I Hate Numbers: Simplifying Tax and Accounting

I Hate Numbers
  • 4.0 (1)
  • MANAGEMENT
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

For some, watching paint dry, or a poke in the eye is better than dealing with their business numbers. I get it, numbers can be scary, confusing, and boring, not what your business is meant to be about. But here’s the thing. If you’re serious about your business, you need to grab hold of your numbers, and connect with them. Falling in love with them may feel weird, but at least be on friendly terms with them if you want your business to survive and thrive. Numbers make you accountable, showing you the financial impact of your successes, a route map to success and highlighting those flip-ups. Above all, learning to love & use your numbers means you have a better chance of making money, what’s not to love. Fundamentally business is there to make money. You need to make money to survive and have impact. It’s about knowing how your future is going to pan out. As a business finance coach, financial story teller and tax advisor, I've helped thousands of businesses over the years. I love numbers, but I get it that not many businesses will do so. I want to share my love of numbers through my podcast, to make it accessible, to help you and your business power forward. My aim is to make this podcast listener friendly, jargon and BS free. In the words of W.E.B. Dubois “When you have mastered numbers, you will in fact no longer be reading numbers, any more than you read words when reading books. You will be reading meanings.”

  1. 2D AGO

    Stop the Software Tax: The Hidden Cost of Making Tax Digital

    In this episode of the I Hate Numbers podcast, we discuss something that many small business owners have not fully realised yet — the hidden cost behind Making Tax Digital for Income Tax. For decades the system was straightforward. You earned money, logged onto the government website, submitted your tax return, and paid what you owed. It was a public service funded through taxes. However, from April 2026 that arrangement changes significantly. HMRC will close the free self-assessment filing portal for many taxpayers and require the use of third-party software instead. We call this the software tax. What Is Making Tax Digital for Income Tax? Making Tax Digital (MTD) is HMRC’s long-term programme to modernise the tax system and reduce errors in reporting. In theory, digital record-keeping can reduce mistakes and improve efficiency. We support digital accounting in principle. In fact, tools like Xero cloud accounting can save time, improve visibility, and help businesses make better decisions. But the concern is not digitalisation itself. The concern is forcing taxpayers into paid software just to comply with the law. The Timeline for MTD The rollout schedule has already been announced: April 2026:Sole traders and landlords with income above £50,000 must comply.April 2027:The threshold falls to £30,000.Future plans:The threshold could fall to £20,000. Importantly, this threshold refers to income, not profit. That means even relatively small businesses may fall within the rules. More Reporting, Not Less Instead of filing one tax return each year, businesses will need to submit: Four quarterly updatesAn end-of-period statementA final declaration That means significantly more reporting — and all through third-party software. Why This Creates a “Software Tax” HMRC’s official position is that taxpayers must use recognised commercial software. In effect, this creates a new financial burden. To comply with tax law, individuals must now enter a commercial marketplace and pay for software subscriptions. Some providers offer “free” tools, but many of these operate on a freemium model where additional features quickly trigger subscription fees. Even some bank-provided software requires you to open accounts with specific institutions. Access to tax compliance should not depend on where you bank. The Government’s Justification HMRC estimates the UK tax gap at around £46.8 billion. A large proportion of this gap comes from small business errors or incomplete reporting. Digital systems could certainly help reduce those mistakes. However, if the government expects taxpayers to adopt new digital systems, it could reasonably provide a basic free tool to enable compliance. A Practical Solution We are not asking for government software that replaces commercial accounting tools. Instead, we believe a basic state-owned compliance tool should exist that allows taxpayers to: Maintain a simple digital ledgerSubmit quarterly updatesUpload spreadsheet dataFile their final declaration Spreadsheets are already digital. There should be a straightforward way to upload them without needing paid intermediary software. Why This Matters This is not simply a technical change. It is about fairness and accessibility. Tax compliance has historically been free at the point of use. Requiring businesses to purchase software simply to fulfil legal obligations introduces a new cost for millions of taxpayers. Small businesses, freelancers, and landlords will be affected most. What You Can Do If you care about keeping tax compliance fair and accessible, there are a few practical actions you can take: Sign the petition to stop the software taxWrite to your MPShare the issue with other business owners and freelancersSpread awareness about the impact of Making Tax Digital You can learn more and support the campaign here: 🔗 Stop the Software Tax Campaign Episode Timecodes 00:00 – Introduction and the broken tax deal00:45 – What Making Tax Digital means01:45 – Timeline for MTD rollout02:40 – Why this creates a software tax03:40 – HMRC’s justification and the tax gap04:20 – Why a government tool should exist05:00 – What action business owners can take05:30 – 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 clarify the changes around Making Tax Digital and the growing conversation around the software tax, share it with another business owner who needs to hear it. Plan it. Do it. Profit.

