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Taxman to review record checks project - January 2012
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) is to carry out a review of its Business Record Checks project, designed to tackle poor record-keeping by small and medium-sized enterprises.
Employment tribunal fees plan unveiled - January 2012
The government has outlined its plans for charging fees to take cases to employment tribunals, designed to cut a multi-million pound bill for the taxpayer and ease pressure on businesses.
‘Excessive’ payment surcharges to be outlawed - January 2012
Businesses will be banned from levying “excessively high” surcharges on all forms of payment before the end of this year, under government plans.
Website owners ‘need to get to work’ on cookies law - January 2012
Website owners must try harder to comply with the new cookies law, according to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).
Acas chief warns of social media challenge - January 2012
Social media is likely to be one of the biggest workplace issues in 2012, the head of employment relations service Acas has warned.
Time running out for tobacco displays - January 2012
Time is ticking away for the first retailers to be affected by a ban on tobacco displays to ensure their premises are compliant with the law.
E-trader jailed over VAT fraud - January 2012
An online trader has been jailed for attempting to evade more than £420,000 of VAT, ahead of the launch of an HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) campaign targeting people who use e-marketplaces to buy and sell goods and who fail to pay tax owed.
Employment law set for major reform - December 2011
Business Secretary Vince Cable has set out plans for major reform of employment law.
Self-employed set to benefit in health and safety shake-up - December 2011
Government plans have been announced for a major reduction in health and safety rules, with the first changes taking effect from January.
‘Real time’ pilot on way for PAYE - December 2011
A major change to the way that employers submit information on tax and national insurance for their employees is to begin next year with a pilot programme.
£95m boost for small businesses - December 2011
Small and medium sized businesses in England are set to benefit from £95 million in government investment.
New taskforces to target tax cheats - December 2011
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has launched five new taskforces around the country to tackle tax evasion in sectors including fast food, property rentals and scrap metal dealing.
Employers offered help on training - December 2011
A £250 million plan will be launched in the new year, designed to give businesses the power to design, develop and purchase vocational training
New service set to cut costs of IP court cases - December 2011
A new small claims service is to be introduced at the Patents County Court (PCC), helping small and medium-sized businesses to protect their copyright, trade marks and designs.
The Autumn Statement - November 2011
A summary of the autumn statement 2011.
‘Millions’ may drop out of auto-enrolment, survey finds - November 2011
Pensions experts have warned that around three million people may drop out of a government scheme designed to encourage more workers to save for their older age.
A N Other fine mess on PAYE paperwork - November 2011
Employers are being urged to make sure their PAYE paperwork is correct after hundreds of returns incorrectly claimed to employ A N Other in 2009/10.
Use your data protection knowledge, businesses told - November 2011
Businesses are becoming more aware of their obligations under the Data Protection Act (DPA), according to new figures from the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).
SMEs slipping up on credit checks - November 2011
Almost three-quarters of small and medium-sized UK businesses are failing to check on their customers’ credit worthiness, according to new research.
Cost of business rate appeals backlog soars - November 2011
Delays in dealing with business rate appeals are costing businesses £300 million per year, according to new research.
Patent documents go online – and free - November 2011
Innovative UK businesses are set to benefit from a free system to access information on patents launched by the Intellectual Property Office (IPO).
Business asset freezing plan under fire - November 2011
Insolvency experts have warned that a proposed new European Commission measure to freeze the assets of British businesses could deal a serious blow to work to rescue firms in financial difficulties.
HMRC criticised over tax amnesties - October 2011
HMRC has hit back at suggestions that tax amnesties, such as the deals reached recently with Switzerland and Luxembourg, could help criminals gain respectability.
Calls made for simpler SME financial reporting - October 2011
The Financial Reporting Council and the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) have published a joint missive calling for annual accounts for the smallest businesses to be simplified in order to cut red-tape for micro-entities.
Three-fold increase in tax scam emails - October 2011
HM Revenue and Customs say the number of scam “phishing” emails has increased by more than 300% over the past year.
