06-Jun-2024
Understanding economic changes: How recent events affect businesses
Data releases in recent weeks from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) coupled with Bank of England decisions might make recent news about the economy seem a bit confusing. Understanding how this news affects businesses is important so let’s break it down. Growth in the economy The latest reports show that the economy grew by […]
28-May-2024
How can you save on capital gains tax?
Over the last two years, the tax-free allowance for capital gains tax has been cut by over three-quarters. For the tax year that recently began on 6 April 2024, the Annual Exempt Amount has been reduced to £3,000 (£1,500 for trustees). These reductions mean that more and more of us are likely to be affected […]
20-May-2024
Hybrid working – what counts as a business journey for tax purposes?
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has updated its guidance on what qualifies as ordinary commuting and private travel for tax purposes to include hybrid or flexible working. Generally, where an employee works at home as an objective requirement of the job, then HMRC will usually accept that the employee is entitled to tax relief for […]
16-May-2024
Updated VAT road fuel scale charges
From May 1st 2024, the VAT road fuel scale charges were updated. The new rates need to be used from the start of the next VAT accounting period that begins on or after May 1st. So, if your next VAT quarter starts on June 1st, you will begin using the new rates for the quarter […]
13-May-2024
Financing your business – what should you know?
Growing a business often requires capital. If you don’t have that capital personally or already in the business, then one option is to get finance from a bank. What types of finance are available? How can you present a request to a bank and have it accepted? We will endeavour to answer those questions in […]
09-May-2024
New digital service to check your State Pension forecast launched
A new digital service has been launched that makes it easier to check if you have any gaps in your National Insurance (NI) record that may affect your State Pension entitlement. The service is called Check Your State Pension forecast and can be accessed via GOV.UK or the HMRC app. You will need to register […]
30-Apr-2024
Don’t get caught out by tax avoidance
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is running a campaign to help people avoid being caught out by tax avoidance schemes. This is particularly relevant to those who are contractors, agency workers, or are working through an umbrella company. Tax avoidance schemes are schemes designed to bend the rules of the tax system in a way […]
26-Apr-2024
New service to manage import duties and VAT accounts
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has published guidance on a new online service to help businesses with their import duties and VAT accounts. If you or your business are involved in importing goods into England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, you can use the new service to: • Get your import VAT statements and certificates; • Manage […]
22-Apr-2024
Have you checked your tax code?
Prior to the tax year starting each April 6th, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) issues new tax codes to employees, usually where there is a change of tax code. These tax codes, a series of letter and numbers, allow employers to deduct the right amount of tax to be deducted from each employee when the […]
15-Apr-2024
Employers – are you ready for the new tax year?
The new tax year began on April 6th and for employers running monthly payrolls, the March pay run was be the last of the 2023/24 tax year. Some things you will need to make sure you do and when you need to do them are listed below: • Send your final payroll report of the year […]