The UK Tax and Accounting Podcast from I Hate Numbers:

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For many business owners, sitting down to tackle the accounts or a tax return is right up there with watching paint dry. We understand—numbers can feel intimidating, confusing, and frankly, a distraction from why you started your business in the first place. However, if you are serious about your business, you need to get on friendly terms with your finances. I Hate Numbers is a dedicated UK accounting and tax podcast designed to help you navigate the complexities of business finance without the headache. Hosted by me, Mahmood Reza, accountant and tax advisor, business coach, tax advisor, and financial storyteller—this podcast is here to help you move from dreading your data to using it as a roadmap for success. Straight-talking Tax and Finance Advice Business is ultimately about making money and having an impact. To do that, you need to understand the financial story your business is telling. We focus on: Simplifying UK Tax and Accounting: We break down everything from Self-Assessment to Corporation Tax in a way that actually makes sense. Jargon-Free Guidance: No "accounting-speak" or unnecessary BS—just practical steps to keep you on the right side of HMRC. Profit and Growth: Understanding your numbers means you can see the impact of your successes and avoid common financial pitfalls. Master the Meaning Behind the Numbers With decades of experience helping thousands of businesses, Mahmood’s mission is to make business money management accessible to everyone. In the words of W.E.B. Du Bois: “When you have mastered numbers, you will in fact no longer be reading numbers... You will be reading meanings.” Don't let tax and spreadsheets hold you back. Subscribe to the I Hate Numbers podcast today and start powering your business forward with confidence.

  1. 14 HR AGO

    Paying School Fees Through Your Business: Tax Rules Explained

    About this episode In this episode, we explain how paying school fees through your business can create tax issues if it is not structured correctly. It may seem sensible for a company with available cash to help fund school or university fees, but HMRC may treat the payment very differently depending on how it is arranged. We look at the risks of reimbursement, the benefit in kind route, the wholly and exclusively rule, director loans, dividend planning for children, and why professional advice matters before any agreement is made. This is especially relevant for business owners thinking about tax for small businesses, business tax planning UK, and wider family financial planning. Introduction Paying for education can be expensive, and many business owners may wonder whether their company can help fund school or university fees. On the surface, it may feel like a simple cash flow decision. However, tax rules can quickly turn that idea into a costly mistake. In this episode of I Hate Numbers, we explain why the way a payment is made matters. We also look at how business owners can avoid the most expensive routes and consider more structured ways to plan ahead. Can your business pay school or university fees? The short answer is yes, but the tax treatment depends on how the payment is made and who is legally responsible for the fees. If the school contract is in your personal name and the company simply reimburses you, HMRC may treat the money as earnings, salary, dividends, or another taxable extraction from the company. That can lead to PAYE income tax, National Insurance, employer National Insurance, or dividend tax consequences. For higher rate taxpayers, this can make the arrangement extremely expensive. Therefore, the key issue is not just whether the company has the money, but whether the payment is structured correctly. Why it matters Using company funds without understanding the rules can create unnecessary tax costs, interest, and penalties. It can also damage cash flow management if the business owner assumes the company payment is tax-efficient when it is not. Good planning matters because education funding, company cash, personal tax, and corporation tax can all overlap. For small business finance UK, this is a practical example of why profit and financial control are not only about making money, but also about using money in the right way. Key breakdown 1. The reimbursement trap One common mistake is paying the school personally and then taking the money back from the company. If the contract is in your name, HMRC may see the company payment as a personal benefit, salary, bonus, or dividend. This can create income tax and National Insurance consequences. It may also result in employer National Insurance for the company. In many cases, this becomes one of the most expensive ways to fund education costs through a business. 2. Using the benefit in kind route A more structured option is for the company to contract directly with the school or university. In that case, the company pays the education provider directly and the arrangement may be treated as a benefit in kind. This does not make the payment tax-free, but it may reduce some of the National Insurance cost. The business may also be able to claim corporation tax relief, depending on whether the expense meets the relevant rules. 3. The wholly and exclusively rule HMRC may ask whether the payment is wholly and exclusively for the purposes of the trade. If the student is the owner’s child and not an employee doing actual work for the business, HMRC may challenge whether the company can claim the payment as a business deduction. This is where professional advice becomes important. A payment may still create a benefit in kind, but that does not automatically mean it qualifies as a corporation tax deduction. 4. Director loans under £10,000 The company may lend up to £10,000 interest-free without creating a benefit in kind charge, provided the balance stays within the limit throughout the year. This may help with a single school term, a university fee payment, or a short-term funding gap. However, if the loan goes even slightly over the limit, the rules change. The loan may become a beneficial loan, and tax may apply to the interest that should have been paid. A director loan is mainly a timing tool, not always a tax-saving strategy. 5. Long-term dividend planning for children Some business owners may think about giving shares to children and paying dividends to help fund education. However, if a parent gives shares to a minor child, income above £100 may be taxed on the parent under the settlements legislation. There is a “grandparent loophole”. If a grandparent provides the funds for the grandchild to get shares, the £100 limit does not apply. The child can then use their own personal allowance, currently £12,570. However, this needs proper legal setup. 6. Salary sacrifice warning Salary sacrifice for school fees is not the useful planning route it may once have appeared to be. Unless the arrangement relates to something like a workplace nursery, the tax benefit is likely to be limited or unavailable. Business owners should also be aware that salary sacrifice rules continue to change, including future National Insurance treatment. Therefore, this is not an area to approach without up-to-date advice. Practical steps before paying school fees through a business Check who the school or university contract is with.Avoid simply reimbursing yourself from the company without advice.Consider whether a company-paid benefit in kind route is more suitable.Review whether the payment meets the wholly and exclusively rule.Be careful with director loan limits.Consider long-term family planning only with proper legal and tax support.Get professional clearance before signing any contracts. If you need support with financial control, planning, bookkeeping, or cash flow, our Xero accounting support can help you keep better visibility over your business numbers. Related episodes Sole Trader or Limited Company: Decide What’s RightTax and Your Self Employed BusinessUnderstanding Your Financial Statements Key takeaway Using your business to pay school or university fees can be valid, but it is not automatically tax-efficient. The structure matters. Reimbursement can be expensive, direct company contracts may work better, director loans can help with timing, and longer-term planning may require careful family and legal structuring. The main lesson is simple: do not treat education funding as just another company payment. Treat it as part of wider business tax planning UK and get advice before committing. h2...

