Latest Business Tax

  HMRC’s latest attempt to stamp out tax fraud has turned their attention to the construction industry and, more specifically, VAT within the construction industry.  HMRC state they have identified “a significant risk to the Exchequer” as a result of missing trader fraud.  Missing trader fraud occurs where fraudsters take over or create shell companies…

The expected consultation period to roll out “off-payroll working rules” to the private sector has begun. HMRC propose that, from April 2020, medium and large sized private sector end-clients will be responsible for deciding if workers fees will be subject to PAYE and national insurance.   The consultation document advises HMRC will seek to address…

  HMRC has extended its Making Tax Digital for VAT (MTDfV) pilot scheme to all eligible businesses. For most businesses, compliance with the regulations is mandated for VAT return periods beginning on or after 1 April 2019. However, MTDfV for some ‘more complex’ businesses has been deferred until 1 October 2019. This deferral applies to:…

As we approach the 1 April 2019 deadline for the introduction of MTD compliant VAT submissions, many businesses will at last be focusing on what solution they should adopt.   If their current bookkeeping system does not already have an upgrade that automatically provides this new functionality, they will be considering adopting ‘bridging software’.   Looking through…

  Making Tax Digital (MTD) is the hot topic this year. It’s one of the most fundamental changes to the UK tax system since the introduction of self-assessment. From April 2019, VAT registered businesses with a turnover of over £85,000 will be required to keep records using software approved by HMRC.  We have condensed the…

Research and development (R&D) tax credits are a valuable government tax relief that rewards UK companies for investing in innovation. Companies that spend money developing new products, processes or services; or enhancing existing ones, are eligible for a cash payment and/or Corporation Tax reduction. R&D tax credit rates are the equivalent of up to 33p…

A number of measures contained in October’s budget were designed to increase investment made by UK businesses and aimed at raising the UK’s international competitiveness. Farmers anticipating expenditure on new commercial buildings or a large outlay on machinery, may find Chancellor Hammond’s changes both interesting and useful.   Let’s look first at the Structures and…

At Xerocon 2018, held Wednesday and Thursday last week, we heard how the number of Xero Subscribers has now reached over 1.6 Million Worldwide.   Xero’s focus on becoming THE Small Business Platform is greater than ever, with recent market research confirming how users of Xero really do save time, in some cases as much…

With only just under 6 months until the 2019/2020 ATED return filing deadline of 30th April 2019. It may be an appropriate time to consider whether your limited company may be obliged to submit an ATED return. The annual tax on enveloped dwellings (ATED) applies to companies which own an interest in a residential property…

Following the Autumn Budget on 29th October 2018, it was confirmed that Corporation Tax rates will fall to 17% from 1st April 2020. Currently, the Corporation Tax rate is 19% and this will remain until the 17% rate comes into force. Presumably the reason for introducing lower rates is to make the UK more competitive,…