Government announces council tax rebate Chancellor Rishi Sunak has laid out a £9.1bn support plan which is set to offer a helping hand to households, as energy prices soar. The plan includes a loan to cover some of the increased costs and a discount on council tax. Sunak’s plan comes as the energy price cap
Government announces £1bn support package for businesses affected by Omicron The Chancellor has announced a £1bn support package for businesses hit hard by Omicron. Businesses within the hospitality and leisure sectors in England will be able to claim one-off grants of up to £6,000. It was recently revealed that hospitality businesses have seen a steep
Chancellor Rishi Sunak delivered his Autumn Budget announcement in parliament today to outline government spending and plans for the future. In the Budget, Rishi Sunak set out measures to support the recovery of the UK economy following what has been a difficult year for many families and businesses. Although it was announced prior to the
UK tax officials have seized £26.5m from non-existent businesses run by an ‘entrepreneur’ who used the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme to make fraudulent claims. According to the Financial Times, the ‘entrepreneur’ who is believed to be a 44-year-old man, used four companies to create seven fake employees to gain access to furlough funds. To
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 super-deduction was first announced in March 2021, allowing for businesses who make investments in plant and machinery, to receive a 130% allowance deduction. Property letting companies were not originally included in the scheme, meaning only occupiers could make a claim. However, amendments set out in the Finance Bill, mean that landlords now qualify for
Applications for the fifth SEISS grant are now open for online submissions. HMRC has confirmed that submissions can now be made online until the scheme closes on 30 September 2021. Eligibility critieria Eligibility will be the same as for the fourth grant and will be based on the individual’s tax returns. There are no requirements
With most restrictions ending in England, the furlough scheme continues to phase out from 1 August 2021. From this date, employers will be required to contribute more towards their employee’s wages for hours not worked. How much will employers contribute from 1 August? From 1 August to 30 September 2021, employers will be required to
Furlough Scheme – When do employers need to contribute? The furlough scheme was announced in 2020 as a means for employers to retain their staff during COVID-19. Under the furlough scheme, employees currently receive 80% of wages for hours not worked, up to a total of £2,500 a month. However, this is set to change
HMRC have recently announced that they have come across several issues whilst processing a number of 2020/21 self-assessment tax returns, due to apparent inconsistencies in claims from previous SEISS grants. The Institute of Chartered Accountants have produced a report into the matter stating that, HMRC have been unable to automatically process numerous 2020/21 self-assessment tax
The government recently introduced the super-deduction and special rate first-year allowance to help businesses with the cost of investing in qualifying plant and machinery equipment. Eligible businesses can qualify for: A super-deduction providing an allowance of 130% on investments into new plant and machinery, that would normally qualify for the main rate writing down allowance
Selling a property with a dedicated home office? Check the capital gains tax implications Individuals planning to sell their main home should be aware of the potential capital gains tax implications, when selling their property with reference to a dedicated home office. The potential risk to sellers surrounds Principal Private Residence Relief (PPR) and 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
Last year, the government introduced the official Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) to offer support for those businesses who have been forced to close during the pandemic. The scheme allows for employers to claim for 80% of employee’s wages for hours not worked. From July 2021, employers will be required to contribute towards their employees
The fourth Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) grant is due to open for claims from late April. HMRC has confirmed it will be contacting those self-employed workers who are eligible for the fourth grant, by either email, letter or within the online service. Eligibility will be based on the individuals tax returns. There are no
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
Earlier this month, HMRC launched a new taskforce of 1,250 staff to investigate fraudulent furlough claims and Eat Out to Help Out claims. Investigators will be cross-referencing claims under the furlough scheme with other records, such as the Eat Out to Help Out scheme. As part of HMRC’s investigations, a number of businesses have been
The furlough scheme has been a lifeline for businesses of all sizes throughout the coronavirus pandemic. However, many have exploited the furlough scheme by making fraudulent claims or failing to review their initial claim. According to HMRC data, mid-sized businesses claimed £9.49 billion through the furlough scheme, as of 31st January 2021. Research has found
Following the UK’s exit from the European Union, the government announced a £20m fund to provide support for small and medium-sized enterprises adjusting to the changes in importing and exporting. SMEs can apply for up to £2,000 to help cover costs of training and seeking professional advice to help with changes to rules regarding customs,
Earlier this month, the government introduced the Restart Grant Scheme to support businesses in reopening, once COVID-19 restrictions are lifted. Eligible non-essential retail businesses may be entitled to a one-off grant of up to £6,000 Eligible businesses within the hospitality, leisure, accommodation, personal care and gym sectors may be entitled to a one-off grant of
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
As the government announced an emergency extension to the ‘loss carry back’ rules in the Budget earlier this month, thousands of small business owners who have lost money, due to the coronavirus pandemic, can claim more than £1bn in tax rebates. Businesses now have the option to claim back profit and income taxes paid over
Earlier this month Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced a number of tax allowances will be frozen to help pay off the debts incurred by the coronavirus pandemic. These new ‘stealth taxes’ will raise billions, without directly increasing charges for taxpayers. As the economy bounces back and the cost of goods and services increases, more people will
Chancellor Rishi Sunak confirmed, in last week’s Budget announcement, further details for the fourth Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) grant. The grant will allow those who are self-employed, whose business and income has been effected by the coronavirus pandemic, to claim support from the government. The fourth SEISS grant will be available to claim through
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
This years highly anticipated Budget will be watched closely by many as Chancellor Rishi Sunak sets out the UK’s economic recovery, following the coronavirus pandemic. The Chancellor will outline the state of the economy and the government’s plan to either raise or lower taxes. The Budget will also forecast how the UK economy could perform
Ahead of the Budget announcement next week, there has been a lot of speculation surrounding what the Chancellor is set to announce. According to media sources, Rishi Sunak is planning to extend the Stamp Duty holiday until the end of June. The current deadline for the holiday extension is 31st March. The Chancellor has been
HMRC published a new policy briefing earlier this week, which outlined the ‘compliance principles’ for implementing off-payroll working (IR35) rules. The guidance reiterates the employer’s responsibility to determine the individual’s employment status, under the new IR35 rules. HMRC has confirmed they will not be issuing any penalties in the first 12 months, for any inaccuracies.