    7 min

  2. 3 MAY

    HMRC Reasonable Excuse: How to Appeal a Tax Penalty Successfully

    A penalty notice is stressful. The instinct is to explain yourself and hope HMRC understands. But understanding and accepting are two very different things. This episode cuts through the confusion — what HMRC actually accepts as a reasonable excuse, what gets rejected outright, and the five steps that give your appeal the best chance of success. What You'll Learn in This EpisodeWhat "reasonable excuse" means in practice and how HMRC tests itThe circumstances HMRC will typically accept, backed by evidenceThe excuses that fail every time, however understandable they feelA clear five-step process for building a credible penalty appealWhy good tax planning remains the strongest protection of all IntroductionMissing a tax deadline happens. Life gets congested. A penalty notice appears and your first instinct is to reach for an explanation. The trouble is HMRC operates on rules and their interpretation of them, not on sympathy. Knowing what qualifies before you put a single word in writing is what separates a successful appeal from an expensive lesson in tax for small businesses. What Is a Reasonable Excuse?There is no legal definition of reasonable excuse anywhere in UK tax legislation. Parliament never wrote one. Instead, HMRC applies a sensible person test: would a reasonable, responsible person in the same circumstances have still missed the deadline? The bar is higher than most expect. HMRC assumes you understand your obligations and are capable of meeting them. A reasonable excuse is not a general explanation of a difficult period. It is a specific set of circumstances that made compliance genuinely impossible, not merely inconvenient. What HMRC Will Usually AcceptHMRC publishes scenarios they typically accept, provided you can back them up with evidence. These are the circumstances that carry real weight in an appeal. BereavementIf a close relative or partner passes away shortly before the deadline, HMRC acknowledges that grief and funeral planning take priority. Timing matters, as does the closeness of the relationship to the person responsible for filing. Unplanned hospital stayBeing admitted to hospital unexpectedly and being unable to manage your affairs can qualify. Be prepared for HMRC to ask whether you could have delegated the task to someone else in the meantime. Serious illnessLife-threatening or severely debilitating conditions are considered, but timing and impact are both scrutinised. A minor illness that happened to coincide with a deadline is unlikely to succeed on its own. Unexpected technology failureIf your device failed without warning at the point of submission, and the failure was genuinely outside your control, you may have a case. The key word is unexpected — an ageing laptop that had been struggling for weeks is a different matter. Natural disaster or postal strikeFires, floods, and postal strikes affecting delivery of relevant documents can all support a reasonable excuse. Physical evidence, including dates, photographs, and correspondence, will strengthen the claim considerably. If your records ended up under three feet of water, that is a strong position to argue from — provided you can evidence it. What HMRC Will RejectSome reasons are effectively dead on arrival. Submitting them wastes time and leaves the penalty in place. Not having the money to pay is one of the most common and least successful arguments. HMRC treats this as a failure of business tax planning UK, not an unavoidable event. Finding the online system confusing or difficult to use carries no weight either. The expectation is that you seek help or hire an expert if needed. Forgetting the deadline, or not receiving a reminder from HMRC, also fails. HMRC has no legal obligation to remind you. The responsibility for knowing and meeting filing and payment dates sits entirely with the taxpayer. A simple error in a return, such as a misplaced decimal point, will not cancel a penalty. HMRC will direct you to amend the return, and the penalty stands. The principle running through all of this is consistent. A reasonable excuse must be an unavoidable obstacle, not a muddle or an oversight. Five Steps to a Strong AppealIf the grounds are genuine, how you present the case matters as much as the facts. Here is the approach we recommend. Be factual.State exactly what happened, clearly and briefly. An emotional letter carries far less weight than a precise account of events.Connect the excuse to the deadline.Show specifically how the event prevented you from filing or paying on time. A general account of a difficult period is not enough.Show what you did next.HMRC wants evidence that as soon as the obstacle cleared, you acted promptly. Delay after the excuse ended weakens the appeal.Provide documentation.Death certificates, hospital letters, screenshots of error messages, photographs of a flooded office. Concrete evidence turns a written explanation into a credible case.Apply the reasonable person standard.Frame your submission around how any responsible business owner would have acted in the same situation. This aligns directly with how HMRC assesses the claim. One point worth holding onto: penalties apply to self-employed tax UK returns as well as business filings. The same five steps apply in both situations. Key TakeawayA reasonable excuse is not a loophole. It is a legitimate protection for genuine hardship, applied through a specific and evidenced process. The strongest protection against penalties is still solid business tax planning UK — deadlines in the diary, reminders set, and obligations understood well in advance. If the worst does happen, act quickly, gather evidence early, and present the facts without clutter. If you are staring at a penalty notice right now, do not panic. Visit ihatenumbers.co.uk or get in touch and we can help you work through it. Plan it, Do it, Profit."A reasonable excuse is not a free pass to be late. It is a safety net for genuine hardship."Share this episode: Listen on Apple Podcasts 🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts — it helps more small business owners find the show. Episode Timecodes00:00 – Introduction: why reasonable excuse matters01:00 – The sensible person test and how HMRC assesses your case02:00 – What HMRC accepts: bereavement, illness, tech failure, natural disaster03:30 – What HMRC rejects: the arguments that won't hold up05:00 – Five steps to building a strong penalty appeal06:00 – Final thoughts and why planning ahead is still the best defence Further Support📘 Book https://www.ihatenumbers.co.uk/i-hate-numbers-book/ 🎧 Podcast https://www.ihatenumbers.co.uk/i-hate-numbers-podcast/ 🌐 Website https://www.ihatenumbers.co.uk

