📌 In This Month’s News
As we move through the early part of the year, many businesses are still feeling the after-effects of January deadlines while trying to regain momentum. This month brings a mix of compliance reminders, planning opportunities, and a few changes that shouldn’t be ignored.
As always, our role at Jenners is to help you stay ahead of what’s coming, understand what actually matters, and keep everything practical without unnecessary stress.
🧾 Self Assessment: If You’ve Missed the Deadline
If your Self Assessment return hasn’t been filed yet, you’re not alone but it’s important to act quickly. Late filing penalties and interest can start to build, and HMRC are increasingly automated in their follow-ups.
If you’re behind, the best approach is to file as soon as possible and then deal with any tax owed proactively. Ignoring it rarely ends well.
💡 Jenners Tip / Action Point:
File first, worry about payment second. HMRC are far more flexible about payment plans than missed returns.
🏢 Companies House Identity Verification
Companies House identity checks for directors and people with significant control are now live. This is a compliance requirement designed to reduce fraud and improve transparency, but it does introduce an extra administrative step.
Once you have completed verification, you will be issued with a unique Companies House personal code. This code links your verified identity to your company records.
It’s important to understand that this code must be kept safe. Without it, agents and advisers including Jenners cannot submit certain Companies House filings or act on your behalf.
💡 Jenners Tip / Action Point:
Check now whether you need to verify and complete the process promptly. Once verified, store your personal code securely and share it with us when requested.
📌 Companies House Personal Code – Quick Explainer
What is it?
A unique personal code issued once you complete Companies House identity verification.
Why does it matter?
It links you to your company records. Without it, Jenners may be unable to submit or update Companies House information for you.
Who needs it?
All directors and people with significant control required to verify their identity.
What should you do with it?
- Keep it secure
- Don’t share it publicly
- Provide it to Jenners when requested
What happens if you lose it?
Recovery can cause delays and additional admin at critical filing times.
💡 Jenners Tip:
Treat your personal code like a digital ID it’s now part of your ongoing compliance.
📊 Cash Flow Check: A Good Time to Review
January and February are traditionally challenging months for cash flow, and we’re seeing many businesses feeling the pinch now rather than later in the year.
This is a good time to review upcoming tax liabilities, outstanding invoices, and whether drawings or expenses are still sustainable.
💡 Jenners Tip / Action Point:
If cash feels tight, look 90 days ahead not just at today’s bank balance. Visibility prevents pressure.
🧱 VAT & CIS: Common Issues We’re Seeing
We’re continuing to see avoidable issues around CIS deductions not being fully reclaimed, VAT returns being rushed or estimated, and personal and business spending being mixed.
These problems often start small but can escalate quickly once HMRC become involved.
💡 Jenners Tip / Action Point:
If your records aren’t ready, pause before filing. A short delay with advice is usually better than correcting mistakes later.
📅 Key Tax Dates for February 2026
| Date | What’s Due |
|---|---|
| 1 February | Corporation Tax due for companies with 30 April 2025 year-end |
| 7 February | VAT return & payment due for period ending 31 December (if applicable) |
| 14 February | Deadline to submit CIS monthly return (for period ending 5 February) |
| 19 February | CIS, PAYE & NICs due (postal payments) |
| 22 February | CIS, PAYE & NICs due (electronic payments) |
| 28 February | Corporation Tax returns due for companies with 28 February 2024 year-end |
💡 Jenners Tip / Action Point:
If more than one of these dates applies to you, a quick planning check now can prevent last-minute pressure.
❓ This Month’s Questions & Answers
Q. I’ve missed a tax deadline — should I wait until I can pay before filing?
A. No. Filing late increases penalties regardless of payment. File first, then explore payment options.
💡 Jenners Tip:
Early contact with HMRC almost always leads to better outcomes.
Q. Do all directors need to complete Companies House ID verification?
A. Yes. Directors and people with significant control must verify their identity, even if the company is small or inactive.
💡 Jenners Tip:
Put verification on your compliance checklist this is becoming business as usual.
Q. Can I estimate figures on my VAT return just to get it filed?
A. Estimates can create bigger problems later and often trigger HMRC queries.
💡 Jenners Tip:
If you’re unsure, ask before submitting it’s easier to get it right first time.
Final Jenners Reminder
💡 Jenners Tip:
Most tax problems aren’t caused by doing things wrong they’re caused by doing things too late. A short conversation now can save months of stress later.
If any of the points above raise questions, or if you’d like support reviewing your numbers or upcoming obligations, please get in touch with the Jenners team. We’re here to keep things clear, compliant, and manageable.
How Jenner’s Can Help
Keeping on top of your accounting and compliance responsibilities doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right support, you can stay organised, compliant and confident about your numbers.
If you have any questions about Companies House ID verification, Self Assessment, or February cash flow, please get in touch with the Jenner’s team.
Need personalised advice?
If any of this month’s topics affect you or your business, we’re here to help.
Contact our team at Jenners Tax & Business Advisers for tailored support and practical guidance.
Check out all of services pages today.
Call us on 01432 379988 or use the contact us page.
📞 01432 379988
🌐 www.jennersacc.co.uk