A new initiative between the National Association of Commercial Finance Brokers and the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers could improve access to finance for small businesses.

Contractor accountants may be interested to learn that HMRC’s grants programme has increased tax yields and led to more tax repayments.

Accountants may want to encourage their clients to take part in HMRC’s pilot of the real time information initiative.

I really must think about writing these jottings earlier in the week. I routinely find myself talking about things that have just happened rather than predicting what’s about to happen.

Contractor accountants may want to advise their clients that if they want to use the Liechtenstein Disclosure Facility to declare unpaid taxes they must provide proof that their connection with the country is meaningful.

Project Merlin was supposed to get the major banks lending more money to small businesses, but so far it is falling short of its target.

Contractor accountants may be interested in the latest plans to make UK personal taxation more transparent and easier to understand.

The National Audit Office has praised HMRC for persuading people to file their tax returns online, but says it is not clear whether the system provides value for money.

After a lot of study and reading all kinds of authoritative sources I think I’ve worked out a business idea that lets you build a multi-billion pound business over the course of a few years.

HMRC has warned online accountants not to get hit by unexpected charges if they’re doing their Christmas shopping abroad.

Contractors who own holiday homes abroad need to be aware that HMRC has set up a new team of tax investigators to look into possible tax avoidance. The Treasury hopes to net at least £500 million from this new initiative by 2014-15.

Accountants for contractors may be interested to learn that HMRC has launched a new taskforce to tackle tax evasion in the scrap metal industry.