The Employment Rights Bill working its way through parliament will have serious implications for employers once finally enacted. Along with the loss of options for offering more flexible working arrangements, the changes are likely to…
Stamp duty hit for landlords
UK landlords are facing increased rates of surcharge when purchasing buy-to-let property following increases over the past three months. The rate is now particularly punitive for those buying property in Scotland. Stamp duty was devolved…
From new year to year end – time to keep a tax-planning resolution?
As 2025 gets under way, it is once again the time of year to start considering your tax year-end planning. The early months of the year are the time to undertake year-end tax planning. Unsurprisingly,…
The consequences of higher employer’s national insurance contributions
The impact of the Budget’s increases in national insurance contributions (NICs) are not limited to employers. There were three main changes to employer’s NICs announced in the Budget, all of which will take effect from…
For better or worse? The corporate tax roadmap
As part of the October Budget, the government published a ‘corporate tax roadmap’, outlining a commitment to maintaining corporate tax rates for the duration of this parliament. This provides businesses with welcome certainty going forward,…
Long freeze on individual savings accounts
Hidden away in the October Budget announcements was the freezing of individual savings accounts (ISA) annual subscription limits until 5 April 2030. Good news that there is no intention to remove this valuable tax-free savings…
Umbrella companies back in the spotlight
Umbrella companies are often used to employ workers on behalf of recruitment agencies and end clients. However, HMRC is making changes from April 2026 to deal with umbrella companies who don’t comply with their tax…
New company size thresholds from April 2025
Thresholds defining company sizes have not changed since 2016, but revised thresholds are now set to be introduced from 6 April 2025. Companies House intends to roll out their new identity verification requirements for directors…
What is a Validation Order (And What Does It Have To Do With a Winding Up Petition)?
The word 'Validation' means different things depending on its usage. The dictionary lists: 'acceptance', 'affirmation', 'authorisation', 'corroboration', endorsement, proof, 'recognition', 'verification'. In the context of insolvency (both bankruptcy and company), a validation order is a special…
Employment expenses pushed to paper
Despite its digital ambitions, HMRC has recently reverted to paper-based claims for employees who want to make a claim for employment expenses. The change from an online basis has been made to reduce fraud. Reports…