Households using prepayment meters have been urged to claim bills support vouchers by the end of the month to avoid missing out. Electricity suppliers, charities and consumer groups are joining forces with a call to arms to make sure households with traditional prepayment meters avoid missing out on £400 worth of help with their bills...

Low-income families will have more money in their pockets from the end of the month as part of the biggest ever expansion of childcare provision. The maximum Universal Credit childcare payments will rise almost 50 per cent from June 28, going up to £1,630 a month. The Government’s plans to increase childcare provision will allow...

1 June 2023 – Due date for corporation tax due for the year ended 31 August 2022. 19 June 2023 – PAYE and NIC deductions due for month ended 5 June 2023. (If you pay your tax electronically the due date is 22 June 2023). 19 June 2023 – Filing deadline for the CIS300 monthly...

The transfer of a business as a going concern (TOGC) rules concern the VAT liability on the sale of a business. Normally the sale of the assets of a VAT registered or VAT registerable business will be subject to VAT at the appropriate rate. Where the sale of a business includes assets and meets certain...

The Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) met on 10 May 2023 and voted 7-2 in favour of raising interest rates by 25 basis points to 4.5% in a move to try and continue to tackle continued inflation. This is the twelfth consecutive time that the MPC has increased interest rates with rates now...

A new law that stops employers from withholding tips from people working in the hospitality, leisure and services sectors has come into force. The Employment (Allocation of Tips) Act 2023 received Royal Assent on 2 May 2023. The Bill makes it unlawful for businesses to hold back service charges from their employees, ensuring staff receive...

The government has announced a number of new measures to help millions of people boost their future savings. One of these measures is a simplification of the Help to Save scheme. The Help to Save scheme was launched by the government in September 2018 to help those on low incomes to boost their savings. Under...

Homeowners who make their properties more energy efficient could see their mortgage rate cut under a new government-backed pilot. More than £4m has been awarded to green finance projects to support those who want to make environmentally friendly changes to their property. Perenna Bank will receive more than £193,000 in government funding to help develop...

Taxpayers are missing the chance to claim for work-related expenses – and many of those who do, fail to receive a full refund by using agents. Now HMRC has stepped in to remind workers that they can make their own claims directly through GOV.UK. More than 800,000 taxpayers claimed tax refunds for work expenses during...

For small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), effective financial management is vital for success in a competitive business landscape. Harnessing the power of management accounting, coupled with cloud accounting software, can provide SMEs with powerful tools to enhance decision-making, streamline processes and fuel growth. Enhanced decision-making Management accounting provides SMEs with real-time, accurate financial information and...

Families looking for support during the cost-of-living crisis will be reassured by action being taken to help control the price of road fuel and groceries. While many of the factors driving price increases are not competition related, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has a vital role to play in giving consumers assurance that competition...

Factories producing some of the country’s best-known beers, cereals, soft drinks and cars will receive government support to reduce their energy costs and cut carbon emissions. Heineken, Kellogg’s, Toyota and Britvic are among businesses across the UK to be awarded a share of £24.3 million government funding to help clean up their manufacturing processes and...

Millions of pounds of taxpayers’ money have been saved as the Government clamps down further on benefit fraud. With a fresh determination to drive down fraud and errors in the benefit system, the overpayment rate has decreased by £400 million over the past 12 months. The latest national statistics confirm that in the past year...

Low earners will benefit from plans introduced in a raft of tax changes to help them boost their savings. The Government has published 23 technical tax updates, many of which simplify and modernise the tax system. Among the changes is a reform to the Help to Save scheme, introduced for working people on low incomes...

Millions of hospitality workers can look forward to seeing extra pounds in their pockets with the passing of a new Tipping Bill. More than two million workers will have their tips protected and be able to view an employer’s tipping record. An estimated £200 million a year will go to staff as they retain the...

Energy intensive businesses can benefit from new support under the Government’s latest move to support industry. Some companies using high amounts of energy could see their bills slashed by as much as 20 per cent off predicted wholesale prices. Minister for Energy Consumers and Affordability Amanda Solloway said: “We are beginning to see light at...

New legislation has been introduced to put an end to online fake reviews and subscription traps that costs more than £1bn a year. The measures will help ensure businesses and consumers are protected from rip-offs and can reap the full benefits of the digital economy with confidence. Businesses that breach consumer rights will come under...

1 May 2023 – Due date for corporation tax due for the year ended 30 July 2022. 19 May 2023 – PAYE and NIC deductions due for month ended 5 May 2023. (If you pay your tax electronically the due date is 22 May 2023). 19 May 2023 – Filing deadline for the CIS300 monthly...

The new pension tax reforms that were announced in the recent Spring Budget took effect from 6 April 2023. The old £40,000 cap on annual pension contributions has been increased by 50% to £60,000, with effect from 6 April 2023. Tax relief for contributions to pension schemes is given at a taxpayer’s marginal rate of...

Scotland’s new First Minister Humza Yousaf has announced a new £15 million investment to help tackle child poverty. This investment will see thousands more low-income families benefit from free school age childcare. Existing services for eligible families in areas of Dundee, Clackmannanshire, Glasgow and Inverclyde will be expanded, with new services set up in other...

If you earn over £100,000 in any tax year your personal allowance is gradually reduced by £1 for every £2 of adjusted net income over £100,000 irrespective of age. This means that any taxable receipt that boosts your income over £100,000 will result in a reduction in personal tax allowances. Accordingly, your personal Income Tax...

The annual exempt amount applicable to Capital Gains Tax (CGT) has been reduced to £6,000 (from £12,300) for the new 2023-24 tax year. CGT is normally charged at a simple flat rate of 20% and this applies to most chargeable gains made by individuals. If taxpayers only pay basic rate tax and make a small...

From time to time, it feels good as a boss to be able to treat your team, whether it’s someone’s birthday or as a get-well gift. But there are rules to be followed to prevent you getting in trouble with the taxman. Trivial benefits are small gifts or perks given to employees that are exempt...

Taxes are one of the certainties of life, according to Benjamin Franklin, and if you are in business it pays to know for which taxes you are liable. Understanding the taxes that your business is required to pay can help you plan and budget accordingly. There are several types of taxes that businesses may be...

As a business owner, it’s important to have a good relationship with your accountant. We can provide valuable insights into your business finances and help you make informed decisions that can improve your bottom line. However, it can be challenging to know what questions to ask, so here’s your starter for 10. How can you...

Households using alternative fuels will be able to access more financial support after the Government expanded its energy bills initiative. Those whose heating comes from heating oil, LPG, biomass and other alternative fuels will receive £200 after a three-month extension was announced. Energy Security Secretary Grant Shapps has increased the period of time that applicants...

The start of the new tax year brings with it the opportunity for businesses to take advantage of the Chancellor’s capital allowances package. A new regime has been introduced to boost investment and spur UK growth, with a £27 billion cut to corporation tax, via Jeremy Hunt’s new full expensing policy, expected to boost investment...

Fears that the State Pension age (SPa) could rise to 70 have been allayed – for now – as the Government announced it plans to stick to the current timetable for increases. A further review into the age at which a state pension can be claimed will be carried out in the next Parliament, but...

The Monetary Policy Committee decided last month to increase the Bank of England (BoE) base rate to 4.25% from 4% and HMRC has followed with an announcement to increase the interest charged on late payment and repayment. When will this happen? As HMRC interest rates are linked to the BoE base rate, these changes will...

1 April 2023 – Due date for Corporation Tax due for the year ended 30 June 2022. 19 April 2023 – PAYE and NIC deductions due for month ended 5 April 2023. (If you pay your tax electronically the due date is 22 April 2023). 19 April 2023 – Filing deadline for the CIS300 monthly...

There is a significant amount of information about companies that can be obtained from Companies House. Companies House is responsible for incorporating and dissolving limited companies, examining and storing company information and making company information available to the public. Much of this information is freely available. This is in line with the government’s commitment to...

The first monthly returns and payments affected by HMRC’s new VAT penalty regime were due by 7 March 2023. The new VAT penalty rules apply to the late submission and / or late payments of VAT returns for VAT return periods beginning on or after 1 January 2023. Under the new regime, there are separate...

In some circumstances it can be beneficial to make voluntary National Insurance Contributions (NICs) to increase your entitlement to benefits, including the State or New State Pension. Usually, HMRC allow you to pay voluntary contributions for the past 6 tax years. The deadline is 5 April each year. However, there is currently an opportunity for...

The government published the Spring Finance Bill 2023 on 23 March 2023. The Bill is officially known as the Finance (No 2) Bill, because it is the second Finance Bill of the 2022–23 Parliamentary session. The Bill contains the legislation for many of the tax measures announced in the recent Spring Budget as well as...

The challenge of increasing energy costs for UK businesses is a significant concern, particularly in the context of ongoing efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and tackle climate change. The current Chancellor, Jeremy Hunt, pledged in his November statement that the government would continue to support those businesses that need it the most. However, the...

Steps have been taken to simplify VAT guidance for overseas sellers that sell goods online into the United Kingdom to help reduce the tax gap. The guidance published by HMRC, Selling goods using an online marketplace or direct to customers in the UK, has also been translated into simplified Mandarin to support sellers exporting goods...

The biting cost of living crisis and yet another rise in interest rates means families need all the financial help they can get. With the Easter school holidays nearly here, HMRC is reminding mums and dads not to miss out on Government help to pay for childcare to help lift some of the burden. Tax-Free...

As a new tax year approaches, business owners need to prepare their payroll and ensure compliance with the latest tax laws and regulations. April is also an excellent time for businesses to review their financial situation, identify areas for improvement, and plan ahead. Here are some essential tasks for the start of the new tax...

A £27 billion tax cut for business to drive investment and growth featured among the headlines of Jeremy Hunt’s Spring Budget. A ‘full expensing’ policy introduced from 1 April 2023 until 31 March 2026 and an extension to the 50 per cent first-year allowance in the same period is a transformation in capital allowances which...

As expected, the Chancellor, Jeremy Hunt, resisted pressure to reduce taxes in any significant way, and the majority of his announced changes were already in the public domain. According to the Chancellor, the UK economy is on track to grow in the coming year with inflation halving. We have listed any new variations in the...

Retirement may be a long way off, but when it does come time to leave your business, you want to ensure it is in the best shape it can be. And that requires some forward planning. What is an exit strategy? As a business owner in the UK, it's essential to have a plan for...

Starting up your own business may be the dream, but is it right for you? We look at some of the pros and cons of going it alone. Making a change Self-employment and traditional employment have their benefits and drawbacks. Choosing between them requires careful consideration of individual circumstances and preferences, including financial implications. Taxation...

There are a number of reasons why you may look to close your limited company. This could be because the limited company structure no longer suits your needs, your business is no longer active, or the company is insolvent. You will usually need the agreement of all the company’s directors and shareholders to close down...

The changes to VAT penalties from 1 January 2023 will affect everyone who submits VAT returns, including nil or repayment return. The default surcharge regime has been replaced by a new penalty system with different penalties for late submission of VAT returns and late payment of VAT. It’s also changing the way interest is calculated...

1 March 2023 – Due date for Corporation Tax due for the year ended 31 May 2022. 2 March 2023 – Self-Assessment tax for 2021-22 paid after this date will incur a 5% surcharge unless liabilities are cleared by 1 April 2023, or an agreement has been reached with HMRC under their time to pay...

National Insurance credits can help qualifying applicants to fill gaps in their National Insurance record. This can assist taxpayers to build up the number of qualifying years of National Insurance contributions which can increase the amount of benefits a person is entitled to, such as the State Pension. This could happen if someone was: employed...

The Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) met on 2 February 2023 and voted 6-3 in favour of raising interest rates by 50 basis points to 4% in a move to try and continue to tackle upward pressures on inflation. This is the tenth time in a row that the MPC has increased interest...

The annual exempt amount applicable to Capital Gains Tax (CGT) is to be more than halved from April 2023. This means that the exempt amount will be reduced from £12,300 to £6,000 from April 2023 before being further reduced to £3,000 from April 2024. Taxpayers with small gains should consider the benefits of crystalising these...

