Other News
Job Support Scheme
The existing job support scheme, the furlough scheme, comes to an end on 31 October.
Friday, October 2, 2020Winter Economy Plan support for the self-employed
As part of the Winter Economy Plan the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) will be extended under the name SEISS Grant Extension.
Friday, October 2, 2020VAT deferral and enhanced Time to Pay for self assessment
As part of the Winter Economy Plan the government has announced options for deferred VAT and income tax self assessment payments.
Friday, October 2, 2020Changes to the Bounce Back Loan and Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Schemes
The government has announced options to extend terms and change payments.
Friday, October 2, 2020The VAT reverse charge
HMRC has issued detailed guidance on the domestic reverse charge changes scheduled for 1 March 2021.
Friday, October 2, 2020Ministers announce new grants for businesses affected by local lockdowns
Businesses in England that are required to shut because of local interventions will now be able to claim up to £1,500 per property every three weeks.
Friday, October 2, 2020New trade arrangements with the EU from 1 January 2021
HMRC has sent letters to VAT-registered businesses in Great Britain trading with the EU, or the EU and the rest of the world.
Friday, October 2, 2020House sales rise following the introduction of stamp duty holiday
The government has announced that residential property transactions rose in August following the introduction of a stamp duty holiday.
Friday, October 2, 2020Kickstart Scheme opens for applications
On 2 September 2020, the government's £2 billion Kickstart Scheme opened for employer applications.
Friday, September 4, 2020Self Employment Income Support Scheme Grants
HMRC are inviting those individuals that are self employed or a member of a partnership and have been adversely affected by coronavirus to claim a second grant under the Self Employed Income Support Grant.
Friday, September 4, 2020Plastic bag tax charge to be doubled and extended to all retailers
The fee for plastic shopping bags in England will be doubled to 10 pence and extended to all shops from April 2021.
Friday, September 4, 2020More than £30 million lost to pension scams
Over £30 million has been lost to pension scams since 2017, according to the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and The Pensions Regulator (TPR).
Friday, September 4, 2020Advisory fuel rates for company cars
New company car advisory fuel rates have been published which take effect from 1 September 2020.
Friday, September 4, 2020Eat Out to Help Out - over 64 million meals
The government has announced that more than 64 million meals were enjoyed by diners across the country during the government's Eat Out to Help Out discount scheme.
Friday, September 4, 2020Self assessment deadlines
Two self assessment deadlines are approaching.
Friday, September 4, 2020HMRC latest guidance for employers
HMRC has published the latest edition of the Employer Bulletin.
Friday, September 4, 2020HMRC outlines Job Retention Bonus criteria
HMRC has outlined the eligibility requirements for the Job Retention Bonus.
Thursday, August 6, 2020Treasury sets out next steps for Making Tax Digital
On 21 July, the Treasury set out the next steps in its plan to extend Making Tax Digital (MTD) to all businesses and those taxpayers that file self assessment returns.
Thursday, August 6, 2020Government announces review of business rates scheme
The government has published a call for evidence on the overhaul of the business rates system that applies in England.
Thursday, August 6, 2020Eat Out to Help Out now up and running
On 1 August, the government's Eat Out to Help Out scheme began operating at eateries across the country.
Thursday, August 6, 2020Scottish government cuts LBTT to help home buyers
On 15 July, the Scottish government reduced the rate of Land and Buildings Transaction Tax.
Thursday, August 6, 2020Wales reduces LTT rate
On 27 July, the Welsh government reduced the rate of Land Transaction Tax.
Thursday, August 6, 2020Chancellor asks OTS to review capital gains tax
Chancellor Rishi Sunak has asked the Office of Tax Simplification (OTS) to carry out a thorough review of capital gains tax.
Thursday, August 6, 2020Overclaimed COVID grants
Taxpayers who have received CJRS or SEISS grants are urged to doublecheck their entitlement as the 90 day period to inform HMRC of any overclaimed amounts is now law.
Thursday, August 6, 2020Chancellor unveils three-point plan for jobs
On 8 July, Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced a three-point plan to support jobs in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic when he delivered a Summer Economic Update to Parliament.
