The end of next month, 31 October 2019, is the latest deadline for our exit from the EU and the recent hiatus seems to be pushing the UK ever closer to a hard Brexit. Accordingly, if you are involved in buying or selling goods…
News
Changes to contractor VAT from 1 October 2019
We have alerted building contractors and sub-contractors in previous newsletters of changes to the VAT rules from 1 October 2019. In a nut-shell, if you are subject to the Construction Industry Scheme and if you are registered for VAT, from the 1 October 2019…
Low paid workers to qualify for sick-pay
The government has started a consultation to transform support for sick and disabled staff and remove barriers for employees. The Department for Work and Pensions has recently set out new measures to transform how employers support and retain disabled staff and those with a…
New homes to have car charge-points
In a bid to accommodate yet more electric vehicles on our roads, the government has launched a consultation aimed at increasing the number of homes with electric car charge-points. In a recent press release they said: “All new-build homes could soon be fitted with…
Internet giants face tax-hike
It has been confirmed that from April 2020, the government will introduce a new 2% Digital Services Tax (DST) on the revenues of search engines, social media platforms and online marketplaces which derive value from UK users. This is an attempt to tax, in…
Changes to private residence relief
If you rent out all or part of your home this may create a Capital Gains Tax (CGT) charge when you sell the property. Presently, HMRC excludes the last 18 months of your ownership – even if the property is let for this time…
HMRC prevents phone fraudsters
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…
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…