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All news by: Mike Wakeford

How does the EMI scheme work? | Enterprise Management Incentives scheme

The use of enterprise management incentives scheme (EMIs) can help small growing companies to attract and retain employees. The enterprise management incentives scheme allows employees to buy shares free of income tax and NICs based on the difference between the amount paid for shares when an option is used and the actual value (provided the shares are purchased for at least the market value they had when the option was granted).
 

Capital Gains Tax on UK Residential Property | Report and pay capital gains tax on uk property

A higher rate of Capital Gains Tax (CGT) applies to gains on the disposal of residential property if the gain falls into the higher rate band. In the Spring Budget, the Chancellor announced a reduction in the higher rate of capital gains tax that exists for residential property from the current rate of 28% to 24% from 6 April 2024. These rates apply to higher rate taxpayers as well as to trustees and personal representatives. The lower rate that applies to basic rate taxpayers will remain unchanged at 18

What does the 2 National Insurance cuts mean for me? | National Insurance cuts for employees and Self-Employed

Our last National insurance blog listed the expected national insurance contribution rates for 2024; however, from what has recently been changed in the Chancellor’s Spring Budget for 2024 As had been widely expected, the Chancellor announced further changes to National Insurance contributions (NIC) rates for employees and the self-employed.
 

What is the deadline for payroll year end submissions? | Year end payroll reporting

It is not that long until the current 2023-24 tax year comes to an end on 5th April 2024 with any final payroll submissions to HMRC due by 19th of April 2024, with a number of year-end payroll chores that must be completed. This includes sending a final PAYE submission for the tax year. The last Full Payment Submission (FPS) needs to be submitted no later than the last payday for your employees of the 2023-24 tax year.
 

What is the deadline for payroll year end submissions? | Year end payroll reporting

It is not that long until the current 2023-24 tax year comes to an end on 5th April 2024 with any final payroll submissions to HMRC due by 19th of April 2024, with a number of year-end payroll chores that must be completed. This includes sending a final PAYE submission for the tax year. The last Full Payment Submission (FPS) needs to be submitted no later than the last payday for your employees of the 2023-24 tax year.
 

Cash Basis for Sole Traders | Should I use cash basis for my tax return?

The cash basis scheme helps sole traders and other unincorporated businesses benefit from a simpler way of managing their financial affairs. The scheme is not open to limited companies and limited liability partnerships. The cash basis scheme allows qualifying businesses to use the cash basis when recording income and expenditure. However, this cash basis scheme is not appropriate for all small businesses.

Taxable Gains on Gifts | What is the Gift Relief on the Transfer of Property?

Gift Hold-Over Relief is a tax relief that effectively defers Capital Gains Tax (CGT). The relief can be claimed when assets are given away (including certain shares) or sold for less than they are worth to help benefit the buyer. Gift Hold-Over Relief means that any gain on the asset is 'held-over' until the recipient of the gift sells or disposes of them. This is done by reducing the acquisition cost by the amount of the held over gain for the acquirer.

Taxable Gains on Gifts | What is the Gift Relief on the Transfer of Property?

Gift Hold-Over Relief is a tax relief that effectively defers Capital Gains Tax (CGT). The relief can be claimed when assets are given away (including certain shares) or sold for less than they are worth to help benefit the buyer. Gift Hold-Over Relief means that any gain on the asset is 'held-over' until the recipient of the gift sells or disposes of them. This is done by reducing the acquisition cost by the amount of the held over gain for the acquirer.

Replacement of domestic items relief | Tax Relief For Replacement Of Domestic Items

The difference between the replacement of domestic items relief and wear and tear relief.
The replacement of domestic items relief was introduced as a replacement to the previous legislation known as wear and tear relief. The critical difference between the old Wear and tear relief and the new replacement of domestic items relief is that the older system was only available for furnished lettings. The new legislation is not as restrictive as the prior relief, with the further relief available for all properties.
 

Replacement of domestic items relief | Tax Relief For Replacement Of Domestic Items

The difference between the replacement of domestic items relief and wear and tear relief.
The replacement of domestic items relief was introduced as a replacement to the previous legislation known as wear and tear relief. The critical difference between the old Wear and tear relief and the new replacement of domestic items relief is that the older system was only available for furnished lettings. The new legislation is not as restrictive as the prior relief, with the further relief available for all properties.
 

Community Investment Tax Relief Scheme | What is the HMRC community investment tax relief?

What is the Community Investment Tax Relief Scheme?
The Community Investment Tax Relief (CITR) scheme encourages investment in accredited intermediary organisations, called Community Development Finance Institutions (CDFIs). The tax relief under the system is available to both individuals and companies.