If you’re married or in a civil partnership, you could be one of the 2.1 million couples currently benefiting from Marriage Allowance. Understanding Marriage Allowance It is a tax benefit that is available to married couples and civil partners in the UK. The allowance allows for a portion of one partner's unused personal allowance to...

Running your own business can incur a number of costs, not least renting premises. But if you are a sole trader you may prefer to work from home. It’s convenient, there’s no commute and you’re on hand if extra childcare is needed. Plus, there is the bonus of saving costs. But did you know there...

Businesses are being urged to take advantage of the 130 per cent super-deduction tax relief before its March deadline. Introduced during the pandemic, super-deduction was designed to help organisations continue to invest through the difficult times. But from March 31, the support will draw to a close. What is super-deduction? Super-deduction is a tax incentive...

Businesses are being urged to take advantage of the 130 per cent super-deduction tax relief before its March deadline. Introduced during the pandemic, super-deduction was designed to help organisations continue to invest through the difficult times. But from March 31, the support will draw to a close. What is super-deduction? Super-deduction is a tax incentive...

Struggling households are receiving payments into their bank accounts to help them with the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. More than eight million families on means-tested benefits will automatically receive £301 with a further 6.5 million on disability payments due to receive £150 in the summer. Work and Pensions Secretary, Mel Stride said: “These direct payments will...

The pound in your pocket could become digital as the Bank of England starts a consultation on the future of currency. Together with the Treasury, the Bank has launched research into what a central bank digital currency (CBDC) would look like and will be looking for views from the public. Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy...

Looking for childcare for the February half-term? Don’t forget you can save up to £2,000 a year with Government support. Families are being reminded that opening a Tax-Free Childcare account can help their bank balance if they have children aged 11 or under – or 16 if their child has a disability – if they...

A noodle shop in Hertfordshire is the 100,000th recipient of support from the Government’s Start Up Loans programme. More than £940m has been handed out to small businesses since the programme was launched in 2012. Business Minister Kevin Hollinrake said: “We know how important small businesses are to our communities, creating jobs, growth and opportunities...

Have you checked the details held on your property ahead of a UK-wide re-evaluation of non-domestic rates in just two months? If the answer is ‘no’, we would strongly advise that you put it on your to-do list. A new non-domestic rating list comes into effect on 1 April after the 2017 list closes. If...

1 February 2023 – Due date for corporation tax payable for the year ended 30 April 2022. 19 February 2023 – PAYE and NIC deductions due for month ended 5 February 2023. (If you pay your tax electronically the due date is 22 February 2023) 19 February 2023 – Filing deadline for the CIS300 monthly...

There are a multitude of rules and regulations that you must be aware of when you employ someone from abroad who is coming to work in the UK. HMRC’s guidance (entitled New employee coming to work from abroad) sets out some important issues to be aware of when taking on a new employee from abroad...

The taxable turnover threshold, that determines whether businesses should be registered for VAT, is currently £85,000. The taxable turnover threshold that determines whether businesses can apply for deregistration is £83,000. It was confirmed as part of the Autumn Statement 2022 measures that the taxable turnover registration and deregistration thresholds will be frozen at the current...

Under current rules, you can claim tax relief for your private pension contributions. The annual allowance for tax relief on pensions is £40,000 for the current tax year. There is a three year carry forward rule that allows you to carry forward any unused amount of your annual allowance from the last three tax years...

The Corporation Tax main rate will increase to 25% from 1 April 2023 for companies with profits over £250,000. A Small Profits Rate (SPR) of 19% will also be introduced from the same date for companies with profits of up to £50,000 – ensuring these companies pay Corporation Tax at the same rate as currently...

The start of a new year is the peak time for jobseekers, but that also means that scammers crawl out of the woodwork to exploit unwitting victims. If you are looking around for a new job, there are a number of red flags you should be aware of. The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) is...

Cheaper motoring is heading down the road with the announcement of a new scheme for smart charging of electric vehicles. The Electric Vehicle Smart Charging Action Plan, published by the Government and Ofgem, sets out steps being taken to seize on the significant potential of smart charging and make it the preferred method of long...

It’s a sad fact of life that scammers love to take advantage of vulnerable people, but there are steps you can take to protect yourself. Making yourself and your loved ones aware of the tactics used by criminals is the first step to staying safe. Consumer champions Which? have helpfully put together a guide to...

New energy bills support will give businesses a boost when it is introduced later this year. A new energy scheme for businesses, charities and the public sector has been confirmed ahead of the current scheme ending in March. The new plan will mean all eligible UK businesses and other non-domestic energy users will receive a...

New legislation from HMRC that changes the way repayment agents are paid will better safeguard taxpayers and improve standards in the sector. The way taxpayers who use a repayment agent can receive overpaid tax will be adjusted to protect them and raise standards among repayment agents. Angela MacDonald, HMRC’s Deputy Chief Executive and Second Permanent...

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has made his new year pledges, including halving inflation and growing the economy. He listed his five immediate priorities when he gave his first speech of 2023, asking the public to judge him on the results. Not surprisingly, critics are, however, suggesting that the PM’s pledges are a little vague –...

Millions of families will be starting the new year with the welcome news they will be receiving cost-of-living support. The lowest-income households across the UK will get up to £1,350 from the Government in 2023/4 to help with rising costs across energy and food bills. The new cost-of-living support will be paid from spring, following...

Looking to get on the property ladder this year? A government support scheme has been extended until the end of the year, The Mortgage Guarantee Scheme, which has already helped 24,000 first-time buyers, will now run an extra 12 months, giving you more time to take advantage. The scheme, which was launched in April 2021...

If you’re self-employed and have been worried about the approaching 2024 deadline for transitioning to Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax Self Assessment (ITSA), you can relax. The Government has made the decision to phase in the mandatory use of software from April 2026, two whole years after the original date. Victoria Atkins, Financial...

1 January 2023 – Due date for Corporation Tax due for the year ended 31 March 2022. 19 January 2023 – PAYE and NIC deductions due for month ended 5 January 2023. (If you pay your tax electronically the due date is 22 January 2023). 19 January 2023 – Filing deadline for the CIS300 monthly...

The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Jeremy Hunt has confirmed, in a written statement, that the next UK Budget will take place on Wednesday, 15 March 2023. This will technically be the Chancellor’s first Budget although his Autumn Statement to the House of Commons on 17 November 2022 included many announcements more typically seen in a...

Last year over 12.5 million taxpayers were required to complete a Self-Assessment tax return but over 2.3 million taxpayers missed the 31 January deadline. The deadline for submitting your 2021-22 Self-Assessment tax returns online is 31 January 2023. You should also be aware that payment of any tax due should also be made by this...

The vehicle benefit charges for 2023-24 have been announced. Where employees are provided with fuel for their own private use by their employers, the car fuel benefit charge is also applicable. The fuel benefit charge is determined by reference to the CO2 rating of the car, applied to a fixed amount. The car fuel benefit...

The Chancellor, Jeremy Hunt, recently hosted a meeting at 11 Downing Street to discuss what help may be available to support homeowners who encounter problems paying their mortgage. The meeting was attended by leaders of the UK’s major mortgage lenders, the Chair of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), and Martin Lewis of Money Saving Expert...

Time is running out to claim the super-deduction offering 130% first-year tax relief. The deduction is available to companies until March 2023. The super-deduction was designed to help incorporated businesses finance expansion after the coronavirus pandemic and to help drive growth. The super-deduction tax break was introduced on 1 April 2021 and allows businesses to...

Be prepared to pay more on your late payments after the Bank of England increased the base rate to 3.5 per cent from 3 per cent. The ninth increase of 2022 was deemed necessary to help bring inflation down. The decision has a knock-on effect on HMRC interest rates that are linked to the Bank...

Looking forward to that well-earned Christmas break? As you tick off the jobs ahead of the big day, don’t forget to think about your Self Assessment while you’re busy ordering the turkey and putting up the tree. If you complete your tax return ahead of the 25th, you’ll be able to enjoy Christmas knowing that’s...

A clampdown on fraudsters and benefits cheats has saved more than £400m of taxpayers’ cash. New figures published by the Cabinet Office have revealed that cutting-edge data matching software has been used to weed out the cheaters. The National Fraud Initiative enables organisations to use data and match records so they can pick up where...

Money-saving expert Martin Lewis has advised those struggling with mortgage payments to speak to their lenders as they announced plans to support customers during the cost-of-living crisis. Rising costs and interest rates across the economy are a major cause of concern for consumers in many areas, and the Government understands that mortgage borrowers may be...

The Government has launched a campaign to raise awareness of cut-price social tariffs for broadband and mobile users after figures revealed less than a third of eligible customers had taken advantage. The UK’s biggest broadband and mobile operators made commitments in the summer to support customers struggling with the cost of living, introducing tariffs starting...

Millions of pounds of Government cash are being invested in training opportunities for green energy workers. Thousands of courses will be rolled out across England to grow a skilled workforce of heat pump and energy efficiency installers, as the Government announces winners of the Home Decarbonisation Skills Training competition. Shining a light on the huge...

1 December 2022 – Due date for Corporation Tax payable for the year ended 28 February 2022. 19 December 2022 – PAYE and NIC deductions due for month ended 5 December 2022. (If you pay your tax electronically the due date is 22 December 2022). 19 December 2022 – Filing deadline for the CIS300 monthly...

Employers will need to update their systems to reflect the changes in the National Living and Minimum Wage rates from 1 April 2023. They are: Increasing the National Living Wage for those aged 23 and over by 9.7% to £10.42 an hour; Increasing the rate for 21–22-year-olds by 10.9% to £10.18 an hour; Increasing the...

Changes to these support payments were announced in the Autumn Statement last month. They include:   State Pension – will increase in line with inflation. Cost of living payments – the government will provide households on means-tested benefits with an additional £900 Cost of Living payment in 2023-24. Pensioner households will receive an additional £300...

Readers may have noted that the Chancellor announced a significant reduction in the annual Capital Gains Tax allowance, currently £12,300, from April 2023.   It is reducing to £6,000 from April 2023 with a further reduction to £3,000 from April 2024.   Taxpayers who are contemplating the disposal of a chargeable asset next year, which...

What is fiscal drag? The Oxford dictionary defines it as: ‘The deflationary effects of a progressive taxation system on a country’s economy. As wages rise, a higher proportion of income is paid in tax’ The recent comments made by the Chancellor in the Autumn Statement, froze most Income Tax allowance and rates at current levels...

This year, 10 of the UK’s largest seasonal employers are expected to hire 234,700 Christmas workers – up 74 per cent on 2021. This growth is largely being driven by the likes of Amazon but businesses of all shapes and sizes throughout the land are currently advertising for extra help to cover the busy festive...

This month’s Autumn Statement has led to an onslaught of headlines featuring the phrase ‘fiscal drag’. Sometimes referred to as a ‘stealth tax’ the term doesn’t normally move beyond the Westminster bubble or the financial pages so why is it currently causing so much of a stir? To understand why commentators are getting so animated...

More than 27 million households across Great Britain have been given their first £66 payment towards their energy bills. The Government’s Energy Bills Support Scheme (EBSS) has already handed out £1.8 billion in payments to 9 per cent of eligible households in England, Scotland and Wales in its first month. This is the first payment...

Low-paid workers were given a welcome boost in Jeremy Hunt’s Autumn Statement with the announcement that the National Living Wage (NLW) would rise by almost 10 per cent. From April 1 2023, the NLW will go up by 92p to £10.42, an increase of 9.7 per cent, to go some way to protecting the poorest...

The new Chancellor of the Exchequer, Jeremy Hunt, has delivered his Autumn Statement to the House of Commons against a backdrop of a worsening cost of living crisis and with confirmation from the Office for Budget Responsibility OBR that the UK has now entered into a recession. The OBR has stated that the economy is...

Receiving a big tax bill can be overwhelming and can create an even bigger problem – how to pay it. To help provide a solution and ease the financial burden, HMRC offers the Time to Pay scheme, enabling Self Assessment customers to set up a payment plan to spread the cost. Since 6 April this...

