Can a builder charge 5% VAT for their services?
Whilst the majority of businesses charge VAT at the standard rate of 20% there are a number of different VAT rates and exemptions that businesses should be aware. There are actually three separate VAT
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Pensions Regulator to seize assets where employers fail to pay workplace pension fines
The Pensions Regulator (TPR) has announced that employers who refuse to pay workplace pension fines could have their assets seized to pay their debts. TPR can issue fines to employers who fail to
Advance assurance for R&D tax claims
Advance Assurance for small companies that claim Research and Development (R&D) tax relief was introduced in November 2015. This measure makes it easier for small businesses investing in research
Are you making money from a hobby?
The 'badges of trade' tests whilst not conclusive are used by HMRC to help determine whether an activity is a proper economic / business activity or merely a money-making side line to a hobby.
Progress made towards one-day cheque clearance
A new system that allows UK banks and building societies to scan cheques and clear them digitally rather than using the paper cheque for clearing is expected to be introduced from October 2018. The
Child Benefit claw-back
The High Income Child Benefit charge came into force in January 2013 and applies to taxpayers whose income exceeds £50,000 in a tax year and who are in receipt of child benefit. The charge claws back
Employers can claim back VAT from mileage claims
HMRC operates a simplification measure that allows businesses to claim back VAT from mileage claims using a standardised scale charge to value fuel costs for private use. The scale charge is a fixed
Stamp duty land tax for first time buyers
New figures published by the government have revealed that 69,000 first-time home buyers have benefited from the recent changes to the Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) rules. Under rules that came into
When do you pay tax on lodger’s rents?
The rent-a-room scheme is a set of special rules designed to help homeowners who rent-a-room in their home within certain limits to pay no tax on the lodger’s rents. The limit increased to a generous
Enterprise zones – new maps published
Enterprise zones were first launched in 2011 and are specific geographic areas that provide various tax breaks and Government support. Businesses that set-up in enterprise zones can benefit from up to