Navigating tax obligations can be daunting for small business owners and sole traders. To make life easier, HMRC has introduced new interactive tools, including a Sole Trader Setup Guide and VAT
New online tax tools for the self-employed
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VAT Reverse Charge in Construction: What You Need to Know
Navigating VAT in the construction industry can feel like untangling scaffolding. Enter the VAT reverse charge—special rules that mean sub-contractors no longer charge VAT on services but
Claiming Child Benefits online
Over one million parents have now claimed Child Benefit online or via the HMRC app, with 87% of new claims using this speedy service. If you’ve recently had a baby or a child joins your family,
The Substantial Shareholdings Exemption
For companies selling shares, the Substantial Shareholdings Exemption (SSE) can mean significant tax relief. Introduced in 2002 and simplified in 2017, this exemption allows qualifying gains on share
Spreading tax payments by using Time to Pay
Can’t pay your tax bill in full by 31 January 2025? HMRC’s online Time to Pay system lets self-assessment taxpayers spread the cost over monthly instalments. With plans available for tax bills up to
When can you recover VAT on a car purchase
Reclaiming VAT on company cars isn’t as simple as it sounds. Generally, businesses can’t recover VAT unless the car is used exclusively for business purposes. But there are exceptions—like
Why Protecting Intellectual Property is Important
Intellectual property (IP) refers to creations of the mind, such as inventions, literary works, designs, brand names, and artistic outputs. Whether you are a business owner, inventor, writer, or
Government Forces Water Companies to Double Compensation
The UK government has announced significant reforms to enhance compensation for customers affected by water service failures. Under new regulations, water companies will be mandated to increase
Just because an employee is a lawful resident of the UK does not give them the right to work
A restaurant in Middlesborough recently challenged a civil penalty notice of £15,000 issued by the Secretary of State for the Home Department under Section 15 of the Immigration Asylum and Nationality
Scottish Budget Statement 2025-26
Scotland’s 2024 Budget delivers on public priorities with investments in services, poverty reduction, and economic growth. Tax rates stay frozen, but bands shift to protect low incomes. A hopeful step
Could you claim R&D relief?
From April 2024, UK businesses can access enhanced R&D tax relief through the merged RDEC and new ERIS schemes. With generous deductions and credits for R&D-intensive projects, the schemes
IHT nil rate band reduction for large estates
Married couples and civil partners may be able to pass on up to £1 million of their estate tax-free with the Residence Nil Rate Band. Claiming this transferable allowance could secure your family home
Are you eligible to claim the Marriage Allowance?
Could you save up to £1,260 in tax this year? If one of you earns less than £12,570, the Marriage Allowance lets couples transfer unused personal allowances. Don’t miss out on this easy tax
No tax changes for online sellers
Selling online? From 2024, digital platforms must report your information to HMRC if sales exceed £1,700 or 30 goods a year. Casual sellers are exempt, but regular traders may need to register for
Self-assessment scam warning
Scammers are on the rise as the Self-Assessment deadline nears! HMRC warns that HMRC never emails or texts about tax refunds. Stay alert, report suspicious contacts, and protect your money from
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