Blogs from Larking Gowen

New HMRC and Insolvency Service powers give directors more responsibility than ever. Lee Green, Partner in our Insolvency and Recovery team, discusses what’s changed and how to protect yourself if your business is in financial difficulty.

A practical look at common Gift Aid mistakes that can lead to rejected claims or lost income for charities. Partner, Andrew Robinson overs eligibility conditions, documentation requirements, and key pitfalls like auctions, raffles and sponsored events.

Senior Payroll Manager, Dannielle Chapman, explains what the Apprenticeship Levy is, who it applies to, how it’s calculated, and how employers can use the funds. She also outlines additional rules and guidance for connected companies and those outside England.

James Card, Manager in our Private Client, Trusts and Probate team, provides an overview of HMRC’s Let Property Campaign for landlords with undeclared rental income. Learn how the process works, the benefits of acting early, and the risks of not disclosing.

North Essex is thriving – but is your business keeping pace? In this blog, Kate Quinton explores what’s driving growth in the region, how tourism is creating wider opportunities, and how Larking Gowen can help you make the most of it.

Martin Bugg explains what Making Tax Digital for Income Tax means for landlords and sole traders, why it matters, and the practical steps you can take now to prepare for the 2026 deadline.

Senior Manager, George Crowe, provides a guide for self-employed medical professionals on what qualifies as a tax-deductible expense. Learn how to stay compliant and maximise your tax efficiency.

Employment Tax Manager, Tessa Brown, explains how upcoming changes to company size thresholds and lease accounting rules could affect whether businesses fall within the scope of IR35 Off-Payroll Working rules. Outlines key dates, potential impacts, and the need for proactive review.

Partner, Andrew Robinson, provides you with an overview of Gift Aid, explaining how it works, the conditions charities must meet, and the process for making claims, including under the Gift Aid Small Donations Scheme.

You may have received notification from Companies House about new requirements for companies and LLPs (Limited Liability Partnerships) for identity verification (IDV). Manager, George Ager, talks you through your next steps.

From April 2026, changes to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) will introduce day-one entitlement and remove the earnings threshold. Senior Manager in our Payroll team, Dannielle Chapman, outlines the key reforms and offers practical guidance for employers to prepare.

Senior Manager in medical accounting team, George Crowe, outlines 10 key factors to consider before joining a general practice partnership, from legal and financial matters to values, trust, and long-term commitment.