Crystal Blog

You've decided to it's time to consider outsourcing your payroll which can be a pivotal decision for your business. It's not just about cost savings; it's about investing in peace of mind, accuracy, and efficiency. At Crystal HR & Payroll Ltd we understand that every penny counts, and we're here to ensure you get the […]

Thank you for clicking on the link.  We’ll keep this article short, so here goes…. What is RTI and how do you get a penalty? RTI stands for Real Time Information.  First introduced in April 2013 and is a way for employers to notify HM Revenue & Customs how much they owe in income tax, […]

Whether you missed a payment deadline due to oversight or unexpected circumstances, understanding how to appeal a late payment penalty can save you time and money. This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, providing tips to increase your chances of a successful appeal, along with our short video showing you the actual process. […]

Updated on September 18, 2024. For those seeking HR and Employment Advice, this post provides up-to-date information that can help you navigate the complexities of the workplace. Over time, we have received numerous inquiries from our clients about a comprehensive HR and Employment Advice Service tailored for larger employers. In response to this demand we're […]

Have you been asked to “get the contractor sorted”, but aren’t really sure what that means? If so, you’re not alone. For many businesses, contractors and subcontractors are part of day-to-day operations, but misusing these terms, or misunderstanding their meaning, can lead to expensive payroll errors, HMRC fines, and serious HR issues. We've put this […]

Mistakes in tax returns happen. Sometimes they’re genuine errors, sometimes it’s carelessness and sometimes HMRC believes the behaviour goes further. Whatever the cause, HMRC can apply penalties if inaccurate information leads to underpaid tax. This HMRC Penalties Guide explains how penalties work, what counts as an inaccuracy, the penalty ranges, how HMRC decides the penalty […]

Dashboard Contractors in the construction industry are often extremely busy. Projects, staff, suppliers and deadlines all compete for attention. Because of this, Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) administration is sometimes treated as a small monthly task. In reality, CIS involves several compliance steps that must be completed correctly. Mistakes can lead to HMRC penalties, incorrect deductions, […]

If you’re looking to grow your business, there is support available. But it doesn’t sit in one simple scheme anymore. Older programmes like Growth Vouchers have gone. In 2026, support is spread across multiple platforms and unless you know where to look, it’s easy to miss. This guide pulls together what’s actually available right now, […]

HMRC offers a range of free webinars designed to help small businesses stay on top of tax and compliance.  They’re simple to access, easy to follow, and cover many of the common areas where businesses need support. If you haven’t used them before, they’re well worth a look. What are HMRC webinars? HMRC webinars UK are […]

As an employer, you are responsible for operating National Insurance through payroll. This means deducting employee National Insurance contributions from wages and paying both the employee’s and the employer’s contributions to HMRC. National Insurance for employers is different from self-employed contributions. Employers deal with Class 1 National Insurance, which is calculated and reported each time […]

Got a lot of questions about tax, National Insurance, business records and expenses? Our articles will build your confidence by guiding you through everything you need to know to get started. There are useful tips from others who have been where you are now and practical case studies to help you along the way. We […]

Tribunal ruling links holiday pay to overtime An employment tribunal recently ruled in favour of an employee who argued that his holiday pay should reflect his overtime pay as well as his basic wages. The case has implications for how employers apply the rules under the Working Time Regulations and has moved the UK closer […]