Business News - January 2010

Taxpayers are being reminded that the deadline for claiming back tax overpayments from the 2003/04 financial year is fast approaching.

Every successful business needs to develop their staff to continuously improve.

One of the significant announcements in the Pre-Budget Report last month was a further increase in national insurance contributions (NIC) which is to take effect from 6 April 2011. 

In the Pre-Budget Report last month, changes were announced to the complex rules for the Special Annual Allowance (SAA) charge which affects those with substantial income who make significant pension contributions. The current rate of the SAA charge is 20% on excess pension contributions. The aim of the charge is to discourage individuals from making significantly higher pension contributions in anticipation of the removal of higher rate tax relief which will occur in 2011.

In a move designed to tackle certain remuneration practices that are considered to have contributed to ‘excessive risk taking’ in the banking industry, a temporary bank payroll tax of 50% is to apply to certain bonuses regardless of how they are paid. The tax will apply to the amount of the bonus which exceeds £25,000 for any individual employee and is applicable to banks, building societies and other related financial businesses.

HMRC is giving taxpayers with offshore investments more time to come forward under the New Disclosure Opportunity (NDO). The registration deadline, which was due to expire on 30 November 2009 has been moved to 4 January 2010 as some banks need more time to contact their offshore customers.

To reflect the increase in fuel prices, HMRC have issued new advisory fuel rates for employees driving employer provided cars. These take effect for all journeys undertaken from 1 December, so employers using the advisory rates should advise affected employees and update any expense forms as soon as possible.

As the new year gets underway, HMRC are reminding taxpayers to be vigilant as scam emails have been reported. For details of their latest guidance on scam emails, more information on this and other scams together with a copy of the latest example visit the links below.

Gordon Brown has revised his proposal to withdraw the income tax and NI exemption on employer-provided childcare vouchers.

HMRC have issued some important guidance regarding the changes in the place of supply of services rules which take effect from 1 January 2010.

The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) are warning people to be prepared for poor weather conditions when travelling. They have produced a few tips to help ensure that travel, whether it is for work or pleasure, remains safe despite the weather.

Their advice can be found by visiting the link below.