Fraser McKay, MCIPR (Accredited)

Fraser is a highly experienced journalist and Accredited PR Professional and joined TaxAssist in 2016. He writes articles covering a wide range of topics relating to small businesses and accounting. In addition, Fraser provides communications training to the network, as well as looking after TaxAssist Accountants' national and local social media channels.

HMRC reverses decision to cut helpline access

Just a day after HMRC announced it was to permanently reduce access to its self-assessment, PAYE and VAT helplines, it has decided not to go ahead with the changes.

Spring Budget confirmed for 6th March

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has announced the Spring Budget 2024 will be presented to Parliament on 6th March 2024.

Thousands submit their self-assessment tax returns on Christmas Day

As many as 4,757 self-assessment taxpayers chose Christmas Day as the ideal time to submit their online tax returns for the 2022-23 tax year.

Scottish Budget 2024-25

Scotland’s Government has unveiled its draft tax and spending plans for the 2024-25 fiscal year, including a new income tax band targeting those earning between £75,001 to £125,140.

HMRC reduces helpline support during peak self-assessment tax return s...

HMRC has announced that it is significantly reducing access to its self-assessment tax return helpline for seven weeks from 11th December.

More HMRC compliance staff, but self-assessment clients still face lon...

HMRC has added more than 3,000 staff to its compliance division, while closing some of its customer service lines at the same time.

TaxAssist Accountants: proud sponsor of SME National Business Awards

As part of its commitment to championing small and medium enterprises (SMEs), TaxAssist Accountants is a Gold Partner Sponsor of the prestigious SME National Business Awards.

TaxAssist Accountants calls for more HMRC support for taxpayers

Following HMRC’s announcement that it is closing its self-assessment tax helpline for three months, TaxAssist Accountants has launched a petition urging for more investment in HMRC services as busines...

Council tax for second and empty homes under the microscope in Scotlan...

Proposals to increase the level of council tax due on empty and second homes in Scotland are under consultation, in a move which could impact second home owners.

600,000 miss the self-assessment tax return deadline

This year saw a record 97% of taxpayers in the UK filing their 2021-22 self-assessment tax returns ahead of 31st January, but an estimated 600,000 still missed the deadline, earning instant £100 late...

Self-assessment taxpayers urged to remain vigilant ahead of 2021-22 ta...

The number of tax fraudsters operating in the UK rises on the eve of the self-assessment tax return deadline and this year is no different.

TaxAssist provides access to financial services experts

The TaxAssist Group is delighted to announce the launch of a new financial services business, to support clients with their business and personal financial needs.

Spring Statement 2022 scheduled for March 23rd

The UK Government’s Spring Statement for 2022 will be delivered by Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak, on Wednesday 23rd March.

Chancellor announces date for Autumn Budget

Chancellor Rishi Sunak has announced that the next Budget, will be held on 27th October.

HMRC targets traders who are not registered for VAT

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is writing to businesses it believes are trading above the £85,000 VAT threshold, but have yet not registered

More people turning freelance than at any time in the last decade

The UK is experiencing its biggest surge in freelancers and fledgling entrepreneurs for more than a decade.

The Chancellor reveals the date of the next Budget

Chancellor Rishi Sunak has revealed that the next Budget will be held on 3rd March 2021.

Autumn Budget cancelled for 2020 due to COVID-19 crisis

Plans for an Autumn Budget in the coming weeks have been scrapped by HM Treasury because of the impending second wave of coronavirus in the UK.

Government launches Shop Local Week to support local economies

The UK’s Shop Local Week kick-starts today, with a seven-day campaign to support small businesses and help local economies rebuild following the coronavirus crisis.

Campaigners present petitions on excluded millions to the Treasury

A group of cross-party MPs and campaigners presented a series of petitions to the Treasury asking for the “excluded” three million taxpayers to receive vital financial aid.

Small firms step up to support local communities

A new report published by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), titled ‘New Horizons’, indicates that businesses are ramping up their efforts nationwide to aid their local communities through the...

Top tips when starting your own business

Starting your own business or going self-employed during the current climate.

Self-employed targeted in latest HMRC phishing scam

Self-employed professionals utilising the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme are the latest target of cyber-criminals.

TaxAssist Accountants urges Chancellor: “review the support schemes no...

TaxAssist Accountants has written to The Chancellor again urging that he reviews the support measures in place for businesses and self-employed so all small firms receive the aid they urgently need du...

TaxAssist Accountants urges Chancellor to take action to support self...

TaxAssist Accountants has written an open letter to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak, to highlight the lack of help and funding for large sections of the self-employed and the small busine...

The benefits of having your tax return filed early

Although the deadline is months away, did you know there many benefits to filing your return sooner rather than later?

Over 100,000 tax returns filed by the TaxAssist Accountants network

Now the 31st January deadline for 2018-19 self-assessment tax return submissions has passed, TaxAssist Accountants can confirm it has filed more than 100,000 personal tax returns on behalf of its nati...

Paperless is more: How to run your business more efficiently

Starting your own business means wearing a lot of hats. You have to take care of sales, marketing, HR and that’s before you even take care of your customers.

Reasons to file your tax return early

Although January is months away, did you know you can file your tax return any time after 6th April - here are 7 great reasons why you should file your tax return sooner rather than later.