New government proposals target the promoters of national insurance contribution (NIC) avoidance schemes, while plans are in place to introduce a zero rate of employer contributions in Freeports. Both measures are included in the National…
Wheat, Chaff and Umbrella Companies – Separating Them Out
Contractors have turned to umbrella companies as a hassle-free way of providing their services to clients following the recent changes to the off payroll working rules. They receive no tax savings, but pass on some…
HMRC Official rate of interest, beneficial Loans et al
HMRC’s official rate of interest has been cut from 2.25% to 2% from 6 April 2021. This will affect any directors or employees who have a beneficial loan from their employer, as well as directors…
Repaying Furlough Grants
The government reports that 3,000 businesses have voluntarily repaid over £760 million of furlough grants received under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) where the reality of the impact of the pandemic was not as…
Some ‘new’ tax year opportunities
"A bit late in the day, Femi" I hear you thinking. But is it? Some tax planning should happen before the end of the tax year; but the start of a new tax year also…
HMRC’s April interest rate cut
HMRC’s official rate of interest has been cut from 2.25% to 2% from 6 April 2021. This will affect any directors or employees who have a beneficial loan from their employer, as well as directors…
Freeport tax incentives
Among the development measures the Chancellor announced in the March Budget were eight new freeports in England. These are due to enter operation in late 2021, with each freeport including a defined tax site within…
“Hear it Not, Duncan……..
....for it is knell that summons thee to heaven or to hell." I know: not quite the cheerful entry to a blog, however, those immortal words from my favourite Shakespeare play: uttered by Macbeth on…
Lockdown 3.0 – What To Expect
As the third Covid-19 lockdown took effect on 5 January 2021, the Chancellor announced a further £4.6 billion in grants to the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors. This new round of support follows extensions to…
Changes to the National Minimum and Living Wages
One of the announcements to come out of the Chancellor’s Spending Review was welcome increases to minimum wages. From 1 April 2021, the National Living Wage will get a 19p increase, going up to £8.91…