HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has warned that a new wave of fraudulent text messages is targeting taxpayers using iPhones, claiming that recipients are owed tax refunds and must supply personal information to receive them. Some recipients are also being asked to follow a link to access their refund, which is disguised to appear legitimate. […]

As of 1st May 2024, Companies House has implemented revised fees, marking a significant change in the cost structure for various services. This adjustment stems from the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency (ECCT) Act, introducing measures that inevitably increase operational costs for Companies House. Understanding the impact The fee revisions encompass a range of services, […]

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has recently announced new Advisory Fuel Rates (AFRs) that will take effect from 1 June 2024. These changes include a reduction in the Advisory Electric Rate (AER) for electric vehicles – which can be highly tax efficient. Many businesses have invested in electric fleets, which presents a slight problem for […]

We often find that clients begin to show signs of stress when the Self-Assessment tax return deadline approaches. This is just one of the reasons we recommend you file your return early, but there are numerous other benefits. Here are three key reasons to consider submitting your tax return sooner rather than later: 1. Avoid […]

The Department of Business & Trade (DBT) has released the finalised draft of the Code of Practice on Fair & Transparent Distribution of Tips – the next step towards bringing the Employment (Allocation of Tips) Act 2023 (the Act) into force. The Act will require businesses, where tips and gratuities are provided by customers, to […]

If you are a Self-Assessment taxpayer, it is almost time to make your second ‘payment on account’ – advance payments towards your tax bill. Those who submit a Self-Assessment tax return and owe £1,000 or more will be required to make their second payment on account by midnight on 31 July 2024. How do payments […]

Child benefit supports parents or guardians of children under 16, or under 20 if in approved education, by contributing towards the costs of raising them. Since January 2013, the High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC) affects those earning above a specific threshold but this was revised in the Spring Budget 2024. Initially, families with one […]

The Government continues to freeze both the personal allowance and the higher-rate income tax thresholds – leading to an increase in the number of higher-rate taxpayers this year. The result of ‘fiscal drag’ – a phenomenon where tax thresholds fail to keep up with inflation or wage growth – the freeze will continue to increase […]

With the 6 July deadline nearing, it is essential to understand the updated reporting requirements for Class 1 National Insurance Contributions (NICs) on benefits in kind (BIKs). Employers offering benefits, such as private healthcare, living accommodation, travel expenses, and company cars must report additional NICs through the payroll process or on a P11D form. Significant […]

In its latest research into the UK’s SME economy, NatWest Group has identified an encouraging trend among the country’s independent operators, as SME growth continues for the fifth consecutive month. Two sectors led the charge, as the service industry continues to be a significant driver of growth, while the manufacturing sector enjoyed expansion after a […]