    6 min

  2. MAR 1

    Why Cloud Accounting Matters for Your Business

    Cloud accounting is one of those topics that too many business owners, freelancers, and creatives ignore until it is too late. In this episode of I Hate Numbers, we make the case for why cloud accounting is not just a nice-to-have but a genuine game-changer for anyone running a small business. Whether you are currently relying on spreadsheets, paper receipts, or desktop software, this episode will show you what you are missing and what it is costing you. What Is Cloud Accounting?Cloud accounting means using software that lives online to manage your business finances in real time. It is not simply swapping a spreadsheet for an app. It covers invoicing, reporting, expense tracking, bank feeds, and much more. The key difference is access and immediacy. You can log in from your phone, laptop, or tablet from anywhere. You can see exactly where you stand financially at any given moment, without waiting until the end of the month or the end of the year. We paint a practical picture here. Imagine finishing a client meeting in a coffee shop, pulling out your phone, and sending an invoice on the spot. That invoice lands in your client's inbox immediately, your accounts update instantly, and your chances of being paid promptly increase significantly. That is cloud accounting working as it should. Why It Matters: The Real Business CaseToo many business owners are still disconnected from their numbers. They treat bookkeeping as an annual chore, something to deal with at tax time rather than a live, ongoing part of running a healthy business. Cloud accounting changes that relationship entirely. Your Time Is Worth SomethingTime saved on admin is time you can spend delivering work, winning clients, and growing your business. We share the example of Sandra, a freelance designer juggling multiple projects. Before cloud accounting, she was spending Sunday mornings entering receipts and chasing invoices. After making the switch, she saved three to four hours a week on average. At even a modest hourly rate, that adds up to a significant saving over a quarter, not to mention the faster payments that come from sending invoices electronically. Fewer Mistakes, Less RiskManual systems, however carefully managed, leave room for error. Dodgy spreadsheet formulas, duplicated entries, missing invoices — these are common and costly. Cloud accounting flags issues in real time, so you are not walking a financial tightrope with a blindfold on. See the Big Picture ClearlyRunning your business without up-to-date financial information is like driving with a frosted windscreen. Cloud accounting gives you dashboards and reports that show you at a glance how much money is in your bank, who owes you, what you owe, and where your money is going. That clarity leads to better decisions, fewer surprises, and far less financial panic. Is It Complicated? Not as Much as You ThinkA common concern is that cloud accounting sounds technical or difficult to set up. In practice, it does not need to be. Tools like Xero, which is our personal recommendation and the system we use with our own clients, are built for real people, not just accountants. You can connect your bank account, upload receipts with a photograph, send invoices in seconds, and configure automated reminders for overdue payments. Think of it as a digital finance assistant that never takes a holiday. When we set clients up with cloud accounting, we train and induct them from the start so they feel confident navigating the system. You do not need to be a numbers expert. You just need a simple, consistent workflow. The Cost of Doing NothingWe also walk through a worst-case scenario that will feel familiar to many business owners. Work gets hectic, life gets busy, and the books get neglected. Suddenly you do not know who owes you money, what you owe, or whether you can afford your next project. Invoices go out late, bills go unpaid, and a tax bill arrives without warning. This is not bad luck. It is silent financial sabotage, and it is entirely avoidable with the right system in place. How to Get StartedMaking the switch does not have to be overwhelming. We suggest four straightforward steps: choose your software (we recommend Xero), get familiar with how to navigate it, connect your bank account from the outset, and build a simple weekly workflow. Thirty minutes a week spent keeping your records current is far less painful than hours buried under a backlog. Small, regular habits beat big panic sessions every time. We also have a free digital guide to cloud accounting that you can download to help you get started with confidence. The Legislative Case: Making Tax DigitalBeyond the business benefits, there is also a legislative reason to act. From April 2026, Making Tax Digital will require small businesses and landlords to submit their accounts to HMRC on a quarterly basis. To do that, you will need a digital accounting system. We will be covering Making Tax Digital in detail in next week's episode, but the message is clear: the sooner you get familiar with cloud accounting, the less disruption you will face when the requirement kicks in. Conclusion: Take Control of Your Business FinancesCloud accounting is not about going digital for the sake of it. It is about saving time, reducing mistakes, making better decisions, and keeping your business lean, profitable, and ready to grow. If this episode has been useful, we would love you to share it with someone who could benefit. And for a deeper grounding in business finance, the I Hate Numbers book is the ideal place to start. Remember: plan it, do it, profit. Episode Timecodes[00:00:00]Introduction: why so many business owners avoid cloud accounting[00:00:29]What cloud accounting actually is and what it covers[00:01:31]Real-time access, automation, and the coffee shop invoicing example[00:02:14]Why too many businesses are still disconnected from their numbers[00:03:04]Time savings: the story of Sandra the freelance designer[00:04:25]Avoiding costly mistakes with cloud systems[00:05:06]Seeing the big picture: dashboards, reports, and better decisions[00:05:42]Is it complicated? Why Xero works for non-accountants[00:07:00]The cost of doing nothing: silent financial sabotage[00:08:00]How to get started: four practical steps[00:08:56]Free digital guide to cloud accounting[00:09:16]Making Tax Digital: the legislative case for acting now[00:09:49]Closing thoughts and call to action Take the Next StepIf this episode has given you a clearer picture of what cloud accounting can do for your business, we would love you to share it with a fellow business owner or freelancer who needs to hear it. Subscribe to I Hate Numbers for more practical, no-nonsense strategies every week. Remember: 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

