Latest Blogs

Tax Relief on pension contributions – Budget Day looms….

  At the moment, tax relief remains available on pension contributions at an individual’s top rate of tax, making pensions a very tax efficient form of investment. Especially when the new provisions for flexible access of pension funds is taken into account.   But we have yet another Budget approaching, on 22nd November, and it…

Is there such a thing as “free” software?

  Cloud software providers FreeAgent have been in partnership with Natwest and Royal Bank of Scotland for some months now. Small business customers of these banks are offered the software for free, and are being advised there are host of benefits such as forecasting and simplifying tax.   But is there a downside to this?…

Xerocon 2017 Apps

  Xerocon is the big event where not only do Xero promote and demonstrate their software but a host of other businesses shop-window software that links to Xero. We attended and are now in talks with a number of suppliers of apps. Having braced Xero the next step for Whiting & Partners and our clients…

App based banking – Atom

  What is Atom: an app based bank? Basically there are no branches and they don’t act like conventional banks. They use biometric security: face and voice recognition to log into their app. Everyone who joins Atom is given their own unique personalised brand. Put simply they get to name their own bank, have their…

Actors: IR35 tax rules will probably apply.

  In a recent tax tribunal test case, relating to the well-known actor Robert Glenister, HMRC were challenged as to whether the IR35 intermediary tax rules should apply to an actor earning his living through a personal service company.   As is typical with individuals providing their personal services through an intermediary company, Mr Glenister…

Start-Ups: Choosing a Business Name

  What’s in a Name? Having decided to start out in business, you will need to choose an operating name.  This is an important decision as it is the first thing that customers notice about you.   There are several factors to consider, including:   Relevance & Personalisation You may want to refer to your…

Trust Registration Service

  HMRC has released guidance for trustees and their agents for the new online Trust Registration Service (TRS) which has been operating since the middle of July. The new service replaces the old form 41G, as well as a section of the trust tax return used to report changes in trustee contact details.   Trusts…

Making Tax Digital – will free software be available?

  When Making Tax Digital (MTD) was first announced, HM Revenue & Customs said that free software would be available for the most straightforward small businesses.  Under MTD records of business income and expenses will be required to be kept digitally using a software product or app.   HMRC have since provided clarification on which…

Xerocon London 2017

Two fantastic days at Xerocon London on 4th and 5th October as 2000 attendees from 24 countries descended on the ExCel, the annual event for Xero Partners. Over the two days, four of our staff: Tom Carter, Dan Coleman, Steph Tinkler and Chip Moore attended the event. It was an opportunity to learn about new…

HMRC “Connect”: Now checking businesses that should VAT register.

We have known since 2010 that HMRC has a computer programme, called “Connect”, that is collecting data from a variety of sources about taxpayers, and then using this intelligence to check on correct tax compliance. We have known that these data sources include Banks, Social Media, DVLA, Local Authorities, Foreign Tax Jurisdictions and Land Registry.…