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The team at Clear Start Accountants is celebrating a record year for charitable donations, raising a massive £100,00 for numerous organisations in need of vital funds. Both regional and national charities have benefited from the substantial fundraising efforts, enabling the causes to continue their critical work throughout the community. Much-needed funds have been shared with twelve organisations including CEO Sleepout, War Child, UNICEF, Orphans in Need, Makki Masjid, Zakat Foundation, AL-Khair Foundation, Smile Aid, Human Appeal, AL-Firdous Organisation, Penny Appeal and the Amir Khan Foundation. Fiaz Ashraf, Founder and CEO of Clear Start Accountants comments: “It is an honour to support a range of charities and not-for-profit organisations, contributing vital funds as they endeavour to provide essential aid to their beneficiaries. “At Clear Start Accountants, we firmly believe in the importance of giving back to not only our local community but those that are supporting others, while also recognising the significant work that they do.”

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.