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Dean Shepherd CTA FMAAT, Chartered Tax Adviser, ~30 years experience

Dean Shepherd CTA FMAAT, Chartered Tax Adviser, ~30 years experience

I'm Dean Shepherd, a Chartered Tax Adviser (CTA) and Fellow of the AAT, with approaching 30 years in UK tax and accountancy.

I run ESXR, a deliberately small accountancy practice for established service-based businesses — from creative agencies to consultants — who want their finances handled properly by someone who genuinely has time for them.

Before going out on my own, I spent eight years in the tax software industry, shaping how the products actually worked and helping build the software your accountant uses every day. I also lecture on tax and speak at industry conferences, which keeps me at the front of the profession rather than catching up with it.

I write these articles to make tax and money a little less stressful: plain English, no jargon, grounded in what actually works for real businesses rather than textbook theory.

If something here raises a question about your own situation, I'm always happy to help — drop me a message, or book a chat.

Recent Articles

VAT for Interior Designers: What to do when you buy furniture for clients

If you’re an interior design studio that sources furniture and furnishings for clients, VAT can get messy fast. The key...

Top Ten Tax Tips for Creative Companies

Running a creative business means juggling big ideas, tight deadlines, and sometimes unpredictable income. Tax might...

What is a PAYE Settlement Agreement (PSA) — and When Should You Use One?

When you employ people, you’ll know that PAYE is the system for deducting tax and National Insurance from salaries. But...

How to Choose the Right Business Bank Account for Your Creative Business

When you’re starting or growing a creative business, your bank account might not be the first thing on your mind....

HMRC Error: Class 2 National Insurance Contributions and What It Means for You

If you’re self-employed and recently filed your Self Assessment, you may have noticed something strange on your tax...

Should Creative Freelancers Switch from Sole Trader to Limited Company to Avoid MTD for Income Tax?

If you’re a creative freelancer — maybe a designer, filmmaker, or content creator — you’ve probably heard whispers (or...

How a £10,000 Pension Contribution Can Boost Your Take-Home Pay (and Your Future Wealth)

If you earn a six-figure salary, it’s easy to think “an extra £10,000 is just more money in the bank.” But the UK tax...

Should You Switch to a Different Accountant? Here’s How to Decide

Changing accountants can feel like a big deal. After all, you’re trusting them with your business’s numbers, tax...

When Should Your Financial Year End? A Guide for Limited Companies and Sole Traders

Choosing your financial year end might not sound like the most exciting part of running a business but it can have a...

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