    10 min

  3. FEB 22

    The Power of Budgeting: Why Your Business Cannot Afford to Ignore It

    Budgeting has a reputation problem. For many business owners, the word alone conjures images of restriction, cutbacks, and spreadsheets that drain the life from a room. In this episode of I Hate Numbers, we turn that thinking on its head. The power of budgeting lies not in what it stops you doing, but in everything it enables you to achieve. Budgeting Is About Possibility, Not RestrictionWe open by addressing the most common misconception head-on. A budget is not a straitjacket. It is a torch in the dark, a tool that illuminates where your business is heading and what it needs to get there. When you reframe budgeting as a creative, forward-looking process, the whole experience shifts. You move from reactive to proactive, from guesswork to grounded decision-making. Clarity of Purpose: Knowing Where You Are GoingThe power of budgeting starts with clarity. Without a financial plan, it is easy to feel as though you are simply treading water, managing day-to-day without a clear sense of direction. A budget changes that. It defines your goals and maps the path to reach them. We use the example of a small boutique owner aiming to open a second location within two years. With a detailed budget in place, that goal becomes trackable, measurable, and genuinely achievable. Financial Control and Efficiency: Getting Into the Driving SeatOne of the greatest advantages of embracing the power of budgeting is the financial control it provides. Think of it as a detailed route map for your business road trip. You know which routes to take, where to pause, and what to avoid. By monitoring expenditure, spotting patterns of overspending, and aligning every pound spent with your business goals, you eliminate waste and protect your margins. Goal-Driven Decision-Making: Your Budget as a BlueprintBudgeting also transforms how you make decisions. When your budget is built around SMART goals, specifically ones that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound, every choice you face can be evaluated against your financial plan. If your goal is to increase profit by 20% over the next twelve months, your budget becomes the blueprint that guides every investment, every cut, and every opportunity you consider. The power of budgeting here is that it replaces gut instinct with grounded, goal-aligned thinking. Team Communication and Empowerment: Budgeting Is a People ProcessWe also explore the human side of budgeting, because the power of budgeting extends well beyond the numbers. Involving your team in the budgeting process improves communication, increases buy-in, and generates ideas you might never have considered on your own. When people understand the financial goals of the business and see how their work connects to those goals, they become contributors rather than just task-completers. Motivation and Accountability: Creating a Culture of OwnershipAccountability follows naturally when your team has had a hand in setting targets. They are more motivated to hit goals they helped create. Regular reviews of spending versus results keep everyone aligned, creating a culture of excellence where goals are not just set but pursued with genuine ownership and collective commitment. Achieving Goals and Reducing Risk: Stress-Testing Your PlanA well-constructed budget also prepares you for the unexpected. Equipment failures, market shifts, and sudden cost increases are not if scenarios, they are when scenarios. By building contingency funds into your plan and stress-testing your budget with what-if analysis, you give your business the resilience to navigate challenges without losing sight of your longer-term goals. Conclusion: The Budgeting Mindset That Changes EverythingThe power of budgeting is the power to plan with purpose, act with confidence, and lead with clarity. Whether you are a freelancer, a creative, a CIC, or a growing small business, a budgeting mindset is not optional. It is foundational. You are not just crunching numbers. You are crafting a vision for the future of your business. For a deeper grounding in business finance, the I Hate Numbers book is the ideal place to start. Episode Timecodes[00:00:00]Introduction: why budgeting gets a bad reputation and why that needs to change[00:00:46]Clarity of purpose: how a budget acts as a torch in the dark for your business[00:01:50]Financial control and efficiency: putting