National Insurance threshold increases from 6 July Changes to the National Insurance threshold come into effect from 6 July 2022. During the Spring Statement in March, the Chancellor increased the National Insurance threshold for the 2022/23 tax year. From 6 July, the threshold will increase from £9,880 to £12,570. This brings NICs in line with income
Dividends – When to pay tax Dividends are shares of profit paid out by limited companies. A company’s shareholders receive dividends when it makes a profit. A limited company can only declare dividends if it makes enough profit after paying all its liabilities and expenses. The amount of dividends relates to how many shares a
Making Tax Digital (MTD) is set to be introduced from 6 April 2024 for Income Tax Self-Assessment. From this date, self-employed workers and landlords with an annual income above £10,000 will need to follow the new MTD rules. The new Making Tax Digital rules for Income Tax were originally proposed for April 2023 however,
The Prime Minister has announced a 1.25% National Insurance increase to fund the health and social care system, after it has been hit hard by Covid over the past 18 months. The National Insurance increase will take effect from April 2022. Employees, companies, and freelancers will pay the new 1.25% tax, which will be
The Corporate Criminal Offence (CCO) legislation was introduced in September 2017 to help prevent the facilitation of tax evasion within businesses. The legislation holds companies and partnerships to account if anyone acting on their behalf helps to facilitate tax evasion. Facilitating tax evasion is a criminal offence and is subject to sanctions. All companies and
Does capital gains tax (CGT) apply when gifting a property? Gifting a property can be a way of reducing your Inheritance Tax liability however, it is important to be aware of other taxes, such as capital gains tax, which may be incurred. Certain taxes will be due depending on specific factors such as, who the
In April 2020, the government announced a temporary tax break for those working from home. The tax break allows for employers to pay their workers up to £6 a week tax-free to cover additional costs incurred for working from home. If an employer chooses not to pay their staff the £6 a week, workers can
According to HMRC, over the last year, more than 50,000 small businesses made Research and Development tax credit claims. Overall, the tax relief came to a total of around £6 billion, half of which was claimed by small companies. R&D tax relief allows for small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) to deduct an extra 130%
The UK Court of Appeal ruled in favour of General Electric in a court case against HMRC on 14th April 2021, following HMRC’s claims that General Electric had made a “fraudulent misrepresentation” in a past agreement. The case looked back on the agreement made in 2005 between GE and HMRC, where HMRC agreed to grant
A 2% stamp duty land tax (SDLT) surcharge now applies to transactions of residential property in England and Northern Ireland, for non- UK residents. The new surcharge came into effect on 1st April 2021. The surcharge applies to purchases of freehold and leasehold property, as well as increasing the SDLT on rents on the grant
Following the Chancellor’s Budget announcement earlier this month, HM Treasury will reveal documentation on future tax policies on 23rd March. HM Treasury are expected to announce information regarding technical administration of the tax system, such as moving online. However, Rishi Sunak could potentially announce a number of possible tax changes. In the Budget, Chancellor Rishi
Last week the Chancellor revealed, in the 2021 Budget, inheritance tax allowances will be frozen for five years until 2026. The freeze has been announced following the governments plans to raise funds to pay back the debt incurred during the coronavirus pandemic. A five-year freeze on inheritance tax allowances will bring in £985m in revenue,
From 6th April 2017, a tax-free trading allowance of £1,000 was introduced to cover ‘self-starters’ with small hobby-based businesses. The allowance can be used against trading or casual income on hobby activities, which are in the process of developing into a commercial business. This may include selling via social media platforms for example, selling sweet
Earlier this week the Chancellor outlined his plans to get the economy going again, following the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. On Wednesday, Rishi Sunak announced the following: Furlough scheme extended until the end of September Self-Employment Income Support Scheme 4th and 5th grants confirmed Income tax thresholds frozen until 2026 Stamp duty holiday extended
Ahead of the March Budget, rumours have been circulating regarding what tax changes Chancellor Rishi Sunak plans to make. Reportedly, the Treasury may be planning to freeze personal income tax allowances for the two lower tax thresholds. This would mean that the thresholds £12,500 and £50,000 would not rise in line with inflation. Currently, basic
Supermarket retail giants have asked the Chancellor to introduce a sales tax for online competitors, to create a level playing field. They have said that the current tax system puts retailers with large estates at a disadvantage compared to online retailers. Property based business rates have been temporarily paused since the start of the coronavirus
Under the pension freedom rules, introduced in 2015, anyone over the age of 55 is able to withdraw as much cash as they like, whenever they like, from their retirement savings. In the last three months of 2020, nearly £26million was reclaimed from HMRC in pension savings however, many savers are unaware that they may
Chancellor Rishi Sunak is under pressure from MP’s to end stamp duty and council tax. Under the proposal, homeowners would no longer pay council tax and stamp duty would be abolished for primary residences. The proposal is expected to benefit 19 million households. Instead of paying council tax, households would pay a proportional property tax
Following the result of over 100,000 signatures on an online petition to extend the stamp duty land tax holiday, parliament announced that MP’s will debate extending the holiday on 1st February 2021. The stamp duty land tax holiday was introduced last year to try and keep the housing market stable during the coronavirus pandemic. The
Post-Brexit rules came into force on 1st January 2021, despite the Free Trade Agreement with the EU, the UK is now facing new taxes and charges on goods sent between the EU and the UK. Many UK consumers have been faced with unexpected charges, in order to receive their goods. As the UK is no
Many are facing higher tax bills this year as deferred bills from last year are beginning to catch up, this has resulted in taxpayers accumulating £4bn in debt with HMRC. The coronavirus pandemic has had a lasting effect on the UK economy, with many people out of work and businesses being forced to temporarily close.
