Latest blogs for Specialisms

HMRC has announced that the domestic reverse charge on constructions services, which is due to come into effect on 1 October 2020 has been delayed until 1 March 2021.  This will be welcome news as it provides businesses with additional time to prepare for the introduction of these new rules.   At Whiting & Partners…

The Charity Commission released updated guidelines in April 2020 for auditors and independent examiners. This was based around the statutory duty to report to the charity regulators in the UK on matters of material significance.   The three main changes in this updated guidance are as follows: confirmation that difficulties in carrying out an audit…

Key features of the BBLS:   The scheme is a 100% government backed initiative for small businesses.   You can apply* for a loan between £2,000 and £50,000 (up to a maximum of 25% annual turnover), for 6 years.   No repayments required for the first 12 months, and you won’t pay any charges should…

The claims service will open ahead of schedule on 13 May with money in bank accounts by 25 May.   HMRC have announced that from today (4 May) businesses can either go online to check their eligibility or wait to be contacted by HMRC.   https://www.gov.uk/government/news/self-employed-invited-to-get-ready-to-make-their-claims-for-coronavirus-covid-19-support   Scams   HMRC will contact eligible customers to…

After reading a recent article in British Farmer & Grower magazine, it reminded me that although we as a country are going through a major pandemic right now, there is life after this. But what will life be like on Farms of the future with the majority of the seasonal workers having come from the…

The spread of Coronavirus is being exploited by criminals to carry out fraud and cybercrime. Latest data from police shows there has been an increase in Coronavirus related scams.   Any charity is at risk, but especially those providing services to the local community during this crisis. Common frauds and cybercrimes to be aware of…

As part of it`s support package for UK businesses during COVID-19, the Government have now launched, through the British Business Bank, a new initiative: Future Fund. This is aimed at helping businesses that regularly finance their operations through successive equity funding rounds (ie start-up TechCo`s).   Eligibility criteria: UK based businesses which have been operating…

Back in February, I wrote a blog detailing the effect the annual allowance tapering legislation was having on senior NHS clinicians and many others with a defined benefit pension scheme, which can be found here.   I explain that, although NHS England has stepped in to help some NHS staff affected by the charges for…

At a time when cash flow is key, don’t forget to claim VAT relief on bad debts when preparing your VAT return.  To claim relief, a debt must have remained unpaid for a period of six months from the later of the date payment was due or the date of the supply. If all or…

As a consequence of the Covid-19 lock down, most employees who are able to work from home, and who have not been furloughed, are now working from their private study, spare bedroom, dining room table, etc. So what home expenses can these employees reclaim, tax free, from their employer:   Supply of a mobile phone…