    7 min

  3. 26 APR

    Successful Partnerships: How to Get It Right and Avoid Costly Mistakes

    Partnerships can be one of the most powerful ways to grow a business. However, they can also bring risk, stress, and financial challenges if not handled properly. In this episode of the I Hate Numbers podcast, we explore what makes a partnership successful and how to avoid the common pitfalls. Whether you are a freelancer, creative, or small business owner, understanding how to structure and manage a partnership is essential for long-term success. Why Partnerships MatterWhen done right, partnerships can accelerate business growth, improve creativity, and reduce workload pressure. Working with the right person allows you to combine strengths, share responsibilities, and build something greater together. However, choosing the wrong partner can lead to conflict, financial loss, and long-term damage. Start with Shared ValuesA strong partnership begins with shared values. This does not mean you need identical personalities, but you must align on key business principles. Ask yourself: Do you both want the same outcome from the business?Do you share similar views on money, time, and commitment?Can you trust each other when challenges arise? Misalignment at this stage almost always leads to problems later. Look for a Proven Track RecordYou do not need a partner with decades of experience, but you do need evidence that they can follow through. Have they delivered results before? Have you worked together previously? If not, consider starting with a smaller project before committing long term. Complementary Skills WinThe best partnerships are built on complementary strengths, not duplication. For example: One partner may focus on creativityThe other may manage finance and operations This balance improves efficiency and avoids conflict over responsibilities. Clarity Is EssentialMany partnerships fail because roles and responsibilities are not clearly defined. You should document: Who handles financesWho communicates with clientsWho owns intellectual propertyWho makes final decisions Clarity prevents confusion, builds trust, and protects the business. Choose the Right StructureThere are several ways to structure a partnership, including: Informal freelancer collaborationsGeneral partnershipsLimited companiesLimited liability partnerships Each option has different legal and tax implications, so choosing the right one is a key part of business tax planning UK. Be Honest and Have the Hard ConversationsSuccessful partnerships are built on honesty and transparency. You must be willing to: Discuss money openlyAddress issues earlyChallenge each other respectfully Avoiding difficult conversations leads to bigger problems later. Put Everything in WritingA written agreement is not optional. It is essential. Your partnership agreement should cover: Profit sharingOwnershipExit strategiesDispute resolution This protects both parties and provides clarity from day one. Plan for the “What Ifs”Every partnership should plan for potential challenges before they happen. Consider: What happens if one partner leaves?What happens if priorities change?What happens if the business grows quickly? Planning ahead reduces risk and ensures stability. Why Systems and Transparency MatterClear financial visibility is critical in any partnership. Using tools like Xero cloud accounting allows both partners to track finances and maintain transparency. This builds trust and supports better decision-making in your small business finance UK journey. Key TakeawayA successful partnership is not built on assumptions or good intentions alone. It requires planning, communication, and structure. If you take the time to align values, define roles, and plan for the future, you can create a partnership that supports growth and long-term success. Episode Timecodes00:00 – Introduction to partnerships01:00 – Why partnerships matter02:00 – Shared values and alignment03:30 – Track record and testing partnerships04:30 – Complementary skills05:30 – Roles and responsibilities07:00 – Legal structures explained08:30 – Hard conversations and transparency10:00 – Putting agreements in writing11:30 – Planning for future risks12:30 – Final thoughts Further Support📘 Book https://www.ihatenumbers.co.uk/i-hate-numbers-book/ 🎧 Podcast https://www.ihatenumbers.co.uk/i-hate-numbers-podcast/ 🌐 Website https://www.ihatenumbers.co.uk If this episode helped you think differently about partnerships, share it with someone considering going into business with a partner. Plan it. Do it. Profit.

