News

Pivotal role of the union Certification Officer in addressing complaints
24/06/2025 - More...
A recent tribunal clarified the procedural powers of the Certification Officer (CO), ruling that applications from trade union members cannot be refused simply because they are deemed "unarguable". After becoming Chair of a prestigious university, the appellant faced three internal complaints from other members/staff of the UCU

Winter Fuel Payments reinstated
23/06/2025 - More...
The government has announced the reinstatement of Winter Fuel Payments for pensioners in England and Wales for winter 2025-26, reversing the previous year's cuts. Around nine million pensioners are expected to benefit from this decision, with payments of £200 per household or £300 for households where someone is aged 80 or

Redress for Post Office Capture victims
23/06/2025 - More...
In a significant update, the UK government has unveiled a new compensation scheme targeting individuals affected by the earlier “Capture” software, used in over 2,000 Post Office branches during the 1990s. This programme aims to redress those who suffered financial losses prior to the widely known Horizon IT

Tax rules for savings interest
19/06/2025 - More...
You could earn up to £18,570 in tax-free savings interest in 2025-26, thanks to the personal allowance, starting rate for savings, and the Personal Savings Allowance. If your taxable income for the 2025-26 tax year is less than £17,570, you will not pay tax on the interest you receive. This figure combines the £5,000 starting rate for

Who must send in a tax return
19/06/2025 - More...
From self-employment to rental income, there are many reasons you may need to file a Self-Assessment return. Know the triggers and register with HMRC by 5 October if this is your first time. There are a number of reasons why you might need to complete a self-assessment return. This includes if you are self-employed, a company director,

When do the higher rates of Income Tax apply
19/06/2025 - More...
Once your income passes £100,000, your tax-free allowance starts to shrink. Between £100,000 and £125,140, the effective tax rate climbs to 60%, but smart planning can help. If you earn over £100,000 in any tax year your personal allowance is gradually reduced by £1 for every £2 of adjusted net income over £100,000 irrespective of age.

2025 Spending Review published
19/06/2025 - More...
The government’s 2025 Spending Review outlines a major funding boost for healthcare, defence, housing, and infrastructure to support long-term recovery and growth. The 2025 Spending Review was published on 11 June 2025 and outlines the government's plans to support the country’s recovery by investing in security, health, and the economy.

Present rates of Corporation Tax
19/06/2025 - More...
Corporation Tax rises with profit levels. Marginal relief bridges the gap, easing businesses from the 19% small profits rate to the 25% main rate. The Corporation Tax Main Rate applies to companies with profits exceeding £250,000 and is currently set at 25%. For companies with profits up to £50,000, a Small Profit Rate (SPR) of 19% is

VAT Annual Accounting
19/06/2025 - More...
Streamline your VAT reporting with fewer returns and smoother cash flow. The Annual Accounting Scheme makes VAT easier to manage for eligible small businesses. The VAT Annual Accounting Scheme is designed to simplify VAT reporting for smaller businesses with an annual taxable turnover of up to £1.35 million. One of the main advantages of

Effects of Rachel Reeves’ Spending Review
16/06/2025 - More...
Chancellor Rachel Reeves delivered her first Spending Review to Parliament last week, setting out the government’s financial priorities for the next three years. Her approach signals a shift away from austerity towards a strategy of state-backed investment, aimed at boosting growth and productivity while maintaining fiscal

BT Eyes Deeper Job Cuts as AI Reshapes Telecoms
16/06/2025 - More...
BT has announced that it may exceed its previously stated target of cutting 40,000 jobs by 2030, as artificial intelligence (AI) becomes more central to its operations. The move comes as the company accelerates its cost-cutting programme and seeks to reorient itself in a changing telecoms landscape. The CEO, Allison Kirkby, who took over

New requirement – verifying ID at Companies House
12/06/2025 - More...
Identity verification is now rolling out for directors, PSCs, and agents, with more filing roles to be included soon under new anti-fraud rules. Companies House is beginning to roll out mandatory identity verification. This is part of wider reforms introduced by the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act that was granted Royal