New Agency Worker Regulation (AWR) comes into affect - October 2011
The Government has introduced new Agency Worker Regulation (AWR) changing the way businesses introduce new staff on a short term basis.
Cable attacks banks over lending - October 2011
The Business Secretary Vince Cable has once again attacked banks over a lack of lending to SMEs.
2, 250 tax inspectors in super rich crackdown - October 2011
A crack team of more than 2,000 tax inspectors is to be set up by HM Revenue and Customs to target tax avoidance and evasion.
Small businesses fail to check credit scores - October 2011
A survey of nearly 700 small businesses has found that more than 71 per cent did not check their customers’ credit status.
Banks to offer riot loans - October 2011
A major bank is set to offer interest and fee-free loans to businesses hit by the summer riots.
SMEs access to equity finance eased - September 2011
Small businesses are set to be able to access equity finance more cheaply and effectively with early changes to European regulatory measures.
Capital allowances loophole closed - September 2011
The government has bought forward the closure of a loophole that allowed businesses to accelerate capital allowances claims for plant and machinery and obtain advantageous early tax relief.
New guidance issued on distance selling - September 2011
The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has launched a new online resource to help businesses comply with the law when selling goods and services at a distance, such as website or mail order sales.
Retailers warned over online security - September 2011
Businesses have been urged to do more to protect customers’ data after hackers were able to access the payment details of thousands of customers of cosmetics and toiletries retailer Lush.
Rule change on agency workers’ rights looms - September 2011
New rules affecting employers who take on agency and temporary workers will take effect from 1 October 2011.
NHS worker on sick leave for a year entitled to holiday pay - September 2011
The Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) has found in favour of an NHS employee, ruling that she was entitled to payment in lieu of holidays she had been unable to take while on sick pay for a year.
Research highlights cookie law non-compliance - September 2011
New research has highlighted the potential scale of organisations and businesses failing to comply with EU directives on downloading cookies.
Taxpayers hit by HMRC hold-up - August 2011
Around 500,000 people who complete self assessment tax returns will have to wait longer than normal to find out how much tax they have to pay, HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has announced.
Businesses asked for views on tax and NI merger - August 2011
The government is asking businesses for their views on integrating the income tax and national insurance contributions (NIC) systems.
Tax specialists issue PAYE warning - August 2011
Tax experts say there could be “grave consequences” unless problems with the PAYE system are resolved before the introduction of a new system.
Retail rules to be relaxed in Red Tape Challenge victory - August 2011
Retailers’ lives are set to be made easier after the government said more than 160 regulations would be simplified or scrapped in the first changes to be introduced through its Red Tape Challenge.
UK leads on foreign investment - August 2011
A new report has shown that the UK is the top destination for foreign direct investment in Europe and the third worldwide.
Businesses offered advice on reducing risk abroad - August 2011
A new service has been launched to help UK companies learn about the security and business risks in 90 markets when working abroad.
Information chief ‘disappointed’ at data protection checks take-up - August 2011
Businesses should be more willing to undergo data protection audits, says the Information Commissioner.
Conciliation service helps to head off more tribunals - August 2011
Conciliation service Acas helped to prevent more than 13,000 workplace disputes between individuals and their employers from reaching an employment tribunal, its latest annual report has shown.
Students urged to save on summer job tax - August 2011
Students are being reminded that they may not have to pay any tax on the money they make from summer jobs.
Inheritance Tax (IHT) Planning - July 2011
Have you considered taking steps to reduce your potential IHT liabilities that may become payable when you die ?
End of National Insurance cards comes step closer - July 2011
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has introduced the latest stage of its move to phase out National Insurance cards.
Businesses get extra help on competition law - July 2011
The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has launched new guidance to help businesses comply with competition law.
Europe set to streamline patent rules - July 2011
UK businesses are set to save millions of pounds a year as a single European patent came a step closer following agreements by ministers at a meeting of the Competitiveness Council in Luxembourg.
