Simplifying Tax and Accounting from I Hate Numbers:

Companies House identity verification is now a mandatory requirement for directors and persons with significant control (PSCs). If you run a company in the UK, this is no longer something you can put off for later. It is now part of the compliance landscape for businesses, charities, and social enterprises. In this episode, we explain why these rules were introduced, what the deadlines mean for existing companies, and most importantly how you can complete the process smoothly without unnecessary stress. We also explain how our team at I Hate Numbers can help verify your identity and ensure everything is correctly linked to your Companies House records. Why Identity Verification Was Introduced For many years, the UK company register allowed individuals to form companies with very few identity checks. While that made it easy for entrepreneurs to start businesses, it also created opportunities for fraud, hidden ownership, and misuse of company structures. As a result, the government introduced the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act. One of the key changes is the requirement for identity verification for company directors and persons with significant control. The purpose is simple. Companies House wants to ensure that every person listed on the register is a genuine individual responsible for the company they are connected to. Important Deadlines for Directors and PSCs The new rules officially came into force on 18 November 2025. Since then, anyone forming a new company must verify their identity before they can even begin the registration process. For existing companies, there is currently a transition period. Directors must complete identity verification before submitting their next confirmation statement. If verification has not been completed, Companies House may reject the filing. For persons with significant control who are not directors, the verification window is triggered by the month of their birth. The 14-Day PSC Window If you are a PSC but not a director, your verification deadline is linked to your birth month. From the first day of that month, you have 14 days to complete the identity verification process. This staggered system helps Companies House avoid millions of people verifying their identity at the same time. However, it also means you need to stay alert to ensure your deadline is not missed. What Happens After You Verify Once your identity has been successfully verified, you receive a personal verification code. This code becomes your permanent Companies House identifier. The important point is that you only need to complete identity verification once. If you hold multiple roles across different organisations, the same personal code will apply to all of them. However, if verification has not been completed before filing a confirmation statement, Companies House may reject the filing and flag the company for non-compliance. How Identity Verification Can Be Completed Option 1: Complete It Yourself You can verify your identity directly through the GOV.UK login system. This usually involves uploading identification, completing a facial recognition check, and confirming your details through the government portal. For some people, this process takes only a few minutes. However, many business owners find the process frustrating if documents are rejected, technology fails, or identification cannot be verified immediately. Option 2: Use an Authorised Corporate Service Provider The alternative is to complete identity verification through an authorised corporate service provider (ACSP). At I Hate Numbers, we are registered as an authorised provider with Companies House. This means we can verify identities on behalf of directors and PSCs and submit the verification directly to the register. Rather than navigating the process yourself, we take care of: • verifying identification documents • performing the necessary identity checks • submitting verification to Companies House • ensuring your personal verification code is correctly linked to all your roles For many business owners this removes the stress of dealing with the system themselves and ensures everything is done correctly. Why Many Business Owners Use Our Service Many directors choose to complete verification through us because they want peace of mind that the process has been handled properly. This service is particularly helpful if you: • run multiple companies • live outside the UK • have a complex company structure • prefer professional support handling compliance Our team ensures that your Companies House records remain compliant and that your identity verification status remains correct across your roles. If you would like support completing your identity verification, our team is happy to help. Simply get in touch through our contact page and we can guide you through the process and ensure everything is submitted correctly. Many directors find that having professional support saves time, reduces frustration, and provides reassurance that everything has been handled properly. Episode Timecodes 00:00 – Introduction to Companies House identity verification00:20 – Why identity verification was introduced01:06 – Overview of the new rules from November 202501:29 – The PSC birth month verification rule02:50 – Director deadlines and confirmation statements03:11 – Understanding the Companies House personal code03:56 – Consequences of missing verification04:36 – The two ways to verify your identity05:00 – GOV.UK self-verification explained05:21 – Using an authorised corporate service provider06:39 – Why the new rules matter for every organisation07:18 – Final advice and next steps Further Support 📘 Book https://www.ihatenumbers.co.uk/i-hate-numbers-book/ 🎧 Podcast https://www.ihatenumbers.co.uk/i-hate-numbers-podcast/ 🌐 Website https://www.ihatenumbers.co.uk If this episode helped clarify Companies House identity verification, share it with another business owner who needs to hear it. Plan it. Do it. Profit.

