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HMRC have launched a series of online, bite-sized video guides for new and small businesses.

The 10 videos, fronted by TV presenter Dan Snow, provide a helpful overview on a range of tax issues, including setting up in business, income tax for the self-employed, corporation tax and VAT. The videos also provide handy links to further online information and help.

The full list of web videos is as follows:

• setting up in business;
• income tax for the self employed;
• National Insurance;
• record keeping;
• employing other people;
• corporation tax;
• VAT;
• importing and exporting;
• business allowances; and
• the Construction Industry Scheme.

Announcing the launch of the series, presenter Dan Snow said "We've broken the information down into small video chunks, so that people can access exactly what they need to know. Hopefully this makes the new videos really useful for people and businesses."

In addition, HMRC is also following three people as they set up in business in a new video diary series called "The Start-up Diaries". It will follow three people - Ruth, Nick and Hannah - as they explain, in their own words, what it's like to go it alone. An introduction to the series, plus episode one of the diaries, is also available.

A free guide for new and small businesses has also been launched alongside the videos, entitled "Giving your business the best start with tax".

The videos and guide are all available to download free from the Business Link website at http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/taxhelp.

Episode 2 of the "Start-up Diaries" is scheduled for April 2009.