Stay informed with the latest news and advice from Pearl
How to Prepare Foreign Bank Account CSV Files for QuickBooks, FreeAgent, Etc.
If you have a foreign bank account which doesn’t support bank feeds to QuickBooks, FreeAgent, or any other accounting software you’re currently using, you’ll know that trying to upload CSV files generated from these foreign banks can be a nightmare. That’s because...
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9 Ways to Find Freelancing Work That Actually Pays Well
We have a lot of clients who are freelancers. For many years, we have specialised in delivering accounting services to freelancers. One of the most common complaints we hear from freelancers is that it’s difficult to find high-paying jobs. Difficult, yes, but not...
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How UK Landlords Can Survive the Current Rent Crisis
UK landlords have had a tough time of late. In March, the UK government imposed a “radical package” of measures which effectively banned all evictions from “social or private rented accommodation” for three months. Now, as the three-month period approaches a close,...
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How We Solved Our Clients’ Multicurrency Business Problems
We had a major problem with one of our client’s accounts which is all too common: They were bludgeoning income as a result of exchange losses from multicurrency payments. This issue is felt mostly by people who deal in e-commerce sales, but it can also affect traders...
read more
Why Your Business Should Consider Alternative Payment Methods
The checkout process is more critical to any business than one might think. It’s the last factor a buyer considers before deciding to purchase goods and services. Without an intuitive and reliable experience, the risk of cart abandonment is high.That said, the perfect...
read more
How to Apply for the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme
The Self-Employment Income Support Scheme(SEISS) was officially opened for applications at 8 am on 13 May 2020. The scheme is yet another in a series of schemes released by Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak in the last few months to assist businesses and...
read more
UK Gov Introduces VAT Zero-Rating for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
The UK government has announced a temporary VAT zero-rating for all Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). VAT zero-rating means that the items sold are still subject to VAT, but that the VAT rate is zero per cent. If you sell PPE, your VAT invoice...
read more
25 Ways to Save Time on Your UK Business’s Bookkeeping in 2020
At Pearl Accountants, we know that bookkeeping can be a bit of a chore which is why we offer full bookkeeping services to our clients at no additional cost. But for those of you who do your own bookkeeping, here are 25 tips (and two bonus tips) we’ve learned...
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How to Successfully Apply for a Bounce Back Loan (BBL)
"Note: We do not submit this application for our clients, this article is for guidance purposes only. Unfortunately other than what is available from the government, we cannot help with any bounce back applications at present. You can find more information on this...
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How to choose the right Accountant
Top tips to Find an Accountant Choosing an accountant is an important step when growing your business, as choosing a good accountant could be essential for growing your business at a sustainable rate whilst ensuring that you fulfil your tax obligations with HMRC....
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Top Tips to Filing Your Self-Assessment
Successfully file your Self-Assessment if you are self-employed or run your own business using these top tips. Check the Tax Year for Filing Check with your accountant to ensure that you know the start and end dates for your self-assessment. This year’s filing covers...
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National Insurance for Contractors – Key Tips
Paying National Insurance(NI) is required by both employed and self-employed people above 16 years of age. The amount payable is the same for women and men. By contributing to your NI, you can receive a State pension and Jobseekers Allowance after a set time-period....
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Paper Self-Assessment Tax Return Deadline
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) deadline for 2016/2017 Paper Self-Assessment Tax Return is 31 October 2017. If you fail to meet this deadline then your Self-Assessment Tax Return will have to be submitted electronically as the deadline for Online Tax Returns is the 31...
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Resolving Disputes for Contractors – Top Tips
Resolving a dispute as a contractor can have implications in terms of money and time as well as reputation which could cost you future contracts. It is thus vital for disputes to be settled as quickly as possible. Here are some tips to ensure that disputes are dealt...
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Contractor Pensions – Quick Guide
A contractor should take out a pension as it offers many benefits in the long run. This quick guide will highlight the key points when choosing a contractor pension scheme. Pension Funds for Contractors As a Contractor, taking out a pension fund is a sound financial...
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Mortgages for Contractors
Securing a mortgage for a Contractor can be a lengthy and cumbersome process. However, with the right financial advice it is one of the best investments a Contractor can make. This guide will provide you with all the advice that you will need as a Contractor to take...
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How to find the best contract – Quick Guide
This guide will take you through the steps to ensure that you find and secure contracts as a UK based contractor. Plan your search A thorough investigation and lots of research into the contracting market will help you find the best contracts available. However, this...
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Top Tips Creating Contractor Invoices
By including the right information on your invoices will ensure that your clients will have all the information on hand to pay you quickly without delay. Your Contractor details The most important element of your invoice will be your contract details. When your client...
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Making Tax Digital for VAT
From April 2019, if your taxable turnover exceeds the VAT threshold of £85,000, you need to keep your VAT business records digitally and submit your VAT return via compatible software. Here at Pearl Accountants, we work with many different systems which are great for...
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Used to be with KPMG Small Business Services? Choose Pearl Accountants!
Just a few days ago, The Business Desk reported that KPMG small business is closing down, leaving thousands of former KPMG small business clients with no small business services accountants to turn to. The company’s SBA Service, which launched only 5 years ago, will...
read more How to choose the right Accountant
Top tips to Find an Accountant Choosing an accountant is an important step when growing your business, as choosing a good accountant could be essential for growing your business at a sustainable rate whilst ensuring that you fulfil your tax obligations with HMRC....
read more Top Tips to Filing Your Self-Assessment
Successfully file your Self-Assessment if you are self-employed or run your own business using these top tips. Check the Tax Year for Filing Check with your accountant to ensure that you know the start and end dates for your self-assessment. This year’s filing covers...
read more
Managing Cash Flow for Freelancers – Top Tips
Managing your cash flow as a Freelancer can be tricky especially if you are just starting out. Here are a few top tips to help you keep your cash flow under control. Tip 1- Save, Save, Save It is important that you are aware from day one that you will have to manage...
