Enhancing Our Monthly Budgeting Service

A new podcast called Penny to the Pound, providing practical personal budgeting support and guidance, has been launched by Clear Start Accountants. Co-hosted by Clear Start’s Founder and CEO Fiaz Ashraf, the podcast will welcome a host of experts and industry leaders across the series to offer their views for those embarking on a journey to financial freedom. As part of a dual offering, in addition to accountancy services provided by a qualified team of accountants, Clear Start Accountants also provides a monthly budgeting service for businesses and individuals. Throughout the series, Penny to the Pound will explore and demystify in an easy-to-listen format relevant topics such as personal budgeting, household expenses, individual voluntary arrangements (IVAs) and debt relief orders. Fiaz Ashraf, Founder and CEO of Clear Start Accountants comments: “With the rising cost-of-living and current economic climate in mind, we understand the challenges presented when it comes to managing a household budget – something that can also be a very time-consuming process. At Clear Start Accountants, we are committed to supporting our clients by helping them to understand their monthly income, expenditure and areas of overspending with our unique personal budgeting platform, and we wanted to further extend this support to the wider community with the launch of Penny to the Pound. “We have helped countless consumers and small businesses in reducing their living costs to date, identifying alternative cheaper expenses or ways to reduce their monthly outgoings in areas including gas and electricity, car insurance, fuel prices, monthly food prices and savings.” 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

Here at Clear Start Accountants, we are proud to have supported a substantial number of clients to date with our general accountancy support and personal budgeting services. Since the business was established in 2019, Clear Start Accountants has provided financial support for the masses. As well as offering accountancy services for sole traders and smaller firms delivered by our dedicated team of qualified accountants, we also provide pioneering, tech-enabled personal budgeting services for private individuals. Of particular relevance in the current climate, we have helped countless consumers to make considerable cost-savings with our vast suite of services, and with the assistance of our bespoke software – a highly innovative programme available to customers via an app. We have proudly supported individuals across the length and breadth of the country for over five years with budgeting and financial planning, including tailored budgets based on income, expenses and financial goals, with regular reviews of personal circumstances and income checkups. Additionally, assistance has been provided to help clients understand and prioritise their liabilities, strategise their savings and maximise their incomes, with guidance on potential benefit entitlements and applications. Bill and expense management has also been facilitated, consisting of household bill comparisons, subscription and spending audits, and lifestyle budgeting tips. One customer shared their experience with Clear Start Accountants and said: “I have dealt with many people in Clear Start over a few years and have always had a pleasant experience. Today was no exception, as Jamal was a great help being efficient and knowledgeable. We discussed multiple financial issues and he was able to provide great service every step of the way. “The company has helped me multiple times over the last few years, I’m very happy.” A client who utilises our accountancy services added: “Clear Start Accountants and Mubeen have been instrumental in simplifying my finances and guiding me through the Self- Assessment process. Their professional advice and meticulous attention to detail have made tax filing stress-free and efficient. Mubeen's expertise and personalised support ensured I was always compliant while maximising my financial benefits. I can't recommend them highly enough for anyone seeking reliable and knowledgeable accounting services." Another also shared: “I am a medium-sized company owner and have been a client of Clear Start Accountants for several years now. Their expertise, professionalism and attention to detail has been very reassuring. Moreover, they have a wide knowledge of financial topics. I could not be more satisfied with them, and have no hesitation in recommending them for accounting services.” Fiaz Ashraf, Founder and CEO of the AFA Group, commented: “We are exceptionally proud to have supported countless consumers and small businesses to date with significant cost-savings, with overwhelmingly positive feedback received. As the client base continues to grow, we continue to expand our employee base, considerably enlarging the customer- facing team to enable us to maintain the exceptional level of service provided.”

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.