SMALL businesses and the self-employed in Mid Devon can get free help with their accounts and Universal Tax Credits from a free workshop in Tiverton.

The workshop, which is being held at the Tiverton Enterprise Club on April 8, will provide practical advice, in a step by step guide that will be particularly helpful for new businesses.

Whether you need to know about how to keep records to receive the new Universal Tax Credits or just want a 'keep it simple' approach to book keeping - this workshop could be for you.

This simple approach to book keeping is suitable for new or established businesses and could help you to keep on top of your finances.

Petra Davies, Business Advisor at the BIP, said: “Sometimes being self-employed can mean being on a low income in the early stages.

“The cash-basis and simplified-expenses income tax accounting schemes are new voluntary processes that small firms can choose to use to account for income and expenses under tax self-assessment - the first steps in reducing red tape for small businesses.

“If you are already self-employed, you may currently claim Housing Benefit, Tax Credits or other benefits to suit you. Universal Tax Credits are being introduced to replace existing benefits and will require that you keep records to enable you to declare your income to Job Centre Plus on a monthly basis in order to receive your Tax Credits.”

The event is being organised by the BIP, who have been providing practical business support for over 20 years, and supported by Mid Devon District Council.