yourself in the driving seat[00:03:00]Goal-driven decision-making: linking SMART goals to your financial plan[00:03:58]Team communication and empowerment: involving people in the process[00:05:23]Motivation and accountability: creating a culture of ownership[00:06:07]Achieving goals and reducing risk: stress-testing your budget[00:07:12]Conclusion and key takeaways: the budgeting mindset that transforms your business Take the Next StepIf this episode has shifted your thinking about budgeting, we would love you to share it with a fellow business owner or your team. Subscribe to I Hate Numbers for more practical, no-nonsense strategies to help your business grow. And if you are ready to go deeper, our book is packed with guidance to help you build financial confidence from the ground up. Remember: 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

  4. FEB 15

    Ignoring Your Numbers Is Killing Your Creative Business

    SEO Description:IntroductionIn this episode of the I Hate Numbers podcast, we tackle a tough but necessary truth: ignoring your numbers is quietly damaging your creative business. We understand why creatives avoid spreadsheets, budgets, and financial reports. You started your journey to create, perform, design, and inspire — not to stare at figures. However, the longer you ignore your numbers, the louder the financial clock ticks. Why Ignoring Your Numbers Feels AppealingLet’s be honest. Avoidance feels easier in the short term. Staying reactive, making decisions on instinct, and hoping everything works out can seem simpler than facing the reality of your bank balance. But if you want to stay stressed, reactive, and running what feels more like an expensive hobby than a business, then ignoring your finances is a perfect strategy. Without clarity: You make snap decisions without insight.You chase invoices while worrying about rent.You feel overwhelmed by tax deadlines.You live hand-to-mouth from project to project. That is not creative freedom. That is financial anxiety. Why Numbers Matter (Even If You Dislike Them)When you understand your numbers, something empowering happens. You stop guessing. You start making informed decisions. You move from “I hope this works” to “I know this works.” It is like switching on the light in a dark room. You can see what is coming in, what is going out, and where growth is possible. Understanding your finances does not mean becoming an accountant. It means becoming the driver of your business rather than a passenger. Profit Is Not a Dirty WordProfit allows you to cover your costs, pay yourself properly, and build a financial buffer. It gives you sustainability. It prevents burnout and protects your creative future. Without profit, your business cannot survive long term. How you earn that profit is up to you. Ethics and values matter. But profit itself is not the enemy. Three Simple Steps You Can Take Today1. Track What’s Coming In and Going OutYou do not need complex systems to start. A notebook, spreadsheet, or digital tool like Xero cloud accounting can give you visibility and control. 2. Schedule a Weekly Money Check-InSet aside 15 to 30 minutes each week to review your numbers. Treat it like brushing your teeth — routine, necessary, and good for your long-term health. 3. Give Every Pound a PurposeAssign money intentionally. Allocate funds for tax, equipment, rent, savings, and paying yourself. Money without a plan disappears. You Are Not AloneYou did not enter the creative world to become a number cruncher. But if you want your passion to pay the bills — and more — then your numbers matter. That is why we created the podcast. It is why Numbers Know How and I Hate Numbers exist — to make finance human, practical, and empowering for creatives. Key TakeawayIgnoring your numbers might feel comfortable in the short term, but it limits your growth. When you face them — even imperfectly — you take back control. Understanding your money does not make you less creative. It makes you unstoppable. Episode Timecodes[00:00:00] – Why ignoring your numbers feels easier[00:01:00] – The cost of financial avoidance[00:02:30] – Why clarity changes everything[00:04:00] – Profit and sustainability[00:05:00] – Three practical steps to take control[00:06:00] – Final message and mindset shift Further Support📘 Get practical finance guidance in our book: I Hate Numbers 🎧 Listen to more episodes on the I Hate Numbers Podcast 📺 Subscribe on YouTube Plan it. Do it. Profit.

