Access to cash protection increased
The new Financial Services and Markets Bill, announced as part of the Queen's speech, will provide increased protections for those still dealing with cash. Access to cash remains vital for many people across the UK, including the more vulnerable in society. The government has committed to preserving the use of cash as an option even as the […]
Reminder to look out for tax credit renewal packs
HMRC is currently sending the annual tax credit renewal packs to some 2.1 million tax credit claimants and is encouraging recipients to renew their tax credits claim online. HMRC started writing to taxpayers at the end of April and expects all packs to be with recipients by 27 May 2022. A renewal is required if […]
Holiday lets occupancy check
The furnished holiday let (FHL) rules allow holiday lettings of properties that meet certain conditions to be treated as a trade for tax purposes. In order to qualify as a furnished holiday letting, the following criteria need to be met: The property must be let on a commercial basis with a view to the realisation […]
When you are required to register for PAYE
There are a multitude of rules that new businesses must follow when they start employing staff for the first time. These include ensuring registering for PAYE as an employer with HMRC. This must be done before the first payday and this process must even be completed by directors of a limited company who are employed by the […]
ISAs 2022-23
The maximum amount that can be invested in an ISA in the current (2022-23) tax year is £20,000. ISA’s are a valuable and flexible relief and should be considered as an option for most investors. An ISA is a tax-exempt savings account available to UK residents. Whilst the amount invested in an ISA does not […]
Structures and Buildings Allowances
The Structures and Buildings Allowances (SBA) allows for tax relief on qualifying capital expenditure on new non-residential structures and buildings. The relief applies to the qualifying costs of building and renovating commercial structures. The relief was introduced in October 2018 at an annual capital allowance rate of 2% on a straight-line basis. The annual rate […]
Income excluded from a property business
HMRC publishes a list of income streams that are excluded from a UK property business. The list includes fishing concerns, hotels and guest houses, tied premises, caravan sites, lodgers and tenants in your own home, extra services to tenants and letting surplus trade accommodation. In most cases the income from these activities will be taxed […]
Mortgage interest on rented property
Under new rules that came into effect from April 2017 the tax relief on mortgage costs for residential landlords was restricted to the basic rate of tax. The finance costs restriction was phased in over a number of years and is now fully in place since 6 April 2020. This means that all finance costs, such as […]
Builders – when you may not have to charge VAT
VAT for most work on houses and flats by builders and similar trades, like plumbers, plasterers and carpenters, is charged at the standard rate of 20%. However, there are a number of exceptions where special VAT rules apply and a reduced or zero rate of VAT may apply. A builder may not have to charge VAT […]
Tax benefits of switching to electric cars
There are many benefits to encourage the use of electric cars including lower running costs, the environmental advantages and reduced noise pollution. There are also tax benefits to encourage the purchase of electric cars. We have listed some of these benefits below. The benefit-in-kind (BIK) due on company cars can be significantly reduced. For example, most […]