Wednesday, July 8, 2020Stamp duty temporarily reduced
Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced a temporary cut in the rate of Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) in order to boost confidence in the flagging housing market in his Summer Economic Update.
Wednesday, July 8, 2020Flexible furloughing starts on job retention scheme
On 1 July, changes to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) saw flexible furloughing introduced.
Wednesday, July 8, 2020Government expands aid for start-ups and innovators
The government has expanded its COVID-19 support for start-ups and innovative companies with the launch of a new fund.
Wednesday, July 8, 2020Bank of England increases stimulus package for UK economy
The Bank of England has increased the stock of purchases of UK government bonds to help boost the UK economy following the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Wednesday, July 8, 2020FCA confirms further support for consumer credit customers
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has confirmed further support for users of certain consumer credit products if they are experiencing temporary payment difficulties due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Wednesday, July 8, 2020Private sector off-payroll reforms given go ahead for April 2021
The introduction of off-payroll rules to the private sector will go ahead as planned next April after an attempt to delay them failed in the House of Commons.
Wednesday, July 8, 2020Late payment crisis has worsened during coronavirus lockdown
The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has found that the UK's late payment crisis has worsened during the coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdown.
Wednesday, July 8, 2020Chancellor announces changes to Job Retention Scheme
Chancellor Rishi Sunak has announced changes to the government''s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (JRS).
Monday, June 8, 2020COVID-19: delay to VAT reverse charge on construction services
On 5 June 2020, HMRC announced a five-month delay to the introduction of the domestic VAT reverse charge for construction services.
Monday, June 8, 2020Loan size increased to £200 million under large business interruption scheme
Several changes to the CLBILS scheme have taken effect from 26 May.
Monday, June 8, 2020Future Fund launches to give start-ups coronavirus support
On 20 May 2020, the government launched its Future Fund package, which aims to support start-up businesses not eligible for other COVID-19 rescue measures.
Monday, June 8, 2020Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme goes live
On 26 May 2020, HMRC opened up its Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) rebate claim service.
Monday, June 8, 2020Changes to insolvency and company law going through Parliament
The government is making changes to insolvency and company law as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Monday, June 8, 2020UK sets out post-Brexit tariff regime
The UK government published its plans for a new import tariff regime following the end of the Brexit transition period.
Monday, June 8, 2020MPs open inquiry into £155 billion of tax reliefs
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has opened an inquiry into the UK's management of tax relief.
Monday, June 8, 2020Government launches small business micro loan scheme
On 4 May 2020 the government launched the Bounce Back Loan Scheme.
Wednesday, May 6, 2020Lenders relax evidence requirements for business interruption loan scheme applications
On 27 April 2020 the UK's seven largest small business lenders announced they had relaxed their evidence requirements for applications to the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS).
Wednesday, May 6, 2020Job Retention Scheme goes live
On 20 April 2020 the government's Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme went live for applications.
Wednesday, May 6, 2020HMRC releases guidance for self-employed scheme
HMRC has released guidance on the COVID-19 Self-employment Income Support Scheme.
Wednesday, May 6, 2020Government launches support finding tool for business
The UK government launched an online platform to help businesses access financial support during the COVID-19 crisis.
Wednesday, May 6, 2020OBR predicts UK economy will shrink by over a third
The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) has warned that the UK economy could shrink by 35% this quarter due to the COVID-19 crisis.
Wednesday, May 6, 2020Government borrowing could rise to £300 billion
The Centre for Policy Studies (CPS) has suggested that government borrowing may rise to £300 billion in 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Wednesday, May 6, 2020HMRC extends late reporting deadline for CGT
HMRC has confirmed it will not charge penalties for the late reporting of capital gains tax (CGT) on disposals of UK residential property by UK residents made by 31 July 2020.
Wednesday, May 6, 2020Chancellor's business support packages for coronavirus pandemic
On 17 March, Chancellor Rishi Sunak unveiled a package of support for the UK economy as it combats the COVID-19 pandemic.
Monday, April 6, 2020Chancellor unveils help for self-employed workers
On 26 March, Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced a scheme to help self-employed workers who have been hit by the COVID-19 crisis.
