Journal
eba Journal
Ideas, thinking and updates from the eba team. Covering tax, business strategy and the decisions that matter most to ambitious founders.
TaxUnpaid customer invoices - don’t forget to reclaim the VAT
You can reclaim VAT paid on an unpaid invoice through VAT Bad Debt Relief once the debt is six months overdue and written off. The claim window is four years.
TaxMileage allowance increase from April 2026
From 6 April 2026 the approved mileage rate rises from 45p to 55p for the first 10,000 business miles, the first rise since 2011. Above that it stays at 25p.
TaxIR35 and the football referees case
HMRC lost its eight year, £584,000 IR35 case over Premier League referees. Employment status turns on how the relationship works, not what the contract says.
TaxHow to reward staff ideas without tax or NI
HMRC's employee suggestion scheme lets you reward a good idea with up to £25 tax free, or up to £5,000 where it saves or makes money, with no tax or NI due.
Cash flowA smarter way to chase unpaid invoices?
Garfield AI is an SRA-regulated law firm that makes chasing debts under £10,000 economic again, with cheap chaser letters and low-cost court claims.
GuidesWorkplace stress - a practical guide for small business owners
Workplace stress is usually a symptom of how a business is run, not a lack of resilience. The causes are workload, unclear roles and weak management support.
TaxFree childcare for company owners
Working parents in England can claim 30 hours of free childcare a week if each earns at least £10,159 from salary or self-employment. Dividends do not count.
Firm newsA fresh look for the eba office in Knutsford
The eba office in Knutsford has a fresh look, with new flooring, decoration and signage as part of the wider rebrand. There is even a new coffee machine.
Firm newsJonny Elliott joins eba as Business Development Director
Jonny Elliott has joined eba as Business Development Director, leading the rebrand and the next phase of growth, with a focus on the client experience.
Firm newsMike Scott appointed Senior Partner at eba
Mike Scott has been appointed Senior Partner at eba, ten years after joining as a bookkeeper. He works across both the client-facing and technical sides.
Firm newsThe eba team take on Flight Club Manchester
The eba team spent an evening playing social darts at Flight Club Manchester. The games were close, the throws mixed and a rematch is already on the cards.
PayrollNational Minimum Wage – are you compliant?
National Minimum Wage breaches often hit salaried staff paid well above the minimum, through excess hours, salary sacrifice and wrong worker categorisation.
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