Terry Cartwright, a qualified accountant, provides through his website DIY Accounting tax efficient Accounting Software packages for Self employed and limited companies at DIY Accounting Software and Payroll Software at DIY Accounting Payroll Software

• Who Should Use the New Self Employment Tax Returns in the UK
  02/05/2008 | Finance
  HMRC published new self employment tax returns in April 2008 to replace the previous self assessment tax returns for self employed business in the UK. The self employment tax returns are applicable from the financial year ending 5 April 2007. Similar to the previous self assessment forms the new tax returns are in two versions, full and short returns, dependent upon the level of sales income. Read
  
• Not Knowing the Rules Governing Employee or Self Employed Status Could Cost Thousands
  27/04/2008 | Business
  An employer who has doubt over status of a worker being an employee or self employed may face potential serious penalties if the status is changed Read
  
• Business Tax Reform in the UK Introduces Annual Investment Allowance
  06/04/2008 | Finance
  From 1st April 2008 for small limited companies and 6th April for unincorporated self employed businesses in the UK the previous capital allowance structure of first year allowances and writing down allowances changes to a combination of annual investment allowances and writing down allowances. Read
  
• Annual Return and Accounting Rules for a UK Dormant Company
  03/04/2008 | Business
  Rules apply to dormant companies in the UK with regard to accounting documents and submission of information to companies house that needs attention even if the company has not traded during its financial year. Dormant companies risked being fined if these rules are ignored. Read
  
• Accounting Periods and Basis Periods for Self Employed Business
  25/03/2008 | Finance
  Accounts are required each year for tax and financial control purposes with preset dates by which those accounting records must be submitted and penalties for failure to deliver on time. While in the UK self employed business can use its own accounting period the tax position can become more complex if the accounts use a basis period rather than the standard financial tax year. Read
  
• UK Accounting Reference Dates for Private Limited Companies
  24/03/2008 | Business
  All companies and self employed businesses including dormant non trading companies have a legal requirement to keep a set of annual financial accounts for tax purposes. There are rules governing the accounting year end date at which the set of accounts is made up which have advantages and disadvantages to the business. Read
  
• Improve Cash Flow by Managing Stock Levels
  17/03/2008 | Finance
  When times get hard and 2008 has all the hallmarks of being a difficult financial year control over cash flow is critical. The best defence in these days of the credit crunch is to introduce and monitor cash flow liquidity at the earliest stage of which stock levels and inventory control can be crucial elements Read
  
• Increase Small Business Profits Through Business Review And Planning
  27/02/2008 | Management
  There are several ways a business can improve profitability. The single most important tip for a small business owner is to take time out from the day to day routine and focus on the business and its activities. Emphasis being placed upon cost management a financial budget and business plan which should include sales and working capital requirements Read
  
• What to Include in the Financial Section of a Successful Business Plan
  17/02/2008 | Business
  Preparing the financial section of a business plan is more than scribbling some pleasing numbers on a sheet of paper. The end result of every business plan is not how great the business start up will be or the tremendous skills to be employed in the business but the bottom line. Read
  
• Producing a Successful Business Plan to Start a New Business
  16/02/2008 | Business
  Every new business start up has a business plan that varies in sophistication from a few brief thoughts, an idea or aspiration to a formal written document setting out all major elements. Preparing a business plan is essential if grants are to be applied for or money is being borrowed to fund the start up. The strong message being that potential lenders regard a business plan as essential. Read