Sage and connected accounting tools.
Explore accounting software supportMaintained financial guidance
How we review these resources
Tax and reporting rules change regularly. Our financial resources identify the tax year they cover, link to primary sources and record their review status. Content must be approved by a named Makesworth professional before production publication and reviewed at least annually, or sooner after a relevant fiscal or HMRC update.
Need advice for your circumstances?
Turn general guidance into a practical plan
Online guidance explains the rules, but the right decision depends on your income, business structure and plans. Speak with Makesworth for advice tailored to your circumstances.
151
