Simplifying Tax and Accounting from I Hate Numbers:
Episodes
VAT Registration Explained: When You Must Register and When You Don’t
12 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
VAT is one of those areas of small business finance UK that can quickly become confusing. In this episode of the I Hate Numbers podcast, we break down...
Dividend Tax Increase 2026: How Much More Will You Pay and What Can You Do?
05 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
From April 2026, dividend tax rates are increasing, and for many business owners, that means one thing — higher tax bills. In this episode of the...
Directors and Unpaid Corporation Tax: HMRC and You
29 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
One of the biggest advantages of running a business through a limited company is the protection it offers your personal assets. But that protection i...
SSP Changes 2026: What Employers Must Know About the New Sick Pay Rules
22 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
From April 2026, Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) rules are changing significantly. In this episode of the I Hate Numbers podcast, we break down what those ch...
Companies House Identity Verification: What Directors Must Do
15 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Companies House identity verification is now a mandatory requirement for directors and persons with significant control (PSCs). If you run a company i...
Stop the Software Tax: The Hidden Cost of Making Tax Digital
08 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the I Hate Numbers podcast, we discuss something that many small business owners have not fully realised yet — the hidden cost be...
Why Cloud Accounting Matters for Your Business
01 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Cloud accounting is one of those topics that too many business owners, freelancers, and creatives ignore until it is too late. In this episode of I H...
The Power of Budgeting: Why Your Business Cannot Afford to Ignore It
22 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Budgeting has a reputation problem. For many business owners, the word alone conjures images of restriction, cutbacks, and spreadsheets that drain th...
Ignoring Your Numbers Is Killing Your Creative Business
15 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
SEO Description: Introduction In this episode of the I Hate Numbers podcast, we tackle a tough but necessary truth: ignoring your numbers is quiet...
SMART Targets: Turn Creative Goals into Action
08 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Do your creative goals feel distant, vague, or overwhelming? Do they sit on your to-do list without ever turning into real progress? In this episode o...
Claiming Tax Relief Online: What Every Employee Needs to Know
01 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the I Hate Numbers podcast, we focus on a topic that affects millions of employees across the UK — claiming tax relief online. If...
Community Interest Companies: Understanding Your Tax Position
25 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Being a social enterprise or Community Interest Company does not mean tax obligations disappear. In this episode, we walk through the real tax positio...
Social Enterprises in the UK: Purpose, Profit, and Structure
18 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Social enterprises often get misunderstood. Some people think they are charities in disguise, while others assume they are not real businesses. In thi...
Community Interest Companies (CICs): When and Why This Model Makes Sense
11 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Community Interest Companies, often shortened to CICs, are designed for businesses that want to make a positive social impact while still operating co...
Bad Business Habits That Hold You Back
04 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
We all have habits in business. Some help us move forward, while others quietly hold us back. In this episode of the I Hate Numbers podcast, we explor...
The Power of Procrastination: When Delaying Can Actually Help You
28 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Procrastination gets a bad reputation. However, in this episode of the I Hate Numbers podcast, we take a different view. We explore why procrastinatio...
The Power of Attitude in Business Success
21 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Attitude plays a critical role in the outcomes we achieve in life and in business. In this episode of the I Hate Numbers podcast, we explore how minds...
Getting Paid on Time: Practical Steps to Protect Your Cashflow
14 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Why Getting Paid on Time MattersLate payments don’t just cause frustration — they damage your cashflow, restrict growth, and can force unnecessary...
Handling Money in Relationships: Practical Steps for Reducing Conflict
07 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Money can strengthen a relationship or strain it, depending on how we handle it. In this episode of the I Hate Numbers podcast, we explore why couples...
Identity Verification: What Businesses Must Know in 2025
30 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Identity verification is the legal process of confirming that a person or organisation is who they say they are. It helps prevent fraud, tax evasion, ...
E-Invoicing: Why It Matters for Your Business
23 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
E-invoicing is not just a digital nicety, it is becoming central to how modern businesses keep cash flowing and stay compliant. In this episode of I H...
The Pre-Let Property Tax Trap: What Landlords Must Know
16 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the I Hate Numbers podcast, we explore a tax trap that affects countless landlords and property investors. Preparing a property bef...
Fuel Perks or Tax Trap: The Truth About Company Car Benefits
09 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Introduction: Understanding Fuel BenefitsFuel benefits can look attractive on the surface—free fuel for your company car sounds great, right? Howeve...
Feeling Isolated in Business? You’re Not Alone
02 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Owning a business can be rewarding, but it can also feel lonely. In this episode of the I Hate Numbers podcast, we open up about the challenges entrep...
Should You Ever Work for Free?
