The calm before the storm…?

Paula Veysey Smith • 4 February 2015

So, with the deadline of the 31st January out of the way for self assessment returns, life in the accounting world changes from full steam ahead to calm sailing in warm tropical waters.  We all breath a deep sigh of relief and enjoy cocktails on the deck while waiting for the next whirlwind of activity that is likely to fill our sails.  And with the end of the payroll year becoming visible a whisp of wind already stirring up giving warning of the storm that may be approaching.

However, with PAYE being reported to the HMRC in real time from the 6th Apriil 2013 we no longer have to grapple with forms P35 and P14.  We have been told in no uncertain terms that they will be rejected if we do attempt to submit them! So what happens instead?

Well, at the end of the year you must make sure that you submit your final Full Payment Submission (FPS) and/or Employer Payment Summary (EPS) for the final pay period in that tax year. HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) uses the information that you send to make sure that you and your employees have paid the right amounts of tax, National Insurance contributions (NICs) and student loan deductions for the tax year. The information is also used in the calculation of entitlement to state benefits, tax credits and pensions.

For most employers, this means you will send your final FPS on or before your last payday in the tax year, which ends on 5 April 2014. You must also indicate on your last FPS or EPS for the year that:

It is your ‘Final submission for the tax year’ and,

answer the end-of-year questions and declaration – you can find out more about these by following the link below to the section called ‘Final submission for the tax year and end of scheme information’ in the guide ‘What payroll information to report’

You must do this even if you have not made any deductions of PAYE tax or NICs from your employees in that pay period.

Simples! Although the use of the word “most” indicates that for some employers this two step year end process isn’t quite going to be enough.  The HMRC bulletin continues on with further help and guidance for the year end requirements under RTI which I will save you the pleasure of disseminating in the bog.  Suffice it to say that if you have any concerns regarding your payroll and the ability to meet HMRC year end requirements help is very much to hand here at M:Power Accounting.

Please contact us now to ensure that when the year end of the 5th April 2014 comes around your payroll is as water tight as an ocean going vessel and no HMRC storms are going to knock you off course towards the rocky shore.

 

HMRC mileage rate increase 2026 -- car dashboard representing business travel costs

HMRC Increases Mileage Rate to 55p Per Mile

by Paula Veysey-Smith • 5 June 2026
HMRC has increased the Approved Mileage Allowance Payment rate from 45p to 55p per mile for the first time in 15 years. Find out what the new rates mean for employees, directors and self-employed individuals from 6 April 2026.

M is for Measurable

by Paula Veysey-Smith • 31 May 2026
You've made your goal specific. Now how do you know you're actually getting there? The answer is in the M. "The more you can define your goals, the more likely you are to achieve them." Last time we looked at S for Specific — turning vague wishes like "I want to get fit" into something concrete and actionable. If you missed it, go back and start there, because everything builds on that foundation.  Now we move to M for Measurable. And this one is just as important, because a goal without a measure is still just a wish.

S is for Specific

by Paula Veysey-Smith • 3 May 2026
Your New Year’s resolutions haven’t failed, they just need a sharper edge. Here's how one simple shift can change everything. “We make New Year's resolutions — let's call them goals. But they can be a bit vague. The way to make them happen is to actually define them better.” It's that time of year when those bold January intentions have quietly faded into the background. "Get fit." "Lose weight." "Grow my business." Sound familiar? You're not alone — and more importantly, you haven't failed. Your resolutions just need a better framework.

MTD for Income Tax Is Here: What It Means for You

by Paula Veysey-Smith • 13 April 2026
HMRC’s new system Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self-Assessment has now arrived! This isn’t just a regulatory update. It’s a shift in how your records are kept, how often you report, and what you will need to do throughout the year. What’s changing for you: Under MTD for Income Tax, if you’re a sole trader or landlord within scope: You’ll need to keep digital records Quarterly updates will need to be digitally submitted to HMRC An End of Period Statement (EOPS) will need to filed A Final Declaration will be needed to finalise your tax position for the year In short: instead of one annual deadline, your tax reporting becomes a year-round process. Why using compliant bookkeeping software is now essential? To meet MTD requirements, HMRC requires fully digital record keeping and submissions . Manual spreadsheets alone are no longer sufficient You’ll need to use MTD-compliant bookkeeping software Sending your accountant paper records or incomplete information will cause delays The upside (it’s not just compliance) While MTD is mandatory, it also brings real benefits: Clear visibility of your tax position throughout the year Better cash flow planning Fewer surprises at year-end What support do you need to navigate this new system? The support of qualified accounting professionals is now more necessary than ever. We don’t expect you to navigate this alone and here’s how MPower Accounting can ensure that you not only comply with, but thrive under, this new reporting requirement. We’ll help you choose and set up the right software We work with trusted platforms such as Xero, QuickBooks, FreeAgent and others. We’ll recommend what fits your business best and get everything set up correctly. We’ll ensure you stay compliant Review your records regularly Submit your quarterly updates accurately and on time Handle all year-end submissions We’ll take the stress off your shoulders With the right system in place: Your records stay up to date automatically We can spot issues early You avoid last-minute pressure and surprises All we’ll need from you to make MTD work smoothly, is access to your chosen bookkeeping software, regular uploaded receipts so we can keep records current and a little of your time when there are questions. The more up-to-date your records are, the more value and proactive advice, we can provide. Your role is simple but important. Letting us take the strain of compliance will save you time and cause significantly less stress, enabling you to focus on what is important, that is running your business successfully. Next steps If you haven’t already: Speak to us about getting set up on MTD-compliant software Let us review your current bookkeeping process Make sure you’re ready for quarterly reporting
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