HMRC have increased the number of investigations into families who claim child benefits. Introduced in 2013, the High Income Child Benefit Charge, requires higher earners, of more than £50,000, to pay back a percentage of their child support payments. For those who earn over £60,000, the entire amount must be repaid. This is based on
In recent months, investors in the cryptocurrency Bitcoin, have made fortunes from their dealings. One crypto winner, who invested in Bitcoin over the past 3 years, now has £150,000 worth of the cryptocurrency. The plan is to cash in on the winnings, but are people aware of the tax implications they could face? For tax
The UK government recently introduced an Income Tax exemption on coronavirus antigen tests for employees. The tax exemption came into effect on 8th December 2020 and is expected to end on 5th April 2021. The Association of Taxation Technicians (ATT) is calling for the tax exemption to be extended beyond 5th April 2021. The current
HMRC are investigating large companies who they believe could be wrongly paying less UK tax, due to their cross-border financial arrangements. HMRC have started a criminal investigation into businesses that allocate their profits between different countries, in connection with transfer pricing. Transfer pricing can legally allow for connected companies to minimise their tax liabilities by
Professional bodies, including The Chartered Institute of Taxation, are urging trustees and agents to update their details on the Trust Registration Service or make a ‘no change’ declaration by 31st January 2021. HMRC have provided clarification for completing the 20.1 tick box question on the Trust and Estate return (SA900). Trustees and agents should ensure
Off-payroll working rules (IR35) will be changing on 6th April 2021. From this date the rules regarding how companies engage with individuals through personal service companies, will be affected. See our article on ‘New changes to off-payroll working rules (IR35)’ for further details on the changes. Companies should be aware of the changes to the
The new Income Tax exemption came into effect from 8th December 2020 in relation to employers providing their employees with a coronavirus antigen test. This new temporary exemption will ensure that employees who are given a relevant coronavirus antigen test, will not be liable to an Income Tax benefit in kind charge. A benefit in
From 1st April 2021, HMRC have confirmed that all companies will be required to complete a supplementary page when claiming for the following: Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) Research and Development Relief SME Payable Tax Credit SME Research and Development Expenditure Credit The supplementary page (CT600L) will need to be completed when submitting the corporation
Corporation tax returns are due 12 months after the accounting period ends. For many companies the accounting period ends on 31st December therefore, 31st December 2020 will be the filing deadline for accounting periods ending on 31st December 2019. HMRC are urging businesses to file their corporation tax returns by the relevant deadline. Due to
HMRC has updated its guidance on the information published for employers who make a claim under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) from 1st December 2020. HMRC is providing this information in the hope that it will deter fraudulent claims. The new guidance includes the information that HMRC will publish on employers who claim under
HMRC has updated its guidance for VAT-registered businesses who deferred their VAT between 20th March and 30th June 2020, due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Businesses who still have payments to make can: Pay the full deferred VAT amount on or before 31st March 2021 Opt into the new payment scheme that launches in 2021 Contact
Last week, Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced the government spending plans for 2021/22 in the latest Spending Review. The Spending Review sets out the departmental budgets and devolved administrations’ block grants for 2021/22. The coronavirus has had a huge impact on the UK economy this year, causing hardship for families and businesses across the UK. The
HMRC have been pushed to acknowledge that ‘normal’ Christmas parties are unlikely to go ahead this year. As some employers are opting to throw a virtual Christmas party, clarification has been needed as to whether the same rules apply, regarding tax relief. It has now been confirmed by HMRC, that employers will be able to
Are ‘Virtual’ Christmas parties eligible for tax relief? The Association of Taxation Technicians (ATT) is asking HMRC to clarify whether virtual Christmas parties fall under the tax relief this year. As a result of the coronavirus pandemic, Christmas parties are set to be a little different this year as usual work functions will not be
The government has proposed a draft legislation to introduce a Plastic Packaging Tax, which would take effect from April 2022. The aim of the tax is to provide businesses with an economic incentive to start using recycled material when manufacturing plastic packaging. The tax will increase levels of recycling and plastic waste collection by increasing
Chancellor Rishi Sunak has been looking for ways to cover the costs of the devastating financial impact caused by the coronavirus pandemic. The UK’s economy has been hit hard during the pandemic and the government are now looking for ways to gain back funds. Rishi Sunak has reassured the nation that there will not be
The government’s working from home tax relief has been reviewed due to the coronavirus pandemic. With more people being required to work from home due to local restrictions and national lockdowns, HMRC have updated their system to allow people to claim the entire tax year, regardless of the period of time spent working at home.