Are you a sole trader or partnership? Do you use an accounting date between 6 April and 30 March? If you answered ‘yes’ to both questions, you need to be prepared for a change coming from HMRC in the way it assesses your profits. From 6 April 2024 you will be assessed on your profits...

Green investment can help future-proof the UK economy, but we need to ‘act fast and act now’. Those were the words of Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch when she spoke at a landmark trade event in the North East of England. Speaking to an audience of global investors and executives at the Green Trade and Investment...

The clock is ticking down to complete Self Assessment tax returns with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) reminding customers not to forget to include a very important payment. More than 2.9 million people claimed at least one Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) payment up to 5 April 2022. These grants are taxable and should be...

Business owners who are minded to celebrate the forthcoming Christmas break with their staff are reminded that there is a tax-free allowance for the provision of an annual party or other event for the benefit of staff and their partners. The present limit to tax relief is £150 per head. If this amount is exceeded...

Brexit. COVID-19. Cost of living. Energy prices. Number 10. Bank rates. Economic freefall. It’s fair to say businesses have faced an unprecedented number of challenges over the past two years and if you’ve felt like curling up under a blanket until it’s all gone away, then you are not alone. But there is an increasing...

1 November 2022 – Due date for Corporation Tax due for the year ended 31 January 2022. 19 November 2022 – PAYE and NIC deductions due for month ended 5 November 2022. (If you pay your tax electronically the due date is 22 November 2022.) 19 November 2022 – Filing deadline for the CIS300 monthly...

Criminals claiming to be from HMRC have targeted individuals by email, text and phone with their communications ranging from offering bogus tax rebates to threatening arrest for tax evasion. Contacts like these should sound alarm bells – HMRC would never call threatening arrest. Anyone contacted by someone claiming to be from HMRC in a way...

The way businesses register for VAT changed on 1 August 2022. A new VAT Registration Service (VRS) has been created to manage the process.  One of the key features of the new VRS is that every business will be automatically signed up to Making Tax Digital (MTD) VAT as part of registration. This removes the...

The tax reductions set out in the Kwarteng/Truss mini-budget of 22 September 2022 have been scrapped, apart from the cancellation of the NIC increase for 2022-23, the withdrawal of the Healthcare Levy from April 2023, the changes to Stamp Duty Land Tax and the increase in the Annual Investment Allowance. As we are presented with...

A rising number of businesses are failing as the Government’s pandemic support is withdrawn and banks push their credit score limits higher making it harder to borrow. The Office for National Statistics has reported that there were 5,600 registered company insolvencies from April to June this year, a 13 per cent increase from the first...

Homeowners looking to introduce energy efficiency measures into their homes will soon be able to take advantage of new green finance products. The Government has launched a fund to boost the choice of affordable products for homeowners to help them reduce energy consumption. Ministers are keen to scale up the green finance market and provide...

As families struggle to manage household finances with the cost-of-living crisis, parents are being reminded that there is cash available to help towards childcare costs. Up to £2,000 a year is available to help pay for half-term holiday clubs and wraparound care during school terms. Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, said: “Tax-Free...

Tens of thousands of pounds is sitting in bank accounts unclaimed by teenagers who may not even know it exists. The cash is from matured Child Trust Funds savings, a scheme set up for every child born between 1 September 2002 and 2 January 2011. To encourage future saving and start the account, the Government...

Beware of fraudsters if you are starting to think about completing your annual tax returns. Self-Assessment customers have become a target for unscrupulous criminals, with some threatening arrest and others promising a sizeable rebate. In the 12 months to August 2022, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) responded to more than 180,000 referrals of suspicious contact...

Around 40,000 businesses are now exempt from reporting requirements as the Prime Minister unveils a new plan to boost productivity. Liz Truss has announced that thousands of the UK’s fastest-growing businesses will be released from existing requirements and other regulations. Currently, small businesses are presumed to be exempt from certain regulations. However, many medium-sized businesses...

Time is fast running out for VAT-registered businesses to be ready for Making Tax Digital filing. From the start of next month, organisations will no longer be able to submit VAT returns through their existing online account. By law, all VAT-registered businesses must sign up to Making Tax Digital (MTD) and use compatible software to...

Anyone planning to complete a tax return for 2021-22 must notify HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) by Wednesday. Before customers can complete their first tax return, they need to register with HMRC to receive their Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) which they need to file a return. The tax return deadline for the 2021 to 2022...

1 October 2022 – Due date for Corporation Tax due for the year ended 31 December 2021. 19 October 2022 – PAYE and NIC deductions due for month ended 5 October 2022. (If you pay your tax electronically the due date is 22 October 2022.) 19 October 2022 – Filing deadline for the CIS300 monthly...

Make sure your payment will reach HMRC’s bank account by the payment deadline. You may have to pay a surcharge if you do not pay on time. If you are not sure of the actual payment deadline you can use the VAT payment deadline calculator to work out how much time to allow. To make...

Although finance costs, predominantly loan interest, are now disallowed as an expense that can be utilised to reduce taxable rental income, these charges do qualify for a tax credit limited to 20% basic rate Income Tax. For example, if your loan/mortgage interest amounts to £10,000 this cannot be used to reduce your rental income. It...

If you were born on or before 25 September 1956 you could receive between £250 and £600 to help you pay your heating bills. This is known as a ‘Winter Fuel Payment’. The amount you receive will include a ‘Pensioner Cost of Living Payment’. This is between £150 and £300. You will only get this...

More new businesses are going to be able to take advantage of an £884 million loan scheme after the Business Secretary expanded its eligibility. Start-ups that have been trading for up to three years will now be able to apply for loans of up to £25,000 and second loans will be available to businesses up...

New Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng found himself firmly in the spotlight as he delivered a mini-Budget that saw the pound crashing to a new 37-year low. The winners and losers were left to reflect on the announcements as the Chancellor delivered a package of tax cuts worth £45 billion in an attempt to boost the UK’s...

Businesses have been given a helping hand by the Government to cope with the dramatic rise in energy prices as a new winter of discontent looms. Through a new Energy Bill Relief Scheme, the Government will provide a discount on wholesale gas and electricity prices for all non-domestic customers (including all UK businesses, the voluntary...

A summary of the main tax changes that will impact the liability of individuals and business owners from April 2023 are: • A reduction in the Income Tax basic rate from 20% to 19%. • The abolition of the 45% additional Income Tax rate. • The cancellation of the proposed increase in Corporation Tax. The...

Heinz. Cadbury. Coca-Cola. Being household names isn’t the only thing they have in common. All three were awarded the Royal Warrant, and were able to display the Royal Arms on their products. Following the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, these companies – and around 600 more – will have to stop using the...

Business owners could be facing a difficult few months as the cost-of-living crisis continues to bite alongside the predicted winter recession. After overcoming the difficulties associated with COVID-19, it seems there hasn’t been much opportunity to steady the ship before the next tidal wave of challenges washes over us. The worst thing businesses can do...

In a busy week for Prime Minister Liz Truss and her newly formed cabinet, her Chancellor has had a meeting with market leaders to set out the Government’s new, pro-growth economic approach. Kwasi Kwarteng began by acknowledging the extraordinary challenges that families and businesses across the UK are facing this winter, exacerbated by Putin’s barbaric...

Broadband and mobile companies will be forced to adhere to tough new rules to help protect the UK from cyber attacks. The new Government regulations will come into force in October and will be among the strongest in the world. They will provide much tougher protections from cyber threats that could cause network failure or...

New Prime Minister Liz Truss made the ongoing energy crisis her priority after taking the keys to No 10. She has revealed her plan to support people and businesses with their energy bills with a new Energy Price Guarantee alongside the lifting of a ban on the controversial practice of fracking. Truss aims to tackle...

NatWest has found itself in hot water after forcing hundreds of business customers to open fee-paying current accounts in order to secure a loan. The high street bank is now having to refund around £600,000 to small and medium-sized business after legal direction from the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). The CMA found that NatWest...

1 September 2022 – Due date for Corporation Tax due for the year ended 30 November 2021. 19 September 2022 – PAYE and NIC deductions due for month ended 5 September 2022. (If you pay your tax electronically the due date is 22 September 2022) 19 September 2022 – Filing deadline for the CIS300 monthly...

The Rent a Room Scheme lets you earn up to a threshold of £7,500 per year tax-free from letting out furnished accommodation in your home. This is halved if you share the income with your partner or someone else. You can let out as much of your home as you want. The tax exemption is...

There is no tax to pay on trading income or earnings from land and property as long as the income from each source does not exceed £1,000. Trading allowance The trading allowance is a tax exemption of up to £1,000 a year for individuals with trading income from: self-employment. casual services, for example, babysitting or...

To keep your earnings in sync with increases in prices is becoming progressively difficult. Most individuals – whether employed or self-employed – would find it unrealistic to secure pay rises (if employed) or price increases (if in business) unless the demand for their goods or services was high. If most taxpayers cannot match price increases...

Under present legislation any transfer of assets between couples who are separating, or divorcing are free of any Capital Gains Tax (CGT) liability as long as the assets are transferred during the year of separation/divorce. This places undue pressure on couples to complete these transfers in time to qualify for the CGT exemption. Based on...

Ukraine has been offered a helping hand by the UK Government to rebuild its economy in the wake of the Russian invasion. Talks between the two nations have led to plans to pursue a new digital trade agreement to help Ukrainian businesses trade more effectively with the UK. International Trade Secretary Anne-Marie Trevelyan met officials...

Thousands of homeowners who have been paying doubled ground rent on their leasehold properties are to receive a refund. Many of the 5,000 households throughout the UK affected by ‘doubling clauses’ will receive a windfall and will see more money in their pockets each month as ground rents return to their original amount. The announcement...

Starling Bank has proved unstoppable in the latest large scale banking surveys, coming top for business and personal accounts. Personal and small business current account holders were asked how likely they would be to recommend their provider to a friend, relative or other business. The surveys also covered the quality of online and mobile provision...

Struggling families have been given the welcome news that their broadband bills could be cut as the cost-of-living crisis continues to bite. Millions of low-income households could be eligible for cheaper deals with internet service providers being encouraged by the Government to offer ‘social tariffs’. A new service, which goes live this week and is...

Late taxpayers will be facing higher interest rates from this week following the rise in the Bank of England base rate. HMRC’s interest rates for late payment are linked to the base rate that was increased to 1.75% from 1.25% earlier this month. The changes will come into effect on: 15 August 2022 for quarterly...

Abuse of the Bounce Back Loan scheme is continuing to land people in court as the Insolvency Service tightens its net around those who have misused the cash designed to help businesses during the pandemic lockdowns. Five individuals have separately been made subject to bankruptcy restrictions totalling 48 years for exploitation of the initiative, which...

Abuse of the Bounce Back Loan scheme is continuing to land people in court as the Insolvency Service tightens its net around those who have misused the cash designed to help businesses during the pandemic lockdowns. Five individuals have separately been made subject to bankruptcy restrictions totalling 48 years for exploitation of the initiative, which...

Thousands of couples could be missing the opportunity to reduce their tax by £250 a year. Married couples and people in civil partnerships can sign up for Marriage Allowance, which allows them to share their personal tax allowances if one partner earns below the Personal Allowance threshold of £12,570, and the other is a basic...

Businesses are being warned they could risk significant delays to importing goods if they don’t move to the UK’s new streamlined customs system. Organisations submitting import declarations must use the Customs Declaration Service from 1 October 2022, when the Customs Handling Import and Export Freight (CHIEF) system will close for import declarations. Businesses should check...

Families struggling to make ends meet in the cost-of-living crisis will be able to take advantage of special deals over the summer holidays. Some of the UK’s biggest businesses have signed up to offer discounts and deals through the Government’s Help for Households Campaign. Asda, Morrisons, Amazon and Vodafone are among those supporting the initiative...

1 August 2022 – Due date for corporation tax due for the year ended 31 October 2021. 19 August 2022 – PAYE and NIC deductions due for month ended 5 August 2022. (If you pay your tax electronically the due date is 22 August 2022) 19 August 2022 – Filing deadline for the CIS300 monthly...

