You didn’t start your business just to get by. You started it to build something better — for your future, your family and your freedom. You have worked hard and taken risks, and now you are ready to grow. But one thing keeps getting in the way: the UK tax system.
Does this sound familiar?
- You get letters from HMRC you don’t fully understand.
- You worry about missing deadlines, overpaying tax or getting fined.
- You try to follow the rules — but the rules keep changing.
- Your accountant sends spreadsheets full of jargon that leave you more confused.
You’re not alone, and it’s not your fault. Too often nobody takes the time to explain things clearly.
That’s why we’re here
At Ola Accountancy we help UK business owners take control of their tax, stay compliant and keep more of what they earn — with clear, practical advice and no jargon. Here are five tips to get started.
5 tax tips to save more and stress less
1. Know what you can claim
Many business owners miss valid deductions simply because nobody told them. Depending on your business, you may be able to claim:
- Business travel and mileage
- Mobile phone and internet costs
- Working-from-home costs
- Tools, protective clothing and equipment
- Software, subscriptions and training
- Business insurance and accountancy fees
2. Don’t miss your deadlines
HMRC penalties start at £100 for a late Self Assessment return and increase the longer it stays outstanding. Key dates include:
- 31 January — Self Assessment return and balancing payment due; first payment on account for the current year.
- 31 July — second payment on account.
- 6 April — the new tax year starts.
- From April 2026 — quarterly Making Tax Digital updates for sole traders and landlords with qualifying income over £50,000.
- VAT and Corporation Tax — dates depend on your VAT periods and company year end.
3. Use the right business structure
Would you pay less tax as a limited company? Or would a sole trader be simpler and cheaper to run? The right structure can lower your tax bill, give you legal protection and help you grow — but the answer depends on your profits and how much you need to draw.
4. Pay yourself the smart way
If you run a limited company, how you pay yourself matters. A planned mix of salary and dividends — and possibly pension contributions — can save a significant amount of tax. Remember that dividend tax rates rose by 2 percentage points from April 2026, and director’s loans have their own tax rules, so review your approach every year.
5. Work with an accountant who makes things easy
A good accountant doesn’t just file your return. They help you understand your numbers, claim every allowance you are entitled to, plan for future tax bills and avoid stress.
You built this business for a better life — let’s protect it
You have already done the hard part: you started the business and took the risk. Now make sure it pays off — by keeping more of what you earn, staying on the right side of HMRC and planning for a secure future.
Book a first consultation (£100 + VAT) and we will talk through how to reduce your tax bill, avoid stress and take back control of your business finances.
This article is general information based on the rules in force on 30 September 2026. It is not personal tax advice — tax rules change and the right answer depends on your circumstances, so please speak to us before acting on it.
