Blog

Scott Harwood

Surprise VAT decision could offer a financial bonus for membership bodies

A recent VAT ruling could potentially lead to a VAT windfall for the many not-for-profit membership organisations that offer their members periodic digital journals and similar e-content.

2 minutes

James Gransby

Government review of NHS pensions – what are the options?

The Conservatives pledged in their election manifesto that they would take measures to address the NHS pensions crisis. On 18 December they said that they would announce their solution on Budget day (11 March). What options could they be considering?

4 minutes

Chris Etherington

Your New Year tax resolutions

With a new year to look forward to, bringing with it fresh motivation to achieve new goals, it is a great time to consider what you might do differently. There’s not much time to waste though as the first important date in the diary is fast approaching with the 31 January tax return submission deadline. What new years’ resolutions will you make to get your tax affairs in shape?

3 minutes

George Bull

Loan charge review – what should you do now?

Just before Christmas, HMRC announced a package of relaxations and other changes to the loan charge. This came as a welcome gift to people worried about the tax bills they face. Our eager experts have ripped off the wrapping paper to work out what the changes mean and how they will work in practice.

4 minutes

Zoe Martin

Employment allowance changes from April 2020

A new restriction on the employment allowance will be introduced from 6 April 2020. We delve into the detail and look at the implications for employers.

2 minutes

Susan Ball

Works of art – don’t monkey around when it comes to employer perks

Recent research suggests that councils are sitting on almost £2bn of art, most of which is not on public display. But what happens to your tax bill when a masterpiece is given pride of place in employer-provided accommodation?

3 minutes

Sarah Halsted

Cricket club caught out by VAT penalty

A recent VAT tribunal case involving a cricket club in Yorkshire serves as a warning to sports clubs and charities to take care when issuing a certificate to claim zero-rating on the construction of a new building. HMRC’s ‘unhelpful’ letter was not a reasonable excuse for the club’s error.

4 minutes

George Bull

Two simple tax changes could help the government meet its climate change targets

Reports that the new UK government will create an energy and climate change department to lead the way in tackling the climate emergency got us thinking. In the first weeks of this new government, are there any simple tax changes which would help the UK meet its climate change targets?

3 minutes

Susan Ball

Will off payroll working rules review change forthcoming IR35 rules

Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Money Box programme, the Chancellor of the Exchequer said he wanted to ensure the proposed changes to off-payroll working rules, due to take effect in the private sector in April 2020, were ‘right to take forward’; but will a review change anything?

3 minutes

Elaine Shiels