Other News
Furlough scheme starts to wind down
The government's Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) begins winding down from 1 July.
Tuesday, July 6, 2021Apprenticeship cash boost
The government has confirmed that employers of all sizes in England can now apply for £3,000 in extra funding to help them take on new apprentices.
Tuesday, July 6, 2021Property tax changes
From 1 July 2021 there are changes to the Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) and Land Transaction Tax (LTT) bands for residential property.
Tuesday, July 6, 2021HMRC launches 13,000 investigations into COVID-19 support schemes
HMRC has launched nearly 13,000 investigations into alleged abuse of the government's coronavirus (COVID-19) financial support schemes.
Tuesday, July 6, 2021Schemes create one stop shop for VAT on EU trade
Three schemes were launched on 1 July to deal with VAT on business-to-consumer supplies of goods and services to EU customers.
Tuesday, July 6, 2021Over 280,000 families now using Tax-Free Childcare
More than 282,000 working families used a Tax-Free Childcare (TFC) account during March 2021, according to figures from HMRC.
Tuesday, July 6, 2021440,000 tax credit claimants still to renew their claims
HMRC is reminding tax credit claimants that they have until 31 July 2021 to renew their claims.
Tuesday, July 6, 2021800,000 claim tax relief for working from home
HMRC has confirmed that almost 800,000 employees who have been working from home during the pandemic have already claimed tax relief on household related costs.
Tuesday, July 6, 2021Fifth SEISS grant will be open to claims from late July
The online claims service for the fifth SEISS grant will be open from late July 2021.
Monday, June 7, 2021HMRC's VAT Deferral New Payment Scheme to close this month
Businesses that deferred VAT payments last year have less than a month left to join online and pay in monthly instalments under the VAT Deferral New Payment Scheme.
Monday, June 7, 2021NIC reliefs set for Freeports
Freeport operators will be able to take advantage of a zero rate of secondary national insurance contributions (NICs) for employees.
Monday, June 7, 2021Government confirms start date for Plastic Packaging Tax
The UK government has confirmed that its plastic packaging tax (PPT) will come into force on 1 April 2022.
Monday, June 7, 2021Effectiveness of OTS set to be reviewed by Treasury
The Treasury has launched a review into the effectiveness of the Office of Tax Simplification (OTS).
Monday, June 7, 2021Trade credit insurance scheme to close
The temporary Trade Credit Reinsurance (TCR) scheme that helped struggling supply chain firms secure insurance protection during the pandemic will close at the end of June.
Monday, June 7, 2021Advisory fuel rates for company cars
New company car advisory fuel rates have been published and took effect from 1 June 2021.
Monday, June 7, 2021Forms P11D - reporting employee benefits
The forms P11D which report details of benefits and some expenses provided to employees and directors for the year ended 5 April 2021, are due for submission to HMRC by 6 July 2021.
Monday, June 7, 2021Fourth self-employed grant now open for online applications
The online service for applications for the fourth Self-employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) grant is now open for claims.
Wednesday, May 5, 2021Recovery Loan Scheme opens to businesses
The Recovery Loan Scheme has been introduced to replace the government's coronavirus lending schemes.
Wednesday, May 5, 2021Recent changes to IR35 'undermine the self-employed' says IPSE
The Association of Independent Professionals and the Self-Employed has stated that the recent changes to the rules relating to off-payroll workers, commonly known as IR35, 'undermine the self-employed at the worst possible time'.
Wednesday, May 5, 2021CBI calls for extension of Kickstart Scheme as jobs market remains subdued
The Confederation of British Industry has urged the government to extend the Kickstart Scheme to help young people who are bearing the brunt of the subdued job market.
Wednesday, May 5, 2021New 95% mortgage scheme launched
On 19 April, a government-backed mortgage scheme to help people with 5% deposits get on to the housing ladder was made available to lenders.
Wednesday, May 5, 2021New claims required for home working tax relief
Employees who are working from home will need to make new claims for tax relief for the 2021/22 tax year, HMRC has stated.
Wednesday, May 5, 2021HMRC sets out penalty regime for SEISS abuse
The fourth Self-Employed Income Support Scheme (SEISS) grant is now live and HMRC has set out the penalties for abuse of the scheme.
Wednesday, May 5, 2021Pension fraud increased to £1.8 million in first quarter of 2021
Losses from pension fraud rose to £1.8 million in the first three months of this year, according to figures from Action Fraud.
Wednesday, May 5, 2021Business rates relief extended with £1.5 billion fund
The government is to extend business rates relief with a £1.5 billion fund targeted at those businesses unable to benefit from the current COVID-19 support.
