Latest News
-
Government finally confirms date for capital goods scheme reforms
The government has finally confirmed when long-awaited changes to the capital goods scheme (CGS) will take effect. The reforms, first announced as part of a wider review of VAT simplification, will come into force on 29 July 2026. What does this mean for businesses?
-
New digital process for NI refunds
HMRC has introduced an online service to claim a refund of Class 1 NI contributions but not everyone can use it. What can you do if you've paid too much NI?
-
HMRC targets smaller tax debts
HMRC is stepping up collection of lower‑value tax debts, signalling a firmer approach to long‑overdue liabilities while encouraging earlier engagement. Direct recovery from bank and building society accounts has been re‑introduced on a trial basis, alongside a government consultation on HMRC powers and tax administration. What are the key points to be aware of?
Newsletters
-
The tax‑free perks league table
You know that there are certain items or services your company can pay for without incurring a tax charge, but you’re hazy on the details. What are the most valuable tax-free perks for owner managers and which ones are you missing out on?
-
Should you use simplified expenses?
The flat rate expense you can claim for business journeys if you’re self-employed has increased to 55p per mile. Can you use simplified expenses for motoring costs and is it more tax efficient to do so?
-
Topping up your spouse’s pension
Company pension contributions are highly tax efficient. As you’ve maxed out your contributions you want to begin adding to your spouse’s pension pot. Can your company make the contributions or do you need to pay out of your own pocket?
Monthly Focus
-
MONTHLY FOCUS: PROVIDING FURTHER TAX-FREE BENEFITS TO EMPLOYEES
In this further examination of tax and NI free benefits. Providing benefits that are exempt from income tax is a great way to reward employees in a tax-efficient way. Which benefits qualify for tax-free treatment?
-
MONTHLY FOCUS: TAX PLANNING FOR MARRIED COUPLES (NON BUSINESS INCOME)
In this further look at tax-saving strategies for married couples, we turn our attention to non-business income, and how tax allowances and reliefs can be used to reduce the overall tax bill.
-
MONTHLY FOCUS: USING YOUR COMPANY TO DIVERT INCOME TO FAMILY MEMBERS
Operating a business through a limited company is less tax-efficient than it used to be. However, it can still be a very useful way of diverting income to other family members. In this Monthly Focus, we look at the methods, and associated considerations, involved in doing this.
Practical Guides
-
Practical guide: Inheritance tax on pensions
For deaths on or after 6 April 2027, most unused pension funds and pension death benefits will be brought within the scope of inheritance tax (IHT). What does a new technical note tell us about how this will work in practice?
-
Practical guide: Reporting 2025/26 expenses
Employers who provided taxable expenses and benefits to employees in the 2025/26 tax year must comply with reporting obligations. What must they do and by when?
-
Practical guide: Tax-efficient will planning with residential property
An individual has a significant property portfolio which provides them with their sole source of income. They want to gift shares in some property to their daughter but retain the income. Can they do this without triggering the reservation of benefit rules?
Tools and Calculators
-
High income child benefit charge calculator
Worried that you or your partner might have to pay the HICBC? Enter some basic details into our calculator to see if there’s any liability.
-
Pension relief calculator
Sometimes the tax relief you get on a pension is easy to work out, and sometimes it isn’t. Let our calculator do it for you and show the effect on your pension fund.
-
Dividend effect calculator
Considering paying yourself a dividend? See how it might affect your tax payments over the coming months with our quick calculator.
Tax Documents
-
Alternative ways to challenge HMRC
After several months of trying to get your point across to HMRC you’re getting nowhere. Might a formal review help resolve the issue and how do you go about applying for one?
-
Director's or employee's loan account record
Director’s loan account record A taxable benefit in kind may arise where a director is provided with a loan, either interest free or at a rate of interest below HMRC’s official rate (3% for 2016/17). Use this document to calculate what, if anything, you need to declare to HMRC. Make a note Where a cheap rate or interest-free loan is no more than
-
Dividend waiver
A dividend waiver is a document produced by a sharelder to show that they have given up (waived) their right to one or more dividends that they would otherwise be entitled to. A waiver can be used in income tax and inheritance tax planning but it must be made as a deed or HMRC will not accept its validity.
Calendar
* All dates are subject to possible adaptations