New challenge on red tape - July 2011
Businesss owners, employees and the public are being urged to blow the whistle on inconsistent and over-zealous enforcement of rules and regulations.
‘E-traders’ included in new tax crackdown - July 2011
New campaigns targeting VAT defaulters, private tutors and e-marketplaces will be launched by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) over the next year.
China tax agreement set to boost trade - July 2011
A new double taxation agreement between the UK and the People’s Republic of China is set to encourage more cross-border trade between the two countries.
UK lobbies over European maternity leave proposals - July 2011
The UK has reinforced its opposition to proposals by MEPs to introduce 20 weeks of maternity leave on full pay.
Advice on offer as Rugby World Cup kicks off - July 2011
The Government has issued advice to employers on maintaining productivity and keeping staff engaged during the Rugby World Cup later this year.
Taxpayers beware! - May 2011
Midgley Snelling would like to warn clients against acting on the latest fraudulent emails purporting to be from HM Revenue & Customs.
Thousands Rise To Red Tape Challenge - May 2011
Thousands of businesses are taking up the government’s challenge to comment on more than 21,000 rules and regulations that affect their lives.
US Offers Tax Disclosure Opportunity - May 2011
American citizens and green card holders living in the UK are required to file annual tax returns and other information to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
Government Says No To Early Access to Pension Savings - May 2011
The government has decided to rule out further consideration of early access to pension savings for the time being.
Regional Growth Fund Set To Boost Job Creation - May 2011
More than 100,000 new jobs are set to be created and safeguarded under government plans to invest £450 million in businesses across England.
New Minimum Wage Rates Set - May 2011
The government has accepted the independent Low Pay Commission’s (LPC) recommendations for this year’s National Minimum Wage (NMW) rates.
Don't Forget To PAYE on Time, Says HMRC - May 2011
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has issued a reminder on due dates for PAYE payments made electronically.
New Late Filing Penalties in Place - May 2011
Taxpayers could find themselves paying a high price for submitting late tax returns under a new penalty regime introduced in April.
Round-Up of Budget Reaction - April 2011
Chancellor George Osborne delivered the 2011 Budget on 23 March, saying he intended to “put fuel into the tank of the British economy”. With the implications of the Budget still sinking in, this round-up of some key points also looks at the response to the measures.
Online Filing Plans under Fire - April 2011
Government plans to impose online filing on all the main businesses taxes have been criticised by tax campaigners.
Cable Plans Shake-Up of Audit Rules - April 2011
Business Secretary Vince Cable says the government will remove audit requirements from thousands of smaller businesses.
HMRC Seeks Views on Website - April 2011
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has launched an online survey of its website, www.hmrc.gov.uk
R&D Brings Tax Benefits - April 2011
Thousands of companies are benefiting from research and development (R&D) tax credits, according to new figures from HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC).
Businesses Offered Chance to Slash Red Tape - April 2011
Businesses are being urged to get involved in government moves to reduce the burden of red tape.
Employers Set To Say ‘You’re Hired’ To More Apprentices - April 2011
Business organisations have welcomed plans, announced in the March Budget, to increase the number of apprenticeships over the next four years.
HMRC Told ‘Go Back To Drawing Board’ On Record-Keeping Drive - April 2011
A proposal by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to start making large-scale checks of business records before relevant tax returns are submitted is misguided, according to the Chartered Institute of Taxation (CIOT).
Businesses Share Common Concerns on Tax - February 2011
A series of roadshows organised by the Office of Tax Simplification (OTS) has highlighted key areas of small business taxation that those affected say need to be reviewed or simplified.
SMEs Count Fraud Toll - February 2011
Fraud costs small and medium-sized enterprises an average of £2,800 a year each, according to new statistics from the National Fraud Authority (NFA).
Tax Appeals May Be Worth Pursuing - February 2011
Taxpayers appealing against HMRC decisions or penalties on technical issues or for late or inaccurate filing of VAT returns have a better than 50:50 chance of success, according to recent statistics.