CDFIs may take a range of forms, including:
• Community loan funds, which make capital available to community regeneration initiatives and businesses;
• Micro-finance funds, which make small loans, usually at near-market rates of interest, to the smallest businesses, e.g., sole traders and
• Social banks - profit-seeking financial service providers or subsidiaries dedicated to social or environmental objectives.
 

Community Investment Tax Relief Scheme | What is the HMRC community investment tax relief?

What is the Community Investment Tax Relief Scheme?
The Community Investment Tax Relief (CITR) scheme encourages investment in accredited intermediary organisations, called Community Development Finance Institutions (CDFIs). The tax relief under the system is available to both individuals and companies.

CDFIs may take a range of forms, including:
• Community loan funds, which make capital available to community regeneration initiatives and businesses;
• Micro-finance funds, which make small loans, usually at near-market rates of interest, to the smallest businesses, e.g., sole traders and
• Social banks - profit-seeking financial service providers or subsidiaries dedicated to social or environmental objectives.
 

Paying tax by Certificate of Tax Deposit | What is the HMRC CTD scheme?

What is the Tax deposit Scheme?
The Certificate of Tax Deposit scheme allowed users to deposit money with HMRC and use it later to pay tax liabilities. The date that the certificate was purchased was known as the effective payment date. The scheme closed for new purchases on 23 November 2017.

However, at the time, HMRC had committed to honour existing the remaining certificate of tax deposits until 23 November 2023. As this date approaches, it is important that certificate tax of deposit holders take appropriate action. 

Paying tax by Certificate of Tax Deposit | What is the HMRC CTD scheme?

What is the Tax deposit Scheme?
The Certificate of Tax Deposit scheme allowed users to deposit money with HMRC and use it later to pay tax liabilities. The date that the certificate was purchased was known as the effective payment date. The scheme closed for new purchases on 23 November 2017.

However, at the time, HMRC had committed to honour existing the remaining certificate of tax deposits until 23 November 2023. As this date approaches, it is important that certificate tax of deposit holders take appropriate action. 

How to Claim Tax Relief on Private Pension Contributions | Tax relief on pension contributions

You can usually claim tax relief for your private pension contributions. There is an annual allowance for tax relief on pensions of £60,000 for the current 2023-24 tax year. The annual allowance was £40,000 in 2022-23.

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 if you have made pension savings in those years. There also used to also be a lifetime limit for tax relief on pension contributions but this was removed with effect from 6 April 2023.

How to Claim Tax Relief on Private Pension Contributions | Tax relief on pension contributions

You can usually claim tax relief for your private pension contributions. There is an annual allowance for tax relief on pensions of £60,000 for the current 2023-24 tax year. The annual allowance was £40,000 in 2022-23.

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 if you have made pension savings in those years. There also used to also be a lifetime limit for tax relief on pension contributions but this was removed with effect from 6 April 2023.

How to Claim Tax Relief on Employment Expenses | Claiming Tax Relief for employee expenses

If you are an employee who needs to use their own money to pay for things used as part of your employment, you may be able to claim tax relief. In most cases, you can claim tax relief on the full cost as long as you only use these things for your work. Tax relief is reduced if your employer provides a financial contribution towards employment expenses, and no relief is available if you receive all the money back or you are incurring the cost to purchase alternative equipment to that provided by your employer (e.g. you are provided with a basic laptop but you want a better model).
 

How to Claim Tax Relief on Employment Expenses | Claiming Tax Relief for employee expenses

If you are an employee who needs to use their own money to pay for things used as part of your employment, you may be able to claim tax relief. In most cases, you can claim tax relief on the full cost as long as you only use these things for your work. Tax relief is reduced if your employer provides a financial contribution towards employment expenses, and no relief is available if you receive all the money back or you are incurring the cost to purchase alternative equipment to that provided by your employer (e.g. you are provided with a basic laptop but you want a better model).
 

When are you Not Required to Pay Capital Gains Tax on Assets? | Capital Gains Tax Allowances

In most cases, no Capital Gains Tax (CGT) is to be paid on the transfer of assets to a spouse or civil partner. There is, however, a disposal that has taken place for CGT purposes, effectively, at no gain or loss on the date of the transfer. When the asset ultimately comes to be sold, the gain or loss will be calculated from when the original spouse or civil partner first owned the asset.
 

When are you Not Required to Pay Capital Gains Tax on Assets? | Capital Gains Tax Allowances

In most cases, no Capital Gains Tax (CGT) is to be paid on the transfer of assets to a spouse or civil partner. There is, however, a disposal that has taken place for CGT purposes, effectively, at no gain or loss on the date of the transfer. When the asset ultimately comes to be sold, the gain or loss will be calculated from when the original spouse or civil partner first owned the asset.
 