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 Hate Numbers, we make the case for why cloud accounting is not just a nice-to-have but a genuine game-changer for anyone running a small business. Whether you are currently relying on spreadsheets, paper receipts, or desktop software, this episode will show you what you are missing and what it is costing you.What Is Cloud Accounting?Cloud accounting means using software that lives online to manage your business finances in real time. It is not simply swapping a spreadsheet for an app. It covers invoicing, reporting, expense tracking, bank feeds, and much more. The key difference is access and immediacy. You can log in from your phone, laptop, or tablet from anywhere. You can see exactly where you stand financially at any given moment, without waiting until the end of the month or the end of the year. We paint a practical picture here. Imagine finishing a client meeting in a coffee shop, pulling out your phone, and sending an invoice on the spot. That invoice lands in your client's inbox immediately, your accounts update instantly, and your chances of being paid promptly increase significantly. That is cloud accounting working as it should.Why It Matters: The Real Business CaseToo many business owners are still disconnected from their numbers. They treat bookkeeping as an annual chore, something to deal with at tax time rather than a live, ongoing part of running a healthy business. Cloud accounting changes that relationship entirely.Your Time Is Worth SomethingTime saved on admin is time you can spend delivering work, winning clients, and growing your business. We share the example of Sandra, a freelance designer juggling multiple projects. Before cloud accounting, she was spending Sunday mornings entering receipts and chasing invoices. After making the switch, she saved three to four hours a week on average. At even a modest hourly rate, that adds up to a significant saving over a quarter, not to mention the faster payments that come from sending invoices electronically.Fewer Mistakes, Less RiskManual systems, however carefully managed, leave room for error. Dodgy spreadsheet formulas, duplicated entries, missing invoices — these are common and costly. Cloud accounting flags issues in real time, so you are not walking a financial tightrope with a blindfold on.See the Big Picture ClearlyRunning your business without up-to-date financial information is like driving with a frosted windscreen. Cloud accounting gives you dashboards and reports that show you at a glance how much money is in your bank, who owes you, what you owe, and where your money is going. That clarity leads to better decisions, fewer surprises, and far less financial panic.Is It Complicated? Not as Much as You ThinkA common concern is that cloud accounting sounds technical or difficult to set up. In practice, it does not need to be. Tools like Xero, which is our personal recommendation and the system we use with our own clients, are built for real people, not just accountants. You can connect your bank account, upload receipts with a photograph, send invoices in seconds, and configure automated reminders for overdue payments. Think of it as a digital finance assistant that never takes a holiday. When we set clients up with cloud accounting, we train and induct them from the start so they feel confident navigating the system. You do not need to be a numbers expert. You just need a simple, consistent workflow.The Cost of Doing NothingWe also walk through a worst-case scenario that will feel familiar to many business owners. Work gets hectic, life gets busy, and the books get neglected. Suddenly you do not know who owes you money, what you owe, or whether you can afford your next project. Invoices go out late, bills go unpaid, and a tax bill arrives without warning. This is not bad luck. It is silent financial sabotage, and it is entirely avoidable with the right system in place.How to Get StartedMaking the switch does not have to be overwhelming. We suggest four straightforward steps: choose your software (we recommend Xero), get familiar with how to navigate it, connect your bank account from the outset, and build a simple weekly workflow. Thirty minutes a week spent keeping your records current is far less painful than hours buried under a backlog. Small, regular habits beat big panic sessions every time. We also have a free digital guide to cloud accounting that you can download to help you get started with confidence.The Legislative Case: Making Tax DigitalBeyond the business benefits, there is also a legislative reason to act. From April 2026, Making Tax Digital will require small businesses and landlords to submit their accounts to HMRC on a quarterly basis. To do that, you will need a digital accounting system. We will be covering Making Tax Digital in detail in next week's episode, but the message is clear: the sooner you get familiar with cloud accounting, the less disruption you will face when the requirement kicks in.Conclusion: Take Control of Your Business FinancesCloud accounting is not about going digital for the sake of it. It is about saving time, reducing