Running a small business comes with enough challenges without HMRC knocking on your door. Yet every year we see business owners—smart, hardworking people—losing money or creating unnecessary stress because of avoidable tax mistakes. At Kala Atkinson, we help UK businesses stay compliant, tax-efficient, and financially confident. Here are the 10 most common tax mistakes  we see, and what you can do to stay ahead. 1. Mixing Personal and Business Finances Using one bank account

Getting a letter from HMRC can be worrying. Even if you’ve done everything right, seeing words like “enquiry”  or “compliance check”  on the page is enough to make anyone nervous. The important thing to remember is that not every enquiry means you’re in trouble.  In many cases, HMRC just needs clarification or extra information. At Kala Atkinson , we have over 40 years’ experience  dealing with HMRC enquiries — helping clients resolve them quickly and with minimal stress. Her

Flat Rate Method HMRC allows a flat rate of £6/week (£312/year) to be claimed without needing detailed records. This is commonly used when the director works from home and incurs some costs such as electricity & heating. The company can record this as an expense and credit the director’s loan account. Actual Cost Method Alternatively, directors can claim a proportion of actual household expenses. These include increased costs for heating, electricity, metered water, broadband

For many UK business owners, the finance function is a necessary but time-consuming part of running a company. From chasing invoices to reconciling bank statements, it’s easy to get bogged down in admin. But what if your finance function could run more smoothly, with fewer manual tasks and better insights? That’s where automation comes in. Why Automate? Automation isn’t just about saving time—it’s about building a finance function that scales with your business. Whether you'r

One of the most common questions we get from clients is: “Should I stay as a sole trader, or is it time to go limited?” This usually...

If you look at your payslip at the end of the month there will be a tax code. It is usually a combination of letters and numbers. Your...

Why an Outsourced Finance Function Can Transform a Growing Business As business owners , we often start with simple needs. When you’re...

Running a restaurant is one of the most challenging business ventures in today’s economy. Between rising food costs, unpredictable...

At Kala Atkinson , we work with property investors and subcontractors across London who are ambitious, busy, and always planning the next...

Working in the creative industry means no two days are the same. Whether you're leading a marketing agency, writing your next book,...

Running a hospitality business is rewarding, exciting, and—let’s be honest—relentlessly fast-paced. Whether you own a restaurant, manage...

At Kala Atkinson , we recognise that navigating the financial landscape of your business can be challenging. One crucial aspect that...

At Kala Atkinson , we understand the challenges that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face when it comes to growing and scaling...

Managing payroll is a critical part of running any business, but it can also be one of the most complex and time-consuming tasks. From...

The Importance of Financial Forecasting for London Businesses   In London’s fast-paced business world, where opportunity and competition...

Tax Relief Services in London: How We Can Help You Navigate the Maze   Navigating the complexities of tax can feel overwhelming,...

Value-Added Tax (VAT) is a tax applied to goods and services in the UK. If you run a business, understanding VAT obligations is crucial,...

How Kala Atkinson Empowers Through Smart Tech Adoption   In today's fast-paced business environment, technology is no longer a...

It’s vital for directors to understand how a Director’s Loan Account works, as improper use or mismanagement can result in tax...

Starting a company and running a business in the UK is straightforward, but following the correct steps ensures your venture is legal and...