Filling Gaps in National Insurance Contributions extended to 2025

We previously notified you that the deadline was approaching for individuals aged 45 to 72 to fill in gaps in their National Insurance Contribution (NIC) history. For those under 45, it will generally not make sense to pay for additional years as you should have sufficient remaining working life to achieve the maximum number of NIC years (although other factors could affect this such as if you have moved overseas). The initial deadline was April 5th 2023, which due to the current overload of government helplines, was subsequently extended to 31st July 2023 and has now been further extended to 5th April 2025 as advisers have been unable to provide the necessary advice.

Pension Changes from 6 April 2023

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 Income Tax and is subject to the increased underlying limits. Taxpayers will continue to be able to carry forward unused annual allowances the last three tax years if they have made pension savings in those years.

Understanding Private Residence Relief and Letting Relief

In general, there is no Capital Gains Tax (CGT) due on the disposal of a property which has been used as the owner’s main residence throught the period of ownership. This relief from CGT is commonly known as 'private residence relief'. However, where all or part of the home has been rented out the entitlement to relief may be affected. Homeowners that let all or part of their house may not benefit from the full private residence relief, but may benefit from letting relief.

What is the deadline for submitting my p11D & P11D (b) Forms for 2022/23

The deadline for submitting the 2022-23 forms P11D, P11D(b) and P9D is 6 July 2023. The forms can be submitted using commercial software or via HMRC’s PAYE online service. Employees must also be provided with a copy of the information relating to them on these forms by the same date. P11D forms are used to provide information to HMRC on all Benefits in Kind (BiKs), including those under the Optional Remuneration Arrangements (OpRAs) unless the employer is including such benefits through their payroll.

What are the rules for Corporation tax with Large and Very Large companies.

A large company with taxable profits between £1.5m and £20m is required to pay Corporation Tax in 4 equal instalments. These instalments are payable in months 7, 10, 13 and 16 following the start of the relevant accounting period. The actual payments are due 6 months and 13 days after the start of the accounting period, then 9 months and 13 days, then 12 months and 13 days and finally 15 months and 13 days after the start of the accounting period.

What is Business Asset Rollover Relief?

Business Asset Rollover Relief is a valuable relief that allows for the deferral of Capital Gains Tax (CGT) on gains made when taxpayers sell or dispose of certain assets and use all or part of the proceeds to buy new business assets. The relief means that the tax on the gain of the old asset is postponed. The amount of the gain is effectively rolled over into the cost of the new asset, and any CGT liability is deferred until the new asset is sold.

Spring Budget 2023 Recap - Pension changes

One of the key measures of the Spring Budget was the announcement that the £40,000 cap on annual pension contributions will be increased by 50% to £60,000 from 6 April 2023. Tax relief for contributions to pension schemes is given at a taxpayer’s marginal rate of Income Tax and is subject to the increased underlying limits. Taxpayers will continue to access carry-forward, unused annual allowances for the last three tax years if they have made pension savings in those years.

How do I make a claim on an unclaimed estate?

There are special intestacy rules that govern how assets are divided if you die without making a will. If this happens your assets are passed on to family members in accordance with a set legal formula. This can result in a distribution of assets that would not be in keeping with your final wishes and can be especially problematic for cohabitees (a couple who live together but are not married and have not entered into a civil partnership).

A Recap On The Spring Budget 2023 Announcements.

Jeremy Hunt delivered his first Spring Budget today, referring to it as a ‘Budget for Growth.’
The first part of the speech as usual dealt with the economic background and forecasts on which the budget has been based. According to the Chancellor the most recent forecast is that although the economy will not grow this year, it is likely that a technical recession will be avoided. It is expected that the rate of inflation will fall to 2.9% by the end of the year, and the Bank of England will continue to focus their interest rate policy on targeting a long-time inflation rate of 2%.

How do I pay a voluntary National Insurance contribution?

 National Insurance (NI) contributions are made in a variety of ways:
  • Class 1 contributions are paid by employers and their employees
  • Class 2 contributions are fixed weekly amounts paid by self-employed people.
  • Class 3 contributions are voluntary NICs paid by people wanting to fill gaps in their contribution record.
  • Class 4 contributions are paid by self-employed people on their profits.

What is HMRC's Guidance on serious fraud?

HMRC’s Code of Practice 9 (COP9) leaflet outlines the procedures for any investigations into serious fraud by HMRC. COP9 covers both direct and indirect taxes and includes confirmation from HMRC that taxpayers will be treated fairly and courteously. Investigations of this type by HMRC are designed to ascertain the full facts of a case and to collect any tax liabilities, penalties and interest deemed owing in cases of fraudulent conduct.

Autumn Statement 2022: Key Highlights

Key Highlights from the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement 2022:
 
Personal taxes
 
Income tax
 
It was confirmed that the current personal allowance (£12,570) and the thresholds for the upper limit of the basic rate tax band (£50,270) and the amount at which the personal allowance starts to taper away (£100,000) will all remain unchanged until 5 April 2028.

