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Consider the HMRC app
In an attempt to popularise the use of its app, HMRC is launching a new advertising campaign aimed in particular at 18 to 34 year olds. More than 1.7 million people are already using the HMRC app every month, which enables users to access services such as making a Child Benefit
Managing increase in Employers NIC
The upcoming increase in employer National Insurance Contributions (NICs) in the UK, set to rise from 13.8% to 15% from 6 April 2025, along with the reduction of the secondary threshold from £9,100 to £5,000, will significantly impact business costs. To mitigate these effects, employers can consider the following
Consequences of the NLW and NMW rate increases next year
The proposed increases to the UK National Minimum Wage (NMW) and National Living Wage (NLW) set for April 2025 are expected to impact employers and employees significantly. Here’s how various sectors might feel these changes: Financial Pressures on Employers: With the NLW expected to rise to approximately £12.21 for
Autumn 2024 Budget – planning options
In this post we have outlined a few tax planning options that readers may want to consider following the October Budget changes. Capital Gains Tax Landlords will be relieved that the higher residential rate will remain at 24% until at least 5 April 2026. However, where a landlord is
Common sources of investment funding for SMEs
Small UK businesses have a variety of investment sources available, depending on their needs and stage of development. Here’s a look at some of the most common options. Personal Savings Many entrepreneurs start by using their own savings or money from friends and family. While this approach avoids debt
Main objectives of new Pensions Bill
The King’s speech earlier this year announced the creation of a new Pensions Bill. The Bill aims to increase the range of investment options for pension funds and to improve the retirement outcomes for future pensioners. Emma Reynolds, the current Minister for Pensions, made the following comments at a
Business concerns continue to plague UK SMEs
In the UK, business owners are grappling with inflation, labour shortages, access to finance, and supply chain disruptions, all of which are affecting business operations, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Inflation: Rising Costs Costs of raw materials, energy, and labour have increased, squeezing margins for businesses, especially
Financial Services Compensation Scheme
In the UK, bank deposit protections are provided through the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS). The FSCS offers a safety net for consumers in the event that a bank or financial institution fails. Key points about deposit protection in the UK include: Protection Limit: The FSCS protects up to
Restricted access to the Winter Fuel Allowance is confirmed
Parliament has agreed that the Winter Fuel Allowance payable 2024 will be limited to pensioners in receipt of Pensions Credits and certain other means-tested benefits. Pensioners who are eligible to claim Pensions Credits and have not done so need to be entitled to Pension Credits for at least one
What can we expect from the October Budget?
As the October 2024 Budget approaches, several key tax measures are anticipated based on Labour’s manifesto and previous policy announcements. Here’s what we might expect: Capital Gains Tax (CGT): It is likely that the CGT rates may be increased, potentially aligning with income tax rates, which could push them
The importance of Pension Credits this winter
Pension Credit is a benefit you can claim in the UK aimed at providing extra income to pensioners who are on a low income. You may have heard that the new Chancellor will only pay the winter fuel allowance to pensioners who are receiving Pension Credits. In which case
Prime Minister’s speech
On August 27, 2024, Keir Starmer delivered a pivotal speech from Downing Street, focusing on the deep challenges the UK faces and the direction his government intends to take to address them. Starmer painted a grim picture of the nation’s state, attributing the current crises to the mismanagement and
Further drop in interest rates
Interest rates are a powerful lever in our economy. Increase rates and economic activity tends to slow down, and vice versa if interest rates fall. The recent hikes in rates, to control inflation, were reversed recently when the Bank of England (BoE) reduced rates to 5% (from 5.25%). The
Private pension contributions
Tax relief on private pension scheme contributions is a significant incentive in the UK, encouraging individuals to save for retirement. Here’s how it works according to GOV.UK: Basic Rate Tax Relief (20%): If you are a basic rate taxpayer, your pension contributions receive tax relief at 20%. For example,
DWP reforms