England is preparing to face another national lockdown following Boris Johnson’s announcement over the weekend (31st October ). The PM addressed the nation telling people they must stay at home from 5th November until 2nd December, when rules will be reviewed. All non-essential shops along with bars and restaurants will have to close however, schools
HMRC have updated their ‘How to contact HMRC to discuss a time to pay arrangement’ section on their website. New information includes how it may be possible to set up a payment plan online, for a self-assessment tax bill, without contacting HMRC. A payment plan, for a self-assessment bill, can be set up to spread
In the recent case of Legends Leisure Ltd v Revenue & Customs, the first tier tribunal have found that the illness of a family member is no excuse for late filing of pay as you earn (PAYE) real time information (RTI) returns. Despite the fact the appellant (Legends Leisure Ltd) never made a formal appeal
Keep up to date with the key announcements made this past week. Summer Economic Statement In the long awaited summer statement, the Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced a plethora of new measures. Included in these measures where the ‘Eat Out Help Out’ scheme. Customers with receive 50% off, up to £10 per head, on meals out
With the deadline for the deferral of VAT payments due to Coronavirus having now passed on 30 June. Businesses that made use of the deferral scheme will now need to reinstate their direct debit mandates or potentially face late payment charges. The VAT payment deferral has meant that all UK VAT-registered businesses had the option
The guidance on the CJRS has been updated, and new guidance has been published for calculating claims. The changes outlined mean that employers will be required to gradually take back responsibility for the salaries of any furloughed employees until the end of the scheme. A policy paper has been published by HMRC outlining changes to
On Friday 29 May, the Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, announced the gradual phasing out of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) with its complete conclusion set to take place on 31 October 2020. The changes outlined mean that employers will be required to gradually take back responsibility for the salaries of any furloughed employees until the
Personal Tax Update – 29/05/20 Keep up to date with the key announcements made this past week. Coronavirus (COVID-19): job retention scheme HMRC have provided further updates on the coronavirus job retention scheme (CJRS) for employees and employers to: explain that employers will be asked to detail separately the amounts for NIC, pension and wages
Personal Tax Update – 22/5/2020 In another information packed week, below is a summary of the key changes announced. Coronavirus (COVID-19): job retention scheme HMRC has updated the coronavirus job retention scheme (CJRS) guidance with several changes: the guidance note on ‘working out 80% of your employees’ wages to claim through the CJRS ’ has been
Keep up to date with the key announcements made this past week. In the ever-fast-moving world of tax announcements and developments, here we have pulled together some of the key changes announced this week. Coronavirus (COVID-19): job retention scheme extended until 31 October As at the 12 May, 7.5m employees had been furloughed under the
Keep up to date with the key announcements made this past week. In the ever-fast-moving world of tax announcements and developments, here we have pulled together some of the key changes announced this week. HMRC Guidance on job retention scheme HMRC has updated its guidance with various changes on the job retention scheme. A new section for
Chancellor Strengthens Businesses Position on Interruption Loan On 3 April the Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, gave a boost to businesses aiming to utilise the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS). Banks have been requesting personal guarantees for loans taken out through the CBILS, Sunak has now taken the decision to ban that requirement. The government is
Tax avoidance promoters are targeting returning NHS staff for their schemes. HMRC announced that they are aware of “unscrupulous promoters of tax avoidance schemes are targeting workers returning to the National Health Service (NHS) to help respond to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.” HMRC warned returning staff to avoid signing up to such schemes, which they
In the current emergency, anything that potentially reduces outgoing cash flow, including impending tax due dates for payment, is welcome. We have therefore outlined, opportunities within the current tax system that businesses should not overlook. Tax Deferral – HMRC Announcements Second Payment on Account instalment due on 31 July 2020 HMRC have confirmed that the
We have received a vast number of queries around how businesses should manage communications with HMRC and which lines of communications they should use, keeping in mind the new COVID-19 restrictions. The lockdown put in place by the government, aimed at slowing down the coronavirus spread, means that HMRC offices are closed. No physical letters