Can I claim loan/mortgage interest as a tax reduction?

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 will simply reduce your Income Tax bill by £2,000 (£10,000 x 20%).
 

Are you aware of the tax implications of extracting your property portfolio from company to private ownership?E OWNERSHIP?

Many investment properties are acquired through a limited company for a variety of reasons.
 
Complications arise when this structure is no longer appropriate, for example, there may be a desire to gift to a child, and extracting a property from a company back into private beneficial ownership can be a costly affair. Tax costs arise both for the company disposing of the property and for the purchasing connected party.

ARE YOU AWARE OF THE TAX IMPLICATIONS OF EXTRACTING YOUR PROPERTY PORTFOLIO FROM COMPANY TO PRIVATE OWNERSHIP?

Many investment properties are acquired through a limited company for a variety of reasons.
 
Complications arise when this structure is no longer appropriate, for example, there may be a desire to gift to a child, and extracting a property from a company back into private beneficial ownership can be a costly affair. Tax costs arise both for the company disposing of the property and for the purchasing connected party.

The Spring Statement: As it Happened

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 markets and the food supply-chain.

The Spring Statement: As it Happened

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 markets and the food supply-chain.

Tax benefits on electric cars - company cars

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. This charge is the way that HMRC levy tax on the deemed value of the benefit of having the use of a company car, and the more expensive the car is and the higher the CO2 footprint of the car, the higher the Income Tax charge will be.

BUDGET 2021: AS IT HAPPENED

This was a budget speech that for tax purposes at least is probably more notable for what was not included in it rather than what it did contain. It was widely expected that the Chancellor would say something about at least one of three topics on which there has a lot of recent speculation. Instead there was no mention of reform to capital gains tax, inheritance tax or the taxation of pension funds, not even an intention to launch consultations on possible future changes.

Self-assessment tax deadline

The deadline to file your 2020/21 self-assessment tax return is approaching. Taxpayers that choose to file via a paper return have a deadline of 31 October 2021. If you file electronically, the filing deadline is 31 January 2022.

Airbnb Landlords Income and HMRC

You may have seen recent headlines about the tax affairs of Airbnb in the UK and that HMRC have charged them with an additional £1.8 million of tax following an investigation. If you are a UK citizen, or a general fan of tax payments you may think that sounds good as the company didn’t seem to be paying enough tax. But how will this change affect Airbnb hosts? 

Keep an eye on the numbers!

Recent economic forecasts for 2020 published by H M Treasury will do little to inspire business confidence. In their comparison of independent forecasts published last month, the unemployment rate is estimated to rise to 8% and in the same period, GDP falls by 9%.

MAKING TAX DIGITAL EXTENDED

HMRC’s flagship Making Tax Digital online quarterly reporting is being significantly extended with legislation proposed in the Finance Bill 2020-21 bringing all VAT registered businesses into the system from April 2022 and extending it to include income tax self assessment from April 2023. 

SUMMER STATEMENT: A PLAN FOR JOBS

Yesterday, the Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak delivered a speech to Parliament that he called a plan for jobs.  Describing the Covid-19 pandemic as the biggest threat to this country in decades he announced a number of measures intended to support jobs and boost the economy.

SUMMER STATEMENT: A PLAN FOR JOBS

Yesterday, the Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak delivered a speech to Parliament that he called a plan for jobs.  Describing the Covid-19 pandemic as the biggest threat to this country in decades he announced a number of measures intended to support jobs and boost the economy.

Claiming child benefit for newborns

General Register Offices are currently operating with reduced capacity and with government guidance to social distance and stay at home, new parents are advised not to visit them. They can however still claim Child Benefit without having to register their child’s birth first to ensure that they do not miss out.

Claiming child benefit for newborns

General Register Offices are currently operating with reduced capacity and with government guidance to social distance and stay at home, new parents are advised not to visit them. They can however still claim Child Benefit without having to register their child’s birth first to ensure that they do not miss out.

The Budget 2020 Overview

This was a budget delivered by a new Chancellor against the backdrop of a worsening COVID-19 crisis and recent economic shocks, and as a result the speech was probably very different to the one that was being prepared only a few weeks ago.

What now?

Even though many of the uncertainties that have plagued UK politics during 2019 are still to be decided, at least the hiatus in parliament has been resolved; the Conservatives now have a working majority and we can expect action on a number of fronts. 

Brexit risk assessment

It looks increasingly likely that we are heading for a no-deal Brexit. Taken literally, this means that our present relaxed trading relationship with customers and suppliers in the EU will cease at the end of October this year.

Personal service company changes from April 2020

In the Autumn Budget the Chancellor announced that the “off payroll” workers rules that currently apply in the public sector would be rolled out to the private sector in 2020. The government have now issued a consultation paper that sets out proposed tax and national insurance changes that will impact on those supplying their services through personal service companies.