Monday, April 6, 2020Regulators request delay in corporate reporting
Financial regulators have requested a moratorium on corporate financial reports for at least two weeks.
Monday, April 6, 2020HMRC urges businesses using VAT deferral to cancel direct debits
Businesses that have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and are seeking to make use of the VAT deferral have been urged to cancel their direct debits 'as soon as they can'.
Monday, April 6, 2020Get ready for 30-day returns and payments for residential property gains
Legislation has been enacted to change reporting obligations for residential property gains chargeable on UK resident individuals, trustees and personal representatives.
Monday, April 6, 2020New tests and new car benefit percentages
As part of its drive to encourage green motoring, the government has introduced a new emissions test, as well as new car benefit percentages.
Monday, April 6, 2020HMRC delays introduction of off-payroll rules to private sector
HMRC has delayed the introduction of off-payroll rules to the private sector as part of its measures to support businesses through the COVID-19 pandemic.
Monday, April 6, 2020Rise in contactless card payment limit
From 1 April the spending limit for contactless card payments increased.
Monday, April 6, 2020COVID-19: measures for UK businesses
Chancellor Rishi Sunak has set out a package of temporary, targeted measures to support public services, people and businesses through the period of disruption caused by COVID-19.
Wednesday, March 18, 2020Spring Budget 2020
The Chancellor Rishi Sunak presented his first Budget on Wednesday 11 March 2020.
Thursday, March 12, 2020Coronavirus measure: Statutory Sick Pay from day one
The Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, has announced that employees will be entitled to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) from day one when self-isolating.
Thursday, March 5, 2020Review confirms off-payroll working rules to go ahead from April 2020
The government has confirmed that reforms to off-payroll working rules for the private sector will go ahead from 6 April 2020.
Thursday, March 5, 2020IFS calls for Chancellor to raise taxes in upcoming Budget
The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) has urged Chancellor Rishi Sunak to use the forthcoming Budget to raise taxes.
Thursday, March 5, 2020Minimum Wage increases
The National Minimum Wage (NMW) and National Living Wage (NLW) are the legal minimum wage rates that must be paid to employees.
Thursday, March 5, 2020Advisory fuel rates for company cars
New company car advisory fuel rates have been published which take effect from 1 March 2020.
Thursday, March 5, 2020Don't forget to make tax efficient investments ahead of the tax year end
With the end of the tax year looming there is still time to save tax for 2019/20.
Thursday, March 5, 2020Freeports
The government has launched a consultation on proposals to create up to ten freeports across the UK.
Thursday, March 5, 2020Additional financial support for flooding victims
The government has pledged thousands of pounds in additional financial support for victims of the recent floods.
Thursday, March 5, 2020Brexit - transition period
The leaders of the UK and European Union signed the Withdrawal Agreement, and the UK left the EU on 31 January 2020.
Monday, February 10, 2020Scottish Budget
Minister for Public Finance and Digital Economy, Kate Forbes, delivered the 2020/21 Scottish Draft Budget on Thursday 6 February 2020.
Monday, February 10, 2020Budget Day 11 March
Chancellor Sajid Javid has announced that he will deliver the 2020 Budget on Wednesday 11 March 2020.
Monday, February 10, 2020A decade of bizarre excuses and expense claims
Vengeful witches and pet hamsters feature in HMRC's list of imaginative excuses and expense claims.
Monday, February 10, 2020Off-payroll working
HMRC has now published draft secondary legislation for the off-payroll working rules that are due to come into force in April this year.
Monday, February 10, 2020Tax relief on professional fees and subscriptions
Employees are allowed to claim tax relief on their annual professional fees or subscriptions to some HMRC approved professional organisations.
Monday, February 10, 2020Changes to overdraft fees
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has confirmed it will introduce new rules in April this year that it says will make the costs of overdrafts clearer and easier to compare.
Monday, February 10, 2020New right to paid parental bereavement leave
The government has confirmed that parents who suffer the loss of a child will be entitled to two weeks' statutory leave.
Monday, February 10, 2020Chancellor announces Budget date
Chancellor Sajid Javid has announced that he will deliver the 2020 Budget on Wednesday 11 March 2020.
