Flexible planning is essential for adapting to uncertainty, responding to challenges, and seizing new opportunities. The world is unpredictable, and rigid plans can quickly become outdated. Whether in business or personal life, flexibility ensures resilience and long-term success.

Unexpected events such as economic shifts, technological advancements, or personal changes can derail strict plans. A flexible approach allows for quick adjustments without having to start over. Businesses, for instance, benefit from adapting to market trends or supply chain disruptions, ensuring they remain competitive.

Opportunities often arise unexpectedly. A business that initially planned to operate solely in physical stores but later noticed a surge in online shopping must be able to pivot. Those who rigidly stick to their original plans may miss out on growth.

Managing risks is another advantage of flexible planning. If a strategy is not working, adjustments can be made rather than continuing down an unproductive path. This is particularly important in business, where adapting marketing tactics or reallocating resources can make a significant difference.

Innovation thrives in flexible environments. Companies that allow for iterative development and experimentation can improve products and services based on real-time feedback rather than relying on outdated assumptions.

Employee morale and productivity also improve when people are empowered to adapt. A rigid plan can create stress, while flexibility fosters a more dynamic, responsive workplace.

Customer satisfaction depends on adaptability. Consumer preferences change, and businesses that adjust their offerings accordingly are more likely to retain loyal customers.

Ultimately, flexible planning ensures better resource allocation, the ability to respond to competitive pressures, and the freedom to evolve with changing circumstances. Rather than being a sign of weakness, flexibility is a strategic advantage that helps individuals and organisations thrive in an ever-changing world.

The Online Accounts and Company Tax Return (CATO) service is scheduled to close on 31 March 2026. ​

This service has enabled businesses to file their company accounts and tax returns simultaneously with both Companies House and HMRC. However, due to its outdated nature and misalignment with modern digital standards and recent changes in UK company law under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act (ECCT Act), the decision has been made to discontinue it.​

Key Actions for Businesses:

• Download Past Filings: It's advisable to download and save at least three years of your company's account filings before 31 March 2026, as access to previous submissions will not be available after this date.​
• Explore Software Options: Begin researching and selecting suitable commercial accounting software that meets the filing requirements for both Companies House and HMRC. Transitioning to software-based filing can offer enhanced features, improved accuracy, and better integration with your financial records.​

This shift aligns with the broader Making Tax Digital (MTD) initiative, aiming to streamline tax compliance through digital tools. While adapting to new software may present challenges, the benefits include increased efficiency and reduced errors in tax filings.​

For detailed guidance and updates, visit the official GOV.UK website.​

By proactively preparing for this transition, businesses can ensure continued compliance and take advantage of the efficiencies offered by modern digital filing systems.

1 April 2025 – Due date for corporation tax due for the year ended 30 June 2024.

19 April 2025 – PAYE and NIC deductions due for month ended 5 April 2025. (If you pay your tax electronically the due date is 22 April 2025).

19 April 2025 – Filing deadline for the CIS300 monthly return for the month ended 5 April 2025.

19 April 2025 – CIS tax deducted for the month ended 5 April 2025 is payable by today.

30 April 2025 – 2023-24 tax returns filed after this date will be subject to an additional £10 per day late filing penalty for a maximum of 90 days.

1 May 2025 – Due date for corporation tax due for the year ended 30 July 2024.

19 May 2025 – PAYE and NIC deductions due for month ended 5 May 2025. (If you pay your tax electronically the due date is 22 May 2025).

19 May 2025 – Filing deadline for the CIS300 monthly return for the month ended 5 May 2025.

19 May 2025 – CIS tax deducted for the month ended 5 May 2025 is payable by today.

31 May 2025 – Ensure all employees have been given their P60s for the 2024/25 tax year.

A negligible value claim lets taxpayers declare an asset worthless for tax purposes, realising a capital loss without selling. This can be backdated up to two years, offering flexibility in managing tax liabilities.

A negligible value claim is a claim made by a taxpayer when an asset they own has significantly decreased in value, essentially becoming worthless or worth next to nothing.

In such a situation, the taxpayer may treat the asset as if it were disposed of even though the retain ownership. For a negligible value claim to be valid, the asset must still be owned by the individual making the claim, and it must have become of negligible value while under their ownership.

The primary benefit of making a negligible value claim is that it allows the taxpayer to realise a capital loss on the asset without the need for an actual sale or disposal. This is particularly advantageous for assets that could, in theory, regain value at some point in the future. By retaining ownership of the asset, the taxpayer maintains the potential for any future recovery in value, even if the likelihood of this occurring is remote.

HMRC provides a negligible value list, which includes shares or securities that were previously quoted on the London Stock Exchange and have been officially declared of negligible value for the purpose of making such claims. For assets not on this list, a formal application must be submitted to HMRC to agree upon a valuation, enabling the taxpayer to establish the asset’s negligible value.

Additionally, a negligible value claim is not restricted to the current tax year. It can be backdated to cover up to two preceding tax years, provided all other qualifying conditions are met. This feature allows taxpayers greater flexibility in managing their capital losses over a longer period.

From April 2025, the Capital Gains Tax rate on Business Asset Disposal Relief rises from 10% to 14%, increasing to 18% in 2026. Business owners planning to sell may benefit from acting before these changes take effect.

Currently, Business Asset Disposal Relief (BADR) provides a reduced Capital Gains Tax (CGT) rate of 10% on the sale of a business, shares in a trading company, or an individual's interest in a trading partnership. This relief can lead to significant tax savings for those selling their business.

However, as part of the Autumn Budget 2024 measures, the CGT rate for BADR gains will from 6 April 2025, rise to 14% for disposals made on or after that date. Furthermore, the rate is set to increase again to 18% for disposals made on or after 6 April 2026.

Currently, the lifetime limit for claiming BADR is £1 million, allowing business owners to qualify for the relief multiple times. There have been no changes to this limit in the recent Budget, although the lifetime limit may have been higher for assets sold before 11 March 2020.

In contrast, Investors’ Relief has already undergone changes: the lifetime limit has been reduced from £10 million to £1 million for qualifying disposals made on or after 30 October 2024. The CGT rates for Investors' Relief align with those of BADR.

Given these planned increases, business owners considering an exit strategy may wish to act sooner rather than later, as selling before April 2025 could help lock in the current 10% CGT rate.