HMRC Denies National Insurance Problem - February 2011
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has hit back at suggestions that more than £1.3 billion in national insurance contributions (NICs) has been lost.
Tax Experts Offer Help on Underpayment Letters - February 2011
The Low Incomes Tax Reform Group (LITRG) has issued guidance on what action to take if someone receives a tax calculation letter for the 2007-08 tax year from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).
Employers Offered Guidance on Pension Changes - February 2011
Employers are being offered extra help to get to grips with new responsibilities under workplace pensions reform.
Consultation Begins In Bid to Cut Employment Tribunals - February 2011
The government has launched a new consultation on plans improve the way in which workplace disputes are resolved.
New Parental Leave Plan Unveiled - February 2011
The government has announced more details of shared parental leave arrangements designed to help families balance work and life commitments.
VAT - Place of Supply of Services - January 2011
Changes to the VAT place of supply rules from 1 January 2011 will affect entertainment, cultural, sporting, educational, scientific or similar services which are actually performed outsdie the UK.
Consultation under Way on PAYE Reform - January 2011
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is inviting employers to respond to a second phase of consultation on improving PAYE through the use of Real Time Information (RTI).
Corporation Tax ‘Vodcast’ Offers Expert Advice - January 2011
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has teamed up with accountancy experts to provide online advice on changes to corporation tax due in April 2011.
HMRC Joins Twitter - January 2011
HMRC has begun trialling the use of Twitter, operating under the username @hmrcgovuk
Employment Rights Payments Change - January 2011
Annual changes to the payments for unfair dismissal and redundancies will take effect from 1 February 2011.
Business Records Checks Consultation Focuses on SMEs - January 2011
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) is seeking views on how best to implement a programme of Business Records Checks, designed to improve record keeping in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
European Patent Fees Reduced - January 2011
Thousands of innovative UK businesses will reduce the cost of protecting their bright ideas in Europe under new arrangements.
Tax Avoidance Study Group Launched - January 2011
The government has made its first appointment to a group of experts who will explore the potential for a General Anti-Avoidance Rule (GAAR) as part of the UK tax regime.
Tax Reliefs in the Spotlight - January 2011
The Office of Tax Simplification (OTS) has completed a key stage in its major review of tax reliefs.
Concern as Time to Pay Arrangements Fall - December 2010
New figures show that fewer businesses are deferring tax payments through the HM Revenue & Customs’ (HMRC) Time to Pay scheme, designed to help businesses during the economic downturn.
HMRC Reports on R&D Support - December 2010
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has issued a new report on research and development (R&D) decision-making processes in British businesses.
VAT Rules on Entertaining Overseas Customers Changed - December 2010
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has shifted its position on the VAT treatment of business entertainment provided to overseas customers.
Change on Unfair Dismissal Claims on Cards - December 2010
Lord Young, the government’s new Enterprise Adviser, has told the BBC that he may recommend an increase in the length of time employees have to work before being allowed to bring unfair dismissal claims.
Smaller Charities Win Online Filing Concession - December 2010
From 1 April 2011 onwards, all companies and organisations will have to file company tax returns online for any accounting period ending after 31 March 2010.
Reminder on Filing Online - December 2010
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has reminded anyone missing the 31 October deadline for filing paper self assessment tax return for 2009-2010 that they have until the end of January to file online.
Alert to Employers on CD-ROM - December 2010
Businesses using HM Revenue & Customs’ (HMRC) Employer CD-ROM have been urged to make sure it is up to date.
Businesses Urged to Prepare for Pensions Shake-Up - December 2010
The government has set out plans for automatic enrolment into workplace pensions.
Spending Review Offers Help to Business - November 2010
Chancellor George Osborne unveiled his Spending Review on 20 October, setting out £81 billion in cuts over the next four years.
