Latest Private Client Tax

Celebrating (sic) its 20th anniversary, HMRC have just set out the Government’s vision for the future of the UK tax authority: https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/exchequer-secretary-to-the-treasury-20-years-of-hmrc-reflections-and-looking-ahead   This keynote speech by James Murray, the Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, has given us advance warning of what specific modernisation and reform changes to the tax system that we might now…

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) have issued a warning to UK resident tax payers with over £3,500 in savings interest that they could face unexpected tax bills to 5th April.   HMRC are aware of interest received on savings accounts excluding ISA’s which are tax free and as such know who have exceeded their personal…

Are you aware of how the April NIC increases will effect Directors’ salaries?   From 6th April 2025, increases in Class 1 Employer’s National Insurance will come into effect, with the following changes: Employer’s NIC rate increasing from 13.8% to 15%. The secondary threshold, above which employer’s NIC are due, reducing from £9,100 to £5,000.…

If you can’t pay your Self Assessment tax bill that was due for payment on 31st January 2025 and need help, you should contact HMRC as soon as possible.   For Self Assessment, you may be able to set up a payment plan online. This will enable you to pay your Self Assessment tax bill in instalments without…

As we approach another personal tax year end, we turn our thoughts to tax planning opportunities and actions that should be considered before 5 April. The list below is not exhaustive; however, it should provide some food for thought.   Pension Contributions Higher rate and additional rate tax can be saved on pension contributions. However,…

This time last month we shared a post warning about Self Assessment Scams – Now we are finding that VAT Returns are also being targeted by criminals.   Keep an eye out for phishing emails pretending to be HMRC – an example below showing a likeness to HMRC emails. HMRC will never ask you to…

Do you have a 31st January 2025 payment on account liability still to pay? Do you know whether you can reduce your 31st January tax payment?   If you are still due to make your 31st January 2025 tax liability payment then there are several payment methods you can use, these are all available to…

Whilst one of the main talking points from the recent Autumn Budget was the increased National Insurance burden for employers, has one change gone under the radar?   Key Changes in the Budget Employers’ National Insurance Increase: The rate has risen from 13.8% to 15%, and the threshold at which National Insurance contributions apply has…

Have you considered SME succession post-Budget?   For many business owners, their preferred exit from the family business is to pass it on to their children, for nil consideration. Particularly if the children work in the business. The recent Budget, however, signalled the Government’s intention to change the Business Relief Inheritance Tax rules w.e.f 6…

Do you know how Inheritance Tax on classic cars works?   To many a car enthusiast, a classic car is priceless and for tax purposes there are some useful exemptions for Capital Gains Tax (CGT) purposes where the car involved is considered to be a wasting asset.   H M Revenue & Customs have confirmed…