Business Asset Disposal Relief – forthcoming changes
12/06/2025 - More...
The BADR Capital Gains Tax rate has risen to 14% from April 2025 and will increase further to 18% in April 2026. Business Asset Disposal Relief (BADR) offers a valuable tax advantage by applying a reduced rate of Capital Gains Tax (CGT) on the sale of a business, shares in a trading company or an individual’s interest in a trading

Current IHT gift reliefs
12/06/2025 - More...
Lifetime gifts can reduce Inheritance Tax, but survival for seven years and using key exemptions like the £3,000 annual allowance are crucial to making them fully tax-free. Most gifts made during a person’s lifetime are not immediately subject to Inheritance Tax (IHT). These are known as potentially exempt transfers (PETs) and can become

Do not forget to claim the marriage allowance
12/06/2025 - More...
If one partner in a marriage or civil partnership earns under £12,570, you could save up to £252 a year, and up to £1,260 if you backdate your Marriage Allowance claim for the past four years. The Marriage Allowance can be claimed by married couples and civil partners where one partner does not pay tax or does not pay tax above the basic

Private Residence Relief – when it applies
12/06/2025 - More...
Selling your main residence? Private Residence Relief can exempt you from Capital Gains Tax. If you meet certain conditions, there may be nothing to pay. In most cases, Capital Gains Tax (CGT) does not apply to the disposal of a property that has been used as your main family residence. This exemption known as Private Residence Relief

Claim for a business journey in a private vehicle
12/06/2025 - More...
Use your own vehicle for work? You could be entitled to a tax-free mileage allowance. Make sure you are not missing out on HMRC-approved rates. If you use your own car, van, motorcycle, or bicycle for business journeys, you may be entitled to a tax-free mileage allowance from your employer. This is known as a Mileage Allowance Payment

When changing a company’s name absolves a daughter company of its obligations
11/06/2025 - More...
The Court of Appeal addressed the complexities of benefit scheme amendments and the lines of responsibility within corporate structures in a complex case surrounding post-employment entitlements. A Mr. Fasano had been an employee of RB Health Ltd., a member of the Reckitt Benckiser (RB) Group of companies, until the 13th of June 2019. The

The value of tax planning for high net worth individuals
09/06/2025 - More...
For high net worth individuals (HNWIs), tax planning is not simply a compliance activity, it is a strategic tool to preserve and grow wealth. With rising scrutiny from HMRC, frozen allowances, and increasingly complex legislation, the value of well-structured planning has never been higher. HNWIs typically have multiple sources of

Four critically important KPIs
09/06/2025 - More...
Gross profit margin This measures the profitability of your core operations by comparing gross profit (sales minus cost of goods sold) to total revenue. A stable or improving gross margin indicates pricing, production, or service delivery is efficient. A declining margin may signal rising costs or pricing issues. Formula: (Gross Profit

Tax Diary July/August 2025
06/06/2025 - More...
1 July 2025 - Due date for corporation tax due for the year ended 30 September 2024. 6 July 2025 - Complete and submit forms P11D return of benefits and expenses and P11D(b) return of Class 1A NICs. 19 July 2025 - Pay Class 1A NICs (by the 22 July 2025 if paid electronically). 19 July 2025 - PAYE and NIC deductions due for month ended

IHT exemption – normal expenditure out of income
05/06/2025 - More...
Make regular gifts from your income and avoid inheritance tax. If structured properly, surplus income gifts can support loved ones and stay outside your estate without the seven-year survival rule. Wealthier individuals can benefit from a lesser-known but highly effective IHT exemption for gifts made out of surplus income. This is

VAT – advantages of the VAT Flat Rate Scheme
05/06/2025 - More...
Small business? The VAT Flat Rate Scheme could cut paperwork and improve cash flow. Pay VAT as a set percentage of turnover and enjoy simpler admin, budgeting ease, and even a 1% discount in year one of your registration for VAT. The VAT Flat Rate Scheme is designed to simplify the process of VAT accounting for small businesses. Rather

Can you reduce your 31 July tax payment on account
05/06/2025 - More...
Expecting lower profits 2024-25 compared to 2023-24? You can ask HMRC to reduce your 31 July 25 tax payment on account. Act early to manage cash flow. Use your online account or we can handle it for you. Self-assessment taxpayers normally pay their income tax in three instalments each year. The first two payments on account are due on 31