News
NIC changes for the self-employed
30/11/2023
In the recent Autumn Statement, the Chancellor announced two important changes to National Insurance contributions (NIC) for the self-employed.
The first change concerns the removal of Class 2 NICs for the self-employed. This means that
More...
NIC changes for employees from 6 January 2024
30/11/2023
In the recent Autumn Statement, the Chancellor announced a significant change to National Insurance contributions (NIC) for employees.
There will be a cut in the main rate of Employee National Insurance from 6 January 2024. This will see Class 1
More...
Corporation Tax marginal rate
30/11/2023
The Corporation Tax main rate for companies with profits in excess of £250,000 increased to 25% on 1 April 2023. A Small Profits Rate (SPR) of 19% was also introduced from the same date for companies with profits of up to £50,000 ensuring these
More...
Enterprise Investment Scheme investee businesses
30/11/2023
The Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) is designed to help smaller higher-risk trading companies to raise finance by offering a range of tax reliefs to investors who purchase new shares in those companies.
To claim investor EIS tax reliefs, the
More...
Tax relief for R&D intensive SMEs
30/11/2023
In the Autumn Statement it was announced that the existing R&D Expenditure Credit and Small and Medium Enterprise Scheme will be merged from April 2024.
It was also confirmed that there will be an enhanced regime for R&D intensive SMEs. The
More...
Summary of Companies House changes
30/11/2023
The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act received royal assent on 26 October 2023. The new Act provides Companies House with more power to reduce the abuse of corporate structures whilst at the same time tackling economic crime.
As part of
More...
What now, following the Autumn Statement
30/11/2023
In some respects, the Chancellor’s predicament is deserving of a sympathetic ear; its as if he has a long journey ahead but has one foot firmly nailed to the floor.
Stagnant growth in the UK and global economy has driven up taxation in order to meet
More...
Directors’ duties and responsibilities
28/11/2023
To be a director, you must be over 16 and not currently disqualified.
As a director your responsibilities include:
filing your company’s annual accounts and reports or appoint an accountant to do it for you
reporting changes in you or your
More...
IHT – Giving away your home before you die
23/11/2023
The majority of gifts made during a person's life, including gifting a home, are not subject to tax at the time of the gift. These lifetime transfers are known as 'potentially exempt transfers' or 'PETs'. These gifts or transfers achieve their
More...
CGT - Lettings relief
23/11/2023
In general, there is no Capital Gains Tax (CGT) on a property which has been used as the main family residence. This relief from CGT is commonly known as Private Residence Relief or PRR. However, where part of the home has been let out the
More...
Income Tax - £5,000 savings zero rate band
23/11/2023
If you have taxable income of less than £17,570 in 2023-24 tax year you will have no tax to pay on interest received. This figure is calculated by adding the £5,000 starting rate limit for savings (where 0% of the interest is taxable) to the current
More...
The badges of trade
23/11/2023
The 'badges of trade' tests, whilst not conclusive, are used by HMRC to help determine whether an activity is a proper economic trade / business activity or merely a money-making by-product of a hobby.
Careful consideration needs to be given to
More...
What counts as holiday accommodation?
23/11/2023
HMRC’s VAT Notice 709/3 entitled 'Hotels and holiday accommodation' explains how supplies by hotels and similar establishments such as motels, guesthouses and B&Bs should be treated for VAT purposes. In addition, the notice covers the VAT
More...
Gifts of shares to minor (under 18s) children
23/11/2023
The settlement legislation seeks to ensure that, where a settlor has retained an interest in property in a settlement, the income arising is treated as the settlor’s income for all tax purposes. A settlor can be said to have retained an interest if
More...
Autumn Statement Summary
22/11/2023
The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Jeremy Hunt, has delivered his Autumn Statement to the House of Commons. The government continues to be faced with challenging economic conditions as the cost of living crisis continues to affect many families across
More...
£4.5bn for British manufacturing from 2025
21/11/2023
The government has announced £4.5 billion in funding for British manufacturing to increase investment in eight sectors across the UK. The funding will be available from 2025 for five years, providing industry with longer term certainty about their
More...
Fuel price watchdog sharpens its teeth
21/11/2023
UK motorists will be protected at the pumps under tough new powers that will shine a light on any attempt from retailers to unfairly hike up fuel prices.
Under new amendments tabled on 15 November 2023, to the Digital Markets, Competition &
More...
Tax credits top-up
16/11/2023
The Cost of Living support package has been designed to help over 8 million households in receipt of mean tested benefits. The details for Cost of Living Payments due in the 2023-24 tax year were published earlier this year and have recently been
More...