How a Pint and Some Bad Tax Advice Could Cost You Thousands 💸 (What to Do Instead)

Why Your Mate's Tax Advice from the Pub Might Cost You – And What to Do Instead"

We’ve all been there.

You’re at the pub, catching up with a mate, when the topic suddenly turns to… tax.

"You don’t need to declare that — HMRC never checks."

"Claim it all as ‘expenses’, mate. That’s what I do."

"Don’t bother with an accountant — it’s all online now anyway!"

😬 Sound familiar?

Here’s the deal: your friend probably means well — but they’re not a tax professional. And while their “tips” might sound tempting (especially after a drink or two), they could actually cost you far more than the price of a round.

1. Your Situation Is Unique — Google (and Gary from the pub) Doesn’t Know That

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to tax. Whether it’s your personal tax allowance, business expenses, or whether you even need to file a tax return, the answer depends on your circumstances.

Your friend might be:

• In a different income bracket

• Working in a totally different industry

• Misunderstanding what’s legal vs. “what they can get away with”

Spoiler alert: HMRC doesn’t accept “my mate told me” as a valid excuse.

2. Bad Advice = Big Consequences

Taking dodgy tax advice can lead to:

• Fines for underpayment

• Investigations that cost time and money

• Stress you really don’t need

And remember — HMRC can go back up to 20 years if they suspect deliberate avoidance. That’s a long time to have a “that one pub chat” hanging over you.

3) Speak to someone who understands tax and understands you.

A qualified accountant can:

• Help you claim what you’re actually entitled to

• Make sure you’re compliant and audit-proof

• Save you time, money, and sleepless nights

And if you're based in Durham, even better — we know the local landscape, regional grants, and common pitfalls specific to businesses and individuals right here.

The Bottom Line? Save the Pints for the Chat — and Leave the Tax to Us

Pubs are great for laughs, stories, and maybe even business ideas. But when it comes to tax advice, the safest — and smartest — move is to work with someone who knows their PAYE from their P11D.

• Your mate means well, but probably isn’t an accountant

• Bad tax advice can cost you dearly

• Your finances deserve personalised, professional support

We’re here to help — whether it’s April 5th or just a random Tuesday

Schedule a free consultation with The Tax Faculty today to see how our local team can offer you and your business a bespoke professional financial service that meets your needs.