26 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Working for free might sound like a good way to gain exposure, experience, or opportunities. However, it can also lead to burnout, undervaluing your w...
Community Interest Companies: What, Why, and When
19 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Community Interest Companies, or CICs, are designed for businesses that want to make a difference while still being commercially sustainable. In this ...
Social Enterprises: Doing Good and Making Profit
12 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Social enterprises are businesses that aim to make a difference while staying financially healthy. In this episode of the I Hate Numbers podcast, Mahm...
VAT Invoice Essentials: Get Paid Faster, Stay Compliant
05 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
VAT may seem simple in theory, but in practice it can feel like opening a tin without a ring pull. For VAT-registered businesses, invoices are the fou...
Self-Belief in Business: Build Confidence, Resilience, and Profitability
28 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Business success doesn’t start with numbers, strategy, or sales—it starts with belief. If we don’t believe in ourselves, we hold back. If we do,...
8 Advantages of Budgeting for Your Business
21 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of I Hate Numbers, we uncover why budgeting is not a straitjacket, but one of the most liberating tools you can use in business. Far f...
Class 2 National Insurance Wrongly Charged
14 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the I Hate Numbers podcast, we shine a light on a common but costly issue—Class 2 National Insurance wrongly charged by HMRC. Tho...
Turn Your Garage Into Tax-Free Cash
07 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Many people have unused space that could generate extra income. But before you start renting out your garage or driveway, you need to understand the t...
Stop Waiting for HMRC: Join Making Tax Digital Early
31 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Making Tax Digital for Income Tax may sound technical, but we break it down simply. In this episode, we share what MTD for ITSA is, who needs to compl...
Illegal Dividends: Avoid 33.75% Tax and Big Penalties
24 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Illegal dividends sound complicated, but we break them down in simple terms. In this episode, we share what counts as an illegal dividend, why they ha...
Reward Staff (and Yourself) Tax-Free with Trivial Benefits
17 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Trivial benefits are a great way to reward staff and directors without adding tax or National Insurance to the bill. In this episode of the I Hate Num...
Five Tax-Free Health & Welfare Benefits Employers Can Offer
10 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of I Hate Numbers, we’re diving into five powerful tax-free health and welfare benefits that employers can offer to their team. Whet...
UK & Overseas Property Business: Tax Rules You Need to Know
03 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Property taxes can be confusing—especially when dealing with both UK and overseas rentals. In this episode of the I Hate Numbers podcast, Mahmood si...
When You Should Register for VAT (and How to Do It) in 2025
27 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Main Topics & DiscussionVAT Registration Triggers You must register when taxable turnover exceeds £90,000 in any rolling 12-month period. Also ...
Directors’ NICs: Make It Work for You in 2025–26
20 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
National Insurance Contributions (NICs) work differently for company directors—and misunderstanding them can cost you. In this episode of the I Hate...
Should You Ever Work for Free? A Smart Business Strategy or a Red Flag?
13 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
“Can you do it for exposure?” If you've heard that before, you’re not alone. Whether you’re a designer, coach, accountant, or small business o...
How to Start With Success in Business (2025 Update)
06 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Thinking of starting your own business? Whether it's for freedom, profits, or making an impact, success begins with clarity and preparation. In this w...
Single Director? Here’s How to Claim the 2025 Employment Allowance
29 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Hidden Tax Saving for Single Director CompaniesAre you a sole director of your own limited company? Do you follow the typical model—small salary...
Avoid Last-Minute Tax Stress: 10 Early Filing Benefits for 2024–25
22 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Let’s be honest—nobody looks forward to tax season. However, leaving your return until January could mean unnecessary stress, missed opportunities...
Voluntary VAT Registration: Smart Strategy or Costly Mistake
15 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Voluntary VAT registration might sound crazy - why become an unpaid tax collector before you legally have to? But this proactive strategy could put th...
STOP Losing Money! How PAYE Employees Can Claim Tax Relief Online
08 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Are you a PAYE employee spending your own money to do your job without getting reimbursed? You could be missing out on money that's legally yours thro...
Salary Sacrifice & National Insurance: Smarter Ways to Cut Costs
01 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Salary sacrifice and National Insurance changes have created significant challenges for employers across the UK. However, every challenge presents an ...
Making Tax Digital and Incorporation: Everything You Need to Know about the 2026 Changes
25 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Making Tax Digital represents HMRC's ambitious plan to bring tax reporting into the digital age. Consequently, we're facing significant changes that w...
Cloud Accounting: What It Is and Why Your Business Needs It
18 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Transforming Business Finance ManagementCloud accounting is changing how business owners manage their finances. Accordingly, we want to explain why th...
