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Tax-Free Christmas Parties
Whilst the tax legislation does not include a specific allowance for an employer providing a Christmas party for employees, HMRC do allow limited tax relief against the cost of holding a social function for employees, providing certain conditions are met. Broadly, a social event – which of course, includes the annual Christmas party – will qualify as…
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Salary or Bonus?
As 31 December approaches, many companies will be getting ready to tie up tax matters for their financial year-end and giving consideration to salaries, bonuses and dividends. Given current tax rates, paying a dividend rather than a salary will often be a more cost-effective way of withdrawing profits from a company. However, if the company is…
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How Can You Identify Genuine HMRC Communications?
Broadly, phishing is the fraudulent attempt to obtain sensitive information such as usernames, passwords and credit card details by disguising oneself as a trustworthy source in an electronic communication. This is generally carried out by email spoofing or instant messaging, and it often directs users to enter personal information at a fake website which matches…
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Simplification of Inheritance Tax
The Office of Tax Simplification (OTS) is the independent adviser to government on simplifying the UK tax system, to make it easier for the taxpayer. The OTS makes recommendations for the government to consider. It does not implement changes – these are a matter for government and for parliament. A review of Inheritance Tax was…
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Workplace Pensions Re-enrolment Requirements
Every three years you must put certain staff who have left your pension scheme back into it. This is called re-enrolment. Whether you have staff to put back into your scheme or not, you must complete a re-declaration of compliance to tell the Pensions Regulator how you have met your duties. Remember, re-enrolment and re-declaration…
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Changes to Capital Gains Tax on Residential Property From April 2020
From 6 April next year, Capital Gains Tax (CGT) incurred following the disposal of a residential property will have to be paid within 30 days of the completion date. Failure to pay on time will result in HMRC imposing interest and potential penalties. This new deadline applies even where no money has changed hands, such…
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Making Tax Digital Webinar
Many VAT registered businesses are getting ready to submit their first digital VAT return through Making Tax Digital software. If this includes you, find out about Making Tax Digital for VAT with online help and support from HMRC. Join this live webinar, where you’re able to ask questions using the on-screen text box. This webinar…
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VAT: Reverse Charge for Building and Construction Services
This anti-fraud measure will introduce a VAT reverse charge on certain building and construction services. The final version of the legislation was published at Budget 2018, and will come into effect on 1 October 2019. It will affect businesses involved in buying and selling construction services. It does not apply to zero-rated supplies of construction…
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Tax on Trivial Benefits
Giving your employees benefits and not sure if you have to pay tax on them? If the benefit meets ALL the following conditions then you do not have to pay tax: The benefit cost you £50 or less to provide The benefit is not cash or a cash voucher The benefit is not a reward…
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Zero-Rating VAT of Transport of Disabled Passengers
HMRC have issued Brief 3 (2019), which aims to clarify that the Department’s policy on the scope of the VAT zero rate for transport services has not changed following the Upper Tribunal (UT) decision in Jigsaw Medical Services Ltd (2018) UKUT 0222. In this case, the UT heard an appeal by HMRC against the First-tier Tribunal’s…
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Childcare Costs Scheme Update
Parents and guardians could receive up to £2,000 a year per child per year towards childcare costs. You could receive top-ups of £2 for every £8 you pay into a tax-free childcare account, up to a maximum of £2,000 per child. This is available to all working parents or guardians with children under 12, or…
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We’re Recruiting!
We’re looking for a friendly Receptionist for our comfortable Shiphay offices. Main duties will include: Keeping the Reception area and meeting rooms tidy. Setting-up meeting rooms, including Skype, video and any other technology required. Diary maintenance. Managing our CRM and Workflow system (full training provided). Answering the telephone Welcoming visitors. Filing. Handling incoming and outgoing…