I have just started my own business. Is it better to keep my books manually or on a computer.
It is very important to maintain books for the business but it really does not matter
whether these are kept manually or on a computer. But keep all documents relating to the business together.  Most start up businesses will maintain a cash book either manually or in Excel. The requiremnts for maintaining books escalates for limited companies and any business that is VAT registered.
If you need more advice, please call us.

Do I need a separate bank account for my business?
 If you have created a limited company, yes. If not, not necessarily although managing your books is much easier.

When are income tax returns due in?
If completing paper returns, by 31st October each year for the last tax year ending 5th April.
If completing on line, by 31st January each year.

When do I have to register for VAT?
When your sales for the next 12 months exceed £68,000 (correct for 2009) you need to register for VAT.  However you can voluntarily register for VAT even if your sales are below this figure if it would benefit you i.e. when you want to reclaim VAT on purchases.