Blog

Does the Macron/Trump agreement spell the end for UK’s tax on big tech companies?

Faced with the demise of the traditional High Street and the rise of big tech companies such as Google, Amazon, Apple, and Facebook, the UK government has been planning a digital services tax to level the playing field. Will France’s commitment to, if necessary, refund part of its digital services tax scupper the UK’s efforts?

4 minutes

Scott Harwood

VAT case threatens price hike for some cosmetic procedures

A recent First Tier Tribunal decision has ruled that the procedures undertaken by health clinic Skin Rich Limited (SRL) were cosmetic in nature and were not exempt as either medical care or, given they were not regarded as a regulated clinic, as qualifying services provided by a hospital or similar institution.

2 minutes

Philip Munn

Prepare for the worst: VAT

If UK-based organisations needed a spur to accelerate preparations for a no-deal Brexit, then the release of the Operation Yellowhammer dossier over the weekend may prove to be that moment. While time is short, it is not too late to take some practical steps to reduce any disruption arising from a no-deal, at least as it pertains to VAT.

3 minutes

Chris Etherington

Is test-driving a Tesla part of your no-deal planning?

He perhaps does not realise it, but Elon Musk could be one of the surprise beneficiaries of a no-deal Brexit. The leaked ‘Operation Yellowhammer’ report predicts that Government plans for 0 per cent import tariffs could lead to oil refinery closures, job losses, strikes and disruption to the availability of fuel. In contrast, substantial tax benefits are coming in from April 2020 for electric cars so could it be time for businesses and employees to consider putting in an order?

3 minutes

Memo to the Chancellor: ten top tips to simplify the tax system

It’s good to hear that the Chancellor of the Exchequer Sajid Javid is committed to low taxes and a simpler tax system. To get the ball rolling, RSM’s experienced tax advisers suggest changes which they know their clients would like the Chancellor to make.

6 minutes

Susan Ball

Tax extremes: number of people paying no tax or top-rate tax both increase

The UK tax system is delicately balanced, with more people than ever before either paying no tax or paying income tax at top rates. The Chancellor of the Exchequer may be tempted to introduce additional top rates of income tax in his budget. However, care will be required to avoid driving more high-earners out of the country.

3 minutes

Will tax increases pay for Boris’ spending spree?

With the Prime Minister under attack for alleged blatant electioneering, we take a look at the total cost of the new policy measures which he has announced. These could be paid for through borrowing or tax increases. What might the tax increases look like?

3 minutes

Rachel de Souza

Document your gifting strategy while you can

A recent judgement by The Court of Protection provides a timely reminder for everyone to take care of their lifetime giving and to document how they want their wealth to be disbursed.

4 minutes

NHS pensions tax row: government was warned as long ago as 2012

As long ago as 2012 the government was warned that public sector employees, including doctors, would be adversely affected by a complex range of pensions tax changes which were then being debated. Seven years later, it’s time for the Treasury to clear up the mess by scrapping the annual allowance taper.

4 minutes

Susan Ball