mistakes, making better decisions, and keeping your business lean, profitable, and ready to grow. If this episode has been useful, we would love you to share it with someone who could benefit. And for a deeper grounding in business finance, the I Hate Numbers book is the ideal place to start. Remember: plan it, do it, profit.Episode Timecodes[00:00:00]Introduction: why so many business owners avoid cloud accounting[00:00:29]What cloud accounting actually is and what it covers[00:01:31]Real-time access, automation, and the coffee shop invoicing example[00:02:14]Why too many businesses are still disconnected from their numbers[00:03:04]Time savings: the story of Sandra the freelance designer[00:04:25]Avoiding costly mistakes with cloud systems[00:05:06]Seeing the big picture: dashboards, reports, and better decisions[00:05:42]Is it complicated? Why Xero works for non-accountants[00:07:00]The cost of doing nothing: silent financial sabotage[00:08:00]How to get started: four practical steps[00:08:56]Free digital guide to cloud accounting[00:09:16]Making Tax Digital: the legislative case for acting now[00:09:49]Closing thoughts and call to actionTake the Next StepIf this episode has given you a clearer picture of what cloud accounting can do for your business, we would love you to share it with a fellow business owner or freelancer who needs to hear it. Subscribe to I Hate Numbers for more practical, no-nonsense strategies every week. Remember: plan it, do it, profit.Further Support📘 Book https://www.ihatenumbers.co.uk/i-hate-numbers-book/ 🎧 Podcast https://www.ihatenumbers.co.uk/i-hate-numbers-podcast/ 🌐 Website https://www.ihatenumbers.co.uk

SEO Description:IntroductionIn this episode of the I Hate Numbers podcast, we tackle a tough but necessary truth: ignoring your numbers is quietly damaging your creative business. We understand why creatives avoid spreadsheets, budgets, and financial reports. You started your journey to create, perform, design, and inspire — not to stare at figures. However, the longer you ignore your numbers, the louder the financial clock ticks.Why Ignoring Your Numbers Feels AppealingLet’s be honest. Avoidance feels easier in the short term. Staying reactive, making decisions on instinct, and hoping everything works out can seem simpler than facing the reality of your bank balance. But if you want to stay stressed, reactive, and running what feels more like an expensive hobby than a business, then ignoring your finances is a perfect strategy. Without clarity:You make snap decisions without insight.You chase invoices while worrying about rent.You feel overwhelmed by tax deadlines.You live hand-to-mouth from project to project.That is not creative freedom. That is financial anxiety.Why Numbers Matter (Even If You Dislike Them)When you understand your numbers, something empowering happens. You stop guessing. You start making informed decisions. You move from “I hope this works” to “I know this works.” It is like switching on the light in a dark room. You can see what is coming in, what is going out, and where growth is possible. Understanding your finances does not mean becoming an accountant. It means becoming the driver of your business rather than a passenger.Profit Is Not a Dirty WordProfit allows you to cover your costs, pay yourself properly, and build a financial buffer. It gives you sustainability. It prevents burnout and protects your creative future. Without profit, your business cannot survive long term. How you earn that profit is up to you. Ethics and values matter. But profit itself is not the enemy.Three Simple Steps You Can Take Today1. Track What’s Coming In and Going OutYou do not need complex systems to start. A notebook, spreadsheet, or digital tool like Xero cloud accounting can give you visibility and control.2. Schedule a Weekly Money Check-InSet aside 15 to 30 minutes each week to review your numbers. Treat it like brushing your teeth — routine, necessary, and good for your long-term health.3. Give Every Pound a PurposeAssign money intentionally. Allocate funds for tax, equipment, rent, savings, and paying yourself. Money without a plan disappears.You Are Not AloneYou did not enter the creative world to become a number cruncher. But if you want your passion to pay the bills — and more — then your numbers matter. That is why we created the podcast. It is why Numbers Know How and I Hate Numbers exist — to make finance human, practical, and empowering for creatives.Key TakeawayIgnoring your numbers might feel comfortable in the short term, but it limits your growth. When you face them — even imperfectly — you take back control. Understanding your money does not make you less creative. It makes you unstoppable.Episode Timecodes[00:00:00] – Why ignoring your numbers feels easier[00:01:00] – The cost of financial avoidance[00:02:30] – Why clarity changes everything[00:04:00] – Profit and sustainability[00:05:00] – Three practical steps to take control[00:06:00] – Final message and mindset shiftFurther Support📘 Get practical finance guidance in our book: I Hate Numbers 🎧 Listen to more episodes on the I Hate Numbers Podcast 📺 Subscribe on YouTube Plan it. Do it. Profit.

