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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

What Are Incidental Overnight Expenses – And Can You Claim Them Tax-Free?

If your creative work takes you away from home for a night or two – maybe you're filming on location, attending an...

DIY or Delegate? Why Creative Business Owners Shouldn’t Wing It with Their Finances

As a creative business owner, you're the ideas person. You’re the face of the brand, the visionary, and very often -...

Can You Claim Tax Relief on Training and Learning Costs? A Guide for Creative Businesses

Whether it’s a filmmaking masterclass, a marketing conference in London or a paid online course in animation, investing...

How Company Directors Can Pay Themselves Different Amounts Each Month (Without a Tax Headache)

If you run a limited company with one or more co-directors, chances are you’re not all contributing equally every...

Do I Pay Tax on a Grant or Bursary? A Guide for Creatives

If you’re in the creative industries - whether that’s music, theatre, film, design, photography or online content -...

Disbursements vs. Recharges: What Counts and What the Taxman Thinks

When you buy something on behalf of a client, can you just pass on the cost and forget about it? Or do you need to add...

How Much Is Too Much (or Too Little) to Pay Your Accountant?

When it comes to paying for professional advice, many business owners are left wondering: Am I paying too much for my...

Should I Buy an Electric Car Through My Limited Company?

Electric vehicles (EVs) are everywhere these days – from sleek Teslas to practical Polestars – and whilst the benefits...

Can You Claim Tax Relief on Business Trips? What You Need to Know

When it comes to business travel, the rules for claiming tax relief are strict. While genuine business trips are...

Made a Mistake on Your Tax Return? Here’s How to Fix It (and Avoid Extra Trouble)

Let’s be honest, tax returns can be fiddly things. With dozens of figures, forms and shifting rules, it’s no wonder...

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