Launching ‘Penny to the Pound

We are proud to unveil the latest enhancement to our Personal Monthly Budgeting Service, as we launch version three of our pioneering app, offering real-time, unbiased advice on the cheapest deals in a customer’s area. The latest version draws on state-of-the-art programming to source the very best prices, which are now updated every hour, and with the added functionality of push notifications ‘as it happens’ to ensure that our customers are accessing the most competitive deals. Just as prices at the fuel pumps rise steeply, and with big differences in the cost per litre often within a few mile radius, the newest version of the app sends alerts on the cheapest five fuel stations in your locality, drawing on postcode data, as well finding the very best prices for your weekly food basket, top insurance deals and broadband providers. The updated platform also alerts customers via instant push notifications if they go over their monthly budget, helping them to keep control of costs, so everyday living expenses don’t spiral. Our CEO Fiaz Ashraf, said: “For our customers the budgeting app is a lifeline, allowing us to do the hard work for them, in advising how they can save on everyday necessities. Our significant investment in the latest version now takes this one step further, with customised price data supplied in real time to offer the very best deals close to their homes. “This latest move proves our commitment to harnessing the very latest technology to improve our capability, and hence our customer service offering on an on-going basis.” Clear Start also has its own podcast ‘Penny to the Pound’, co-hosted by Founder and CEO Fiaz Ashraf, which teams up with experts and industry leaders across the series to offer their views for those embarking on a journey to financial freedom. Penny to the Pound explores and demystifies in an easy-to-listen format relevant topics such as personal budgeting, household expenses, individual voluntary arrangements (IVAs) and debt relief orders. The podcast is now available to listen to on all major platforms, and can be viewed on the Clear Start Accountants Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ClearStartAccountants

As we move into the 2025/26 tax year, it’s important for individuals and businesses alike to understand the latest updates and how they might affect your finances. At Clear Start Accountants, we’re here to break down the key changes so you can stay informed and prepared. 📆 When does the new tax year start? The 2025/26 tax year runs from 6 April 2025 to 5 April 2026. 💷 1. Income Tax Bands There are no changes to the main income tax thresholds in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The bands remain as follows: Personal Allowance: £12,570 (unchanged) Basic Rate (20%): £12,571 to £50,270 Higher Rate (40%): £50,271 to £125,140 Additional Rate (45%): Over £125,140 👉 Note: In Scotland, income tax bands differ due to devolved powers. Scottish taxpayers should refer to the Scottish Government’s budget for specific rates. 🏡 2. National Insurance Contributions (NICs) One of the most significant changes is to National Insurance: Class 1 Employee NICs: Reduced from 10% to 8% for earnings between £12,570 and £50,270. Self-employed Class 4 NICs: Reduced from 8% to 6% for profits between £12,570 and £50,270. Class 2 NICs: Abolished – self-employed individuals will no longer need to pay this flat-rate contribution. This represents meaningful savings for employees and the self-employed. 🧾 3. Dividend Allowance and Capital Gains Tax The Dividend Allowance has been halved again to £500 (was £1,000 in 2024/25). The Capital Gains Tax (CGT) Annual Exempt Amount is now £3,000, down from £6,000 in the previous year. This means investors and company directors may face higher tax bills on dividend income and capital gains. 🏠 4. Property and Buy-to-Let Updates There are no major changes to Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) thresholds in England and Northern Ireland. However, the government has reaffirmed its commitment to reviewing property taxes, and we may see future changes announced later in the year. 💼 5. Corporation Tax and Business Support Corporation Tax remains at 25% for companies with profits over £250,000. For companies with profits under £50,000, the small profits rate of 19% applies. Profits between £50,000 and £250,000 are taxed at a tapered rate. The Full Expensing Scheme, allowing companies to deduct 100% of the cost of eligible plant and machinery, has been made permanent. 🧒 6. Child Benefit Changes From April 2025, the High Income Child Benefit Charge threshold rises from £50,000 to £60,000. It is also being gradually tapered up to £80,000, meaning more families will retain their full entitlement. 👩‍💼 7. Pension and Savings Changes The Annual Allowance for pension contributions remains at £60,000. The Lifetime Allowance was officially abolished from April 2024 – this continues into 2025/26. The ISA allowance remains at £20,000. Need Help Navigating the New Tax Year? At Clear Start Accountants, we understand that staying up to date with tax changes can be overwhelming. Whether you're self-employed, running a business, or looking to optimise your personal finances, our expert team is here to help you make the most of your money in 2025/26. 📞 Contact us today to book a free consultation.

At Clear Start Accountants we are celebrating the resounding success of our recent company-wide conference, where we recognised and rewarded the achievements of our hardworking team. Held exclusively at the Everyman Manchester St John’s Theatre, colleagues from across the business joined together for an uplifting afternoon of celebration and camaraderie, with indulgent cinema-style refreshments included. Team leaders and managers from each department took to the stage to present a strategic overview of key milestones and successes throughout 2023, while also acknowledging the hard work of team members. Engaging presentations delivered throughout the event included an insight into overall company performance and future goals, business accountancy, personal budgeting services, AFA Insolvency, and sales and marketing. Fiaz Ashraf, Founder and CEO of Clear Start Accountants spoke about the conference and said: “We are exceptionally proud of our diligent and dedicated team here at Clear Start Accountants, and we recognise the importance of rewarding their efforts. The presentation day was a great success, offering the perfect opportunity for our colleagues to come together outside of the office environment to reflect on and celebrate their accomplishments as a team; it was an energetic afternoon, truly reflective of the workplace culture that we strive to create here.”