Plan your money 2019

2019 is set to be a year of changes for finances, with everything from council tax, state pension payments and inheritance tax set to change. Find out about the changes below and how your finances could be affected.

Plan your money 2019

2019 is set to be a year of changes for finances, with everything from council tax, state pension payments and inheritance tax set to change. Find out about the changes below and how your finances could be affected.

Ministers considering over 40’s tax

Ministers in the United Kingdom are considering new ways to fund the increasing cost of social care. 

One of the suggested methods has been successfully used in Germany for nearly two decades and involves placing a 2.5% levy onto the income and earnings of those aged over 40.

Ministers considering over 40’s tax

Ministers in the United Kingdom are considering new ways to fund the increasing cost of social care. 

One of the suggested methods has been successfully used in Germany for nearly two decades and involves placing a 2.5% levy onto the income and earnings of those aged over 40.

CGT planning for married couples

This article is also relevant to couples who have entered into a civil partnership.

For the tax year 2018-19, taxpayers can make tax-free capital gains of up to £11,700.

This allowance is available on a per person basis and so married couples (and those in a civil partnership) have a combined CGT allowance of £23,400.

CGT planning for married couples

This article is also relevant to couples who have entered into a civil partnership.

For the tax year 2018-19, taxpayers can make tax-free capital gains of up to £11,700.

This allowance is available on a per person basis and so married couples (and those in a civil partnership) have a combined CGT allowance of £23,400.

Changes to Capital Gains Tax

Currently a capital gain that is made by an individual UK resident is reported through the self-assessment tax return regime. This means that if an individual disposes of a property during the year ended 5 April 2019, it will be notified on the individuals 2018-19 tax return, which does  not need to be submitted until January 31, 2020 with the tax due on that same day. 

Changes to Capital Gains Tax

Currently a capital gain that is made by an individual UK resident is reported through the self-assessment tax return regime. This means that if an individual disposes of a property during the year ended 5 April 2019, it will be notified on the individuals 2018-19 tax return, which does  not need to be submitted until January 31, 2020 with the tax due on that same day. 

How to spot a HMRC scam

Fraudsters will disguise themselves as HMRC and other government departments/professional bodies to:
•    Obtain personal details which they will sell or use for identity theft,
•    Coax victims into handing over money,
•    Use victims’ details to steal money from their accounts. 
 

How to spot a HMRC scam

Fraudsters will disguise themselves as HMRC and other government departments/professional bodies to:
•    Obtain personal details which they will sell or use for identity theft,
•    Coax victims into handing over money,
•    Use victims’ details to steal money from their accounts. 
 

Making Tax Digital timeline

You will be aware that HMRC is moving forward with their digitisation of taxpayer VAT and Income Tax reporting requirements, under their much publicised Making Tax Digital (MTD) initiative. Below you will find the most recent announcements made by HMRC on this issue.
 

Making Tax Digital timeline

You will be aware that HMRC is moving forward with their digitisation of taxpayer VAT and Income Tax reporting requirements, under their much publicised Making Tax Digital (MTD) initiative. Below you will find the most recent announcements made by HMRC on this issue.
 

Budget 2018 overview

Philip Hammond’s third budget, and the last one scheduled to take place before Brexit next year, did not contain many big headline grabbing tax changes as it concentrated more on increased government spending in what the Chancellor claimed was recognition that the days of austerity are now over, as the state of the economy continues to improve.

Budget 2018 overview

Philip Hammond’s third budget, and the last one scheduled to take place before Brexit next year, did not contain many big headline grabbing tax changes as it concentrated more on increased government spending in what the Chancellor claimed was recognition that the days of austerity are now over, as the state of the economy continues to improve.

Tax and making loans to employees

A reminder that making loans to your employees or their relatives can create tax problems for employees and employers. For example, the employer will have an obligation to report a beneficial loan to HMRC and the deemed benefit would be a taxable benefit in kind for the relevant employee.
 

Tax and making loans to employees

A reminder that making loans to your employees or their relatives can create tax problems for employees and employers. For example, the employer will have an obligation to report a beneficial loan to HMRC and the deemed benefit would be a taxable benefit in kind for the relevant employee.
 

Unexpected VAT charge for UK importers

With no agreement on tariffs, the UK will be treated as any other non-EU trading nation post Brexit. Consequently, UK importers would be required to make an up-front VAT payment in addition to any customs duties. This VAT payment will rank as input VAT that can be reclaimed from HMRC. 

Unexpected VAT charge for UK importers

With no agreement on tariffs, the UK will be treated as any other non-EU trading nation post Brexit. Consequently, UK importers would be required to make an up-front VAT payment in addition to any customs duties. This VAT payment will rank as input VAT that can be reclaimed from HMRC. 