There are certain circumstances when you will pay Capital Gains Tax when selling personal possessions. You may have to pay Capital Gains Tax if you make a profit (‘gain’) when you sell (or ‘dispose of’) a personal possession for £6,000 or more. For example, you may need to pay tax on sale of personally owned...

Now our present Prime Minister has indicated his intention to resign it seems unlikely that a successor will be appointed before September. Which means Boris Johnson’s cabinet are caretakers for the interim period and it is doubtful that there will be any far-reaching changes to UK taxes. The new Prime Minister and his or her...

Since 2017, there is no tax to pay on trading income or earnings from land and property as long as the income from each source does not exceed £1,000. Trading allowance The trading allowance is a tax exemption of up to £1,000 a year for individuals with trading income from: self-employment. casual services, for example...

If you are locked into an IVA and are concerned that recent increases in the cost of living are creating severe financial pressures, you can ask your IVA supervisor to review your income and expenses to see if you are eligible for a reduction in payments or a payment break. You will be required to...

More than a million small businesses are now eligible for discounted software through a flagship government scheme after a change to the rules. The Help to Grow: Digital Scheme, which cuts the price of leading software to boost productivity and growth in the UK’s smaller firms, is now available to businesses with just one employee...

More than a million of the lowest-paid workers in the UK will receive a financial boost from 2025. New Government legislation just published confirms that around 1.2 million low earners who save for their pension through a Net Pay Arrangement (NPA) will get the same level of government top-up as those who use Relief at...

Hospitality staff will be able to keep their well-deserved tips from grateful customers under new legislation that has been backed by Government. Although customers may leave cash to say thank you to their waiter staff, many employers still keep the money for themselves. For card payments, it is even harder to keep track of where...

People who are worried about the impact of rising prices and its effect on household incomes are being urged to seek support. Speaking to a trained and experienced debt adviser about your situation could help you decide what to do before the situation gets out of control. Having early conversations is the best first step...

Around 30 million people across the UK will be looking forward to seeing extra cash in their pocket after the biggest personal tax cut in a decade came into force. Some lucky workers will be saving £330 a year, with around 2.2 million no longer having to pay tax. The £6 billion tax cut will...

Online retail giant Amazon is being investigated by the Competitions and Markets Authority (CMA) over concerns its practices could result in a worse deal for customers. It is understood the investigation will be looking at how Amazon’s operations affecting sellers on its UK Marketplace may be anti-competitive. This new investigation follows a current European Commission...

Have you ever found yourself in financial distress, struggling to juggle the bills and balance the books? Or perhaps you have supported someone with their debt issues. The Government is looking for input from anyone who has been touched by severe money problems as it reviews the personal insolvency framework for England and Wales. Anyone...

In a business context, goodwill could be defined as the amount that a buyer would be prepared to pay for your business over and above the valuation of the business net assets. Very often, it is the relationships that you have built with your customer base that is the most valuable asset. Buyers will be...

Pensioners on low incomes will find it easier and quicker to apply for or renew their free TV licence under reforms laid in Parliament today. The legislative change will ease the administrative burden put on eligible over-75s when applying for a free licence. As it stands those affected are required to obtain and share documentation...

HMRC published a report last month that acknowledges it was only able to recover 95% of the taxes assessed for 2020-21. In monetary terms, the tax gap for the 2020-21 tax year is £32 billion. At 5.1%, there has been no change in the percentage tax gap compared to the previous year, although the monetary...

1 July 2022 – Due date for corporation tax due for the year ended 30 September 2021. 6 July 2022 – Complete and submit forms P11D return of benefits and expenses and P11D(b) return of Class 1A NICs. 19 July 2022 – Pay Class 1A NICs (by the 22 July 2022 if paid electronically). 19...

If your taxable income exceeds £100,000 you will suffer a reduction in your personal tax allowance. For every £2 that your income exceeds £100,000, £1 will be knocked off your allowance. The reduction is progressive and means that once your income exceeds £125,140 your personal allowance of £12,570 will be reduced to zero. As Income...

In a business context, goodwill could be defined as the amount that a buyer would be prepared to pay for your business over and above the valuation of the business net assets. Very often, it is the relationships that you have built with your customer base that is the most valuable asset. Buyers will be...

The trivial benefits exemption allows you to provide benefits to employees without your employee suffering a tax charge on the benefit. Likewise, there is no Class 1A National Insurance for you, the employer, to pay. To count as ‘trivial’ for the purposes of the exemption, the benefit must meet all of the following conditions: the...

The government has announced their intention to radically overhaul the rights of tenants. The changes announced include: For tenants Helping the most vulnerable by outlawing blanket bans on renting to families with children or those in receipt of benefits. For the first time, ending the use of arbitrary rent review clauses, restricting tribunals from hiking...

Finance Secretary Kate Forbes, of the Scottish government, made a number of suggestions to help households and businesses who are struggling to cope with inflation.   With inflation reaching a 40-year high of 9 per cent, and forecast to rise higher, Ms Forbes has written to the Chancellor of the Exchequer urging the UK Government...

New measures to stop rip-off agents taking advantage of people by pocketing their tax repayments have been proposed by HMRC. To achieve this, HMRC have launched a 12-week consultation Raising standards in tax advice: Protecting customers claiming tax repayments to consider ways to better protect taxpayers from Repayment Agents who make routine tax claims on...

Downsizing business operations is a perfectly acceptable response to economic pressures, and this may lead to an absence of activity for a period of time. This would have been the likely experience of businesses subject to recent lockdown restrictions.   Unfortunately, our obligation to file returns to HMRC does not end if there are no...

The fairer private rented sector white paper published 16 June 2022, will ensure millions of families benefit from living in decent, well looked-after homes as part of the biggest shake up of the private rented sector in 30 years. The white paper marks a generational shift that will redress the balance between landlords and 4.4...

It is no longer certain that if you receive a letter, email, text or phone call – purporting to be the tax office or some similar, regulatory authority – that it is a genuine communication.   Red flags should be waved, and warning buzzers sounded if anyone ever requests personal information or your bank details...

Within a few years, many taxpayers that are presently required to file a tax return, and most businesses, will be required to file quarterly data with HMRC using the Treasury Making Tax Digital portal. In which case, the present annual filing obligations will be replaced by quarterly filing obligations.   Paying tax in arrears Apart...

If you employ students to manage your staff needs over the summer break period, you will need to add them to your payroll and apply PAYE and NIC rules.   Students should be advised that they will pay tax and NIC if: they earn more than £1,048 a month on average, and pay NIC if...

If you employ students to manage your staff needs over the summer break period, you will need to add them to your payroll and apply PAYE and NIC rules.   Students should be advised that they will pay tax and NIC if: they earn more than £1,048 a month on average, and pay NIC if...

The scope of tax fraud seems to be taking on new forms according to a recent press release issued by HMRC. The latest attempt involves the use of software to suppress sales recorded at point of sale. The systems even warrant a new acronym, ESS. Electronic Sales Suppression (ESS) Businesses involved in making, supplying or...

HMRC have noticed an increase in claims for Stamp Duty refunds that are incorrect In fact, new homeowners are being warned about cold calls from rogue tax repayment agents advising them to make speculative Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) refund claims, which could leave them with large tax bills. Claims are failing HMRC checks The...

1 June 2022 – Due date for corporation tax due for the year ended 31 August 2021. 19 June 2022 – PAYE and NIC deductions due for month ended 5 June 2022. (If you pay your tax electronically the due date is 22 June 2022). 19 June 2022 – Filing deadline for the CIS300 monthly...

If you pay for the fuel used in your company car you are entitled to recover the cost of the fuel – for business journeys – based on agreed Advisory Fuel Rates (AFRs), from your employer. If the agreement with your employer is that you pay for all the fuel costs and that none can...

If your business processes materials or assembles goods for sale it will need to keep a stock of items to ensure that future sales can be met. Ideally, stock levels should be kept to a minimum such that hard won cash reserves are not tied up unnecessarily. You will need to manage stocks to cover...

There are a number of tax incentives if you own and let a furnished holiday lets property (FHL). They include:   Claiming Capital Gains Tax reliefs for traders (Business Asset Rollover Relief, Business Asset Disposal Relief, relief for gifts of business assets and relief for loans to traders), Entitlement to claim capital allowance deductions for...

Long-awaited government support to help consumers meet the unprecedented increases in energy costs was announced by the Chancellor this week.   His measures have been widely appreciated, but will he need to return with more largesse to meet even more prices increases in oil, gas and electricity prices in the autumn? What has he offered...

Many households are considering their options to reduce their energy costs in light of the recent price hikes in the cost of electricity and gas.   Aside from breaking into long sealed chimney breasts and burning the furniture, realistic options have been extended in recent weeks by the introduction of a government grant of £5,000...

Setting up and running your own business is a risky undertaking. What happens if sales reduce or disappear, and you are left with unpaid costs or loans and no cashflow?   The experience of recent COVID lockdown challenges – aside from the risk to personal health – has resulted in business closures at an unprecedented...

Cornwall, and we expect many holiday locations, are seeing an increase in landlords switching from domestic letting to holiday lets. Aside from the increased rents they can obtain, should they be successful in making this transition, there are tax as well as commercial advantages.   It all comes down to occupancy. What are the tax...

If we lived in a world where the factors that affected trade and other commercial activity were unchanging, then plans drawn up for extended periods, say a year, would be a reliable benchmark to measure actual results against in the same period. Unfortunately, change is a common occurrence these days. Plans drawn up will become...

The new Financial Services and Markets Bill, announced during the recent Queen’s Speech at the state opening of parliament, will support consumers by protecting access to cash. It will ensure the continued availability of withdrawal and deposit facilities across the UK, and that the country’s cash infrastructure is sustainable for the long term. The Bill...

The more draconian government interventions introduced to control the COVID outbreak have challenged all of us, businesses and individuals, to consider the notion that we can no longer rely on our jobs or businesses to effortlessly produce the income we need. Many businesses in the hospitality and entertainment sectors had their ability to trade quashed...

Would demand for the products or services you sell vary with price increases or decreases? This conundrum is considered by the term elasticity in economic circles – how demand changes when prices change. If demand for your products is elastic, any change in price will have a corresponding impact in demand. For example, if you...

The UK tax code has numerous reliefs and allowances that reduce tax when businesses invest in qualifying assets. Some of the reliefs allow up to 100% of the invested cost to be written off against taxable profits and companies can presently write-off 130% of qualifying expenditure. But aside from these tax incentives to invest, it...

The other side of the recent hikes in consumer energy costs – taking their toll on take-home pay across the UK – are the similar cost increases for industry. Focussing on high-energy users, the government recently announced the following increased support for Energy Intensive Industries (IEE). High energy usage businesses, such as steel and paper...

1 May 2022 – Due date for corporation tax due for the year ended 30 July 2021. 19 May 2022 – PAYE and NIC deductions due for month ended 5 May 2022. (If you pay your tax electronically the due date is 22 May 2022). 19 May 2022 – Filing deadline for the CIS300 monthly...

Parliamentarians will debate the government’s ground-breaking Online Safety Bill which requires social media platforms, search engines and other apps and websites allowing people to post content to improve the way they protect their users. Ofcom, the regulator, will have the power to fine companies failing to comply with the laws up to ten per cent...

Employers can pay employees a fixed rate per mile to cover the costs of using their own vehicles on company business. The present agreed rates per mile are: Cars and vans – 45p per mile for the first 10,000 miles and then 25p per mile. Motorcycles – 24p per mile. Bikes – 20p per mile...

The Employment Allowance has risen from £4,000 to £5,000 – meaning smaller firms will be able to claim up to £5,000 off their employer National Insurance Contributions (NICs) bills. Announced by the Chancellor at last month’s Spring Statement to reduce employment costs, the change takes an extra 50,000 firms out of paying NICs and the...

