Wondering how to do a VAT return and pay your tax bill to HMRC? It can feel overwhelming if you’re a newly-registered small business and trying to understand all the forms and processes. Fortunately, this guide explains how to do a VAT return and the different rules if you’re using one of the special accounting schemes. And if you’re not sure whether you need to register or if you’re over the threshold, I…
Read More‘Benefits-in-Kind’ for the Small Business Owner
Is the business you run really providing you with all the benefits it could?
Read MoreNews in Review
“The UK economy has lost momentum” New data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows that the UK economy flatlined in February as strikes by public sector workers weighed on growth. Despite consensus estimates from a poll of economists forecasting a 0.1% increase in the month. The flat month-on-month performance can be attributed to the offsetting of construction growth by striking workers. In more positive news, ONS revised up…
Read MoreSpring Budget 2023
Chancellor of the Exchequer, Jeremy Hunt, delivered his first Spring Budget on 15 March declaring it was “A Budget for Growth.” The fiscal update included a range of new measures, some of which had been widely trailed prior to Budget day, in order to achieve growth “by removing obstacles that stop businesses investing; by tackling labour shortages that stop them recruiting; by breaking down barriers that stop people working; and…
Read MoreBonus or Dividend from April 2023
It’s common for director shareholders to take additional remuneration in the form of dividends rather than bonuses. But with the corporation tax hike from April 2023 to 25%, would it be better to take bonuses instead in the 2023/24 tax year? Historically dividends have been a more tax-efficient remuneration option than bonuses, particularly for those director shareholders with income in the higher and additional rate bands. However, there was a 1.25%…
Read MoreUK Autumn Statement
After just 34 days in the job and having inherited a difficult situation from the previous short-lived administration, Jeremy Hunt has made his second formal statement about changes to fiscal policy. The first was on his first full day in office, when he reversed much of his predecessor Kwasi Kwarteng’s plans, including reinstating the 45p income tax rate and removing a freeze on corporation tax. The measures aim to plug…
Read MoreChanges to the Period of Taxation for Unincorporated Businesses
The way in which the tax basis period is calculated for the self-employed and partnerships is set to be reformed ahead of the implementation of Making Tax Digital in April 2024. How Does it Work Presently? At present unincorporated businesses are free to choose their accounting year-end. These profits are then taxed according to the tax year in which the accounting year-end falls. A business with a year-end of 30…
Read MoreThe Residence Nil Rate Band When There’s No Residence
Your mother recently died having spent the last couple of years in care. Last year her home was sold to help pay nursing home fees. When preparing the inheritance tax forms are you entitled to claim the residence nil rate band? Residence Nil Rate Band The inheritance tax (IHT) residence nil rate band (RNRB) was introduced in 2017. It followed pressure on the Government to protect estates which had fallen…
Read MoreInterest on Buy-to-Lets – How Much Tax Relief Can You Claim
How to calculate loan interest relief on buy-to-lets
Read MoreWhat happened when I broke my toe?
When passing through my local town recently, on a wet and windy night, I went to cross the road. Not looking where I was going (I was instead, looking out for traffic) I stubbed my toe on some fallen street furniture. After the bruising went down, and the pain in the toe remained, I thought it best to get it looked at. After an x-ray, I was diagnosed with a…
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