Blog
The B Word: How Can Businesses Prepare for Brexit
Posted 26th October 2018 at 3:42 pm
By now we’re sure you’ve heard enough about Brexit and whether you’re for or against, there is no question that there will be some changes made which will affect all businesses. Below, we take a look at some potential changes which may occur once Britain leaves the EU and how businesses can best prepare for what’s to come. VAT Registration in the EU As a company which trades goods and holds stock in an EU country to supply EU customers, you will need to register for VAT in that country. You may also need to employ a Fiscal... Read more
An Employer’s Guide to Seasonal and Temporary Staff
Posted 19th October 2018 at 2:16 pm
The Christmas season is almost upon us again. For many this is an exciting occasion, however for business owners it can bring its own added stress. The festive season might mean more customers, which is great, until you find that you are so busy you are struggling to keep up. In this situation you may turn to adding some extra helping hands to your company until things go back to normality. But do you know the rules around hiring short-term or temporary staff? Keep reading below to find out everything you need to know. Why should I hire temporary... Read more
Company Electric Vehicles: Tax Advice to Keep Employers on Track
Posted 12th October 2018 at 2:21 pm
The use of hybrid and electric vehicles is becoming more and more popular and now more businesses than ever are using these vehicles for company cars. However, there are many things to consider when providing these to your employees. Below, we take a look at all you need to know regarding taxable charges in relation to electric and hybrid vehicles for your workforce. Advisory fuel rate for electric vehicles From 1 September 2018 a new advisory fuel rate of 4 pence per mile applies to electric vehicles. This means that if your employees have electric company cars and... Read more
Rent a Room: HMRC’s New Restriction
Posted 5th October 2018 at 1:33 pm
A new legislation was proposed in July 2018 to limit the circumstances in which rent a room can be claimed. We take a look at the proposed changes and how people may be affected. What is Rent a Room? If a person lets part or all of their home to a lodger, they are entitled to rent a room relief (RARR). The relief provides £7,500 tax free per annum for an individual letting their own accommodation or £3,750 per person if there is more than one recipient, whichever is less. It does not have to be claimed and will... Read more
Can HMRC investigate an earlier tax year?
Posted 28th September 2018 at 11:16 am
Can HMRC ask for information for a year earlier on an individual’s personal tax return, to help them check 2016/17? We take a further look at the rules. The tax enquiry No one would like to be the subject of an enquiry into their personal tax return by HMRC. However, the best way to view an enquiry is that it is a necessary check. Without it, law-abiding taxpayers would be paying more tax rather than the tax being collected from those who unfairly avoid it. Sometimes though, tax inspectors can overstep their authority. The enquiry window Known... Read more
Employees Over 50 Fear Retirement Due to ill Health
Posted 21st September 2018 at 3:22 pm
A recent survey has revealed that one in three workers aged over 50 fear that poor health will force them to retire. An estimated 3.8million people, 37% of employed over 50’s, predict that illness will be the reason that they will need to stop working. The same number of people claim that their job is harmful to their health and well-being. So what is causing this and how can employers help? The survey asked a total of 2,500 workers aged 16-75 on their health and well-being in the workplace. The biggest five concerns for workers are: Money issues Pre-existing... Read more
Childcare Changes Employers Need To Know
Posted 14th September 2018 at 1:33 pm
This week we take a look at childcare changes and what employers need to do when the upcoming changes take effect. The childcare voucher scheme will close to new applicants on 4 October 2018. However, if an employee has joined a scheme and received their first voucher before this date then they will be able to continue receiving vouchers. For those who have not joined a voucher scheme the government has launched a Tax-Free Childcare scheme to help working parents manage the costs of childcare and allow them to work more hours. What is Tax-Free Childcare? The government will... Read more
Industry Celebrates National Payroll Week – How Can You Get Involved?
Posted 7th September 2018 at 2:48 pm
This week (3-7 September) is National Payroll Week. Established by the CIPP (Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals) as a way to raise the profile and awareness of Payroll in the UK, it helps to demonstrate the impact payroll has on the UK economy. Many people may only think about payroll when payday comes around but those within the industry live and breathe payroll and have had a big effect on the industry. Those working within payroll have helped contribute towards the £4.46bn collected through Income Tax and National Insurance each year. As such we would like to celebrate all... Read more
Are Tax Changes Getting Your Business Down?
Posted 31st August 2018 at 12:26 pm
It has recently been reported that almost 70% of small business owners feel that recent and upcoming changes in tax are going to have a negative impact on their businesses. When we look at what changes have happened or are planned to take place in the near future, it’s not difficult to see why business owners may feel this way. Below we take a look at what tax changes are taking place and how it could affect you. Making Tax Digital By now you will have heard all about the upcoming changes to the digitalisation of tax. This change... Read more
Travel Expenses – What you need to know
Posted 24th August 2018 at 11:51 am
Travel expenses can be a complex issue to understand when needing to claim tax relief, maybe more so when it is in relation to contractors fulfilling temporary work contracts. Below we take a look at one example case and determine what is best practise when carrying out this type of employment. When claiming travel expenses it is important to be certain about an employee’s place of work. This was highlighted in the First Tier Tax Tribunal case of Nigel Ratcliffe V HMRC in 2013. Mr Ratcliffe had claimed a deduction against his earnings for travelling expenses between his home... Read more