DWP reforms Liz Kendall recently set out how Britain’s system of employment support must be fundamentally reformed to tackle the “most urgent challenge” of spiralling economic inactivity. In a Department for Work & Pensions press release issued 23 July 2024 it was announced: Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall
Opportunity knocks for owners of holiday lets
From April 2025, the present tax breaks enjoyed by owners of Furnished Holiday Lets (FHLs) will cease and FHL income and gains will be taxed in the same way as other property businesses. Currently, FHL owners benefit from tax advantages, as compared to non FHL owners, in four key
What is the position now re VAT on private school fees
The following notes are taken from draft legislation published by HMRC, to be included in the Finance Bill 2024-25. As of 1 January 2025, all education services and vocational training supplied by a private school, or a “connected person”, for a charge will be subject to VAT at the
Taxing Times
In a recent announcement to parliament, the Chancellor confirmed the current year deficit in the government finances of £22bn. She set out some of the reductions in public expenditure to close the deficit but hinted that there may be tax increases required to balance the books. Specific measures announced
More regulation for trader recommendation sites
Trader recommendation sites are websites and apps often used by people to find and connect to traders from a wide range of specialisms, such as building and home improvements, plumbing, and home heating. Working in partnership with four key consumer organisations – National Trading Standards (NTS), Trading Standards Scotland
How will Rachel Reeves change UK taxation?
At some point between now and the end of 2024, Rachel Reeves will step up to the despatch box and deliver her first Autumn Statement. As tax changes announced will likely have the Office for Budget Responsibility oversight, changes announced will form the basis of the 2025 Finance Bill.
Tax when selling your home
According to HMRC, you would normally have to pay Capital Gains Tax (CGT) on any gain you make if you dispose of: a dwelling house (which can include a house, flat, houseboat or fixed caravan) which is your home; part of a dwelling house which is your home; or
Providing living accommodation to employees
If you provide free accommodation to employees the deemed benefit is taxable, and you will have to pay Class 1A NIC based on the value of the benefit provided. What’s exempt? You will not have to report the cost to HMRC if any of the following apply: If it
What are alphabet shares?
Most small companies are set up with a number of Ordinary shares, let’s say 100 shares in this example. If there are two equal shareholders, John and Mary, they would each receive 50 shares. In most cases, the rights of the ordinary shares – in this 50:50 example –
Check out the Trivial Benefits rules
Trivial benefits are small gifts or perks given to employees that are exempt from tax and benefit reporting obligations. But bosses must adhere to certain conditions, such as a cost limit of £50 per employee – or the average cost per employee if provided to a group of employees.
The Inevitable: Death and Taxes
Benjamin Franklin famously asserted that death and taxes are certainties of life. For business owners, understanding their tax obligations is paramount. Our guiding principle is simple: knowledge of your tax liabilities empowers you to plan and budget effectively, minimising surprises along the way. Businesses face various tax obligations depending
Companies House is flexing its muscles
As we have reported previously, one of the key aims of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act is to improve the accuracy and quality of the data on Companies House registers. Under the new legislation, Companies House has enhanced powers to query information that appears to be incorrect
Don’t put all your eggs in one basket!
The concept of “putting all your eggs in one basket” has become increasingly relevant in today’s ever-evolving employment landscape. Once, the “boomer” generation found solace in the notion of lifelong job security and unwavering employer loyalty. However, the tides have shifted drastically. In latter years job stability has waned,
More corporate red tape…
Yet more corporate red tape. We are still waiting for the government to introduce secondary legislation that will oblige directors and others with significant control – so-called PSCs – to verify their identity in order to file documents or set up a company at Companies House. According to Companies
Opening up small and micro company reporting
Companies House are working on detailed changes that will require small and micro sized companies to file information about their turnover and profits at Companies House. Once filed, this data will be available to anyone searching affected companies’ records at Companies House. At present, smaller companies can file abridged