Come along to our next Business Development Forum and find out how to improve productivity in your workplace. The UK has one of the lowest productivity levels in the world (compared to other developed economies) yet everyone appears to be complaining about long hours…
News
Getting ready for Making Tax Digital (MTD)
As our regular readers of our newsletter will be aware, the government has back-tracked on their original proposal to digitise taxpayers’ affairs. The original plan, to have most self-employed traders and landlords uploading accounts and VAT data from April 2018, was scrapped. The new…
Unexpected VAT charge for UK importers
With no agreement on tariffs, the UK will be treated as any other non-EU trading nation post Brexit. Consequently, UK importers would be required to make an up-front VAT payment in addition to any customs duties. This VAT payment will rank as input VAT…
Biker club wins VAT case
Many clubs offer members a range of services for their membership fee. For example, membership may include a members’ magazine. Ordinarily, a magazine subscription should be zero rated for VAT purposes, but when the magazine element is bundled into a general club subscription –…
Does you employer pay for your private fuel?
As we are approaching the end of yet another tax year, it is worth repeating our suggestion that highlights the cash benefit to company car drivers and their employers, of reimbursing the cost of fuel provided for private motoring. The rates have been updated…
Capital Gains Tax Opportunities?
This is an appropriate time of the year to consider your capital gains tax (CGT) position if you have already disposed (or are considering a disposal) of an asset subject to CGT before 6 April 2018. Most of our readers will be aware that…
Sole trader or incorporated?
From April 2018, the £5,000 tax-free dividend allowance is reducing from £5,000 to £2,000. Does this mean that converting from self-employed to a limited company arrangement to save tax and NIC is no longer a viable option? Readers who have adopted this strategy will…
What is the Criminal Finances Act 2017?
In the past, the directors of larger organisations have been able to avoid personal responsibility for the tax evasion acts of their employees and other associates if they can plead ignorance of the act. This “turning a blind eye” excuse has irritated legislators and as…
The Budget – small business update
Notable changes are listed below: Although there is no change to the rate of corporation tax, maintained at 19%, HMRC is to freeze indexation allowance on corporate capital gains for disposals after 1 January 2018. From April 2018, business rate rates will rise by…
The Budget – personal tax considerations
Notable changes are listed below: First-time buyers will pay no stamp duty on homes costing no more than £300,000. First-time buyers of homes worth between £300,000 and £500,000 will not pay stamp duty on the first £300,000. They will pay the normal rates of…