About Sarah Laing
Sarah has worked in tax for over 35 years. She worked for the former Inland Revenue in Newbury and Swindon Tax Offices before moving into practice, where she qualified as a CTA in 1995. She has worked for both small and Big 5 firms and has been writing professionally since joining CCH Editions in 1998 as a senior technical editor. She became publishing manager for the tax and accounting portfolio in 2001 and later went on to run CCH”s conferences and courses business.
Sarah has contributed to a range of highly regarded tax publications, including the CCH British Tax Reporter, Red & Green legislation; and Bloomsbury Professional’s Income Tax and Partnership Taxation Annuals. She also authored the former Wiley’s publication Tax for Dummies.
What Makes Sarah Tick?
Sarah is a firm believer that the policy and processes of the tax system should be simplified so that they are accessible for everyone.
CPD Courses
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Course
Employment Status for Tax
Employment status is very topical right now. HMRC have tightened the IR35 rules for off-payroll workers, and many tax cases are being heard by the tribunals and courts. Determining correct employment status is fundamental, but the rules are complex and there are severe consequences for getting it wrong.
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Course
2025-26 Update: UK Tax
With a new Government, major announcements in the Autumn Budget and Spring Statement, and the Finance Act 2025, this year brings significant tax changes for accountants to keep up with. -
Course
Payroll and PAYE
Revised and up to date for 2025/26. The rules for taking on employees are the same for every business. Strict compliance obligations apply to the PAYE regime, and there are severe penalties for getting it wrong. With a focus on IR35 and employment status, this course gives you everything you need to know about employment and payroll taxes. -
Course
Partnership Tax
Revised and up to date for 2024/25. Partnerships are a popular trading vehicle but the tax involved is complicated. This course covers partnership taxation in detail and highlights the many complexities to consider. -
Course
Expenses and Benefits
Revised and up to date for 2025/26. This course provides an overview of the tax rules relating to expenses and benefits. It also help you identify when employers can make tax- and NIC-free payments to employees and the obligations involved.
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Course
Making Tax Digital
Revised and up to date for 2025/26. This course helps you understand the Making Tax Digital project and the latest timelines for businesses and individuals, along with the key practicalities involved. -
Course
HMRC Enquiries and Investigations
Revised and up to date for 2025/26. Mistakes with HMRC enquiries and investigations can cost you more than just money. This course looks at how HMRC handle routine enquiries into self-assessment returns, through to full blown investigations into a taxpayer’s affairs.
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Course
Self-Assessment for Companies
Revised and up to date for 2025/26. All UK companies must submit a corporation tax self-assessment return to HMRC. This course provides essential guidance to help you stay compliant and file with confidence. -
Course
Self-Assessment for Individuals
Revised and up to date for 2025/26. Self-assessment for individuals affects a lot of people, and it is a hugely important area of taxation. This course provides a detailed overview and aims to give you a good understanding of how self-assessment works for individuals.