Author Archives: Chelle Thirsk

Back in July 1991 Chelle joined CGA and, today, as owner and Director, Chelle has helped shape CGA into a dynamic, paperless accountancy service that focuses on offering more: more ideas, more good advice, more care and attention. Responsible for the direction of CGA, Chelle brings an extra layer of consulting expertise across the challenges of running your own business and getting the balance and numbers right. Unofficially known as the ‘Head of Non-compliance’, Chelle can add pounds to your bottom line, over and above the more usual tax and accounting compliancy that comes as standard. Passionate about horse racing and Rugby Union, Chelle inhabits the Knavesmire and Twickenham, enjoys a good Zumba party and Fight Fit, as well as regular eye watering challenges ticked off her bucket list, including jumping out of planes, zorbing and aerial assault courses. If Chelle has to relax it’s with a good bottle of wine and and a thriller.

HMRC’s Got Their Binoculars Out – And They’re Pointed at Your Expenses

HMRC’s digital blitz is catching sloppy expense claims—get “wholly & exclusively” right, split mixed-use costs, keep records… or expect a costly nudge. ⚠️ Quick Heads-Up: HMRC’s new digital crackdown pulled in £27m last year by catching dodgy expense claims. They’re now going after sole traders, partners, and landlords who: Keep solid records, be consistent, and […]

FHL is over: no Business Asset Disposal Relief/roll-over, interest relief capped, pensions impacted — treat holiday lets like any other rental and get MTD-ready.

The Furnished Holiday Lettings (FHL) regime is gone. From 6 April 2025 (1 April for companies), short-stay lets are taxed like any other residential rental. The government’s policy and clarifications confirm four big shifts: interest relief capped at basic rate, no capital allowances on new spend (use “replacement of domestic items” instead), no CGT trader-style […]

Practical Steps for Executors: What Happens After Someone Dies (From Probate to Property Sales)

Being an executor is a responsibility, not a title. Here’s the plain-English sequence most estates follow in England & Wales (Scotland/NI similar, with different terminology). 1. First 48 hours 2. First 1–2 weeks 3. Valuations & the tax picture 4. Applying for probate (Grant of Probate / Letters of Administration) 5. Property sales — what […]

Life Insurance and Protection: Do You Have Enough Cover?

Life insurance is one of those things we all know we “should” sort out, but it’s easy to kick into the long grass. The trouble is, if it’s done wrong (or not at all), it can leave families with debts, delays, and — ironically — an even bigger Inheritance Tax bill. 1. The basics (and […]

Pensions and Death Benefits: What Happens When You Die?

For years, pensions were the golden goose of estate planning — outside of Inheritance Tax (IHT), flexible, and easy to pass on. But the landscape is shifting, and it’s an area where myths and half-truths abound. Where we are now (pre-2027): Where we’re heading (April 2027): When is a pension counted for IHT? The Halloween […]

Joint Tenancy vs Tenants in Common: Why the Difference Matters

You and your partner own a house together. The legal wording decides what happens when one of you dies. Joint tenants The survivor automatically inherits the whole property — even if your Will says otherwise. Tenants in common You each own a distinct share, which you can leave to whoever you like in your Will. […]