    8 min

  5. FEB 8

    SMART Targets: Turn Creative Goals into Action

    Do your creative goals feel distant, vague, or overwhelming? Do they sit on your to-do list without ever turning into real progress? In this episode of the I Hate Numbers podcast, we explain how SMART targets act as a creative compass, helping you turn ambition into action without pressure or burnout. We share how breaking big goals into structured, realistic targets builds confidence, reduces anxiety, and keeps you moving forward, even when motivation dips. Who This Episode Is ForArtists and creatives feeling overwhelmed by big goalsBusiness owners struggling with focus or follow-throughAnyone who wants progress without pressureCreatives looking for clarity, structure, and confidence Main Topics & DiscussionWhy SMART Targets Matter NowVague goals weaken commitment. When objectives feel too large or unclear, motivation drops and progress stalls. SMART targets give your creative ambitions structure, much like scaffolding supports a building. Instead of saying “I want to make more money from my art,” a SMART target becomes: “I will sell five original pieces via Instagram by 30 June.” Clear, specific, and achievable. What SMART Really Stands ForSpecificSMART targets avoid vague language. We replace “might” and “possibly” with strong, affirmative statements like “I will.” Specific goals turn intention into commitment. MeasurableIf you cannot measure progress, you cannot manage it. Whether it’s minutes walked, emails checked, or pieces sold, numbers give clarity and accountability. AchievableYour targets must feel believable and realistic. If needed, involve a mentor, accountability partner, or supportive community to keep momentum going. RelevantEvery target should connect to your bigger picture. Relevance ensures you’re working towards your own creative vision, not copying someone else’s path. Time-BoundDeadlines create focus. A target without a timeframe is just a wish. Time-bound goals encourage action and consistency. Why SMART Targets Beat Traditional GoalsGoals are binary: success or failure. SMART targets are kinder. Even if you miss the bullseye, you still make progress. That mindset builds confidence and reduces anxiety. Your Creative ChallengeWrite down one SMART target for the coming week. It might be about building your portfolio, improving wellbeing, finding new clients, or protecting downtime. Small progress still counts. Episode Timecodes[00:00:00] – Why creative goals feel overwhelming[00:01:00] – What SMART targets really mean[00:02:00] – Specific and measurable examples[00:03:00] – Achievable and accountability[00:04:00] – Why targets are kinder than goals[00:05:00] – Weekly creative challenge & wrap-up Links Mentioned in This EpisodeI Hate Numbers PodcastI Hate Numbers YouTube Channel Host & Show InfoHost: Mahmood Reza Mahmood is an accountant, business finance coach, and founder of I Hate Numbers. We help creatives and business owners simplify numbers, build confidence, and make better financial decisions. Website: www.ihatenumbers.co.uk🎧 Listen, Share & SubscribeIf this episode helped you rethink goal-setting, share it with a fellow creative. Subscribe to the I Hate Numbers podcast for weekly insights that help you plan smarter, act confidently, and profit with purpose.