Chancellor calls for a simplification on Inheritance Tax

The Office of Tax Simplification (OTS) has already highlighted inheritance tax (IHT) as an area ripe for an overhaul and now the Chancellor, Philip Hammond, has asked the body to conduct a system-wide review of the current tax regime, and wants to see proposals for simplification, ‘to ensure that the system is fit for purpose and makes the experience of those who interact with it as smooth as possible’.

Chancellor calls for a simplification on Inheritance Tax

The Office of Tax Simplification (OTS) has already highlighted inheritance tax (IHT) as an area ripe for an overhaul and now the Chancellor, Philip Hammond, has asked the body to conduct a system-wide review of the current tax regime, and wants to see proposals for simplification, ‘to ensure that the system is fit for purpose and makes the experience of those who interact with it as smooth as possible’.

CGT Opportunities?

This is also an appropriate time of the year to consider your capital gains tax position if you have already disposed (or are considering a disposal) of an asset subject to CGT before 6 April 2018.

CGT Opportunities?

This is also an appropriate time of the year to consider your capital gains tax position if you have already disposed (or are considering a disposal) of an asset subject to CGT before 6 April 2018.

4 common mistakes to avoid when submitting your paper tax return

The countdown has begun for this years’ paper tax return, a crucial time for around 10 miilion taxpayers who are either self employed or  receive other income that requires the submission of a tax return, which is normally rental income,  interest or dividend income. It is also necessary to submit a tax return if you have realized capital gains on which a tax liability arises, or if you have made a loss on the disposal of a capital asset that you want to carry forward to set against future gains.

4 common mistakes to avoid when submitting your paper tax return

The countdown has begun for this years’ paper tax return, a crucial time for around 10 miilion taxpayers who are either self employed or  receive other income that requires the submission of a tax return, which is normally rental income,  interest or dividend income. It is also necessary to submit a tax return if you have realized capital gains on which a tax liability arises, or if you have made a loss on the disposal of a capital asset that you want to carry forward to set against future gains.

Second finance bill this Autumn

It has been announced that the second Finance Bill will legislate for all policies that were included in the pre-election Finance Bill but had to be dropped in order to rush through the Finance Act 2017 before the snap general election in June.

Second finance bill this Autumn

It has been announced that the second Finance Bill will legislate for all policies that were included in the pre-election Finance Bill but had to be dropped in order to rush through the Finance Act 2017 before the snap general election in June.

Trading and property allowances

From 6 April 2017 (subject to the passage of the Autumn Finance Bill, when Parliament returns after the summer break), individuals will be able to claim up to £1,000 a year in tax-free allowances for property or trading income.  If you have both types of income, you may claim a £1,000 allowance for each.

 

Trading and property allowances

From 6 April 2017 (subject to the passage of the Autumn Finance Bill, when Parliament returns after the summer break), individuals will be able to claim up to £1,000 a year in tax-free allowances for property or trading income.  If you have both types of income, you may claim a £1,000 allowance for each.

 

Tax diary July/August

July & August are very busy times in the tax calendar, with critical filing dates.

Please check out the link below for dates that may be relevant to your business throughout the year.
July & August are very busy times in the tax calendar, with critical filing dates.
 
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Tax diary July/August

July & August are very busy times in the tax calendar, with critical filing dates.

Please check out the link below for dates that may be relevant to your business throughout the year.
July & August are very busy times in the tax calendar, with critical filing dates.
 
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What is dementia tax?


The Conservative Party Manifesto announcement and subsequent U-Turn on the requirement to pay for social care may have caused many voters to switch their allegiance in the June Election. Although this so-called “Dementia tax” is not strictly a tax, paying for social care has become more important than Inheritance Tax for many families.

What is dementia tax?


The Conservative Party Manifesto announcement and subsequent U-Turn on the requirement to pay for social care may have caused many voters to switch their allegiance in the June Election. Although this so-called “Dementia tax” is not strictly a tax, paying for social care has become more important than Inheritance Tax for many families.

Expenses and benefits for employees

Until 2015-16, it was possible to apply for a dispensation to exclude certain expenses and benefits provided to employees from the year end returns to HMRC: primarily the submission of forms P11D. These dispensations ceased to be effective from 6 April 2016. From this date many of the expenses covered by dispensations were exempted from the benefits legislation. The sorts of expenses covered include:

 

Expenses and benefits for employees

Until 2015-16, it was possible to apply for a dispensation to exclude certain expenses and benefits provided to employees from the year end returns to HMRC: primarily the submission of forms P11D. These dispensations ceased to be effective from 6 April 2016. From this date many of the expenses covered by dispensations were exempted from the benefits legislation. The sorts of expenses covered include:

 

Beneficial loans to employees

In many cases, making loans to your employees or their relatives can create an obligation to report a beneficial loan to HMRC. The deemed benefit would be a taxable benefit in kind for the relevant employee, and would increase the employer’s Class 1A NIC bill at the end of the tax year.