    13 min

  4. 19 APR

    5 Ways to Stay Motivated When Working for Yourself

    Working for yourself sounds ideal at first. However, the reality can feel very different once the novelty wears off. In this episode of the I Hate Numbers podcast, we explore the real challenges of motivation, isolation, and staying consistent as a solopreneur. We also share five practical strategies to help you stay motivated, focused, and in control of your business journey. Why Motivation Drops When You Work for YourselfWhen you leave a structured job, you also leave behind routine, accountability, and social interaction. Over time, this can lead to isolation, lack of direction, and dips in motivation. The key is not to avoid these challenges, but to prepare for them and build systems that keep you moving forward. 1. Build Your Business Around Your LifestyleOne of the biggest reasons we go into business is freedom. However, many business owners end up doing the opposite and structuring their lives around their work. Instead, we should align our business with our lifestyle. That might mean adjusting working hours, making time for fitness, or ensuring social time is protected. When your business fits your life, motivation naturally improves. 2. Use Co-Working Spaces to Avoid IsolationWorking from home has its benefits, but it can also feel isolating and distracting. Co-working spaces offer a balance. They give you structure, a productive environment, and the chance to interact with like-minded individuals. They also expose you to workshops, events, and new opportunities that can help your business grow. 3. Create a Strong Support NetworkMotivation becomes much easier when you are surrounded by people who understand your journey. This could include: Co-working communitiesMastermind groupsOther business owners These environments provide accountability, fresh ideas, and encouragement when things get tough. 4. Manage Your Workload to Avoid BurnoutMany small business owners work longer hours than employees, but more hours do not always mean better results. We should treat ourselves like employees of our own business: Set working boundariesAvoid overworkingFocus on productivity, not just time spent Burnout reduces motivation and slows progress, so balance is essential. 5. Use Rewards to Stay ConsistentLong-term goals are important, but they can feel distant and hard to maintain motivation for. Breaking them into smaller milestones makes progress visible and achievable. By attaching rewards to these milestones, we create a positive feedback loop that keeps us moving forward. Key TakeawayStaying motivated as a solopreneur is not about constant energy or discipline. It is about building systems that support you when motivation dips. If you align your lifestyle, create support, manage your workload, and reward progress, you give yourself the best chance of long-term success. Episode Timecodes00:00 – Introduction and reality of working for yourself01:00 – Tip 1: Align business with lifestyle02:30 – Tip 2: Co-working spaces03:30 – Tip 3: Building a support network04:30 – Tip 4: Managing workload05:50 – Tip 5: Rewarding progress07:00 – Final thoughts and summary Further Support📘 Book https://www.ihatenumbers.co.uk/i-hate-numbers-book/ 🎧 Podcast https://www.ihatenumbers.co.uk/i-hate-numbers-podcast/ 🌐 Website https://www.ihatenumbers.co.uk If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who is building their own business journey. Plan it. Do it. Profit.

