New consumer protections against hacking and cyber-attacks came into force at the end of April 2024. All internet connected smart devices will be required by law to meet minimum-security standards.
Cyber protection laws introduced
read more
blog
New Companies House powers
The recently introduced Economic Crime and Transparency Act has gifted Companies House a range of new powers aimed at reducing exploitation by corporate entities to pursue illegal enterprise.
The aim
Tax Diary June/July 2024
1 June 2024 – Due date for corporation tax due for the year ended 31 August 2023.
19 June 2024 – PAYE and NIC deductions due for month ended 5 June 2024. (If you pay your tax electronically the due
Business rates relief in England
Business rates are a tax on non-domestic premises, including most commercial properties such as shops, offices, pubs, warehouses and factories. The money raised through business rates is used to help
VAT boost to charitable donations
The government is looking to introduce a new relief that would provide a VAT boost to charitable donations. The new VAT relief would be designed to encourage businesses to donate everyday items to
Directors who are liable for unpaid tax
HMRC has the power to make directors personally liable for paying the tax debts of companies they have been involved in under certain limited circumstances. This can also apply to certain other
Self-employed tax basis period reform
The self-employed tax basis period reform has changed the way trading income is allocated to tax years. Under the reforms, the tax basis period has changed from a ‘current year basis’ to a ‘tax year
New tips guidance published
New rules that stop employers from withholding tips from people working in the hospitality, leisure and services sectors are a step closer following the publication of a new Code of Practice on
Hiring customs agents
Customs declarations can be difficult and time consuming to complete. Businesses can make their own custom’s declarations; however, this is complex and requires specialist skills and software.
Most
Free management course for SMEs
The government has launched the new Help to Grow: Management Essentials course; a short online course with practical tips and resources for small business leaders.
It is based on the 12-week Help to
Post Office Offences Bill to be extended
The Government has tabled amendments to expand the territorial extent of the Post Office Offences Bill. Convictions resulting from the Post Office Horizon scandal in Northern Ireland will now be
Childcare Account chores
HMRC’s Childcare account can be used to claim free childcare (if eligible) or pay for Tax-Free Childcare. HMRC’s sign in page for the account states that in order ‘…to keep getting free childcare or
Checking your National Insurance records
There is an online service available on HMRC to check your National Insurance Contributions (NIC) record online. The service is available at https://www.gov.uk/check-national-insurance-record
In
Transferring unused nil rate band for IHT
The Inheritance Tax residence nil rate band (RNRB) is a transferable allowance for married couples and civil partners (per person) when their main residence is passed down to a direct descendent such
Bikes for employees
The Cycle to Work scheme allows employers to provide bicycles and cyclists’ safety equipment to employees as a tax-free benefit. The scheme must be offered to all employees and the bike must be used
Small Business - Smart Thinking - because YOUR ACCOUNTS MATTER