Beneficial loans to employees

In many cases, making loans to your employees or their relatives can create an obligation to report a beneficial loan to HMRC. The deemed benefit would be a taxable benefit in kind for the relevant employee, and would increase the employer’s Class 1A NIC bill at the end of the tax year.

Simplified cash basis

For some time now, unincorporated businesses have been able to submit simplified accounts in order to settle their tax liabilities. The main advantage of using this system is that income and expenditure is based on money received from customers and money paid to suppliers. In other words, the accruals basis, where income and outgoings are based on the value of invoices sent and received, is not applied.

Simplified cash basis

For some time now, unincorporated businesses have been able to submit simplified accounts in order to settle their tax liabilities. The main advantage of using this system is that income and expenditure is based on money received from customers and money paid to suppliers. In other words, the accruals basis, where income and outgoings are based on the value of invoices sent and received, is not applied.

Tax diary

April is a very busy time in the tax calendar, with critical filing dates.

Please check out the link below for dates that may be relevant to your business throughout the year.

Tax diary

April is a very busy time in the tax calendar, with critical filing dates.

Please check out the link below for dates that may be relevant to your business throughout the year.

New Government Savings Scheme Starts in April 2017

From April 2017,adults under the age of 40 will be able to open a Lifetime ISA (LISA) and pay in up to £4,000 each tax year. They will be able to continue making contributions up to the age of 50. The government will add a 25% bonus to these contributions. This means that individuals who save the maximum will receive a £1,000 bonus each year from the Government.
 

New Government Savings Scheme Starts in April 2017

From April 2017,adults under the age of 40 will be able to open a Lifetime ISA (LISA) and pay in up to £4,000 each tax year. They will be able to continue making contributions up to the age of 50. The government will add a 25% bonus to these contributions. This means that individuals who save the maximum will receive a £1,000 bonus each year from the Government.
 

Income tax not CGT on property sale

Finance Act 2016 brought in new rules to ensure that overseas property traders and developers are subject to UK income tax or corporation tax when they dispose of UK properties from 5 July 2016. However the way in which the legislation is drafted may catch some buy-to-let landlords.

Income tax not CGT on property sale

Finance Act 2016 brought in new rules to ensure that overseas property traders and developers are subject to UK income tax or corporation tax when they dispose of UK properties from 5 July 2016. However the way in which the legislation is drafted may catch some buy-to-let landlords.

Staff Christmas parties and gifts

There has, for many years, been an exemption for small and seasonal gifts made by an employer to its employees such as a turkey, an ordinary bottle of wine or a box of chocolates at Christmas. In addition, employers have always been able to rely on the annual staff function to exempt Christmas parties (provided the combined VAT inclusive cost of any such functions remains below £150 per head). But now, following the introduction by HM Revenue & Customs of new trivial benefit rules, from 6 April 2016, other staff gifts  might now qualify as a trivial benefit if the cost per head is below the specified VAT inclusive £50 limit. In order to qualify for the exemption, the gift cannot be part of any reward for services, nor can it be in the form of cash or vouchers capable of being converted into cash.

Staff Christmas parties and gifts

There has, for many years, been an exemption for small and seasonal gifts made by an employer to its employees such as a turkey, an ordinary bottle of wine or a box of chocolates at Christmas. In addition, employers have always been able to rely on the annual staff function to exempt Christmas parties (provided the combined VAT inclusive cost of any such functions remains below £150 per head). But now, following the introduction by HM Revenue & Customs of new trivial benefit rules, from 6 April 2016, other staff gifts  might now qualify as a trivial benefit if the cost per head is below the specified VAT inclusive £50 limit. In order to qualify for the exemption, the gift cannot be part of any reward for services, nor can it be in the form of cash or vouchers capable of being converted into cash.

Don't miss out on Tax Relief on R&D

​The government is concerned that many small companies are missing out on generous R&D tax credits.  For the last year HMRC have been offering companies an advance assurance scheme to check whether or not their activities qualify before they make a claim. So far over 200 applications for advance assurance have been made.

Don't miss out on Tax Relief on R&D

​The government is concerned that many small companies are missing out on generous R&D tax credits.  For the last year HMRC have been offering companies an advance assurance scheme to check whether or not their activities qualify before they make a claim. So far over 200 applications for advance assurance have been made.