    8 min

  5. 12 APR

    VAT Registration Explained: When You Must Register and When You Don’t

    VAT is one of those areas of small business finance UK that can quickly become confusing. In this episode of the I Hate Numbers podcast, we break down VAT registration, thresholds, and the key rules every business owner needs to understand. Understanding VAT is not just about compliance. It is about maintaining control over your cash flow management and making informed decisions about your business growth. What Is VAT Registration?VAT (Value Added Tax) is a tax applied to most goods and services. Once your taxable turnover crosses a certain threshold, you must register and start charging VAT on your sales. For many businesses, this means adding 20% to your prices, which can have a real impact, especially if your customers are not VAT registered themselves. The VAT Registration ThresholdThe current VAT registration threshold is £90,000. However, this is not based on your financial year. It is based on a rolling 12-month period. There are two key tests you must monitor: Looking BackwardsAt the end of each month, you must check your total sales for the previous 12 months. If you exceed £90,000, you must register within 30 days. Looking ForwardsIf you expect your turnover to exceed £90,000 in the next 30 days alone, you must register immediately. This is particularly relevant for freelancers and creatives who land large contracts unexpectedly. Special Rules You Should KnowNon-UK BusinessesIf you sell into the UK without a physical presence, the VAT threshold does not apply. You must register from your first sale. Buying an Existing BusinessIf you take over a VAT-registered business, you may need to register immediately. You effectively inherit its VAT obligations. What Counts Towards the Threshold?Understanding what counts is critical for accurate tax planning UK: Standard-rated sales (20%)Reduced-rate sales (5%)Zero-rated items Items that usually do not count include exempt supplies such as insurance or education, and capital asset sales. Voluntary VAT RegistrationYou can choose to register voluntarily even if you are below the threshold. This can be beneficial if you: Sell business-to-business (B2B)Want to reclaim VAT on expensesAre investing in equipment or growth However, once registered, you must comply with ongoing reporting requirements. VAT Exemptions and ExceptionsExemptionIf most of your sales are zero-rated, you may apply for a VAT registration exemption. This reduces admin but removes your ability to reclaim VAT on costs. Exception (Temporary Breach)If you exceed the threshold temporarily, you may apply to HMRC to ignore it. You must prove it was a one-off and that future turnover will fall below the limit. Why Systems MatterTracking your numbers accurately is essential for accounting for creatives and small businesses alike. Using tools like Xero cloud accounting helps you monitor turnover, stay compliant, and maintain profit and financial control. Key TakeawayVAT registration is not just a tax rule. It is a critical part of business tax planning UK. If you understand the thresholds, monitor your numbers, and plan ahead, you can avoid surprises and stay in control of your finances. If you ignore it, you risk penalties, cash flow issues, and unnecessary stress. Episode Timecodes00:00 – Introduction to VAT registration01:00 – Understanding the VAT threshold02:00 – Backward and forward tests explained03:00 – Special rules for businesses04:00 – What counts towards turnover05:00 – Voluntary registration explained06:00 – VAT exemptions and exceptions07:00 – Importance of systems and tracking08:00 – Final thoughts Further Support📘 Book https://www.ihatenumbers.co.uk/i-hate-numbers-book/ 🎧 Podcast https://www.ihatenumbers.co.uk/i-hate-numbers-podcast/ 🌐 Website https://www.ihatenumbers.co.uk If this episode helped you understand VAT registration and how it affects your business, share it with someone who needs clarity. Plan it. Do it. Profit.

    8 min

  6. 5 APR

    Dividend Tax Increase 2026: How Much More Will You Pay and What Can You Do?

