New defensive controls recently deployed by HMRC have put an end to fraudsters spoofing the tax authority’s most recognisable helpline numbers. Fraudsters have increasingly mimicked legitimate HMRC helpline numbers (often beginning with 0300) to dupe taxpayers and steal money. Last year alone, HMRC received…
Author: Ellie Roach
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. Whilst there will be attempts to…
Should you reconsider your cycle to work scheme?
The government have recently announced that they are to extend the criteria for an approved, and therefore tax-effective, cycle-to-work scheme as part of their drive to reduce pollution and CO2 emissions in urban environments. E-bikes have an integrated motor that helps a cyclist pedal,…
Update on the VAT reverse charge for building contractors
From 1 October 2019, contractors who employ subcontractors will need to assume responsibility for declaring and paying the VAT that was previously settled by their VAT registered subcontractors. From this date, registered subcontractors will no longer add VAT to their invoices and main contractors…
Tax free perk before annual leave
It is possible to make small tax-free payments to employees, including directors, and this might be an appropriate time to make a small tax-free bonus in advance of the annual holidays. Employers and employees don’t have to pay tax on such a benefit if…
Holiday entitlements
As we are approaching the annual holiday season, it would seem to be a suitable time to set out employees’ rights to receive holiday pay. Almost all workers are legally entitled to 5.6 weeks’ paid holiday per year (known as statutory leave entitlement or annual leave). An employer…
Do you own a holiday let property?
There are a number of tax incentives that you can take advantage of if you own and let a Furnished Holiday Lets property (FHL). They include: you can claim Capital Gains Tax reliefs for traders (Business Asset Rollover Relief, Entrepreneurs’ Relief, relief for gifts…
Can you change a will after death?
On the face of it, this sounds implausible. How can you change your will if you have died? In reality, as long as any beneficiaries left worse off after any change, agree, you can change a person’s will after their death. Any change must…