Weekly tax brief | 27 May 2020

Coronavirus recovery and taxes: what is Europe doing?
George Bull
Brussels is planning new taxes to help bolster the EU economy after coronavirus. We take a look at what might be expected and consider the impact of these new taxes on UK importers and exporters.

How HMRC could scupper coronavirus contact tracing
Chris Etherington
Fears about the security of the NHS contact tracing app and the use of its data by HMRC could lead to it being shunned by individuals. HMRC has shown in recent years how valuable this information can be, demonstrating the need for legislative protection to be put in place.

The ongoing IR35/off-payroll working rules saga
Susan Ball
The House of Lord has called for a ‘complete rethink’ of IR35 rules but the Government is committed to pushing ahead with reform from April 2021. Companies need to keep a close eye on the Finance Bill and make sure they are prepared.

How to give away your stock without giving away the VAT
Paul Russell and Sarah Halsted
Businesses left with perishable stock are finding inventive ways to dispose of it during the coronavirus shutdown, but the VAT implications should not be forgotten. 

The Home Office Tax Trap
Chris Etherington
With more of us working from home than ever before, HMRC has reportedly seen a significant increase in the number of claims for home office expenses by employees. If home workers aren’t careful however, they could be walking into a tax trap and hit with an unexpected bill later down the road.

Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme 
Susan Ball
The Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme online service is now live allowing employers to claim but they need to make sure they have a Government Gateway user ID and all claims are accurate.

 

Related services