Our Autumn 2019 edition quarterly newsletter leads with the question of tax, pensions, and high-earners – something that has had considerable press coverage this year. Stories of top NHS staff turning down shifts because of tax bills based on their pension contributions have made headline news. Read more
Top-earner pensions tax: trick or treat?
NHS pensions made news this year, consultants and GPs blaming large tax bills, linked to pension statements, for making some work uneconomic. But why should high-earning power, coupled with pension provision, spell trouble – even for top-earners outside the NHS?
HMRC calling?
High-level fraud, where criminals impersonate HMRC in order to steal from bank accounts, or get access to sensitive personal financial information, has become increasingly common. Read more
Brexit for employers
EU nationals currently contribute over 2 million people to the UK workforce. Government policy regarding immigration and free movement is a rapidly changing area. Read more
Capital gains on property
Disposing of property? There are important tax changes on the horizon. The date to keep in view is 6 April 2020. New capital gains tax (CGT) rules apply if you dispose of a property on or after this date. Read more
Hospitality Tips and Tax
From time to time, HMRC turns the compliance headlight on a particular business sector. This year restaurants and takeaways come under scrutiny. Staff tips are one high risk area. There are various ways that tips can be distributed to staff. Discretionary service charges and tips paid by credit card should be dealt with under PAYE. Read more
Making Tax Digital for VAT Starting orders
Making Tax Digital for VAT (MTDfV) is up and running. Most VAT-registered businesses with taxable annual turnover above £85,000 will now be signed up to HMRC’s new system to keep digital records and file VAT returns using MTDfV-compliant software. But as the system beds in, there are some key points to remember. Read more
Off-payroll? Be prepared.
From 6 April 2020, a major shake-up to the off-payroll (IR35) rules is expected. Draft legislation is already published, though changes to the Check Employment Status Tool (CEST) and adaptations to HMRC guidance are still expected. Read more
VAT domestic reverse charge for construction delayed
There has been a last-minute change to the start date for the VAT domestic reverse charge (DRC) for building and construction services. This was scheduled to begin on 1 October 2019. It is now delayed until 1 October 2020. Read more