The pros and cons of the VAT flat rate scheme
The VAT flat rate scheme can save you work, but it may cost you money. This article explains why it is not always a good idea.
Business Costs
Changes to National Insurance for the self-employed
If their profits are high enough, the self-employed pay two classes of National Insurance contribution – Class 2 and Class 4. Class 2 contributions are flat rate contributions of £3.15 per week for 2022/23. It is the payment of Class 2 contributions that enables a self-employed earner to build up entitlement to the state pension … Read more
Is paying mileage allowance at the approved rate still a good idea?
Where an employee uses their own vehicle for business journeys, their employer can cover the associated costs by paying a mileage allowance. As long as the allowance does not exceed that payable at the approved rate, payment of the allowance is tax-free. Employers can instead reimburse the employee’s actual costs associated with using their own … Read more
Plan capital expenditure to benefit from time-limited reliefs
Unincorporated businesses and companies planning capital expenditure projects need to be aware of some time-limited reliefs. Timing capital expenditure to benefit from these reliefs can be financially beneficial. Annual investment allowance The annual investment allowance (AIA) is available to both unincorporated business and to companies. It provides immediate 100% relief against profits for qualifying capital … Read more
Relief for homeworking expenses post Covid-19
The Covid-19 pandemic forced large numbers of employees to work from home for the first time. Having made the transition to homeworking, post-pandemic, many employees have continued to work from home some or all of the time. Household expenses Employees who work from home may incur costs as a result, such as increased household bills. … Read more
Companies – claim your extended loss relief online
To help companies realising losses as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, the loss relief rules were amended to provide for an extended carry-back window. Where companies are making a claim for relief under the extended carry-back rules, the claim can be made online rather than waiting until the company tax return is filed. Extended … Read more
MTD for VAT for all
Under Making Tax Digital (MTD) for VAT, VAT-registered traders must keep electronic records and file their VAT returns electronically using software that is compatible with MTD for VAT. Prior to 1 April 2022, MTD for VAT was only mandatory for VAT-registered traders whose turnover for VAT purposes was above the VAT registration threshold of £85,000. … Read more
Plastic Packaging Tax – who is liable?
Plastic packaging tax is a new tax that comes into effect from 1 April 2021. The tax has a green agenda – its aim is to reduce the amount of plastic packaging that does not contain at least 30% recycled plastic. Liability The tax applies to packaging that it predominantly plastic by weight and which … Read more
Directors’ Loans – which loan should you replay first?
In a personal or family company the director will often borrow money from the company. This can be an easy source of finance, and also one that can be tax efficient as, if you time it correctly, it is possible to borrow up to £10,000 for up to 21 months tax-free. However, there are tax … Read more
Have you claimed the Employment Allowance?
The Employment Allowance is a National Insurance allowance that eligible employers can claim and set against their secondary Class 1 National Insurance liability. The allowance is set at £4,000 for 2021/22 (capped at the employer’s secondary National Insurance liability for the year where this is lower). Can you claim it? Not all employers are able … Read more