How to recover, reset or create your HMRC government gateway login

Some business owners get frustrated and even upset at the thought of paying tax, and it’s easy to fall into the mindset of wanting to pay nothing at all (and then not saving anything for it!). Here are my thoughts on this, as someone who also has to pay tax:

From April 2026, HMRC is rolling out Making Tax Digital for Income Tax (MTD IT). If you’re self-employed or a landlord, this might affect you, so here’s a breakdown of what’s changing, who’s affected, and what you need to do. To check if you're included: Add up your self-employed and rental income (before expenses). This total is your "qualifying income". If the total is over £50,000, you’ll need to comply from April 2026, between £30,000 and £50,000, you’ll join from April 2

If you've not received any income or are running at a loss, still choosing to file a tax return could be save you tax in the long run.

Wondering if client gifts are tax-deductible? Find out what the rules are and how gifts can boost relationships and brand image!