Is the Christmas party tax allowable?
It may only be September, but many of us will have already booked our work Christmas party to celebrate. But what are the costs to your business of the Christmas party and what is tax allowable for your…
Potential dividend allowance cut could “clobber” small businesses
The Chancellor of the Exchequer has been urged not to ‘clobber’ small business owners by taking away the Dividend Allowance. The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has expressed concern that the Chancellor will reduce the tax free dividend…
A Contractor group has called on HMRC to open a ‘suicide hotline’ in response to the new loan charge
Volunteer support group – the Loan Charge Action Group (LCAG) – which represents contractors and freelance workers, has called on HMRC to set up a 24 hour ‘Suicide Hotline’ to deal with the increasing number of people concerned…
Small businesses feel penalised by HMRC investigations
HMRC has commissioned and released research into it’s own investigations and the impact on small businesses. Over half of those questioned said that they felt the HMRC investigations were too intensive and disruptive. 52% of the business stated…
Non taxable benefits and payments to employees
Not many people realise but there is an extensive list of benefits and payments that an employer can give to an employee without having to pay income tax or national insurance on and they do not have to…
Sole trader vs Company: Benefits and Drawbacks
Should I be a sole trader or a company? We are often asked that question when people are setting up in business, and the truth is it depends on the individual scenario and what you are looking to…
Are you a worker or a contractor?
It was hard to miss the news last week that Pimlico Plumbers lost their case in the High Court against former employee Gary Smith. Smith argued that despite being VAT registered and paying self-employment income tax, he was…
Greater delay in HMRC answering calls
It will come as little surprise to most to discover that HMRC are taking longer than ever to answer telephone calls, and more than ever are going totally unanswered. Recent information released by HMRC shows that more than…
What can HMRC find out about you?
What can HMRC find out about you? When meeting new prospects we often hear “Well, HMRC won’t find out about that’ and we cringe. Not just because they’ve just effectively admitted tax evasion, but because HMRC can find…
Disguised Remuneration – HMRC crackdown with the New Loan Charge
HMRC has started its crackdown on disguised remuneration – basically tax evasion – and is warning against joining schemes that advertise themselves as avoiding the new loan charge. They don’t avoid the charge and may land you in…