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How to create a marketing plan for your small business - build a brand, target customers and set prices that will maximise sales.

The internet has transformed business marketing. No matter what you do, the internet is likely to be at the heart of your marketing strategy.

Social media is firmly established as a marketing tool. Having a presence opens up new lines of communication with existing and potential customers.

Good advertising puts the right marketing message in front of the right people at the right time, raising awareness of your business.

Customer care is at the heart of all successful companies. It can help you develop customer loyalty and improve relationships with your customers.

Sales bring in the money that enables your business to survive and grow. Your sales strategy will be driven by your sales objectives.

Market research exists to guide your business decisions by giving you insight into your market, competitors, products, marketing and your customers.

Exhibitions and events are valuable for businesses because they allow face-to-face communication and offer opportunities for networking.

Self-assessment: 5.7 million Brits yet to file their tax return

2 January 2024

HMRC is urging almost 5.7 million people to file their 2022/23 tax return as the 31 January self-assessment deadline approaches.

Self-assessment customers have less than one month to file their tax returns; the deadline to file a tax return for the 2022/23 tax year and pay any tax owed is 31 January 2024. HMRC is urging nearly 5.7 million customers to file their tax return for the 2022/23 tax year. Customers can submit their tax returns and pay any tax owed online at the government website.

HMRC data shows that almost 6.5 million customers have already submitted their self-assessment tax return, including 49,317 customers who used the New Year holiday to tackle their tax returns. HMRC reports that 25,593 customers filed their tax return on New Year's Eve and 23,724 customers filed theirs on New Year's Day.

"The clock is ticking for those customers yet to file their tax return. Don't put it off, kick start the new year by sorting your self-assessment. Go to GOV.UK and search 'Self Assessment' to get started start today." Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC director general for customer services.

HMRC provides a wide range of resources online to support customers in completing their tax return, including video tutorials on YouTube as well as advice and information on GOV.UK. The quickest and easiest way for customers to pay their tax bill is via HMRC's app which is free and secure. Information about the different ways to pay can be found on GOV.UK.

What to do if you can't afford to pay your tax bill

Customers who are unable to pay in full can get advice on GOV.UK. HMRC may be able to help by arranging an affordable payment plan - known as Time to Pay - for those who owe less than £30,000. Customers can arrange this themselves online.

HMRC will consider a customer's reasons for not being able to meet the deadline. Those who provide HMRC with a reasonable excuse may avoid a penalty. The penalties for late tax returns are:

  • An initial £100 fixed penalty, which applies even if there is no tax to pay, or if the tax due is paid on time;
  • After three months, additional daily penalties of £10 per day, up to a maximum of £900;
  • After six months, a further penalty of 5% of the tax due or £300, whichever is greater;
  • After 12 months, another 5% or £300 charge, whichever is greater.

There are additional penalties for late payment of fines and interest will also be charged on any tax paid late.

HMRC is warning customers to be aware of the risk of falling victim to scams and says they should never share their HMRC log-in details with anyone, including a tax agent. Phishing scams are common at this time of year; there's more information on phishing scams on the government website.

Written by Rachel Miller.

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