    From April 2026, dividend tax rates are increasing, and for many business owners, that means one thing — higher tax bills. In this episode of the I Hate Numbers podcast, we explain what the dividend tax increase actually means, how it impacts your income, and more importantly, what you can do about it. While the change may only be a 2% increase on paper, the real-world impact can quickly add up, especially if you rely on dividends as part of your income strategy. What’s Changing from April 2026?The UK government has increased dividend tax rates by 2 percentage points: Basic rate taxpayers: from 8.75% to 10.75%Higher rate taxpayers: from 33.75% to 35.75%Additional rate taxpayers: unchanged at 39.35% The dividend allowance remains at £500, which means very little protection against rising tax costs. What Does This Mean in Real Terms?Let’s make it practical. If you take £50,000 in dividends annually, this increase could cost you around £1,000 extra in tax each year. That is money that could have been reinvested into your business, used for personal expenses, or saved for future growth. Why Planning Matters More Than EverThis change highlights the importance of proactive tax planning. Doing nothing means accepting a higher tax bill by default. However, with the right strategy, you can reduce the impact and stay in control of your finances. Key Strategies to Consider1. Timing Your Dividends CarefullyOne approach is to bring forward dividend payments before April 2026. However, this must be done carefully. If you push yourself into a higher tax band, you could end up paying more tax now just to avoid paying slightly more later. Always review your tax position before making large withdrawals. 2. Using Family AllowancesIf you operate a family company, consider using alphabet shares to distribute dividends across family members. This allows you to utilise lower tax bands and reduce the overall tax burden. 3. Pension ContributionsEmployer pension contributions can be a highly tax-efficient alternative to dividends. The company receives tax relief, and you avoid dividend tax altogether while building long-term wealth. 4. Get the Paperwork RightDividend planning is not just about numbers. It requires proper documentation. Board minutes and dividend vouchers are essential. Without them, HMRC can challenge your position. Good paperwork protects your profits. Using the Right ToolsHaving clear visibility over your finances is critical when making these decisions. Tools like Xero cloud accounting can help track profits, plan distributions, and ensure you are making informed choices. Key TakeawayThe dividend tax increase is coming, and it will affect how business owners extract profits from their companies. If you plan ahead, review your structure, and consider alternative strategies, you can reduce the impact and stay in control. If you ignore it, you will simply pay more tax. Episode Timecodes00:00 – Introduction to dividend tax changes01:00 – New tax rates explained02:00 – Real-world impact example03:00 – Timing strategies and risks04:00 – Family dividend planning04:30 – Pension contribution strategy05:00 – Importance of documentation05:30 – Final thoughts Further Support📘 Book https://www.ihatenumbers.co.uk/i-hate-numbers-book/ 🎧 Podcast https://www.ihatenumbers.co.uk/i-hate-numbers-podcast/ 🌐 Website https://www.ihatenumbers.co.uk If this episode helped you understand the dividend tax changes, share it with another business owner who needs to prepare. Plan it. Do it. Profit.