Dividends are a distribution of company profits to shareholders. Historically, they have been taxed as unearned income – no National Insurance deductions. This is still the case, but the Treasury have decided that the recent increase of 1.25% in National Insurance rates will also apply to dividends. Since April 2016, the rates of Income Tax...

Planning to save tax may seem like a luxury buy in these days of rising prices and recovering from COVID fallout. And yet tax planning is of real value in these uncertain times. Whether your income and profits are increasing or reducing, there will be tax consequences. And unfortunately, to mitigate your tax footprint you...

We are all feeling the effects of inflation, increasing energy, fuel and the price of basic foodstuffs affect us all. The Government Actuary’s Department has posted a blog article recently – Inflation, its personal – written by Christopher Ward, Actuary. The article provides a useful update on the scope and cause of rising prices. It...

When corporation tax increases from 1 April 2023, companies will need to consider three scenarios: From 1 April 2023: The main corporation tax rate is increased to 25% where profits are over the upper profits limit, set at £250,000. A small profits rate will apply for companies whose profits are equal or below the lower...

Many business owners feel qualified to act on their subjective conclusions. Where these conclusions are key to the continuing success of the business this internal process opens up the possibility of failure – what if you have failed to consider all the possible risks? As individuals, we can only grapple with our internal thought processes...

Whether you are self-employed or run your business through a company, the profits you produce are subject to tax less any reliefs for past losses or investments in assets that qualify for tax relief. As most accounts software packages do not allow for these tax liabilities on a month-by-month basis, there is a tendency to...

How do we plan for the unpredictability that is a recurring feature of our business lives? Brexit, COVID-19, and now the war in Ukraine, all conspire to create trading conditions that can best be described as chaotic. Present challenges include increasing energy and commodity prices, both of which are forcing up the cost of living...

Landlords are described by HMRC as a property business and yet their income, rents received, is treated as an exempt transaction for VAT purposes, i.e., landlords do not need to register for VAT and submit quarterly returns. The only exception is if a let commercial property has been opted-in to VAT. This means that the...

Like so many of the regulations that govern our lives, the legislative processes underpinning these rules are anachronisms – things that belong to the past. For example, the present tax year ends on 5th April 2022. The reason that our tax year ends on this obscure date started in 1582 when Pope Gregory ordered a...

1 April 2022 – Due date for Corporation Tax due for the year ended 30 June 2021. 19 April 2022 – PAYE and NIC deductions due for month ended 5 April 2022. (If you pay your tax electronically the due date is 22 April 2022). 19 April 2022 – Filing deadline for the CIS300 monthly...

HMRC issued the following press release 8 March 2022: “HMRC is warning customers not to share sensitive personal information online to avoid their identities being used to commit tax fraud. “HMRC is aware that criminals are attempting to obtain customers’ Government Gateway logins and other personal details, enabling them to register for Income Tax Self-Assessment...

Individuals with significant income – including the self-employed – are presently required to file one tax return a year. From April 2024, HMRC’s Making Tax Digital program is being expanded to include self-employed individuals and landlords with business or rental income in excess of £10,000. This is described as MTD for ITSA (Income Tax Self-Assessment)...

In preparation for the introduction of Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self-Assessment the basis period rules for unincorporated businesses are being abolished. Instead, unincorporated businesses will be assessed on the profits actually earned in the tax year. The new rules take effect from 2024/25, with 2023/24 being a transitional year. This will affect you...

The present 19% rate of Corporation Tax applies to all companies whatever their size. From 1 April 2023, this flat rate will cease to apply and will be replaced by variable rates ranging from 19% to 25%. A small profits rate of 19% will apply to companies whose profits are equal to or less than...

Self-Assessment taxpayers have until 1 April 2022 to pay their tax bill for 2020-21 or set up a payment plan to avoid incurring a penalty. A payment plan, if agreed with HMRC, will allow a taxpayer to spread the cost of their bill into manageable monthly instalments. The online Time to Pay service is available...

We have summarised below the three main sources of government support to assist householders with their energy bills for the coming year. They are: A £200 discount on their energy bill this Autumn for domestic electricity customers in Great Britain. This will be paid back automatically over the next 5 years. A £150 non-repayable Council...

The Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, has delivered his Spring Statement to the House of Commons against a backdrop of a growing cost of living crisis. The Chancellor also stressed that, apart from the untold human suffering, the Russian invasion of Ukraine is creating further uncertainty in the domestic and global economy, particularly in relation to energy...

In just over a year’s time, from 1 April 2023, corporation tax rates are increasing. At present, companies pay tax on profits at a single rate of 19%, irrespective of the amounts of profits subject to corporation tax. From 1 April 2023, this elegantly simple process is about to change. From 1 April 2023: Companies...

There are three circumstances when you may not have to pay capital gains tax (CGT) on a gift. They are: It the taxable value of the gift is below the CGT annual tax-free allowance of £12,300. Gifts to your spouse or civil partner, or Gifts to charities. Gifts to your spouse or civil partner You...

As we approach the beginning of the next fiscal year, from April 2022 to March 2023, what options do you have to rethink your planning options for your personal and business finances? The list that follows is not exhaustive, but it does outline some of the opportunities you have to reconsider your options. Personal finances...

Since January 2021, large companies have been requested to sign up to a government initiative that requires them to set out how effective they are at settling supplier payments. This information can be a critical factor if you are a small company supplying goods or services to a larger concern and cannot afford to wait...

The following press release issued by the Charity Commission sets out how to ensure your donations reach those affected by the invasion of Ukraine. “The Charity Commission and Fundraising Regulator have urged the public to ‘give safely’ to registered charities as people make generous donations to causes helping to support and protect people affected by...

Many of us have chosen to donate to relief organisations in the past week as the plight of displaced persons in Ukraine continues to dominate the news. The following notes explain how you can claim for tax relief on these, and any other charitable donations made this tax year. Giving from your personal funds Donations...

High street retailers will be interested in the recent publication of an early-stage consultation that explores the argument for and against an Online Sales Tax. It is argued by the retail sector that business rates discriminate against the high street. The idea is to use any revenue from this tax to fund reductions in business...

1 March 2022 – Due date for Corporation Tax due for the year ended 31 May 2021. 2 March 2022 – Normally Self-Assessment tax for 2020-21 would need to be paid by 2 March or a 5% surcharge would be incurred. This year HMRC is giving taxpayers more time to pay and no surcharge will...

You usually need the agreement of your company’s directors and shareholders to close a limited company. The way you close the company depends on whether or not it can pay its bills. If the company can pay its bills (it is ‘solvent’) You can either: apply to get the company struck off the Register of...

You and each member of your family is entitled to make tax-free capital gains of up to £12,300 in the 2021-22 tax year. If you have made no disposals that would trigger a capital gain in 2021-22, consider the following: If you have assets, shares for example, that you are thinking of selling, you may...

Now that the majority of COVID-19 restrictions are being eased, or removed completely, can we assume that normality can return in place of the unremitting uncertainty of the past two years? Whilst this may seem to be a welcome prospect, business owners badly affected by this disruption will have two issues holding them back: A...

HMRC recently published a reminder targeted at married couples with an unused personal tax allowance. They said: Marriage Allowance allows married couples or those in civil partnerships to share their personal tax allowances if one partner earns an income under their Personal Allowance threshold of £12,570, and the other is a basic rate taxpayer. Eligible...

More challenges to our financial plans last week as the Russian incursion into Ukraine has boosted the price of oil and gas and adds a new layer of uncertainty to global economic activity in the coming year. How will this affect our current business plans? There is a tendency to see a business plan as...

EMI Scheme Most share option schemes, with an eye to tax benefits, use the Enterprise Management Incentive (EMI) scheme. For qualifying arrangements, there are tax incentives for the employer and employee. The point to emphasise with EMI arrangements is that they can only be made by employers with their employees. Unapproved option scheme Unapproved share...

The UK tax system does not allow families to spread the impact of taxation where there is one significant income earner providing for other family members. For example, if one parent was earning £100,000, they will be paying income tax at 40% rates on almost £50,000 of their income when their partner and teenage children...

In a recent press release the Competition and Marketing Authority issued details of a poll of over 2,000 UK adults. According to the results of the poll: 7 out of 10 had experienced misleading online practices 85% believed businesses using them were being dishonest with their customers And 83% were less likely to buy from...

Apparently, February is the month that many homeowners take issue with their council tax banding in the hope and expectation that it will result in lower – not higher – council tax bills 2022-23. Anticipating this, the Valuation Office, who oversee these reviews, have issued guidance. In their opening to a news story published 4...

During the pandemic, businesses affected by COVID-19 disruption will have had their attention firmly focussed on survival. Certain sectors have suffered more than others with the hospitality, entertainment and leisure industries bearing the brunt of lockdown measures. But what impact has this unprecedented period had on the value of your personal assets? One thing we...

We are fast approaching the end of another tax year, 5 April 2022. To benefit from tax relief for 2021-22 you will need to make any top-up payment on or before this date. To help you reach a decision, we have summarised the present tax rules that set out how much you can pay into...

1 February 2022 – Due date for Corporation Tax payable for the year ended 30 April 2021. 19 February 2022 – PAYE and NIC deductions due for month ended 5 February 2022 (If you pay your tax electronically the due date is 22 February 2022). 19 February 2022 – Filing deadline for the CIS300 monthly...

If politicians have it right, we may be approaching the end of the major disruption to economic activity of the past two years. Which is great news for those trades badly affected by continuing lockdown and other restrictions. Unfortunately, rapid growth following a long period of depressed trading conditions can prove to be disastrous. The...

With rare exceptions, once the end of the tax year has passed, tax planning options to reduce liability are no longer possible. For Income Tax and Capital Gains Tax purposes, this means that the majority of the tax reduction options will cease unless actioned before 6 April 2022, the start of the next tax year...

Since Monday 17 January, people with COVID-19 in England can end their self-isolation after 5 full days, as long as they test negative on day 5 and day 6. The decision has been made after careful consideration of modelling from the UK Health Security Agency and to support essential public services and workforces over the...

HMRC is waiving late filing and late payment penalties for Self-Assessment taxpayers for one month – giving them extra time, if they need it, to complete their 2020-21 tax return and pay any tax due. HMRC is encouraging taxpayers to file and pay on time if they can, as the department reveals that, of the...

HMRC has confirmed that four million out of twelve point two million taxpayers have yet to file their 2020-21 self-assessment tax returns. Which means that an equivalent proportion of taxes due 31 January 2022 will remain unpaid; at least for the foreseeable future. We have reported on our blog earlier in January 2022, that HMRC...

In between the other political distractions of the last few weeks, England has returned to the COVID measures set out in Plan A. This means: The government is no longer asking people to work from home if they can. People should now talk to their employers to agree arrangements to return to the office. Face...

Paying someone to act as your nanny, housekeeper or gardener may result in you being considered an employer. In turn, this may involve you needing to meet statutory employment rights and deducting any tax or National Insurance contributions from their wages. These obligations will not apply if: They are self-employed, or Paid through an agency...

A reminder that business in the hospitality, leisure and accommodation sectors in England may be due support funding from their local authority. Recently, local authorities were reminded by government that they needed to process grants quickly. Extracts from a letter sent to authorities is reproduced below: “As you will know, the spread of the Omicron...

We are often asked why a self-employed person is paying so much tax when their drawings from their self-employed business are minimal. The reason for this is that sole traders and partners (individuals) pay tax on the profits they earn not on the amount of cash they withdraw from their business. For example, consider Sue...

The following definitions set out how property income is calculated and taxed: Rental income – includes rents, amounts received to cover use of furniture, cleaning of communal areas, hot water, heating and repairs to property. Allowable expenses – any expense that you have laid out “wholly and exclusively” for the purposes of renting out a...

HMRC is responding to the pressures we all feel as the new COVID-19 variant, Omicron, makes normal life difficult once more. The offer by HMRC is generous. Basically, they have announced that taxpayers who have still not filed their self-assessment tax returns for 2020-21, will be granted an extra month to file online without triggering...

Businesses are reminded to take steps to prepare for Making Tax Digital for Value Added Tax (VAT) before it becomes mandatory for all VAT-registered businesses from 1 April this year. Making Tax Digital is designed to help businesses eliminate common errors and save time managing their tax affairs. Making Tax Digital for VAT is part...