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 you pay for work-related costs out of your own pocket and your employer does not reimburse you, you may be entitled to tax relief. However, if you do not claim it, that money simply stays with HMRC. And we would rather see it where it belongs — in your bank account. Who This Episode Is For Employees in studios, theatres, galleries, or officesWorkers paying for professional costs themselvesAnyone unsure whether they can claim tax reliefEmployees who have never claimed before What Is Employment Expense Tax Relief? Employment expense tax relief allows employees to reduce their taxable income when they personally pay for costs that are required for their job and are not reimbursed by their employer. The key rule is simple. The expense must be wholly, exclusively, and necessary for your job. In plain English, it must be something you would not have spent money on unless your work required it. What Expenses Can You Claim? Work-Related Travel You may be able to claim mileage or public transport costs for business journeys that are not your normal commute. This includes travel to meetings, rehearsals, performances, or visiting suppliers. Professional Fees and Subscriptions If you pay for memberships or subscriptions that are relevant to your role — such as trade bodies or unions approved by HMRC — these costs may qualify for tax relief. Working From Home If your employer requires you to work from home, you may be able to claim a portion of household running costs. Choosing to work from home for convenience does not qualify. Uniforms, Tools, and Specialist Equipment Costs for uniforms, costumes, tools, or specialist equipment required for your role may qualify. Everyday clothing, even if only worn at work, does not. How the Tax Relief Works Tax relief does not mean HMRC refunds the full cost of the expense. Instead, your taxable income is reduced. For example, if you spend £200 on professional subscriptions and pay tax at 20%, you receive £40 back through reduced tax. It works like a mini personal allowance. How to Claim Tax Relief Online HMRC’s online expense claim form is now available again and can be used if: Your total claim is £2,500 or less per tax yearYou do not complete a self-assessment tax return If your claim exceeds £2,500, or you already file a tax return, the claim must be made through your self-assessment. You can access HMRC’s online service via the official government website: 🔗 Claim tax relief for job expenses – GOV.UK What Evidence Do You Need? HMRC expects evidence to support your claim, so good record-keeping is essential. Receipts or bank statements for subscriptions and equipmentMileage logs showing dates, distances, and reasons for travelEmployment contracts or emails confirming required home working For some flat-rate expenses, such as uniforms in approved occupations, receipts are not required. Can You Backdate Claims? Yes. You can backdate claims for up to four tax years. This means you may be able to recover tax you overpaid in previous years, provided you have the records to support the claim. Common Mistakes to Avoid Claiming for ordinary commutingClaiming everyday clothingNot keeping evidenceSubmitting duplicate claims No proof usually means no claim. Accuracy matters. Key Takeaways If you are an employee and spend your own money to do your job, you may be entitled to tax relief. Even small claims can add up, especially when backdated. Claiming tax relief online is about paying the right amount of tax — no more and no less. Episode Timecodes [00:00:00] – Introduction and why tax relief matters[00:01:00] – What employment expense tax relief is[00:02:00] – Travel and mileage claims[00:03:00] – Subscriptions, tools, and working from home[00:04:00] – How the online claim works[00:05:00] – Evidence requirements[00:06:00] – Backdating claims[00:07:00] – Common mistakes to avoid[00:08:00] – Final thoughts and wrap-up Links Mentioned in This Episode 🔗HMRC Online Tax Relief Claim🔗I Hate Numbers Podcast🔗Xero Accounting Support Listen, Share, and Subscribe If this episode helped you understand how to claim tax relief online, share it with a colleague or friend. Subscribe to the I Hate Numbers podcast for more practical tax and finance insights. Until next time — plan it, do it, profit.