Tuesday, April 6, 2021Consultations launched on UK's first Tax Day
The government has published over 30 updates, consultations and documents on the UK's first ever Tax Day.
Tuesday, April 6, 2021Government publishes details of Finance Bill 2021
The details of the Finance Bill 2021 have been published by the government.
Tuesday, April 6, 2021£20 million SME Brexit Support Fund opens for applications
The UK government has unveiled a £20 million Brexit support package to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with changes to customs and tax rules when trading with the EU.
Tuesday, April 6, 2021HMRC publishes details of final grants for self-employed
HMRC has published details of the eligibility criteria of the final two grants available under the Self-employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS).
Tuesday, April 6, 2021National Minimum and Living wages increases
UK workers are set to benefit from rises in the National Minimum Wage (NMW) and the National Living Wage (NLW) rates that took effect from 1 April 2021.
Tuesday, April 6, 2021UK cuts electric vehicle grants by £500
The government has cut the Plug-in Car Grant and Van & Truck Grant by £500 and lowered the pricing cap on qualifying electric vehicles.
Tuesday, April 6, 2021ICAEW urges HMRC to rethink quarterly reports under MTD for corporation tax
The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales has urged HMRC to rethink the requirement for companies to report quarterly under Making Tax Digital for corporation tax.
Tuesday, April 6, 2021Sunak set out Budget to protect businesses
Chancellor Rishi Sunak set out a Budget to protect businesses through the pandemic, fix the public finances and begin building the future economy.
Monday, March 8, 2021Business groups welcome Budget
Business groups welcomed the Chancellor's Budget for protecting the economy now and kickstarting recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Monday, March 8, 2021Late payment penalties for Self Assessment waived until 1 April
HMRC has announced that Self Assessment taxpayers will not be charged a 5% late payment penalty if they pay their tax or set up a payment plan by 1 April.
Monday, March 8, 2021Online service opens for VAT deferral scheme
HMRC has announced that businesses that deferred VAT payments last year can now join the new online VAT Deferral New Payment Scheme to pay it in smaller monthly instalments.
Monday, March 8, 2021HMRC clarifies off-payroll rules
HMRC has published a briefing on its approach to the changes to off-payroll working rules, commonly known as IR35, which will be introduced on 6 April 2021.
Monday, March 8, 2021Domestic VAT reverse charge comes into effect on 1 March
The twice-delayed introduction of the domestic VAT reverse charge for construction services came into effect on 1 March 2021.
Monday, March 8, 2021Borrowers of Bounce Back loans given six more months for repayments
Businesses that took out government-backed Bounce Back loans to get through the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic will now have greater flexibility to repay their loans, the government has announced.
Monday, March 8, 2021Advisory fuel rates for company cars
New company car advisory fuel rates have been published and took effect from 1 March 2021.
Monday, March 8, 2021Spring Budget 2021
The Chancellor Rishi Sunak presented his second Budget on Wednesday 3 March 2021.
Thursday, March 4, 202110.7 million taxpayers submitted their 2019/20 Self Assessment tax returns
HMRC has revealed that more than 10.7 million taxpayers submitted their 2019/20 Self Assessment tax returns by the 31 January deadline.
Thursday, February 4, 2021Rogue employers named and shamed for failing to pay employees the minimum wage
HMRC has published the names of 139 named companies that failed to pay minimum wages amounting to £6.7 million to over 95,000 workers.
Thursday, February 4, 2021Scottish Budget Income Tax
Finance Secretary Kate Forbes delivered the 2021/22 Scottish Draft Budget on Thursday 28 January 2021, setting out the Scottish Government's financial and tax plans.
Thursday, February 4, 2021Scottish Land and Buildings Transaction Tax
As part of the Scottish Budget, Finance Secretary Kate Forbes also announced changes to Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT) which apply from 1 April 2021.
Thursday, February 4, 2021Bonus of £1,000 to help businesses take on trainees
The government has announced that employers can now apply for a £1,000 bonus, a cash boost, to help them take on new trainees.
Thursday, February 4, 2021LITRG calls for a rise in the High Income Child Benefit Charge threshold
The Low Incomes Tax Reform Group (LITRG) has urged the government to raise the High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC) threshold to avoid it affecting basic-rate taxpayers for the first time in April 2021.
Thursday, February 4, 2021Government urged by CBI to act on COVID business support ahead of Budget
The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has urged the government to provide more financial assistance to businesses affected by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic ahead of the Budget on 3 March 2021.
Thursday, February 4, 2021Supreme Court backs small firms on business interruption claims
The UK's Supreme Court has found in favour of small firms receiving payments from COVID-19 business interruption insurance policies.