    6 min

  7. 29 MAR

    Directors and Unpaid Corporation Tax: HMRC and You

    One of the biggest advantages of running a business through a limited company is the protection it offers your personal assets. But that protection is not absolute. In this episode of I Hate Numbers, we look at the corporate veil, when it holds, when it does not, and what HMRC can do when directors cross the line on unpaid corporation tax. What Is the Corporate Veil?When you set up a limited company in the UK, you are effectively building a wall between your business and your personal life. On one side sits the company, its debts, its bills, and its taxes. On the other side is you, your home, your car, and your personal savings. This is limited liability, a legal shield designed to encourage people to take risks and start businesses without fearing that one bad month will cost them the family home. The problem is that wall is not indestructible. HMRC has ways of climbing over it, and they are using them more and more. The law protects honest directors who run into genuine bad luck, but where there is evidence of misconduct, negligence, or what HMRC calls deliberate behaviour, that shield can vanish entirely. Preference Payments: Paying the Wrong People FirstThe most common way directors get into serious trouble is through preference payments. Imagine your business is struggling. You have a corporation tax bill due to HMRC but also owe money to a family member who helped you start the business. You check your bank balance, see a few thousand pounds, and decide to pay your brother or sister back first. That is a preference. You are choosing a friendly creditor over a legal one. If the company later fails, a liquidator will examine those bank statements. They can, and will, reverse that payment and sue you personally to recover the money. Loyalty to family is understandable, but it is not a defence in the eyes of the law. Fraudulent and Wrongful TradingFraud is the serious end of the spectrum. Taking deposits for products you know will never be delivered, or hiding cash from HMRC, can result in a personal financial order that puts your personal assets on the table to settle company debts. Wrongful trading is more common and perhaps more relevant to many directors. This is where you continue trading even though you knew, or should have known, that the company was heading for insolvency. If the tax debt grows during that period, you can be held personally liable for the additional amount. Ignorance is not a defence. The law expects directors to know their numbers. Unlawful DividendsMost directors of small UK companies take a modest salary and draw the rest as dividends, which is perfectly legal when done correctly. The key word is distributable profits. Think of it like a pie. You can only eat what is left after paying for the ingredients. If your company makes a profit of one hundred thousand pounds, a portion of that must be set aside for corporation tax. If you take that tax money as a dividend, the dividend becomes unlawful. Should the company go into liquidation, the liquidator can demand every penny of those unlawful dividends back. As the director who authorised the payments, you also face a breach of your duties. That is a double whammy that is entirely avoidable with the right financial discipline in place. The Six Month Rule on Asset SalesThere is also a specific rule worth knowing around asset sales. If your company sells an office, a van, or any significant asset, the tax on that gain must be paid to HMRC within six months. If it is not, HMRC can bypass the courts entirely and send the bill directly to your home address. They have two years to begin this process, which means you could be sitting at home eighteen months later thinking the dust has settled, only for a substantial bill to land on your doorstep. The Consequences of Getting This WrongBeyond losing money, the consequences can be severe. Directors can be issued with a personal liability notice or disqualified from acting as a director for up to fifteen years. For anyone building a business career, that is a significant and damaging outcome that could have been avoided entirely. How to Stay Safe: A Practical ChecklistStaying on the right side of the law requires discipline and consistent habits. We run through five practical steps in this episode. First, review your management accounts every single month. Do not wait until the year end to discover you are in difficulty. If you do not have management accounts in place, get in touch with us at I Hate Numbers and we can help you set them up. Second, treat your tax money as untouchable. Open a separate bank account and move between ten and twenty five percent of your income into it as soon as it arrives. If you cannot see it, you are far less likely to spend it. Third, if the business is struggling, halt dividends immediately and switch to a basic salary until things stabilise. There is nothing unlawful about paying yourself a salary. Fourth, always take professional advice before selling a major company asset. Fifth, treat HMRC as your most important supplier. They are the only creditor with the power to take your home, and they are becoming increasingly assertive in pursuing unpaid taxes. Conclusion: Keep the Wall StandingHMRC and liquidators will examine everything: bank statements, emails, receipts, and payment records. Acting proactively, keeping clear records, and respecting the legal boundary between you and your business is what keeps your personal wealth safe. If you are concerned that your paperwork or management accounts are not where they should be, do not panic. Reach out to us at I Hate Numbers and we will help you get things in order. For a deeper grounding in business finance, the I Hate Numbers book is the ideal place to start. Episode Timecodes[00:00:00]Introduction: the corporate veil and when HMRC can pierce it[00:00:41]What limited liability actually means for directors[00:01:28]When the legal shield disappears: misconduct and deliberate behaviour[00:01:52]Preference payments: paying the wrong creditors first[00:03:00]Fraudulent trading: the serious end of the spectrum[00:03:14]Wrongful trading: the ostrich approach and its consequences[00:03:54]Unlawful dividends: when taking money out becomes a problem[00:05:00]The six month rule on asset sales[00:05:25]Personal liability notices and director disqualification[00:05:46]Five practical steps to protect yourself as a director[00:07:06]Why HMRC is becoming more assertive and what that means for you[00:07:26]Closing thoughts: keep clear records and keep the wall standing Take the Next StepIf this episode has been useful, share it with a fellow director or business owner who needs to hear it. Subscribe to I Hate Numbers for more practical, no-nonsense guidance every week. Keep those records straight. Plan it, do it, profit. Further Support📘 Book https://www.ihatenumbers.co.uk/i-hate-numbers-book/ 🎧 Podcast https://www.ihatenumbers.co.uk/i-hate-numbers-podcast/ 🌐 Website https://www.ihatenumbers.co.uk

