Latest blogs for Services

As the country starts to emerge from the Coronavirus pandemic where many businesses have simply been striving to survive, the new focus is likely to become one of growth.  Many bodies and institutions around the world are therefore looking to offer help in bringing the economy up to full speed again and ensuring that it…

Further to my blog on 22 June 2020 (please see below), just a reminder that the deadline for applying for the first SEISS grant is 13 July.   Those eligible under the Self-employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) will be able to claim a second and final grant in August 2020.The grant will be worth 70%…

As part of the Government’s measures to try to stimulate the economy, the Chancellor has announced a reduction in the rate of VAT payable by the hospitality and tourism industries.   From 15‌‌‌ ‌July 2020 until 12‌‌‌ ‌January 2021, the rate of VAT will be reduced to 5% on any eat-in or hot takeaway food…

As we all slowly unwind from Coronavirus lock-down and the end of furlough support rapidly approaches, Chancellor Rishi Sunak has taken the unusual step of making fiscal announcements in the Summer, to try and head off a recession. New initiatives, of interest to SME’s, include:   Job Retention Bonus – £1,000 bonus paid per employee…

Your tax code can be confusing but it is extremely important to understand. That small string of numbers and letters informs your employer or pension provider how much tax free allowance you are entitled to.   An incorrect code will have very real consequences. If too much tax is being deducted from your monthly income,…

Many taxpayers who are required to file a self-assessment tax return to HM Revenue & Customs should now be preparing for their next half-yearly tax payment which is due by 31st July. The amount payable is the second payment-on-account for the 2019/20 tax year and is automatically calculated as half of the total tax liability…

On 25 June 2020, the Corporate Insolvency and Governance Act 2020 received Royal assent.  As a result, Companies House have announced that for eligible companies they will automatically extend the filing deadline for 3 months because of Covid-19.  These are for companies with a filing deadline between 26 March 2020 and 29 September 2020.  This…

A joint guidance has been published by ICAS, ICAEW and PRAG on pension scheme financial reports and audit, with a large focus on Covid-19 matters.   The impact of Covid-19 pandemic on the control environment of pension schemes is explored, to help auditors navigate the additional challenges they are likely to experience and help them…

Many companies have been receiving financial support from the government during the Coronavirus pandemic, either through the furlough/job retention scheme, rates relief or grants.   The technical advice   Under UK accounting standards, income from the government should be recognised under one of two models, based on the nature of the grant as follows:  …

To reflect the exceptional trading position many companies find themselves in during the Covid-10 pandemic, HMRC has updated its internal guidance regarding companies making claims for repayments of corporation tax based on anticipated losses, and claiming a repayment of corporation tax paid under the quarterly instalments regime.  Companies wishing to make such a claim will…