As the self-assessment tax return deadline looms, freelancers, sole traders, and ‘solopreneurs’ across the UK are bracing themselves for what can feel like one of the most daunting tasks of the year. If you’re already feeling the pressure, you’re certainly not alone.
Author Archives: Amy Thompson
Accounting for Christmas
As we leap towards the start of the festive season, with Christmas only a few weeks away (sorry!), we are sure that marketing and people teams are full speed ahead with planning Christmas parties and finding ways to to thank everyone for their hard work and loyalty over the past year. This means it is a great time to revisit HMRC’s guidance around parties and Christmas giving to your team and to your clients.
Vehicle Excise Duty on Electric Cars from 1 April, 2025
If you drive an electric vehicle, you need to be aware of these changes to road tax. Currently, electric vehicles (EVs) are exempt from Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) also known as road tax. However, from 1 April 2025, drivers of electric and low emission cars, vans and motorcycles in the UK will need to pay VED, in the same way that drivers of petrol and diesel cars do. In addition, electric cars with a list price that exceeds £40k will no longer be expempt from the “expensive car” supplement.
Budget Breakdown: Insights for Self-Employed, Companies, and Everyday Earners
On 30th October, Chancellor Rachel Reeves has presented Labour’s first Budget since their election. Understanding how their changes to the UK tax system impacts on your business and personal affairs is paramount. Get budget clarity here.
New Tipping Laws Now in Effect: What Employers Need to Know
The success of our hospitality and service industries is driven by a diverse and exceptionally talented workforce. Starting Tuesday, 1st October, new laws will come into effect ensuring workers receive 100% of the tips they’ve earned.
Has the Dividend Allowance or Capital Gains Cut Put You in Self-Assessment?
Significant tax changes are coming for 2024-25, with reductions to both the Dividend Allowance and Capital Gains Tax (CGT) annual exempt amount. These changes could impact how you manage your investments and finances, making it important to stay informed and plan ahead. Here’s what you need to know and how to prepare.
VAT on independent school fees – what we know so far
The new Labour Government is proposing to apply VAT to independent school fees. Both independent schools and independent school parents are advised to start anticipating the change and plan for additional costs.
Navigating IR35 Rules: A Guide for Businesses
The IR35 off-payroll working rules have seen significant changes in recent years. Historically, this has impacted public companies but since 2021, this is also an issue for all businesses. This is a brief overview of the current IR35 situation and how it may impact your business if you employ contractors.
Important Update: HMRC Revises Advisory Fuel Rates (AFRs) from 1st June 2024
In an update for businesses and employees alike, HMRC has revised the advisory fuel rates (AFRs) for company car drivers. These changes, effective from 1st June 2024, will impact all journeys where employees claim back fuel costs from their employer. It is essential for companies to stay informed about these updates to ensure compliance and accurate reimbursement processes.
Employment Related Shares and Securities transactions : time to report to HMRC
Companies have until 6 July 2024 to inform HMRC about ‘Employment Related Securities’ (ERS) arising in the tax year that ended 5 April, 2024. These are securities acquired by a person ‘by reason of employment’. ‘Securities’ include shares and share options – failure of the company to inform HMRC, could mean heavy penalties. If you haven’t already registered your scheme, and your employees have, for example, acquired shares in your company or options to acquire them, then you need to take action.