News
Cut in interest rates
The Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) met on 5 February and in a 7-2 vote decided to reduce interest rates by 25 basis points to 4.5%. The two remaining members voted to reduce the
Health services exempt from VAT
Health professionals providing medical services may be exempt from VAT if their work falls within their registered profession and primarily protects, maintains, or restores health. HMRC outlines
How to Check the Creditworthiness of New Customers
Before extending credit to new customers, it’s essential to assess their financial reliability. Checking their creditworthiness helps protect your business from potential losses and late payments.
How to Stop Future Payments on Your Debit or Credit Card
Stopping future payments from being made on your debit or credit card is crucial for avoiding unwanted charges and managing your finances effectively. Here’s how you can do it:
The first step is to
Not all hurt feelings are uncapped & costly
The Employment Appeal Tribunal slashed a £10,000 award for injury to feeling by 80% after an original tribunal ruling was deemed not to be Meek compliant as it failed to provide adequate reasons for
Tax chores if managing a deceased person’s estate
When someone dies, their personal representative (executor or administrator) must value their estate to determine if Inheritance Tax (IHT) is due. This involves assessing assets, debts, and handling
Tax on inherited private pension pots
Private pensions can be a great way to pass on wealth, but tax implications depend on the age of the deceased and the type of pension. Some beneficiaries may receive funds tax-free, while others could
How umbrella companies work
Umbrella companies offer an easy way for freelancers and contractors to get paid without running a limited company. They handle payroll and tax via PAYE, ensuring compliance and employment rights. But
31 January deadline met by more than 11.5 million people
Over 11.5 million people met the 31 January 2025 self-assessment deadline, but 1.1 million taxpayers missed it. If you’re one of them, expect a £100 penalty. Learn about late fees and HMRC’s payment
When is a hobby a business
Not sure if your hobby is actually a taxable trade? HMRC uses ‘badges of trade’ to assess whether an activity is a business. Factors like profit motive, transaction frequency, and asset changes help
Small duty cuts on draught products from 1 February 2025
From 1 February 2025, alcohol duty on draught pints has been cut for the first time in a decade, saving drinkers 1p per pint. Small breweries also benefit from tax relief. However, duty on non-draught
Tax Diary March/April 2025
1 March 2025 – Due date for Corporation Tax due for the year ended 31 May 2024.
2 March 2025 – Self-Assessment tax for 2023-24 paid after this date will incur a 5% surcharge unless liabilities are