Earlier this week, the government announced a new £20 million Brexit Support Fund to help small and medium sized businesses (SMEs) adjusting to the new customs and VAT rules, when trading with the EU. The Fund will comprise of grants of up to £2,000 per business. The grant is intended to cover: Training on managing
High streets have undoubtably struggled throughout the pandemic over the past year. Since the first lockdown in March, the government has provided support for businesses to try and prevent as many closures and job losses as possible. To support businesses during these challenging times, the government introduced a business rates holiday. Business rates were temporarily
Over the past year, HMRC’s investigations into online sellers using platforms such as Amazon and eBay, decreased drastically amid concerns over tax evasion. Tax evasion from online sellers has been a concern for HMRC as VAT evasion by overseas sellers on online platforms has cost HMRC up to £1.5billion in lost tax revenue in 2015/16
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
Last year, the government automatically deferred VAT payments for businesses between 20th March 2020 and 30th June 2020, during the coronavirus pandemic. The VAT payments were deferred until 31st March 2021 however, businesses do not need to pay the full amount by the end of March, instead they can opt into a new payment scheme
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
In a recent announcement, the government has stated that it will allow greater flexibility for businesses that took out Bounce Back Loans, as a means to get through the coronavirus pandemic. Those businesses now have the option to tailor their payments according to their individual needs. The Chancellor’s Pay as You Grow repayment plan will
With less than a month to go until the Chancellor announces his March Budget, Rishi Sunak is reportedly considering a number of tax rises. The Chancellor is now facing the task of repaying the £400billion deficit, caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Rumours have been circulating in parliament regarding how the Chancellor plans to deal with
Off-payroll working (IR35) rules will be changing on 6th April 2021. From this date the rules will change regarding how companies engage with individuals through personal service companies. Under the new IR35 rules it will be the employer’s responsibility to assess the individual’s employment status. This change will affect all medium and large sized businesses,
Chancellor Rishi Sunak is set to announce the latest details for the fourth Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) grant, in the upcoming Budget on 3rd March 2021. The grant will take into account self-employed worker’s earnings from February to April 2021. The government has spent £13.7billion on SEISS grants since the pandemic began in March
HMRC has recently published a list of employers who have made a claim under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme. The list represents those employers who have claimed for periods in December 2020. As of February 2021, HMRC will publish a list of employers claiming under the scheme along with an indication of the value being
Earlier this week, HMRC announced that there would be no late filing penalty for Self-Assessment (SA) customers who file online by 28th February 2021. The late filing penalty easement applies to forms SA100 (individual tax returns) however, SA returns filed by paper in February will not benefit from the easement. HMRC has also confirmed its
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.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak is said to be considering increasing corporation tax in the March Budget. Following the devastating impact from the coronavirus pandemic, the government now has an estimated £400bn deficit to pay off. The government has spent billions trying to support businesses and prevent job losses by introducing the Furlough Scheme and Business Support Grants.
The housing market slumped last year when the UK went into its first lockdown, as a result of the coronavirus. When the market reopened, Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced a Stamp Duty Land Tax holiday, which saw the threshold for paying stamp duty raised from £125,000 to £500,000 until 31st March 2021. According to Rightmove, house
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
The end of the Brexit transition period signified new rules for the UK. From 1st January 2021, where workers/employers pay social security contributions will depend on certain criteria, including the country in which work is being undertaken. For work in the EU, Switzerland or Norway, a worker will only need to pay into one country’s
Following the UK’s transition out of the European Union, the UK introduced new tax changes that came into force on 1st January 2021. Businesses in the EU, importing into the UK, will now have to comply with additional laws and may face higher costs. This change has led to some EU businesses stating they will
Following Boris Johnson’s announcement of a third national lockdown in England, the Chancellor has announced further grants totaling £4.6 billion. A one-off grant worth up to £9,000 per property, will be available for those businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors, who have been affected by the latest coronavirus restrictions. Around 600,000 properties are
In a written statement from the Financial Secretary of the Treasury to parliament, it was announced that a temporary tax easement will be introduced on the cycle-to-work schemes. The cycle-to-work schemes benefit from a tax exemption on bicycles and safety equipment provided to staff, on the provisions that they are used ‘mainly for qualifying journeys’
An extension of the Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) threshold after 31st March 2021, rather than returning to the £125,000 threshold, could generate higher consumption. This has the potential of increasing housing market activity, which subsequently could provide a fiscal surplus of £139 million per year. Research suggests that maintaining the current SDLT holiday threshold
The UK Government has confirmed the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme will be extended until the end of April 2021. The scheme was set to expire at the end of March 2021 but has now been extended for another month. Under the scheme, the government will continue to pay employees 80% of wages for hours not
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
Following the official departure from the EU, Great Britain is currently in the transitional period until 31st December 2020. From 1st January 2021, a new model for VAT treatment of goods arriving from overseas will be introduced. HMRC will be moving the point at which VAT is collected from the current point of importation to
The government has extended the temporary 5% reduced VAT rate. The temporary rate was originally planned to end on 12th January 2021 however, it has now been extended to 31st March 2021. These changes have been introduced in response to the Covid-19 pandemic to support those businesses affected most. The extension of the 5% reduced
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