Tax measures contained in 2016 Autumn Statement

This was the first and last Autumn Statement to be delivered by the new Chancellor, as he announced major changes to the timetable under which the annual Budget cycle will operate in future, the main thrust of which is that after  the Spring budget in March 2017 we will be moving to Autumn Budgets and Spring Statements!  In a change of policy from recent years, there were not as many new tax announcements in the speech or the supporting documents as has been the case in recent years, but the tax changes that were announced included the following:

Tax measures contained in 2016 Autumn Statement

This was the first and last Autumn Statement to be delivered by the new Chancellor, as he announced major changes to the timetable under which the annual Budget cycle will operate in future, the main thrust of which is that after  the Spring budget in March 2017 we will be moving to Autumn Budgets and Spring Statements!  In a change of policy from recent years, there were not as many new tax announcements in the speech or the supporting documents as has been the case in recent years, but the tax changes that were announced included the following:

When is a hobby a trade?

We have received enquiries from a number of clients, concerned that HMRC is going to try and tax them for the small amounts of cash that they make from pursuing hobbies. For example, buying and selling on eBay or setting up stalls at their local drive in markets – car boot sales.

When is a hobby a trade?

We have received enquiries from a number of clients, concerned that HMRC is going to try and tax them for the small amounts of cash that they make from pursuing hobbies. For example, buying and selling on eBay or setting up stalls at their local drive in markets – car boot sales.

The UK has funeral debt close to £150m

The total amount borrowed by people living in the UK to pay for funerals, has hit close to £147 million, as it is revealed almost 95,000 have been slapped with a huge and unexpected funeral bill, with no other choice but to simply borrow, in order to be able to afford it. It is a startling number that demonstrates how unbelievably out of hand the cost of funerals has become. 

The UK has funeral debt close to £150m

The total amount borrowed by people living in the UK to pay for funerals, has hit close to £147 million, as it is revealed almost 95,000 have been slapped with a huge and unexpected funeral bill, with no other choice but to simply borrow, in order to be able to afford it. It is a startling number that demonstrates how unbelievably out of hand the cost of funerals has become. 

Tax and your home

If you use your home for business purposes, rent out parts of your home whilst you are still in residence or if you rent out your home while you are resident elsewhere, you may need to consider the tax consequences. This article covers some of the tax issues that you may need to consider:

Tax and your home

If you use your home for business purposes, rent out parts of your home whilst you are still in residence or if you rent out your home while you are resident elsewhere, you may need to consider the tax consequences. This article covers some of the tax issues that you may need to consider:

The deadline for paper tax returns is looming.... avoid these common mistakes

The countdown has begun for this years’ paper tax return, a crucial time for around 400,000 taxpayers who are self employed or those that receive other income that requires the submission of a tax return, which is normally rental income, or interest and dividend income that is liable to income tax at more than the basic rate. It is also necessary to submit a tax return if you have realised capital gains on which a tax liability arises, or if you have made a loss on the disposal of a capital asset that you want to carry forward to set against future gains.

The deadline for paper tax returns is looming.... avoid these common mistakes

The countdown has begun for this years’ paper tax return, a crucial time for around 400,000 taxpayers who are self employed or those that receive other income that requires the submission of a tax return, which is normally rental income, or interest and dividend income that is liable to income tax at more than the basic rate. It is also necessary to submit a tax return if you have realised capital gains on which a tax liability arises, or if you have made a loss on the disposal of a capital asset that you want to carry forward to set against future gains.

What is a CT61?

Although most banks and building societies do not have to deduct Income Tax from interest payments they make to depositors from April 2016, the same does not apply to others that pay interest.
 

What is a CT61?

Although most banks and building societies do not have to deduct Income Tax from interest payments they make to depositors from April 2016, the same does not apply to others that pay interest.
 

Expanding your income tax bands

For the tax year 2016-17, most taxpayers are entitled to claim a tax-free personal allowance of £11,000 from their taxable income. The maximum income that can be taxed at the basic rate of 20%, after the personal allowance has been deducted, is £32,000.

Expanding your income tax bands

For the tax year 2016-17, most taxpayers are entitled to claim a tax-free personal allowance of £11,000 from their taxable income. The maximum income that can be taxed at the basic rate of 20%, after the personal allowance has been deducted, is £32,000.

Making tax digital - too soon?

George Osborne announced the introduction of digital tax accounts in his 2015 Budget, with more information being sent online to HM Revenue and Customs (HRMC) by employers, pension funds, banks and other institutions. This information will  then be used to calculate individuals' tax liabilities which may be viewed by them online. All this sounds great in theory, but many accountants expressed concerns about the reliability of this data.

Making tax digital - too soon?

George Osborne announced the introduction of digital tax accounts in his 2015 Budget, with more information being sent online to HM Revenue and Customs (HRMC) by employers, pension funds, banks and other institutions. This information will  then be used to calculate individuals' tax liabilities which may be viewed by them online. All this sounds great in theory, but many accountants expressed concerns about the reliability of this data.