New Enterprise Allowance Boost for Start-Up Firms - November 2010
People who have been unemployed for six months and want to start their own business will be offered access to business mentoring and financial support of up to £2,000.
State Pension Age to Rise to 66 by 2020 - November 2010
Chancellor George Osborne has announced a faster than expected rise in the state pension age as part of his October Spending Review.
Business Quangos Bite Dust - November 2010
Regional Development Agencies are among the business-related quangos that face the axe or other changes in a government shake-up.
All Change on National Insurance Cards - November 2010
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has announced a change on replacement national insurance cards, ahead of a phasing out of the traditional plastic card.
Comments Sought on Competition Law Compliance Guidance - November 2010
The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) is consulting on two guidance documents designed to help businesses and company directors comply with competition law.
Track Down Your Missing Pension, Says Minister - November 2010
People who have lost touch with workplace pension schemes from previous employers, as well as personal schemes, are being urged to track them down to ensure they receive all of their entitlements in retirement.
HMRC Shakes Up Contact Centre Opening Hours - November 2010
From 29 November 2010, HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) contact centres will reorganise their opening times to allow more staff to answer calls during the busy periods.
HMRC issues guidance on tax underpayments - October 2010
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has issued guidance for up to 1.4 million taxpayers who have underpaid PAYE due to incorrect tax codes.
£900M to fight tax non-compliance - October 2010
Large businesses will be among those targeted in a £900 million government plan to tackle non-compliance in the tax system.
New businesses benefit from NI holiday - October 2010
A new regional national insurance (NI) holiday for start-up businesses has come into effect.
CD-ROM alert for employers - October 2010
Employers are reminded that new national minimum wage rates (NMW) will come into force from 1 October.
Businesses get helping hand on awards- October 2010
Businesses looking for opportunities to raise their profile are being given a helping hand by Business Link.
Online guidance to sale of goods act launched - October 2010
The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) launched a new online resource to help businesses comply with the law when customers buy or return goods.
Comments invited on bribery act guidance- October 2010
Businesses are being invited to have their say on guidance designed to help them implement legal measures designed to strengthen the UK’s stance against bribery.
Tax specialists criticise paperwork cuts - October 2010
Tax experts have hit out at HM Revenue and Customs’ (HMRC) plans to stop issuing copies to tax agents of some mail sent to their clients to help cut costs.
Act now before the pension annual allowance falls - October 2010
Tax experts have hit out at HM Revenue and Customs’ (HMRC) plans to stop issuing copies to tax agents of some mail sent to their clients to help cut costs.
Three-quarters of taxpayers opt for online returns - September 2010
As the 31 October deadline looms for paper tax returns, new figures from HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) reveal that growing numbers of individual taxpayers are opting for online filing.
Helping hand on VAT errors - September 2010
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has issued new guidance on correcting VAT errors.
HMRC steps up online employer information - September 2010
Employers will be able to access more HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) advice and guidance online and via downloads as HMRC works to reduce the amount of information it posts out.
Furnished holiday lettings rules under review - September 2010
The government has launched a consultation on the tax rules for furnished holiday lettings.
IHT in the spotlight - September 2010
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has launched a consultation into tackling inheritance tax avoidance associated with trusts.
Tool aids businesses to build age-friendly workplaces - September 2010
UK employers now have access to a free tool that allows them to assess current and future workforce needs.
Taxpayers warned of phone con - September 2010
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) is warning taxpayers to be vigilant following reports that thieves are making phone calls pretending to be the taxman.
HMRC brings in debt collectors in 2010-11 - September 2010
Debt collection agencies will be used by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) during 2010-11 to collect an additional £140m of tax debt.
Greener cars drive up savings - September 2010
Private and fleet buyers in the UK are to be offered up to £5,000 as an incentive to buy greener cars in a government scheme launching at the start of next year.
PAYE in the spotlight - August 2010
PAYE could be on course for significant change following the launch of a major consultation.
