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 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…
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…
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…
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 have now implemented their ‘Simple Assessment’ project, where they use the information already available to them from employers, pension providers, the DWP and banks to calculate the tax for those with straightforward or ’Simple’ tax affairs, without the need for a tax return to be completed. In theory this sounds like an…
Following last year’s report from HMRC showing that only a quarter of couples eligible for marriage tax allowance were actually claiming, figures have reduced but still stand at just over a half of couples missing out on the £230 a year they are entitled to. Although the government have tried to simplify the application…
As we approach the end of the first quarter in the run-up to Brexit D-day, we are now beginning to see what practical steps SME businesses are taking in preparation: Businesses with a significant production source or market presence within the rest of the EU are strengthening their presence there. Creating a subsidiary based…
The Pensions Regulator have recently been working their way around the country, making spot checks to ensure employers are complying with Auto-enrolment duties. These help The Pensions Regulator understand any challenges employers are facing, and if they need to make any changes to their guidance. It also helps them identify employers who are failing…
Under pensions auto enrolment employers have to enrol qualifying employees into a workplace pension. Duties include paying contributions for the employee. The process of auto enrolment has been phased in from October 2012 when the largest employers had to comply with the rules. However the rules are set to change and new employers will…