Welcome to the Orchard Accountants blog. This is our hub of information where we will detail company developments as well as provide news and insight into the ever-changing world of finances and accounting. If you read something which strikes to your interest, and you’d like to learn more about a particular topic or service we provide, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today.

How SMEs can benefit from £6.4 million AI training fund

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) has recently introduced a vital initiative targeted at small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Professional Business…

Concerned about Capital Gains Tax changes? Here’s what you need to know.

The start of the 2024/25 financial year saw the Capital Gains Tax (CGT) Annual Exempt Amount fall to a historic low of £3,000, down from…

Changing your VAT details? Remain vigilant over latest fraud activity

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has issued a warning to businesses over fraudulent attempts to access VAT repayments via postal form VAT484. (more…)

Is it time to scale up your start-up?

Scaling your start-up is a crucial decision for business owners, as it can directly impact the business's long-term success. (more…)

Everything you need to know about Patent Box

One of the main ways that the Government encourages the use and commercialisation of innovative intellectual property is through tax relief. (more…)

The rise of the higher rate taxpayer

The Government continues to freeze both the personal allowance and the higher-rate income tax thresholds – leading to an increase in the number of higher-rate…

High-income earners need to re-register for child benefit

Child benefit supports parents or guardians of children under 16, or under 20 if in approved education, by contributing towards the costs of raising them.…

P11D – Remember to report before the July deadline!

With the 6 July deadline nearing, it is essential to understand the updated reporting requirements for Class 1 National Insurance Contributions (NICs) on benefits in…

SME recovery continues as sustainability and growth take centre stage

In its latest research into the UK’s SME economy, NatWest Group has identified an encouraging trend among the country’s independent operators, as SME growth continues…

Preparing for the second payment on account – and what happens when you can’t pay?

If you are a Self-Assessment taxpayer, it is almost time to make your second ‘payment on account’ – advance payments towards your tax bill. Those…