Tuesday, January 7, 2020Minimum wage rates announced
The government has announced the largest increase since the National Living Wage was introduced two decades ago.
Tuesday, January 7, 2020Review of the Disguised Remuneration Loan Charge
The government has announced it will make a number of changes to the loan charge rules.
Tuesday, January 7, 2020Chancellor commits to review of IR35
The Chancellor of the Exchequer has announced that the major review of all aspects of self-employment will include the proposed extension of the Off-Payroll working rules to the private sector.
Tuesday, January 7, 2020Retiring clinicians payments
The Secretary of State has confirmed that the commitments being entered into, to make payments to clinicians affected by annual allowance pension tax, will be honoured when clinicians retire.
Tuesday, January 7, 2020Guidance on Structures and Buildings Allowance
The latest HMRC Agent Update includes guidance on the Structures and Buildings Allowance (SBA).
Tuesday, January 7, 2020Call for review of High Income Child Benefit Charge
The Low Incomes Tax Reform Group is calling on the government to address issues with the High Income Child Benefit Charge.
Tuesday, January 7, 2020Self assessment deadline approaching
The deadline for submitting your 2018/19 self assessment return is 31 January 2020.
Tuesday, January 7, 2020Current list of deliberate tax defaulters
HMRC publishes details of deliberate tax defaulters.
Tuesday, January 7, 2020Welsh government publishes Draft Budget
The Welsh government has published its Draft Budget.
Tuesday, January 7, 2020Working off-payroll
From 6 April 2020, a change to the off-payroll (IR35) rules is expected.
Wednesday, January 1, 2020Making sure gifts to employees are tax-free
Some employers may wish to give a small gift to their employees.
Wednesday, December 4, 2019Advisory fuel rates for company cars
New company car advisory fuel rates have been published which took effect from 1 December 2019.
Wednesday, December 4, 2019HMRC offers tips on avoiding Self Assessment tax scams
HMRC is giving information to taxpayers to help them avoid scams ahead of the Self Assessment deadline.
Wednesday, December 4, 2019Check employment status for tax tool update
HMRC has issued an update to the Check employment status tool (CEST).
Wednesday, December 4, 2019Temporary pensions tax arrangement for NHS staff
The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care has agreed to a temporary commitment to make payments to certain clinical staff outside of the NHS pension schemes to restore the value of their pension benefits package.
Wednesday, December 4, 2019HMRC issues guidance on cryptoassets
HMRC has published guidance for people who hold cryptoassets.
Wednesday, December 4, 2019Latest guidance for employers
HMRC has issued the latest Employer Bulletin.
Wednesday, December 4, 2019Research and Development spend
The Office for National Statistics has revealed what UK businesses spent on Research and Development in 2018.
Wednesday, December 4, 2019Budget will not now take place on 6 November
On 25 October 2019 the Chancellor of the Exchequer Sajid Javid wrote to the Treasury Select Committee.
Monday, November 4, 2019Christa Ackroyd loses IR35 appeal
Former BBC presenter Christa Ackroyd has lost her appeal against a ruling that she was an employee, not a freelance contractor, when she worked for the BBC via a personal service company.
Monday, November 4, 2019Clamp down on enablers of tax avoidance schemes
HMRC says it is clamping down on the promoters and enablers of tax avoidance schemes in the wake of the loan charge controversy.
Monday, November 4, 2019Increase in probate fees abandoned
The government has abandoned its planned increase in probate fees.
Monday, November 4, 2019Charities fraud protection failures
According to a report published by the Charity Commision, the majority of UK charities admit fraud is a major risk, but are still failing to carry out basic tasks in order to protect themselves.
Monday, November 4, 2019Guidance for employers
HMRC has published the October 2019 issue of the Employer Bulletin which contains guidance on a number of issues relevant for employers.
Monday, November 4, 2019HMRC countdown: file your tax return
With less than 100 days until the self assessment tax return deadline of 31 January 2020, HMRC is urging taxpayers to complete their tax returns early, in order to avoid the last minute rush.
Monday, November 4, 2019Genuine HMRC contact and recognising phishing emails and texts
HMRC has updated their guidance on how to recognise when contact from HMRC is genuine.
Monday, November 4, 2019