Managing your money

Seven reasons why you should file your Self Assessment early

Filing early will mean you avoid the mid-January dread felt by many freelancers & contractors, and enjoy a well-earned worry-free rest over the holidays.

Business mileage – who can claim?

When you’re self-employed, or director of your own limited company, it can be confusing to know how to claim back business mileage. We've got you covered.

Becoming self-employed

Universal Credit – will the self-employed lose out?

Changes to the benefits system with the introduction of universal credit will mean that the UK’s self-employed workers could lose out on top-up payments in their leaner months. We take a look at the facts and what it could mean for freelancers and contractors.

What is an Earlier Year Update (EYU)?

An EYU therefore enables you to amend (‘update’) any payroll data previously submitted to HMRC for an employee or director of your limited company after 19th April, for the preceding tax year, even if your payroll is closed.

Donating to charity as an individual, or through your limited company?

We all agree that donating to a charity is good for everyone but did you know that there are tax-efficient benefits to donating? We take a look.

Running a business

Glossary of business terms

Unsure of the difference between cash-flow and capital? Business jargon can often be complicated, especially if you're just getting started. We've compiled a glossary of some often-used business and accounting terms and provided easy to understand definitions, with links to further info where appropriate.

How FATCA and FBAR made American taxes FUBAR

Think UK tax laws are ridiculous? Americans living and working abroad are taxed simply for being American. We take a close look.

Can you claim glasses as a business expense?

You aren’t able to claim expenses for glasses or contact lens unless they’re prescribed during your time at work, specifically for ‘monitor or screen work’.

News and opinion

Oh, Snap! We’ve got a free receipt scanning app to record expenses!

With Snap, our new receipt scanning app all you have to do is take and upload a photo of the receipt or invoice for an expense.

How to contact HMRC

HMRC's systems can be a little tricky to navigate, and you might not always know which department you're looking for. Thankfully, we've compiled a handy guide to point you in the right direction.

News and opinion

Crunch’s take on the government’s response to the Taylor review

Darren Fell, CEO of Crunch, said: "We welcome the government's commitment to adopt the recommendations from the Taylor report. We would however, urge caution that any response does not introduce more red tape, or reduce the ability for entrepreneurs to employ people flexibly."

Limited company freelancers: How to claim business expenses you paid for personally

If you pay for something for your business with your own money don't forget to claim it back as a business expense, we show you how.

Productivity

Free tools and resources to help the self-employed via Crunch Chorus

When you join Crunch Chorus you’ll get access to free business guides, self-employed meetups, an invoice generator, late payment letter templates and more.

The effect of workplace status on travel and expense claims

HMRC set rules which will determine whether you have the right to claim travel and subsistence expenses whilst you work - check out our guide.

Personal finance

Crunch Mortgages succeeds where other brokers failed

Many freelancers, contractors, and small business owners feel unfairly penalised simply due to not taking home a regular 9-to-5 salary. We're here to help.