HMRC have issued the following guidance to taxpayers who may have received COVID-19 grants during the 2020-21 tax year. “If you claimed Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) or received Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme grants, you’ll need to include details of all the taxable coronavirus support scheme payments you received during the 2020 to 2021 tax...

£100,000 – Loss of income tax personal allowance Your income tax personal allowance – £12,570 for 2021-22 – will be reduced by £1 for every £2 your adjusted net income exceeds £100,000. If your projected earnings for the current tax year are expected to be in excess of £100,000, perhaps for the first time, you...

1 January 2022 – Due date for Corporation Tax due for the year ended 31 March 2021. 19 January 2022 – PAYE and NIC deductions due for month ended 5 January 2022. (If you pay your tax electronically the due date is 22 January 2022). 19 January 2022 – Filing deadline for the CIS300 monthly...

As you will see from the tax diary notes this month, there are two significant tax payment deadlines this month. 1 January 2022 – Companies with a 31 March 2021 year end date will need to settle their Corporation Tax payment on or before this date. 31 January 2022 – Taxpayers who are subject to...

Do you have half-completed plans to open an online-shop this year? Even if you have never considered internet trading, could this be an option for 2022? Business owners If you are selling goods, creating a web-based sales platform will vastly expand your reach to willing buyers. Combined with effective social media and other marketing activity...

We have listed below a number of ideas that might ease your progress through any continuing COVID-19 related disruption during 2022. The following comments are not advice. Every business is different so please call if you have concerns due to a reduction in trade this year. Mothball investment plans. Could you defer decisions on buying...

We are now two years into the COVID-19 pandemic and the virus is showing a remarkable ability to adapt. In its latest form, the Omicron variant, it is proving to be more transmissible and successful at seeking out new hosts. If we have learnt anything from the experience of the past two years of anxiety...

We are all ‘up to here’ in accommodating COVID-19, and depending on our tolerance levels, this is likely to continue into 2022. There are remote signs that a combination of vaccines and/or anti-viral drugs will eventually arrest the spread of this infection, but we will have to face disruption in economic activity next year and...

From 15 December 2021, the government is making the following reductions to the grants made available for certain electric vehicle purchases. It will provide grants of up to £1,500 (previously £2,500) for electric cars priced under £32,000. There are currently around 20 models on the market that would qualify for this grant. Support for wheelchair...

Many individuals and businesses will have been affected by the disruption in electricity supplies due to recent storm damage. Most of the serious damage that disrupted supplies was reconnected fairly quickly, but for many home and business owners, reconnection has become a protracted affair. A recent letter from the Secretary of State for Business to...

January 2022 is a ‘taxing’ month. It is the last month to file a self-assessment tax return (electronically) for 2020-21 and avoid late filing penalties. It is also a month when significant tax bills may become payable. Companies Companies that have a 31 March 2021 year end will need to pay any corporation tax due...

A reimbursement of expenditure incurred by an employee in travelling between two or more places of work is not “earnings” and therefore not taxable. This is because the expenditure would be an allowable claim if the employee had paid it out of their remuneration, as he or she would be travelling in the performance of...

We are fifteen months away from a radical upward lift in corporation tax (CT) rates. From 1 April 2023, there will be two rates of CT: A small profits rate which will stay at the present 19% and will apply to companies with profits up to £50,000. An increased main rate, which will be set...

1 December 2021 – Due date for corporation tax payable for the year ended 28 February 2021. 19 December 2021 – PAYE and NIC deductions due for month ended 5 December 2021. (If you pay your tax electronically the due date is 22 December 2021). 19 December 2021 – Filing deadline for the CIS300 monthly...

Readers should take note of the following changes: Income Tax Allowances frozen: The Income Tax personal allowance and the rates and bands are frozen until April 2026. Whilst this is not a direct tax increase, it does mean that any increases in earnings will be fully taxed and certain taxpayers may find that this process...

There was little good cheer in the Chancellor’s announcements to parliament on 27 October. A short summary of the good news is listed below: Annual Investment Allowance (AIA): The £1m limit to claims for tax relief when purchasing qualifying assets was due to return to a more modest £200,000 from the 1st of January 2022...

Business gifts are not allowed as a tax deduction against profits. The legislation treats gifts in the same way as business entertaining expenditure, which is also disallowed. HMRC define a gift as: “… something that is given to a person without receiving anything in exchange. It is offered voluntarily and without any expectation of a...

Readers are reminded that there is a tax-free allowance for the provision of an annual party or other event for the benefit of staff and their partners. The present limit to tax relief is £150 per head. If this amount is exceeded, the full cost of the benefit is taxable not the excess over £150...

Footfall measures the number of times a customer returns to your business to purchase goods and services. Many business owners believe that the most effective way to increase turnover is to win more customers or to charge them more for purchases. Both of these strategies may work to increase sales, but both contain hidden costs...

If you are buying Christmas gifts online this year, take care that you are not presented with unexpected VAT, excise duty or customs duty charges before you can take possession of your purchases. HMRC is urging shoppers to consider certain custom’s issues before they start browsing to buy gifts online. Otherwise, they may be hit...

HMRC have issued a press release that sets out the scale of criminal activity, convincing taxpayers to part with bank or personal details under threat of arrest or court action. The scale of these self-assessment scams is staggering, apparently over 800,000 tax-related scams were reported to HMRC is the past year. Why is this activity...

Unless you are committed to dying with your boots on, there will come a day when you desire to exit from your business and retire or try something different. The way that you organise your business, and in particular, the way you organise your finances, will have an impact on the value (£’s) you can...

If you are importing goods into the UK for the first time you may be advised to seek the assistance of a qualified customs agent. The process of creating and filing the correct documentation, such that the goods can pass through border controls with no hold-ups, and any duties or import VAT are paid, is...

ULEV expands to Ultra Low Emission Vehicles. It is an acronym that we will see on a more frequent basis as climate issues climb in importance. Most families have cars, some use commercial vehicles. The majority are presently fuelled by petrol or diesel. As manufacturers commit investment to the development of carbon-free transport options, primarily...

Mention the words chips to most people and fried potatoes would come to mind.   Suggesting that there is a growing shortage of chips would no doubt generate a stampede to the local supermarkets. This sudden rise in demand would double up the pressure on farmers to increase supply and within a short time the...

In a recent press release the government confirmed that more than 500,000 rural homes in the UK are to receive access to better broadband plans. They said:   • 570,000 more rural premises in line for best broadband available via £5 billion Project Gigabit • Includes Cheshire, Devon, Dorset, Somerset, Essex, Herefordshire, Gloucestershire, Lincolnshire, East...

It was difficult to find any changes proposed in the budget last week that gave rise to great optimism or that swept away the nagging feeling that we are not out of the woods just yet. We have summarised below some of the issues that will affect actions that we should perhaps consider between now...

1 November 2021 – Due date for Corporation Tax due for the year ended 31 January 2021. 19 November 2021 – PAYE and NIC deductions due for month ended 5 November 2021. (If you pay your tax electronically the due date is 22 November 2021.) 19 November 2021 – Filing deadline for the CIS300 monthly...

We now know the Chancellor’s preferred strategy for plugging any hole in the UK’s finances is by tweaking taxation and using the proceeds to pay-back government borrowings. Various government departments will also need to tighten their departmental belts to reduce government expenditure. When we’ve had time to consider the effects of the announced budget changes...

In most cases, the statutory filing date for a Corporation Tax return is twelve months after the end of the relevant accounting period. HMRC considers reasonable excuse to be something that stops a company from meeting a tax obligation despite them having taken reasonable care to meet that obligation. HMRC will consider what a reasonable...

There are still two ways to submit your self-assessment tax return. Most taxpayers chose to file electronically, and if we file your tax return, this is the way we would file on your behalf. If you do file electronically, the filing deadline for the 2020-21 tax year is 31 January 2022. But there are still...

The temporary reduced rate of VAT (5%), introduced to assist qualifying hospitality trades disrupted by COVID lockdown measures, was increased to 12.5% on 1 October 2021. Based on present information, from 31 March 2022, this 12.5% rate will revert to the 20% standard rate. Businesses that manage their own accounts software will need to change...

As with the Spring Budget 2021, much of the detail for the Autumn Budget had been leaked to the press prior to the official report to parliament, 27th October 2021. But we now have all the details and, as usual, there is much to consider. The following Budget summary is split into two sections: Taxation...

Later this week (27 October 2021) Rishi Sunak will present his second budget during 2021. It is likely that reduced public expenditure and higher taxation will be features of this budget as the Treasury seeks to limit any further rise in government borrowings. The Chancellor will also have in mind increases in inflation and the...

To tax multinational companies on business transactions completed in the UK, our government introduced the Digital Services Tax (DST) April 2020. The US response was to threaten to levy tariffs. However, a compromise has been reached that will see the introduction of a global system that will ensure multinationals do pay their fair share of...

We are all due a little rest and recuperation. The last eighteen months have been challenging and stressful. If, big if, COVID infection is contained this winter, perhaps we could start to consider celebrating with and family and friends during the Christmas break. And why not fund a “business” related event that will have the...

Although it sounds like a culinary dish – a cabbage compote (?) – cabotage is defined as the transport of goods or passengers between two places in the same country by a transport operator from another country. Its present relevance is a rule that restricts hauliers from the EU who can only make two cabotage...

Although it sounds like a culinary dish – a cabbage compote (?) – cabotage is defined as the transport of goods or passengers between two places in the same country by a transport operator from another country. Its present relevance is a rule that restricts hauliers from the EU who can only make two cabotage...

The temporary reduced rate of VAT (5%), introduced to assist qualifying hospitality trades disrupted by COVID lockdown measures, was increased to 12.5% from 1 October 2021. Based on present information, from 31 March 2022, this 12.5% rate will revert to the 20% standard rate. This reduction in VAT applied to the sales of hospitality trades...

At present, self-employed traders (sole traders and partnerships) are taxed for each tax year on profits for the accounting period ending in that tax year. Therefore, if a trader’s accounting year end is 31 December, their assessment for 2021-22 will be based on adjusted profits for the year ending 31 December 2021. Which means that...

A recent HMRC press release confirmed that sole traders and buy-to-let property businesses (but not incorporated businesses) will have an extra year to prepare for the digitalisation of Income Tax. Recognising the challenges faced by many UK businesses and their representatives as the country emerges from the pandemic, and having listened to stakeholder feedback, the...

The UK Government has announced that further measures will be put in place to help ease supply chain pressures as spikes in demand for fuel create a panic buying hysteria. This added pressure to already stretched supply chains is a further blow to affected businesses across the UK. The Government has announced the new measures...

1 October 2021 – Due date for Corporation Tax due for the year ended 31 December 2020. 19 October 2021 – PAYE and NIC deductions due for month ended 5 October 2021. (If you pay your tax electronically the due date is 22 October 2021.) 19 October 2021 – Filing deadline for the CIS300 monthly...

University students taking part-time jobs are at increased risk of falling victim to scams, HMRC is warning. Higher numbers of students going to university this year means more young people may choose to take on part-time work. Being new to interacting with HMRC and unfamiliar with genuine contact from the department could make them vulnerable...

In a recent press release issued by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, with the leading title “Unleashing Data’s Power”, it was announced: “The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) is set for an overhaul to drive greater innovation and growth in the UK’s data sector and better protect the public from major data threats...

From April 2022, in line with announcements made last month, National Insurance Class 1 contributions (that will affect employed persons and their employers) and Class 4 contributions (that will affect the self-employed), are increasing by 1.25%. These increases will affect all employed and self-employed workers that presently pay National Insurance. This increase will only apply...

If you have been keeping up with announcements from Downing Street, you will know that from April 2022 the hybrid rates of Income Tax on dividend income are increasing by 1.25 percentage points. The changes from April 2022 are: The first £2,000 of dividends received are free of any additional tax charge, no change here...

