Time is ticking away to the end of the tax year on 5 April 2009, so it’s worth thinking about whether you have made use of all the tax reliefs and allowances available to keep your tax bill to a minimum.We hope you will find this quick guide to some of the more popular tax […]

The standard rate of VAT was reduced from 1 December 2008 from 17.5% to 15%. HMRC have published some further frequently asked questions which clarify the correct treatment in several situations.One situation which helps to explain the complexity of the issue is as follows: ‘Treatment of tickets to events (theatre, football season tickets etc.) 1. […]

There is a significant change in the approach which HMRC will be taking in dealing with tax returns relating to periods starting on or after 1 April 2008, where the return is due to be submitted on or after 1 April 2009.HMRC have the legal right to enquire into any return and if they find […]

HMRC have advised that they are about to issue PAYE tax codes to employees for the 2009/10 tax year.If you receive a coding notice it is worthwhile letting us have a copy for checking. This will enable us to ensure that you are paying the correct amount of tax on your pay and benefits and […]

If media reports are to be believed, it appears that the government is gradually becoming aware that their various solutions to kick-start the bank lending haven’t actually worked yet, and therefore the unusual step of “quantitative easing” by the Bank of England, is likely to commence in a couple of weeks.   This is the equivalent […]

On returning to work in the New Year, many will be reaching for the travel brochures to plan their next holiday getaway. Now would be a good time to ensure that your employees’ (or your own) holiday entitlement has been correctly calculated, especially as many employees’ entitlement may need to be increased due to a […]

If you run your own company you will no doubt be aware that company law requires all companies to file a copy of their annual accounts at Companies House by their ‘due date’. Penalties become payable if these accounts are filed late. With effect from 1 February 2009 higher late filing penalties will be imposed […]

Pregnant women are being urged to apply for the new Health in Pregnancy grant of £190. In order to qualify the baby must be due on or after 6 April 2009. The one-off payment is intended to help pregnant women ‘stay fit and healthy in the run up to the birth, and help meet some […]

HMRC are warning taxpayers that recently they have been made aware of the following scams: ‘Online Update’ email We have received reports of emails being sent asking recipients to ‘update your account to the new EV SSL certification’. This is a scam email attempting to steal User IDs and passwords. The email is being sent […]

HMRC have announced that they are now able to offer more customers the option of paying by Direct Debit. If taxpayers are registered to use Self Assessment Online, PAYE Online for employers or Corporation Tax Online they can now set up Direct Debit payments online. Taxpayers can also make tax credit repayments by Direct Debit.In […]