Social enterprises often get misunderstood. Some people think they are charities in disguise, while others assume they are not real businesses. In this episode of I Hate Numbers, we break down what social enterprises really are, how they operate, and how they successfully combine purpose with profit. We explore the most common UK social enterprise models, how they differ from charities and traditional companies, and what you should consider if you are thinking of starting, running, or advising one.What Is a Social Enterprise?A social enterprise is a business that exists to solve a social, environmental, or community problem while still making money. Profit is not the enemy. Instead, profits are reinvested to support the organisation’s mission rather than simply enriching shareholders. Unlike charities, social enterprises trade commercially. They sell goods and services, employ staff, pay taxes, and face the same commercial pressures as any other business.Social Enterprises vs CharitiesCharities usually rely on grants, donations, and fundraising. Social enterprises rely primarily on trading income. While charities focus on public benefit, social enterprises focus on sustainability through commercial activity. A charity is not automatically a social enterprise, and a social enterprise is not necessarily a charity. The structure you choose matters.Community Interest Companies (CICs)Community Interest Companies are one of the most popular social enterprise structures in the UK. They are designed for organisations that want to make profits but lock those profits and assets into community benefit.Key CIC FeaturesA clear community purpose must be demonstrated at registrationAn asset lock protects profits and assets for community useCan be limited by guarantee or by sharesMay pay limited dividends if structured correctlyCICs often sit between traditional companies and charities, making them a flexible and popular choice.Co-operatives and Community Benefit SocietiesCo-operatives operate on democratic principles. Members have equal voting rights, and profits are shared or reinvested for collective benefit. Community Benefit Societies are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and are often used for community shops, renewable energy projects, and local initiatives. They can raise funds through community shares and embed democracy into their structure.Can a Private Company Be a Social Enterprise?Yes, a standard limited company can operate as a social enterprise. However, without an asset lock or legal obligation, trust must be built through transparency and genuine reinvestment of profits. Where social impact is central, we usually recommend using a structure that legally protects the mission.Charitable Incorporated Organisations (CIOs)CIOs are charities with legal status and limited liability. They are regulated by the Charity Commission and can access tax reliefs such as Gift Aid and business rates relief. They take longer to set up and carry greater trustee responsibilities, but they suit organisations with purely charitable objectives.Choosing the Right StructureChoosing the right structure starts with your purpose. You should consider who you help, how you generate income, whether you need investment, and how much control or restriction you are comfortable with. In many cases, organisations start as CICs and later convert to charities once the model is proven.Key TakeawaysSocial enterprises are not soft or fluffy. They are commercial, disciplined, and impactful businesses. They create jobs, deliver services, and reinvest profits where they matter most. If blending purpose with profit matters to you, a social enterprise structure could be the right path.Episode Timecodes[00:00:00] – Introduction to social enterprises[00:01:31] – What defines a social enterprise[00:02:28] – Social enterprises vs charities[00:03:00] – Community Interest Companies (CICs)[00:05:00] – Co-operatives and community benefit societies[00:06:41] – Can private companies be social enterprises?[00:07:22] – CIOs and charitable structures[00:08:41] – How to choose the right model[00:09:45] – Final thoughts and next stepsListen & Take the Next Step🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts 📞 Book a Call to get help choosing the right structure and staying compliant 📺 Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more practical business insights 📘 Explore the I Hate Numbers book for clear, practical advice on tax and business Plan it. Do it. Profit.