As well as increasing National Insurance contributions from April 2022 – the 1.25% increase announced earlier this month – the Treasury also increased the hybrid income tax rates applied to dividends received, by the same amount and from the same date. The changes from April 2022 are: The first £2,000 of dividends received are free...

HMRC is warning university students new to the world of working to be wary of potential scams. With higher numbers joining university, we are likely to see more students take on part-time work. As many young people may be unfamiliar with HMRC and legitimate contact from the department could make them vulnerable to scams. There...

No surprises when the Prime Minister announced a hefty 1.25% increase in NIC Class 1 and Class 4 rates from April 2022. The announcement was widely predicted. Effectively, this is a tax increase on earnings (employed or self-employed) and on costs for employers. It is odd that a 1.25% increase in Income Tax would have...

The UK Government’s Start Up Loans scheme has now provided £600 million in loans to small businesses outside London, providing extensive support for entrepreneurs across the UK. The initiative, run by the British Business Bank, was created in 2012 to provide a wide range of smaller businesses with more opportunities to create jobs, expand and...

Having glimpsed the light at the end of the COVID tunnel, many of us will have everything crossed that progress towards normality will continue. The winter months are not a brilliant time for infection and we should expect the usual rash of flu, and now COVID, cases to increase. In the past two years words...

Over the last two years, Companies House has disallowed more than 800 business names for being ‘too offensive’. Building That Fought Hitler Limited, Cambridge Cannabis Club Limited, Fancy a Bomb Ltd and Fit as Fork Ltd are among the company names that have been rejected by the executive agency and trading fund for the government...

Families are reminded that they may be able to claim for tax-free childcare costs to help pay for breakfast and after school clubs as children go back to school. In a recent press release HMRC confirmed that Eligible families can save money on their childcare and benefit from a government top-up worth up to £2,000...

A government-funded Peer Networks scheme is offering support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the UK. The programme, which is free to join, helps organisations tackle common business challenges through interactive action learning. Additionally, the scheme’s trained mentors help small and medium-sized businesses handle new opportunities and build a strong support network. Business leaders...

News broke in recent days that McDonalds were running out of supplies. As a direct result of these supply chain issues their iconic milk shakes are being dropped from menus together with other bottled drinks. These particular shortages will apply to outlets in England, Scotland and Wales. Supplies in Northern Ireland are holding up, so...

1 September 2021 – Due date for Corporation Tax due for the year ended 30 November 2020. 19 September 2021 – PAYE and NIC deductions due for month ended 5 September 2021. (If you pay your tax electronically the due date is 22 September 2021) 19 September 2021 – Filing deadline for the CIS300 monthly...

If you do not pay your tax bill on time and cannot make an alternative arrangement to pay, HMRC can take ‘enforcement action’ to recover any tax you owe. You can usually avoid enforcement action by contacting HMRC as soon as you know you have missed a tax payment or cannot pay on time. They...

Almost three million people have moved off the furlough scheme since March as the economy began to bounce back and businesses reopened, according to new statistics. This is unsurprising as employers are now expected to cover 20% of any hours not worked with government providing 60%. It will be sobering to see how the final...

In a recent news story published on the GOV.UK website, HMRC confirmed that nearly 1.8 million married couples and those in civil partnerships are claiming the Marriage Allowance to save up to £252 a year in Income Tax. The allowance enables married couples or those in civil partnerships to share their personal tax allowances if...

As most drivers of a company car will be aware, if you have any private use of the vehicle this will result in a significant Income Tax charge. The benefit charge is the way that HMRC levy tax on this benefit in kind; and the higher the CO2 footprint of your company car, the higher...

‘She only makes the tea’ and ‘my employees are on standby’ are just some of the strange excuses used by businesses who have paid their workers under the National Minimum Wage, the UK tax office has revealed. Every employed worker in Great Britain is legally entitled to the National Minimum Wage, but many employers tried...

In a recent press release the government announced that more of the country’s leading businesses from a variety of industries have pledged their support for the UK’s world-leading COVID-19 vaccination programme by offering incentives to vaccinated customers. Asda, lastminute.com, National Express, FREE NOW taxis and Better leisure centres will be offering discounts to people who...

Furlough numbers have recently fallen to a record-low since the beginning of the pandemic, government data has confirmed. When businesses started reopening earlier this year, furlough numbers plunged by three million and have gradually declined ever since. records show that at the end of June 2021, nearly two million British workers were on furlough, dropping...

In what is likely to be the tip of a significant ice-berg, two companies who fraudulently applied for thousands of pounds in grants and loans have been wound up in the courts. According to a recent government press release the two separate companies submitted false documents to at least 41 local authorities and the Government’s...

Couples may be eligible to reduce their Income Tax by up to £252 a year by sharing their Personal Allowances. HMRC has announced that nearly 1.8 million married couples and those in civil partnership are using Marriage Allowance to save up to £252 a year in Income Tax. Marriage Allowance allows married couples, or those...

It is still possible to register for one of two schemes under the Help to Grow banner.   Help to Grow Management Help to Grow: Management is an Executive Development programme accredited by the Small Business Charter, with 1:1 business mentor support throughout. The 12-week practical curriculum has modules spanning financial management, strategies for growth...

Ministers have revealed bold plans to reform and modernise the way regulations are made and implemented in the UK. Following Brexit, the UK has the freedom to make and implement regulations that place British businesses and consumers first – freeing firms from excessive formality and reducing costs, while boosting competition, innovation and economic growth.  ...

Many businesses will have seen a reduction in activity as a direct result of the COVID pandemic. Assets and resources previously fully employed now lie idle or are under-utilised. In this post today we have listed a few ideas that may help you create new income streams from these resources. For example:   Premises Do...

The UK Government’s Business Secretary, Kwasi Kwarteng, has revealed an arsenal of planned reforms to boost competition and protect the public from rip-offs, fraud and exploitation as the pandemic restrictions lift. Plans set out in a new consultation will deliver on the manifesto commitment to ‘give the Competition and Markets Authority enhanced powers to tackle...

1 August 2021 – Due date for Corporation Tax due for the year ended 31 October 2020. 19 August 2021 – PAYE and NIC deductions due for month ended 5 August 2021. (If you pay your tax electronically the due date is 22 August 2021) 19 August 2021 – Filing deadline for the CIS300 monthly...

You can claim up to £1,000 each tax year in tax-free allowances for property or trading income. If you have both types of income, you will qualify for a £1,000 allowance for each. If your annual gross property income is £1,000 or less, from one or more property businesses you will not have to tell...

Charity sponsorship payments are different from donations because your company gets something related to your business in return. Typically, your business brand would be promoted by the charity in some way. You can deduct sponsorship payments from your business profits before you pay tax by treating them as business expenses. Payments qualify as business expenses...

Expenditure on business entertainment is not allowable as a deduction against profits. Nor may a deduction be made for any expenditure which is incidental to business entertainment. The meaning of ‘incidental’ is not defined by HMRC but should be interpreted to mean any expenditure that is incurred directly or indirectly in connection with the provision...

If you sell second-hand vehicles and you were not charged VAT when you purchased the vehicle, using the Margin Scheme will save you money. If you did not use the VAT Margin Scheme, you would have to account for VAT on the full selling price of each vehicle. However, if you use the Margin Scheme...

Unless government has a change of heart the present furlough scheme will close 30 September 2021. Businesses that have depended on this grant to hold teams together will – from 1 October – need to decide if business activity has increased sufficiently to maintain their workforces at current levels or consider redundancy options. Planning is...

In an open letter to the UK logistics sector, the Government has announced an urgent initiative to resolve the mounting shortage of lorry drivers in the UK. Following Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic, thousands of EU nationals – who make up a significant proportion of workers in the UK logistics industry – are having to...

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has issued a statement urging students and other summer workers to check that they are being paid the correct National Minimum Wage (NMW) rates. In the 2020/21 tax year, HMRC helped over 150,000 workers across the UK to recover over £16 million remuneration that was due to them because incorrect...

The tax office is now open for claims from employees that have incurred work-related costs for the year to 5 April 2021 and have not been – and will not be – reimbursed by their employers. How to make a claim – the DIY approach You can claim online, by post or by phone. This...

Inflation is a measure of how much the value of currency depreciates each year. For example, if prices for a loaf of bread rise by 3% in a year, you would have to earn that extra 3% to continue to purchase bread, so your extra earnings would have no extra value. According to the Bank...

Next week, many of the present lockdown regulations in England are being relaxed. But cautionary guidance has also been published. It recommends: Meeting in well-ventilated areas where possible, such as outdoors or indoors with windows open. Wearing a face covering where you meet people you do not normally meet in enclosed and crowded spaces. Washing...

One of the largest fixed costs associated with business premises are rates payments to local authorities. The present system for reviewing rates in England is somewhat antiquated, the last review in England was 2017. The government had previously undertaken to move to more frequent revaluations, having introduced legislation to bring forward the next revaluations to...

Employers will need to start contributing to work not done by furloughed employees from 1 July 2021. The update from HMRC is reproduced below: From 1 July 2021, the level of grant will be reduced, and you will be asked to contribute towards the cost of your furloughed employees’ wages. To be eligible for the...

1 July 2021 – Due date for Corporation Tax due for the year ended 30 September 2020. 6 July 2021 – Complete and submit forms P11D return of benefits and expenses and P11D(b) return of Class 1A NICs. 19 July 2021 – Pay Class 1A NICs (by the 22 July 2021 if paid electronically). 19...

You must declare goods that you take with you to sell outside the UK – for example if they are in your baggage or in a private vehicle. There is a different process if you take goods abroad temporarily (for example samples for a trade fair) or use a courier or freight forwarder. Most countries...

Tax credits applicants should be vigilant and alert to potential scams, HMRC has warned. In the 12 months to 30 April 2021, HMRC responded to more than 1,154,300 referrals of suspicious contact from the public. More than 576,960 of these offered bogus tax rebates. In the same period, HMRC has worked with telecoms companies and...

If an individual dies and for whatever reason executors or the Treasury Solicitor’s department are unable to track down beneficiaries, the unclaimed estate falls under the care of the Bona Vacantia and Government Legal Department. The Division publishes a list of unclaimed estates which have been recently referred, but not yet administered, and historic cases...

Release from social distancing restrictions, in England, is deferred until 19 July 2021, which for most of us, means no change up to that date. We are still required to work from home when we can and maintain the other Step 3 social distancing provisions. However, there are a few additional concessions that will apply...

COVID disruption has added a further layer to the business risk cake. Do you know how many of your customers are at risk of failure? It is estimated that between 20% and 30% of small businesses, and a sprinkling of larger concerns, will cease to trade as we start to emerge from COVID lockdown; if...

HMRC have issued the following comments on their adoption of a risk-based penalty strategy for 2021-22. They said: Following HMRC’s review of the effectiveness of the risk-based approach to late filing PAYE and late payment penalties, we can confirm this approach will continue for the 2021 to 2022 tax year. This means that late filing...

First, let’s define these terms. “informed” – a decision or judgement based on an understanding of the facts of the situation. “guesswork” the process or results of estimating or concluding something without sufficient information to be sure of being correct. And between these two extremes varying degrees of certainty will apply. From a business point...

January and July are positive cash flow months for the UK Treasury as a number of significant taxes fall due for collection. Next month, July 2021, taxpayers may need to settle the following liabilities: 1 July 2021, companies with corporation tax due for the year end date 30 September 2020, will need to pay corporation...

None of us are particularly thrilled to receive communications from HMRC, but fraudulent contacts, by email and other means, are becoming commonplace and innocent members of the public are being left out of pocket. According to HMRC, in the 12 months to 30 April 2021, they responded to more than 1,154,300 referrals of suspicious contact...

The online portal for the new VAT payment scheme closes on 21 June 2021. Over half a million businesses deferred £34 billion in VAT payments due between March and June 2020 under the VAT Payment Deferral Scheme. Businesses had until 31 March 2021 to pay this deferred VAT or, if they could not afford to...

Government continues to be optimistic about the outlook for employment. In a recent press release they said: “Furlough numbers have fallen to their lowest level this year, according to official statistics published 3 June, as the number of people relying on the scheme fell to 3.4 million.” And yet that is still 3.4 million who...

