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
PAYE Tax
Under the Pay As You Earn (PAYE) system for employment tax and National Insurance it is generally the employer's responsibility to get contributions to HMRC right. This involves a series of compliance procedures and a severe penalty regime, so it pays to get it right first time!
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.
Payroll Reporting
This short course looks at some of the key payroll tasks that employers are required to carry out when they operate PAYE, including reporting the correct information about tax, National Insurance, expenses and benefits to HMRC.
Property Taxes
Revised and up to date for 2025/26. Property investment demands careful financial planning, given its high cost. This course equips you to provide expert guidance on UK property taxes, reliefs, and allowances.
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.
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.
UK Tax 2025: Business
Part of a series on 2025 UK Tax. This short course covers Corporation Tax, trading allowance, National Insurance Contributions, Employment Allowance, National Minimum Wage, mandatory payrolling and the abolition of the furnished holiday lettings regime.
UK Tax 2025: Personal
Part of a series on 2025 UK Tax. This short course will update you on Income Tax rates and thresholds, Marriage Allowance, the IR35 rules and latest case decisions, plus changes for non-UK domiciled individuals with the new four-year residence-based foreign income and gains regime.