    5 min

  6. FEB 1

    Claiming Tax Relief Online: What Every Employee Needs to Know

    In this episode of the I Hate Numbers podcast, we focus on a topic that affects millions of employees across the UK — claiming tax relief online. If you pay for work-related costs out of your own pocket and your employer does not reimburse you, you may be entitled to tax relief. However, if you do not claim it, that money simply stays with HMRC. And we would rather see it where it belongs — in your bank account. Who This Episode Is For Employees in studios, theatres, galleries, or officesWorkers paying for professional costs themselvesAnyone unsure whether they can claim tax reliefEmployees who have never claimed before What Is Employment Expense Tax Relief? Employment expense tax relief allows employees to reduce their taxable income when they personally pay for costs that are required for their job and are not reimbursed by their employer. The key rule is simple. The expense must be wholly, exclusively, and necessary for your job. In plain English, it must be something you would not have spent money on unless your work required it. What Expenses Can You Claim? Work-Related Travel You may be able to claim mileage or public transport costs for business journeys that are not your normal commute. This includes travel to meetings, rehearsals, performances, or visiting suppliers. Professional Fees and Subscriptions If you pay for memberships or subscriptions that are relevant to your role — such as trade bodies or unions approved by HMRC — these costs may qualify for tax relief. Working From Home If your employer requires you to work from home, you may be able to claim a portion of household running costs. Choosing to work from home for convenience does not qualify. Uniforms, Tools, and Specialist Equipment Costs for uniforms, costumes, tools, or specialist equipment required for your role may qualify. Everyday clothing, even if only worn at work, does not. How the Tax Relief Works Tax relief does not mean HMRC refunds the full cost of the expense. Instead, your taxable income is reduced. For example, if you spend £200 on professional subscriptions and pay tax at 20%, you receive £40 back through reduced tax. It works like a mini personal allowance. How to Claim Tax Relief Online HMRC’s online expense claim form is now available again and can be used if: Your total claim is £2,500 or less per tax yearYou do not complete a self-assessment tax return If your claim exceeds £2,500, or you already file a tax return, the claim must be made through your self-assessment. You can access HMRC’s online service via the official government website: 🔗 Claim tax relief for job expenses – GOV.UK What Evidence Do You Need? HMRC expects evidence to support your claim, so good record-keeping is essential. Receipts or bank statements for subscriptions and equipmentMileage logs showing dates, distances, and reasons for travelEmployment contracts or emails confirming required home working For some flat-rate expenses, such as uniforms in approved occupations, receipts are not required. Can You Backdate Claims? Yes. You can backdate claims for up to four tax years. This means you may be able to recover tax you overpaid in previous years, provided you have the records to support the claim. Common Mistakes to Avoid Claiming for ordinary commutingClaiming everyday clothingNot keeping evidenceSubmitting duplicate claims No proof usually means no claim. Accuracy matters. Key Takeaways If you are an employee and spend your own money to do your job, you may be entitled to tax relief. Even small claims can add up, especially when backdated. Claiming tax relief online is about paying the right amount of tax — no more and no less. Episode Timecodes [00:00:00] – Introduction and why tax relief matters[00:01:00] – What employment expense tax relief is[00:02:00] – Travel and mileage claims[00:03:00] – Subscriptions, tools, and working from home[00:04:00] – How the online claim works[00:05:00] – Evidence requirements[00:06:00] – Backdating claims[00:07:00] – Common mistakes to avoid[00:08:00] – Final thoughts and wrap-up Links Mentioned in This Episode 🔗HMRC Online Tax Relief Claim🔗I Hate Numbers Podcast🔗Xero Accounting Support Listen, Share, and Subscribe If this episode helped you understand how to claim tax relief online, share it with a colleague or friend. Subscribe to the I Hate Numbers podcast for more practical tax and finance insights. Until next time — plan it, do it, profit.