Thursday, February 4, 2021Finance Secretary for Scotland outlines spending plans in 2021/22 Scottish Budget
On 28 January, Finance Secretary for Scotland, Kate Forbes, outlined plans for Scottish spending and taxation in the 2021/2022 Scottish Budget.
Friday, January 29, 2021Chancellor announces £4.6 billion lockdown grant package
Chancellor Rishi Sunak has announced a new £4.6 billion package of grants to support businesses through the latest national lockdown.
Wednesday, January 6, 2021Extension of the Job Retention Scheme
Chancellor Rishi Sunak has extended the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) until the end of April 2021.
Wednesday, January 6, 2021VAT deferral
HMRC has issued some guidance to taxpayers that deferred their VAT payments between 20 March and 30 June 2020 and still have payments to make.
Wednesday, January 6, 2021New action to disrupt promoters of tax avoidance schemes
HMRC and the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) have launched a new joint enforcement notice to cut out misleading marketing by promoters of tax avoidance schemes.
Wednesday, January 6, 2021Self assessment deadline approaching
The deadline for submitting your 2019/20 self assessment return is 31 January 2021.
Wednesday, January 6, 2021Institute of Directors warns Capital Gains Tax rise would adversely affect entrepreneurs
The Institute of Directors (IoD) has warned the government that a rise in CGT would affect Britain's entrepreneurial spirit.
Wednesday, January 6, 2021Individuals urged to remain vigilant when making festive charitable donations
Action Fraud has warned the public to remain vigilant when making festive charitable donations as the number of scams rises.
Wednesday, January 6, 2021Self-Employment Income Support Scheme
HMRC is advising the self employed that the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) has been extended.
Wednesday, January 6, 2021Get prepared for the end of the Brexit transitional period
It is time to prepare for the end of the Brexit transitional period.
Saturday, December 5, 2020Virtual Christmas parties will qualify for tax exemption
HMRC has confirmed that they will accept a virtual Christmas party as an event which is capable of falling within the tax exemption rules for annual functions.
Saturday, December 5, 2020Gifts to employees can be tax-free
Some employers may wish to give a small gift to their employees. As long as the employer meets the relevant conditions, no tax charge will arise on the employee.
Saturday, December 5, 2020Minimum Wage Increases from April 2021
Increased minimum wage rates have been announced to take effect from 1 April 2021.
Saturday, December 5, 2020Advisory fuel rates for company cars
New company car advisory fuel rates have been published and took effect from 1 December 2020.
Saturday, December 5, 2020Self assessment taxpayers warned to watch out for scammers posing as HMRC
HMRC is warning self assessment taxpayers to be alert to the danger of scammers posing as the tax authority in the lead up to the tax return deadline.
Saturday, December 5, 2020HMRC confirms MTD for corporation tax to be mandated from 2026
In a new consultation HMRC has confirmed that Making Tax Digital for corporation tax will not be implemented until 2026 'at the earliest'.
Saturday, December 5, 2020£1 million Annual Investment Allowance cap extended
The Treasury has confirmed that the £1 million cap on the Annual Investment Allowance (AIA) is to be extended for an additional year as the government continues to look at ways to stimulate the economy.
Saturday, December 5, 2020Furlough scheme extended
On 5 November, Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced that as part of the new national lockdown the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) has been extended until the end of March 2021.
Thursday, November 5, 2020Increased support made available for the self employed
The government has increased the support available to self-employed workers and extended its emergency business loan schemes.
Thursday, November 5, 2020Chancellor approves grants for businesses closed by lockdown
Chancellor Rishi Sunak has announced approved additional funding for cash grants to support businesses required to close in England due to the lockdown.
Thursday, November 5, 2020Self assessment customers to benefit from enhanced payment plans
Self assessment taxpayers are now able to benefit from enhanced payment plans and can apply online for additional support to help spread their tax bill into monthly payments.
Thursday, November 5, 2020Taxpayers claim tax relief for working from home
HMRC has received more than 54,800 claims from taxpayers using a new online portal which allows workers to claim tax relief for working at home.
Thursday, November 5, 2020Brexit imports and exports
From 1 January 2021, the UK will operate a full external border with the EU, which will entail major changes for imports and exports to and from the trading bloc.
Thursday, November 5, 2020ATT issues last call for firms seeking to use increased Annual Investment Allowance
The Association of Taxation Technicians (ATT) has issued a last call for businesses looking to make use of the increased Annual Investment Allowance (AIA).
Thursday, November 5, 2020Latest guidance for employers
HMRC has published the latest issue of the Employer Bulletin.
Thursday, November 5, 2020Job 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, 2020