HMRC's Invisible Crackdown: What Business Owners Need to Know
11 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Business ownership comes with numerous responsibilities, especially when it comes to tax compliance. Moreover, as HMRC intensifies its digital surveil...
Business Ownership Beyond the Balance Sheet: The Human Side
04 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Business ownership begins with much more than spreadsheets and profit margins. Furthermore, it encompasses a deeply human experience filled with chall...
Economies of Scale: Lowering Costs as Your Business Grows
27 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Economies of scale is a concept that all businesses should understand, regardless of size. Basically, it means saving money as your business grows. As...
Trust: The Foundation of Every Successful Business
20 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Trust forms the cornerstone of every thriving business relationship. Although many focus on profits and growth, this fundamental quality ultimately de...
Overtrading: The Hidden Danger of Rapid Business Growth
13 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Overtrading can destroy even profitable businesses when growth happens too quickly. Although most business owners aim for growth, we often overlook th...
Financial Accountability: Why It Matters in Business
06 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Financial accountability is more than tracking money—it is the compass that keeps our business heading toward the right destination. Evidently, with...
Jargon: Why Understanding Financial Terms Matters
30 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Why Financial Jargon Feels Like a Foreign LanguageJargon can make financial discussions feel like navigating an unfamiliar country without knowing the...
Passion: Why It’s Not Enough to Succeed in Business
23 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Passion vs. PracticalityPassion may spark a business idea, but it is never enough to guarantee success. Many believe that following their passion auto...
Hiring: The Cost and Benefits
16 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Hiring staff is a significant decision for any business. We know that it comes with both opportunities and challenges. In this episode, we will break ...
PAYE: How It Started and Why It Matters
09 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
PAYE (Pay As You Earn) is a cornerstone of the UK tax system. Whether you’re an employer or an employee, understanding how it works is crucial. Sinc...
Business Ownership: Facing the Lonely Road with Confidence
02 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Understanding the Isolation of Business OwnershipBusiness ownership often feels like a solitary journey. Although we set out with excitement and purpo...
Financial Jargon: Breaking It Down for Business Success
23 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Understanding Financial JargonFinancial jargon can often feel overwhelming. However, learning these terms is crucial for business success. Comparative...
VAT in the UK: How It Works and How to Stay Compliant
16 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
VAT in the UK is a crucial tax that affects businesses and consumers alike. It applies to most goods and services, making it essential for companies t...
UK Business Taxes: Understanding Your Tax Obligations
09 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
UK business taxes impact every company, regardless of size or industry. Accordingly, understanding tax obligations helps businesses plan effectively. ...
Tax basics for self employed: What You Need to Know
02 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Tax basics for self employed individuals are crucial for managing finances effectively. Unlike employees, we handle our own tax affairs, meaning we mu...
What to do if you can’t pay your tax bill?
26 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What to do if you can’t pay your tax bill is a challenge many face, but there are solutions. Firstly, it’s important to stay calm and take action ...
Forecasting: How to Predict Your Cash Flow Like a Pro
19 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Forecasting is crucial for running a successful business because it helps us look ahead and prepare for potential challenges effectively and strategic...
Cashflow Management: Essential Strategies for Your Business
12 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Cashflow management is undeniably critical for the survival of any business. Although profits may sustain you temporarily, businesses cannot thrive wi...
Billing Mistakes: Tips to Avoid Payment Delays
05 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Billing mistakes can severely harm your cash flow and lead to unnecessary stress for your business. Because of poor billing practices, many small busi...
Dividend Paperwork and Documentation
29 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dividend paperwork and documentation are crucial for ensuring compliance with legal regulations. Certainly, adhering to the Companies Act is non-negot...
Dividends and the Director’s Loan Account
22 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dividends and the Director’s Loan Account are essential topics for any business owner who operates through a limited company. Firstly, dividends rep...
VAT Reverse Charging in the UK
15 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
VAT reverse charging fundamentally shifts the responsibility of VAT accounting from the seller to the buyer. Unlike traditional VAT transactions where...
Tax Treatment for Limited Companies
08 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Tax treatment for limited companies plays a significant role in financial planning and compliance. Additionally, understanding the tax rules can help ...
Tax treatment for Sole Traders Explained
01 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Understanding the tax treatment for sole traders in the United Kingdom is crucial for managing your business finances effectively. Sole traders, unlik...
Sole Trader or Limited Company: Decide What’s Best
24 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Sole Trader or Limited Company—this is one of the most significant decisions you'll face as a business owner. Each option has its own advantages and...
Bad Business Habits: 4 Habits you need to overcome
17 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we explore Bad Business Habits that can slowly but surely undermine growth and profitability. Surprisingly, many business owners deve...