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Working Remotely as a Freelancer
When you decide to work as a freelancer, you will often be faced with working remotely. Here are some top tips to ensure that you remain productive and professional even when you work offsite. Tip 1 Always ensure that you...
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Leading Top 8 Freelance Jobsites
Being a freelancer means that you can do what you love the most and still have a great work-life balance. However, when you first start out you may find that securing a steady flow of work the most challenging hurdle to overcome. There are a lot of job sites but it is...
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Sole Trader vs Limited Company – Freelancers Guide
Freelancers should choose which business structure that would like to follow depending on the type of business they run. Each business structure has their own legal, tax and liability issues which need to be taken into consideration when making your choice between a...
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Informing HMRC that you are Self-Employed
Registering with HMRC When you decide to become a freelancer, you need to inform HMRC that you are now self-employed. This means that you are working for yourself and you are now responsible for paying all Income tax and National insurance contributions. It is best to...
read more 9 Ways to Find Freelancing Work That Actually Pays Well
We have a lot of clients who are freelancers. For many years, we have specialised in delivering accounting services to freelancers. One of the most common complaints we hear from freelancers is that it’s difficult to find high-paying jobs. Difficult, yes, but not...
read more How We Solved Our Clients’ Multicurrency Business Problems
We had a major problem with one of our client’s accounts which is all too common: They were bludgeoning income as a result of exchange losses from multicurrency payments. This issue is felt mostly by people who deal in e-commerce sales, but it can also affect traders...
read more Why Your Business Should Consider Alternative Payment Methods
The checkout process is more critical to any business than one might think. It’s the last factor a buyer considers before deciding to purchase goods and services. Without an intuitive and reliable experience, the risk of cart abandonment is high.That said, the perfect...
read more How to Apply for the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme
The Self-Employment Income Support Scheme(SEISS) was officially opened for applications at 8 am on 13 May 2020. The scheme is yet another in a series of schemes released by Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak in the last few months to assist businesses and...
read more UK Gov Introduces VAT Zero-Rating for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
The UK government has announced a temporary VAT zero-rating for all Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). VAT zero-rating means that the items sold are still subject to VAT, but that the VAT rate is zero per cent. If you sell PPE, your VAT invoice...
read more 25 Ways to Save Time on Your UK Business’s Bookkeeping in 2020
At Pearl Accountants, we know that bookkeeping can be a bit of a chore which is why we offer full bookkeeping services to our clients at no additional cost. But for those of you who do your own bookkeeping, here are 25 tips (and two bonus tips) we’ve learned...
read more How to Successfully Apply for a Bounce Back Loan (BBL)
"Note: We do not submit this application for our clients, this article is for guidance purposes only. Unfortunately other than what is available from the government, we cannot help with any bounce back applications at present. You can find more information on this...
read more
Filings Your Small UK Business Must Know About
We’re talking about Limited Companies here, not sole traders. Failure to know these requirements like the back of your hand could lead to surcharges which might cripple you. A lack of attention to these vital basic taxes and forms could result in: SurchargesInterest...
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Go Local: 3 Phenomenal UK-Based E-commerce Platforms You Could Be Using
If you’re looking to start an E-commerce business in the UK then no doubt you are feeling the pressure to get things going urgently. Times are tough, and we’re all going to have to foot the bill for it. If the UK economy ever needed your help, it is now. That doesn’t...
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How To Deal With Painful Customers
Every entrepreneur has to face customers. How they handle the customers depends upon their communication and leadership skills. They might be good at handling all customers, but there are always customers who are just plain right rude and painful to interact...
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When should you have a business partner?
Your business is something you treat like a baby. It came to life because of you and because you looked after it throughout this time. It is a moment of pride for you every time you see it grow and prosper. You get the validation by sharing about its success with...
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When Should you get your first employee?
Every entrepreneur who gets exhausted and stressed believes he needs a hand to help him run the business. It is believed that the addition of an employee will cut down the work hours as well as get out time to be spent on other higher-level tasks such as focusing on...
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Am I spending too much on my business?
Every new business, or sometimes old businesses, are wasting money in one way or the other. The money is being wasted on minor things or sometimes big things. The worst part is that the waste of money can be avoided, but the business owners are often unaware of how...
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How to get customers from your competitors
If you have stepped in an industry that as ample business for everyone joining the pool, then you are in good luck. However, this is mostly not the case. Many industries are hard to make a name in. Therefore, it becomes really difficult to gain customers, or...
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Is it time to shut down your business?
Starting a business is an entrepreneur's dream. Bringing the vision to life takes a lot of courage, hard work, and effort. Researching the market, understanding the techniques of competitors, providing quality products and services, all of it takes time and effort and...
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Three tips to reduce your bookkeeping stress
Business leaders are always occupied in making big and small decisions about different areas of work. From deciding on the next five-year plan for a specific business segment to making sure that all the employees in your team are working in cohesion, a business...
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Unexpected costs to keep in mind when starting a new company!
What comes to your mind when you think about starting up a new company? Let me reiterate. The costs of research, pre-launch costs, the hurdles you’d likely face, etc. Any well-informed individual will keep all these things in mind with various other factors....
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Getting an accountant to secure you a loan
Anyone can successfully go through the loan process without an accountant. But hiring an accountant increases the chances of getting the loan. Moreover, it can save a lot of time. Large businesses usually have accountants, so it is no big deal for them. It...
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