    8 min

  7. JAN 25

    Community Interest Companies: Understanding Your Tax Position

    Being a social enterprise or Community Interest Company does not mean tax obligations disappear. In this episode, we walk through the real tax position for CICs, clearing up misunderstandings that regularly catch directors out. We cover corporation tax, VAT, payroll, grants, and how structure affects your tax exposure. What Is a Community Interest Company? A Community Interest Company is a special type of limited company created to serve the community. It sits between a traditional profit-making business and a charity. While the purpose is social or environmental, CICs are still companies and remain firmly within the UK tax system. Corporation Tax and CICs CICs pay corporation tax just like any other limited company. If trading income exceeds allowable expenses, the resulting surplus is taxable. Being values-led or not-for-profit does not remove this obligation. Corporation tax rates currently range from 19% for profits up to £50,000, rising to 25% for profits over £250,000, with marginal relief applying in between. Making a surplus is not a failure — it shows sustainability. What matters is how that surplus is managed and reinvested. VAT: A Common CIC Trap VAT frequently causes problems for Community Interest Companies. Grants and donations are usually outside the scope of VAT and do not count toward the registration threshold. However, income from selling goods or services does. If taxable turnover exceeds £90,000 over a rolling 12-month period, VAT registration becomes mandatory. Profitability is irrelevant. Voluntary registration may be possible, but charging VAT to non-VAT-registered communities can create real cost pressures. Digital systems such as Xero cloud accounting help track turnover accurately and reduce the risk of missing VAT thresholds. Employing Staff and PAYE Once a CIC employs staff, PAYE applies. This includes registering as an employer, operating payroll, deducting tax and National Insurance, and paying employer contributions. From April 2025, employer National Insurance applies once earnings exceed £5,000 per year, charged at 15%. Employment Allowance may reduce the impact, but payroll obligations remain. Freelancers, Contractors, and Risk CICs using freelancers must assess employment status correctly. The engager is responsible for determining whether someone is genuinely self-employed. This is based on control, substitution, and equipment — not personal preference. CIC Structure: Shares vs Guarantee CICs can be limited by guarantee or by shares. Guarantee-based CICs have members and reinvest all surpluses. Share-based CICs may pay dividends, but these are capped by regulation and are never tax-deductible. The structure chosen affects profit distribution, funding options, and long-term strategy. Grants and Tax Treatment Grants are a major income source for many CICs. Most grants are restricted income and recognised in line with project delivery. Unused funds are deferred rather than treated as profit. Grants usually fall outside VAT, unless linked to specific service delivery. While grants themselves may not be taxable, any surplus generated can still create tax implications. Practical Tax Planning Tips Keep Clear Records Accurate records from day one reduce risk and stress. Cloud accounting provides visibility and control. Plan for Tax Bills If a surplus arises, setting aside funds early avoids last-minute pressure. Tax is a sign of success, not failure. Understand Your Obligations Corporation tax, VAT, PAYE, Companies House filings, and CIC regulator reporting all apply. Seek Advice Early Working with a CIC-aware adviser saves time, money, and unnecessary compliance issues. Key Takeaways Community Interest Companies are not exempt from tax. Corporation tax applies to surpluses, VAT applies to trading income, payroll applies to employees, and grants require careful accounting. The right systems and planning make compliance manageable. Episode Timecodes [00:00:00] – CICs and tax myths[00:01:33] – Corporation tax explained[00:03:00] – VAT and registration thresholds[00:04:36] – Employing staff and PAYE[00:06:15] – CIC structures compared[00:07:00] – Grants and restricted income[00:08:22] – Practical tax planning tips[00:09:58] – Final recap Listen and Learn 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts and follow the I Hate Numbers podcast for practical finance guidance. Additional Links Book a CallXero Accounting SupportI Hate Numbers YouTube ChannelI Hate Numbers Book