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 explore four common bad business habits and, more importantly, what we can do to break them.These habits may feel helpful in the short term, especially when cash is tight or pressure is high. However, over time they can damage profitability, confidence, and long-term growth.Bad Habit One: The Pricing TrapUnderpricing is one of the most common traps business owners fall into, particularly in the early stages. Discounting heavily or working for less than your value often leads to burnout and poor cashflow.Sustainable businesses price for value, not fear. Getting pricing right allows us to grow, reinvest, and serve clients properly.Bad Habit Two: Doing Everything YourselfTrying to do everything alone may feel sensible at first, but it quickly becomes a growth blocker. Time spent on low-value tasks is time taken away from strategy, sales, and leadership.Delegation is not a loss of control. It is a deliberate decision to focus on what matters most in the business.Bad Habit Three: Always Choosing the Cheapest OptionChoosing based purely on price rather than value often leads to poor outcomes. Cheap solutions can result in wasted time, repeated work, and missed opportunities.The right support, systems, and advice pay for themselves over time.Bad Habit Four: Avoiding Financial AdviceAvoiding professional advice is a habit that quietly costs businesses money. Tax efficiency, cashflow planning, and structure are areas where expert guidance makes a real difference.Good advice is not an expense. It is an investment in clarity, confidence, and long-term success.Key TakeawaysBreaking bad habits starts with awareness. Small changes around pricing, delegation, decision-making, and financial support can significantly improve profitability and peace of mind.Listen & Take the Next Step🎧 Listen to the I Hate Numbers podcast for more practical business and tax insights.📺 Watch our videos on the I Hate Numbers YouTube channel.📘 Learn more with our book, I Hate Numbers, packed with practical advice on business, finance, and tax.📞 If you want personalised support, book a call with us and let’s see how we can help.Until next time, plan it, do it, and profit.

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 mindset, beliefs, and internal narrative influence decision-making, confidence, and long-term success. A strong mindset shapes behaviour, improves resilience, and supports better business performance.What This Episode CoversIn this episode, we look at how our thoughts and internal dialogue drive what we do. We discuss why improving business results is not only about numbers or strategy, but also about how we think about ourselves and our business journey.Fixed Mindset vs Growth MindsetWe explain two major mindset groups—those who believe their ability is fixed, and those who believe ability can develop through effort, coaching, and learning. One mindset restricts progress, and the other encourages improvement, possibility, and stronger results.Why Attitude Shapes BehaviourAttitude drives behaviour. If we believe a task is achievable, we are more likely to push through challenges. If we believe failure defines us, we retreat. We discuss how attitude influences motivation, problem-solving, and decision-making in everyday business operations.Business Confidence and BeliefHaving confidence in your skills improves communication, price-setting, delegation, and leadership. A negative attitude affects growth, sales, and customer interaction. This episode shows how reframing beliefs can boost performance and reduce anxiety.Emotions and Decision-MakingWe highlight how emotional states affect business management. Stress and uncertainty can lead to poor decisions or inactivity. Awareness helps build control and better outcomes.Seeing Obstacles as GrowthBusiness comes with setbacks. Mindset determines whether setbacks become learning opportunities or stopping points. A growth attitude promotes resilience and long-term success.Episode Timecodes[00:00:00] Introduction to business attitude and mindset[00:01:33] Why mindset matters more than you think[00:04:05] Fixed mindset vs growth mindset[00:06:50] Attitude and business behaviour[00:09:15] Practical steps to improve mindset[00:10:40] Final thoughtsFinal ThoughtsYour attitude is a key business asset. Changing mindset changes outcomes. Building belief, developing confidence, and working on internal dialogue will strengthen business results and improve resilience. We encourage business owners to reflect honestly on their own thinking habits and challenge limiting beliefs.Listen & SubscribeStay in control of your business journey and support your mindset growth. Listen weekly on Apple Podcasts and share this episode with someone who needs it. Listen & Subscribe on Apple PodcastsBook a CallIf you want guidance, business planning support, or mindset improvement strategies, book a call with us. Book a CallAdditional LinksI Hate Numbers YouTube ChannelBuy the I Hate Numbers BookPodcast Website