Top 10 Questions Small Businesses Ask About Bookkeeping (2025 Edition)
Bookkeeping can feel overwhelming — especially if you’re running your first business or working as a sole trader. But you’re not alone! At CW Licensed Bookkeeper & Accountant (CWABC), we answer hundreds of bookkeeping questions every year. In this FAQ roundup, we’ll cover the most common concerns UK small businesses and Kent sole traders have […]
Xero, FreeAgent or QuickBooks: Which One Should I Use?
Why the Right Software Matters Let’s make this simple. Choosing the right accounting software can save you time, stress, and even money. With so many options and lots of salesy jargon, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. As a licensed bookkeeper, I regularly help clients pick between Xero, FreeAgent, and QuickBooks, the three most popular cloud-based […]
5 Things Online Sellers Should Know About VAT Registration
VAT registration online sellers need to understand can seem confusing — especially if you’re under the £90,000 threshold. So you might be wondering: “Do I need to register for VAT — even if I’m not hitting the £90,000 threshold?” It’s a great question. And the answer is… maybe. Let’s break it down simply and walk […]
What You Can (and Can’t) Claim as a Business Expense – Sole Trader Guide
What counts as a business expense for sole traders? It’s one of the most common questions I get asked — and for good reason. If you’re a sole trader or small business owner, it’s essential to understand what you can and can’t claim as a business expense. These decisions can make a big difference to […]
What the Tour de France Can Teach You About Running Your Business Finances
If you run a small business, keeping on top of your finances can feel like a never-ending uphill climb. These business finance tips for small business owners — inspired by the Tour de France passing through Tonbridge in 2007 — will help you plan, pace, and stay on course without the jargon. Let’s take a […]
Understanding VAT: From Jaffa Cakes to the M&S Strawberry & Cream Sandwich 🍞🥪
VAT (Value Added Tax) can be confusing, especially when it comes to tricky examples like the M&S strawberry sandwich VAT situation and the classic Jaffa Cakes case. What’s taxed, what’s not—and why does it sometimes seem so random? Let’s break it down in plain English, using two real-life examples that show how the smallest details […]
Mid-Year Money Check: How to Get Your Business Finances Back on Track
Introduction: Why July is the Perfect Time to Reset Now is the ideal time for a mid-year business finance check. While January and April often steal the spotlight, July gives you space to pause, reflect, and get your finances back on track before the year speeds ahead. You don’t need a full-blown audit—just five smart […]
Just Over 10 Months to Go – Are You Ready for MTD for Income Tax?
MTD for Income Tax is coming in April 2026 – is your small business or rental income ready? The Countdown Has Begun April 2026 may seem far away now, but in the world of tax compliance, it’s closer than you think. If you’re a sole trader or landlord earning over £50,000, Making Tax Digital for Income […]