If there is any Inheritance Tax to pay on gifts you make during your lifetime, it is charged at 40% on gifts given in the 3 years before you die. Gifts made 3 to 7 years before your death are taxed on a reducing, sliding scale known as ‘taper relief’. Years between gift and death...

1 June 2021 – Due date for Corporation Tax due for the year ended 31 August 2020. 19 June 2021 – PAYE and NIC deductions due for month ended 5 June 2021. (If you pay your tax electronically the due date is 22 June 2021) 19 June 2021 – Filing deadline for the CIS300 monthly...

If you are new to the import process the following check list will provide you with a rough guide to what you need to do: You need an EORI number that starts with GB to import goods into England, Wales or Scotland. You will need a new one if you have an EORI that does...

There are still a significant number of UK employees that are furloughed. Unfortunately, this scheme is scheduled to end 30 September 2021. Businesses that are struggling to re-establish themselves following the downside effects of repeated lockdown, may be faced with difficult decisions as this deadline approaches. The pundits are expecting a significant rise in the...

Next month, as you will see from the Tax Diary notes for July, employers that provide any form of taxable benefit to clients will need to prepare and file P11D returns to HMRC. The deadline to file is 6 July 2021. You will also need to provide employees affected with a copy of their P11D...

Package holiday companies have been instructed to respect the refund rights of holidaymakers ahead of the summer period. In a recent press release, this is what the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said: The CMA has published a further open letter to the sector and also sent it directly to the 100 package travel firms...

The government and the Association of British Insurers (ABI) have announced that the temporary Trade Credit Reinsurance (TCR) scheme will close on 30 June as planned. TCR was designed as a temporary solution for companies struggling to get insurance cover for transactions because of the pandemic. It is now ending in the context of a...

One of the more innovative aspects of the recent March budget was the introduction of the rather grandly named super-deduction. Limited companies that invest in qualifying assets in the two-year period 1 April 2021 to 31 March 2023, will be eligible for a 130% tax write-off. What this means is that if you buy say...

Following the announcement of the merger of Langdon West Williams and Harmer Slater Limited, Langdon West Williams is now a division of and will trade under the Harmer Slater Limited brand. The new combined business will bring together expertise to provide a comprehensive range of accounting advisory, assurance and tax services tailored to organisations of...

To reduce costs for UK firms that import certain goods from abroad, the Department for International Trade (DIT) has announced a new tariff suspension scheme. The aim, according to a recent press release, is designed to make UK companies more competitive. The published details of the scheme are reproduced below: From next month, firms based...

The government is helping shut the door on social media scammers trying to plunder people’s pensions under new scam prevention measures due this autumn. Under the plans, suspicious requests could be stopped if pensions savers have been approached to access or transfer their savings uninvited via social media. Such unsolicited contact would trigger a “red...

Fingers crossed that the present rise of the Indian COVID variant is restricted to localised outbreaks and that the intended relaxation of lockdown will generally go ahead as planned from 17th May. It would be a cruel irony if businesses that have been stocking up and training staff were told they could not open after...

A reminder that HMRC have set out detailed guidance for the self-employed who may have over-claimed any of their Self-Employed Income Support Scheme (SEISS) grants. The guidance is reproduced below: You must tell HMRC if, when you made the claim, you were not eligible for the grant. For example: for the first or second grant...

Limited companies are owned by shareholders and managed by directors. Very often, especially in the case of smaller companies, the owners and managers (shareholders and directors) are the same persons. Unfortunately, each has separate roles and responsibilities. For example, as a director of a limited company you must: follow the company’s rules, shown in its...

For some time now, HMRC have had the power to claw back some or all of the Child Benefits you receive if either parent’s income exceeds £50,000. The benefit is recovered by the High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC). This states that if either parent had income over £50,000 and: either partner received Child Benefit...

1 May 2021 – Due date for Corporation Tax due for the year ended 30 July 2020. 19 May 2021 – PAYE and NIC deductions due for month ended 5 May 2021. (If you pay your tax electronically the due date is 22 May 2021). 19 May 2021 – Filing deadline for the CIS300 monthly...

The advisory electricity rate for fully electric cars is 4 pence per mile. Hybrid cars are treated as either petrol or diesel cars for advisory fuel rates. The advisory fuel rates for petrol, LPG and diesel cars are shown in these tables. From 1 March 2021 You can use the previous rates for up to...

A special relief is available for creators of literary or artistic works under which they can claim to add together their profits for 2 years and be taxable on the average of those profits if certain conditions are met. This helps to even out fluctuating tax charges for creative persons who may pay little tax...

One or more charities can set up a subsidiary trading company to trade on their behalf. This may be a useful strategy if your charity: makes profits on trading that is not linked to its primary purpose makes a profit that comes close to or is higher than the small trading tax exemption limit wants...

A new Recovery Loan Scheme was launched 6 April 2021, to provide much needed liquidity to businesses affected by COVID lockdown measures. Under the scheme, loans of up to £10m are available. The minimum facility sizes vary, starting at £1,000 for asset and invoice finance, and £25,001 for term loans and overdrafts. Potentially, these loans...

Everyone in business that handles personal data must register for data protection purposes with the Information Commissioners Office. Most business will need to pay an annual fee of £40 or £60 but this can rise to £2,900. Some organisations only pay £40 regardless of their size and turnover. These are: charities and small occupational pension...

The present pandemic has created just the right conditions for certain businesses to trade their way into insolvency. As we start the gradual withdrawal from lockdown, consumers will be on the lookout to spend after months of enforced home “arrest”. This will likely fuel an increase in economic activity on an unprecedented scale as we...

Considering a home build? It would seem that government is keen to support this activity as they have just announced new plans to provide over £150 million in new government funding. This is aimed to make it easier and more affordable for people to build their own homes. The ‘Help to Build’ scheme will ensure...

A new government backed loan scheme was launched 6 April 2021. A recent news story confirming the details is reproduced below: The scheme, which was announced at budget and runs until 31 December 2021, will be administered by the British Business Bank, with loans available through a diverse network of accredited commercial lenders.   26...

The mortgage guarantee scheme that was announced March 2021 is intended as a temporary measure. It will be open for new mortgage applications from April 2021 to December 2022, in line with the government’s view that the current scarcity of high loan-to-value lending is primarily a response to the pandemic rather than a symptom of...

A National Insurance contributions holiday for businesses who employ armed forces veterans comes into force 6 April 2021. The policy allows employers to claim National Insurance contributions relief for veterans they have hired during their first year of civilian employment after leaving the armed forces. Who qualifies? Employers will only be able to claim National...

On 12 April, the rules that government has required us to follow to combat COVID-19, changed. From that date: non-essential retail will be able to reopen personal care premises such as hairdressers and nail salons will be able to reopen public buildings such as libraries and community centres will be able to reopen outdoor hospitality...

1 April 2021 – Due date for Corporation Tax due for the year ended 30 June 2020. 19 April 2021 – PAYE and NIC deductions due for month ended 5 April 2021. (If you pay your tax electronically the due date is 22 April 2021) 19 April 2021 – Filing deadline for the CIS300 monthly...

The new tax year starts 6 April 2021, and without dwelling too much on the historical trickery that has landed us with this odd commencement date, what are the challenges we will need to grapple with in the coming year? Keeping clear of COVID Pretty obvious really, no-one would willingly risk a dose of COVID-19...

Employers who have employees paid at the National Living Wage (NLW) or National Minimum Wage (NMW) rates should be applying new rates of pay from 1 April 2021. In full, the increases from April 1, 2021 are: NLW (23 ) has increased 2.2%, from £8.72 to £8.91 NMW (21-22) has increased 2%, from £8.20 to...

Since 15 March 2021, smaller businesses can apply for grants of up to £2,000 to help them adapt to new customs and tax rules when trading with the EU. The £20 million SME Brexit Support Fund enables traders to access practical support, including training for new customs, rules of origin and VAT processes. Small and...

The government has confirmed its intention that furloughed employees will be paid 80% of their wages for hours not worked under the furlough scheme. Up to 30 June 2021, this payment will be fully-funded by government and capped at £2,500 per month. From 1 July 2021, employers are required to contribute 10% of the 80%...

Many businesses across the UK are likely to make losses in the 2020-21 tax year due to the havoc resulting from COVID disruption. Which was why the announcement in the recent Budget that losses can be carried back for an extended period was most welcome. The policy objective aims to provide a cashflow benefit to...

If you became self-employed after 5 April 2019 and you have submitted your 2019-20 tax return before 2 March 2021, you may be eligible for the next two Self-Employed Income Support Scheme (SEISS) grants for the quarter end 30 April 2021 and the final claims period to 30 September 2021. HMRC has announced that they...

Perhaps the most innovative give-away in the recent budget was “Super-deductions for investment expenditure”. What does this mean? Companies that invest in qualifying plant and machinery in the period from 1 April 2021 to 31 March 2023 will benefit from enhanced capital allowances. Investments in assets that qualify for the main rate of capital allowances...

The government has announced new measures to support a safe and successful reopening of the high streets and seaside resorts ahead of the summer season. A new £56 million Welcome Back Fund will help councils boost tourism, improve green spaces and provide more outdoor seating areas, markets and food stall pop-ups – giving people safer...

An outline of the Finance Bill 2021 has been published and provides the legal framework for changes announced in the recent Budget. We have reproduced below the published text. This is subject to scrutiny by parliament and may change before the Bill receives Royal Assent. The Bill will ensure a number of tax changes set...

HMRC has recently clarified the action you need to take if you have claimed too little or too much under the furlough scheme (Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme). They are published in a FAQ format. Here’s what they say: What if I’ve claimed too much in error? If you have claimed too much CJRS grant and...

Most company business owners understand that if you incur a cost that is wholly and exclusively for the purpose of your trade, then it can be deducted from your taxable profits or added to tax losses. Likewise, if companies invest in plant or other equipment that qualifies for tax relief, even though the expenditure is...

The 2020/21 tax year comes to an end on 5 April 2021. As this date approaches, it is prudent to review your pension contributions and consider whether it would be beneficial to top up your pension before the end of the tax year. Is there a limit on tax-relieved contributions? Yes — tax relief is...

One aspect of the recent budget will please self-employed business owners that have previously been unable to claim under the Self-Employed Income Support Scheme (SEISS) as they commenced trading after 5 April 2019. As long as you submitted your self-assessment tax return for 2019-20 before midnight 2 March 2021, and you meet the other qualifying...

You may have noticed that a certain phrase came up more than once in the Chancellor’s Budget speech last week. The phrase went something like this: Allowances/rates will be frozen at this level until April 2026. That’s four years of flat-lining rates and allowances and it applies to income tax, capital gains tax, inheritance tax...

1 March 2021 – Due date for Corporation Tax due for the year ended 31 May 2020. 2 March 2021 – Self-assessment tax for 2019/20 paid after this date will incur a 5% surcharge. 19 March 2021 – PAYE and NIC deductions due for month ended 5 March 2021. (If you pay your tax electronically...

From April 2021, the National Living Wage (NLW) will be the statutory minimum wage for workers aged 23 and over. It currently applies to workers aged 25 and over. The reduction in the NLW age threshold follows a review of the structure of the National Minimum Wage youth rates and recommendations made by the Low...

You can make a simplified declaration before you export your goods. This is called ‘presenting’ your goods to customs. The first part of your declaration does not need as much information as a full declaration. When it’s approved, you can export your goods or move them from your premises. You will still need to give...

HMRC published the following press release on Valentine’s Day 2021. HMRC is encouraging married couples and people in civil partnerships to sign up for a tax break this year. Marriage Allowance offers individuals the chance to transfer part of their Personal Allowance to their husband, wife or civil partner, which could reduce their tax by...

Employed persons If your employer requires that you work from home, this will apply to many employees during the various COVID lock-down periods, HMRC will allow you to claim for any extra costs associated with working from home. To save you calculating what these extra costs might be, HMRC has agreed a claim based on...