    11 min

  8. JAN 18

    Social Enterprises in the UK: Purpose, Profit, and Structure

    Social enterprises often get misunderstood. Some people think they are charities in disguise, while others assume they are not real businesses. In this episode of I Hate Numbers, we break down what social enterprises really are, how they operate, and how they successfully combine purpose with profit. We explore the most common UK social enterprise models, how they differ from charities and traditional companies, and what you should consider if you are thinking of starting, running, or advising one. What Is a Social Enterprise?A social enterprise is a business that exists to solve a social, environmental, or community problem while still making money. Profit is not the enemy. Instead, profits are reinvested to support the organisation’s mission rather than simply enriching shareholders. Unlike charities, social enterprises trade commercially. They sell goods and services, employ staff, pay taxes, and face the same commercial pressures as any other business. Social Enterprises vs CharitiesCharities usually rely on grants, donations, and fundraising. Social enterprises rely primarily on trading income. While charities focus on public benefit, social enterprises focus on sustainability through commercial activity. A charity is not automatically a social enterprise, and a social enterprise is not necessarily a charity. The structure you choose matters. Community Interest Companies (CICs)Community Interest Companies are one of the most popular social enterprise structures in the UK. They are designed for organisations that want to make profits but lock those profits and assets into community benefit. Key CIC FeaturesA clear community purpose must be demonstrated at registrationAn asset lock protects profits and assets for community useCan be limited by guarantee or by sharesMay pay limited dividends if structured correctly CICs often sit between traditional companies and charities, making them a flexible and popular choice. Co-operatives and Community Benefit SocietiesCo-operatives operate on democratic principles. Members have equal voting rights, and profits are shared or reinvested for collective benefit. Community Benefit Societies are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and are often used for community shops, renewable energy projects, and local initiatives. They can raise funds through community shares and embed democracy into their structure. Can a Private Company Be a Social Enterprise?Yes, a standard limited company can operate as a social enterprise. However, without an asset lock or legal obligation, trust must be built through transparency and genuine reinvestment of profits. Where social impact is central, we usually recommend using a structure that legally protects the mission. Charitable Incorporated Organisations (CIOs)CIOs are charities with legal status and limited liability. They are regulated by the Charity Commission and can access tax reliefs such as Gift Aid and business rates relief. They take longer to set up and carry greater trustee responsibilities, but they suit organisations with purely charitable objectives. Choosing the Right StructureChoosing the right structure starts with your purpose. You should consider who you help, how you generate income, whether you need investment, and how much control or restriction you are comfortable with. In many cases, organisations start as CICs and later convert to charities once the model is proven. Key TakeawaysSocial enterprises are not soft or fluffy. They are commercial, disciplined, and impactful businesses. They create jobs, deliver services, and reinvest profits where they matter most. If blending purpose with profit matters to you, a social enterprise structure could be the right path. Episode Timecodes[00:00:00] – Introduction to social enterprises[00:01:31] – What defines a social enterprise[00:02:28] – Social enterprises vs charities[00:03:00] – Community Interest Companies (CICs)[00:05:00] – Co-operatives and community benefit societies[00:06:41] – Can private companies be social enterprises?[00:07:22] – CIOs and charitable structures[00:08:41] – How to choose the right model[00:09:45] – Final thoughts and next steps Listen & Take the Next Step🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts 📞 Book a Call to get help choosing the right structure and staying compliant 📺 Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more practical business insights 📘 Explore the I Hate Numbers book for clear, practical advice on tax and business Plan it. Do it. Profit.

    10 min
See All (314)

About

For some, watching paint dry, or a poke in the eye is better than dealing with their business numbers. I get it, numbers can be scary, confusing, and boring, not what your business is meant to be about. But here’s the thing. If you’re serious about your business, you need to grab hold of your numbers, and connect with them. Falling in love with them may feel weird, but at least be on friendly terms with them if you want your business to survive and thrive. Numbers make you accountable, showing you the financial impact of your successes, a route map to success and highlighting those flip-ups. Above all, learning to love & use your numbers means you have a better chance of making money, what’s not to love. Fundamentally business is there to make money. You need to make money to survive and have impact. It’s about knowing how your future is going to pan out. As a business finance coach, financial story teller and tax advisor, I've helped thousands of businesses over the years. I love numbers, but I get it that not many businesses will do so. I want to share my love of numbers through my podcast, to make it accessible, to help you and your business power forward. My aim is to make this podcast listener friendly, jargon and BS free. In the words of W.E.B. Dubois “When you have mastered numbers, you will in fact no longer be reading numbers, any more than you read words when reading books. You will be reading meanings.”

Information