Dormant Accounts: Essential Compliance Tips for Directors
10 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dormant accounts play a significant role in business compliance, especially for company directors. When a company is dormant, it’s essential to unde...
Shareholders and Directors: Who Does What?
03 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Shareholders and directors each have unique roles and responsibilities within a company, yet people often confuse the two. As we discuss this in the e...
Responsibilities of a Director
27 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Responsibilities of a Director in a limited company carry both exciting opportunities and substantial responsibilities. Whether we are leading a small...
Transfering to Cloud Accounting
20 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Transferring to cloud accounting is a game changer for businesses today. It undoubtedly streamlines financial operations while providing real-time dat...
Cloud Accounting Myths: Debunking Common Misconceptions
13 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Cloud accounting myths often deter businesses from embracing this efficient financial solution. We understand that hesitation can stem from misconcept...
Cloud Accounting: Embracing the Future of Financial Management
06 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Cloud accounting is undeniably transforming the way businesses manage their finances. Whether you're running a small business or a large enterprise, t...
Self-Belief in Business: Avoiding Arrogance and Complacency
29 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Self-belief is crucial when it comes to succeeding in business. Undeniably, it can shape how we approach opportunities and challenges alike. Wit...
Economies of Scale: An Introduction
22 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Economies of Scale are crucial for businesses seeking efficient growth. This week's episode explains how this concept applies across industries, espec...
Operating Profit Margin: A comprehensive guide
15 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we explore the Operating Profit Margin and its significance for your business. The Operating Profit Margin is a crucial metric that s...
Inheritance Tax Exemptions and Reliefs
08 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the I Hate Numbers podcast, we explore "Inheritance Tax Exemptions and Reliefs." We'll explain the key elements that affect inherit...
Inheritance Tax: Basic Strategies for Your Estate
01 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We often consider inheritance tax one of life's unavoidable topics. Accordingly, we need to understand how it works and learn some basic strategies to...
Holistic Tax Planning: A Smarter Way to Manage Your Taxes
25 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Holistic tax planning is more than just a buzzword; it is a crucial strategy for anyone serious about managing their finances effectively. We believe ...
Maximising Your Personal Allowance
18 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Imagine your income as a delicious cake. Who wouldn’t want a bigger slice, right? Maximising Your Personal Allowance is all about ensuring you keep ...
Save As You Go - The Smart Approach to Tax
11 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Managing taxes is one of the many responsibilities of running a business. From personal self-assessment taxes to corporation taxes, the process can be...
Stress and Anxiety: Strategies for Small Business Owners
04 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Stress and anxiety are part of the human condition. However, undue stress and anxiety are detrimental. As small business owners, we cope with numerous...
Due Diligence: Strategies for Effective Collaboration
28 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever entered a business collaboration or bought a service only to find out it was a mistake? We've been there, and it's likely because of a l...
Kindness in Business: Embracing Empathy for Maximum Impact
21 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
When you think about kindness, do you believe it applies in business, or do you assume you need to be ruthless, wear sharp suits, and tread over anyon...
Tax Efficiency : A Comprehensive Guide for Employers
14 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
IntroductionTax efficiency and tax planning are crucial for all businesses, whether private or non-profit. Additionally, one key area offering signifi...
Benefits in Kind - Your Tax Strategy Upgrade!
07 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
At "I Hate Numbers," we emphasize the critical role of tax planning for business owners and employers alike. Managing taxes efficiently isn't just a l...
Business Success: Defining, Achieving, and Avoiding Pitfalls
30 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to this week's episode of the I Hate Numbers Podcast, where we explore business success. We discuss what success means, how to achieve it, and...
4 Business Myths You Must Ignore – Here’s Why
23 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s episode of the "I Hate Numbers" podcast, we tackle common business myths. These beliefs often mislead and hinder progress. We explore...
What is Depreciation?
16 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the I Hate Numbers podcast, we explain what depreciation is and its importance in business. Albeit often misunderstood, it is...
What is the Accounting Matching concept?
09 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The "I Hate Numbers" podcast explores the accounting matching concept, also known as accrual accounting, in finance and accounting. In this episode, w...
5 Useful Motivation Tips for Solopreneurs
02 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
5 Useful Motivation Tips for Solopreneurs that are essential to keep you going when working for yourself. Initially, being your own boss sounds great....
How to cope with business failure
26 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
How to cope with Failure in Your Business? Failure is often seen as negative in business. When we hear the term, it sounds bad. The dictionary defines...
Increasing your profits - Four Effective Steps
19 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to this week's episode of the I Hate Numbers podcast. We are excited to share four steps to increasing your profits. Accordingly, these steps ...