    8 min

  8. 22 MAR

    SSP Changes 2026: What Employers Must Know About the New Sick Pay Rules

    From April 2026, Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) rules are changing significantly. In this episode of the I Hate Numbers podcast, we break down what those changes mean, why they matter, and how employers can prepare. These updates are part of wider employment reforms and will impact businesses of all sizes, from private companies to social enterprises. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0} What Is Changing with SSP?The new rules introduce two major shifts. First, the removal of the lower earnings limit (LEL). Second, the abolition of waiting days. Previously, employees earning below a certain threshold were not eligible for SSP. From April 2026, that barrier is removed. Every eligible employee, regardless of earnings, will qualify. At the same time, SSP will now be payable from day one of sickness rather than starting on the fourth day. More Employees, More CostThese changes will bring approximately 1.3 million additional workers into the SSP system. While this strengthens employee protection, it also increases financial pressure on employers. SSP is not reimbursed by the government. The cost sits entirely with the business. How SSP Will Be CalculatedThe calculation method is also changing. Employers must now pay the lower of: 80% of the employee’s average weekly earningsA flat weekly rate (currently expected to be £123.25) This introduces additional complexity into payroll calculations and increases the need for accurate systems. The End of Waiting DaysThe removal of waiting days means SSP must be paid from the very first day of sickness. This increases both the administrative burden and the direct cost of short-term absences. It also raises important questions around workplace culture and sickness management. Linked Periods Still ApplyWhile many rules are changing, linked periods of sickness remain in place. If absences occur within a 56-day window, they are treated as a continuous period. This affects how SSP is calculated, as the original rate continues even if the employee’s earnings change during that period. Transitional RulesEmployees already receiving SSP before April 2026 will be subject to transitional protection. Those in specific earnings bands will move to the new flat rate for the remainder of their absence. This adds another layer of complexity for payroll and HR teams to manage. What Employers Should Do NowReview Payroll SystemsEnsure your payroll provider can handle the new 80% vs flat rate calculation, as well as transitional rules. Update PoliciesSickness policies and staff handbooks referencing waiting days must be updated before April 2026. Train Your TeamHR teams and managers must understand that SSP now applies from day one and includes lower-paid employees. Monitor Workplace TrendsIncreased coverage may influence absence patterns. Understanding your internal data will be critical. Key TakeawayThe SSP changes are not just a compliance update. They represent a shift in cost, administration, and employee support expectations. Planning ahead will help you stay compliant, manage costs, and maintain control of your business. Episode Timecodes00:00 – Introduction to SSP changes01:00 – Employment law reforms and context02:00 – Removal of the lower earnings limit03:00 – New SSP calculation rules04:00 – Removal of waiting days05:00 – Linked periods explained06:00 – Transitional protection rules07:00 – Practical steps for employers08:00 – Final thoughts Further Support📘 Book https://www.ihatenumbers.co.uk/i-hate-numbers-book/ 🎧 Podcast https://www.ihatenumbers.co.uk/i-hate-numbers-podcast/ 🌐 Website https://www.ihatenumbers.co.uk If this episode helped you understand the upcoming SSP changes, share it with another employer who needs to prepare. Plan it. Do it. Profit.

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For many business owners, sitting down to tackle the accounts or a tax return is right up there with watching paint dry. We understand—numbers can feel intimidating, confusing, and frankly, a distraction from why you started your business in the first place. However, if you are serious about your business, you need to get on friendly terms with your finances. I Hate Numbers is a dedicated UK accounting and tax podcast designed to help you navigate the complexities of business finance without the headache. Hosted by me, Mahmood Reza, accountant and tax advisor, business coach, tax advisor, and financial storyteller—this podcast is here to help you move from dreading your data to using it as a roadmap for success. Straight-talking Tax and Finance Advice Business is ultimately about making money and having an impact. To do that, you need to understand the financial story your business is telling. We focus on: Simplifying UK Tax and Accounting: We break down everything from Self-Assessment to Corporation Tax in a way that actually makes sense. Jargon-Free Guidance: No "accounting-speak" or unnecessary BS—just practical steps to keep you on the right side of HMRC. Profit and Growth: Understanding your numbers means you can see the impact of your successes and avoid common financial pitfalls. Master the Meaning Behind the Numbers With decades of experience helping thousands of businesses, Mahmood’s mission is to make business money management accessible to everyone. In the words of W.E.B. Du Bois: “When you have mastered numbers, you will in fact no longer be reading numbers... You will be reading meanings.” Don't let tax and spreadsheets hold you back. Subscribe to the I Hate Numbers podcast today and start powering your business forward with confidence.

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