HMRC under fire over income tax cases backlog - August 2010
The head of the National Audit Office has criticised HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) for failing to make enough progress in reducing a backlog of 18.2 million cases where there is potentially overpaid or underpaid income tax.
Online VAT deadline looming - August 2010
Businesses need to act now if they have not already registered for online filing of VAT returns.
Tax set to be made simpler -August 2010
Chancellor George Osborne has launched a new Office for Tax Simplification (OTS), with the task of identifying areas where complexities in the tax system for businesses and individuals can be reduced.
Get ready for new equality act - August 2010
Time is ticking away for businesses to review their policies and practices to make sure they are in line with the new Equality Act.
Late returns grace period to end - August 2010
Businesses are reminded that a seven-day grace period for late employers’ and contractors’ returns will cease from 31 March 2011.
Guide aims to make managing employee performance easier - August 2010
New guidance is now available for businesses to help them manage the performance of their workforce more effectively.
Revised guidance on 'fit and proper' persons - August 2010
New guidance on the fit and proper persons test for managers of charities has been issued.
HMRC issues new security alerts - August 2010
HM Revenue & Customs has issued a new security warning over an email currently in circulation.
Emergency Budget - July 2010
George Osborne presented his first Budget on Tuesday 22 June 2010.
Capital Gains Tax Changes - July 2010
A new rate of Capital Gains Tax (CGT) of 28% will be introduced. For individuals, the rate of CGT remains at 18% where total taxable gains and income, after taking into account all allowable deductions including losses, personal allowances and the CGT annual exemption, are less than the basic rate limit.
Standard Rate of VAT to Increase - July 2010
It is proposed to increase the standard rate of VAT from 17.5% to 20% with effect for any supply made on or after 4 January 2011.
HMRC Amend PAYE Penalties Guidance - July 2010
At the start of the tax year new late payment penalties were introduced for PAYE and other payments due from employers.
Keep Proper Records!- July 2010
HMRC have recently issued a reminder about the various 'toolkits' that they have developed to assist agents when preparing returns.
HMRC Launch Tax Credit Video - July 2010
Every year, tax credit claimants must renew their tax credit awards by 31 July or their payments may stop. Claimants on ‘nil awards’, and those receiving only the full family element of Child Tax Credit, will receive a statement of their 2009/10 award.
Business Link Guidance For Farmers - July 2010
Business Link has set up a dedicated new online service for farmers and growers.
Maternity Rights for the Self Employed - July 2010
It appears as though the self employed will become entitled to maternity leave for the first time under new laws introduced by the European Union (EU).
Budget Report 2010 - June 2010
Chancellor of the Exchequer Alistair Darling delivered the last budget of this parliament at a time when the focus has shifted slightly from tackling the recession to how to deal with the large amounts of debt built up in doing so.
Flexible Working - The World Cup - June 2010
Acas (the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service) is advising employers to be ready for the World Cup.
State Pension Age And National Insurance Contributions - June 2010
HMRC are reminding employers to take care when deciding whether or not their employees need to pay national insurance contributions (NICs).
Changes to The Advisory Fuel Rates From 1 June 2010 - June 2010
To reflect the increase in fuel prices, HMRC have issued new advisory fuel rates for employees driving employer provided cars.
Child Trust Fund to be Cut - June 2010
The government has outlined plans to make changes to the Child Trust Fund as part of plans to cut £6 billion in expenditure.
Are There VAT Increases Ahead? - June 2010
The British Chamber of Commerce are predicting that we should expect an increase in VAT to help deal with the country’s budget deficit.
Holiday Entitlement - June 2010
With signs that spring is finally here many employees will be planning or longing for their summer holidays.
P11D Deadline Looming - June 2010
The forms P11D, and where appropriate P9D, which report employees’ and directors’ benefits and expenses for the year ended 5 April 2010, are due for submission to HMRC by 6 July 2010.
HMRC Warn of Email Rebate Scam - June 2010
HMRC are warning that taxpayers are being emailed stating that they are entitled to a tax rebate.
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