Latest News
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Loan written off: are you in HMRC’s crosshairs?
HMRC is writing to directors that took a loan from their company that was later written off or released. What should you do if you receive a letter?
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Meaning of “new and unused” clarified for CAs purposes
The guidance on what “new and unused” means for the purposes of first-year allowances has been updated in order to make things clearer. What’s the full story?
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Scammers already targeting pensioners over winter fuel payments
Phishing attacks are already being sent to pensioners purporting to be from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). What’s going on and how can you avoid becoming a victim?
Newsletters
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Delay salary to save tax
As a company owner manager, you decide when to take income from your business. If that’s your only source of income, tax planning is relatively simple but it’s trickier if you have other sources. What’s the best strategy to improve tax efficiency?
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Cutting the cost of a company car
You want to help your young son replace the ancient car he currently drives. The plan is for your company to buy it but for the running costs to be met by your son. That’s fine with him but is there a more tax and cost-effective alternative?
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Changes to NDAs from 1 October 2025
From 1 October 2025 non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) will become unenforceable if they prevent victims of crime from making certain disclosures. What does the new law say?
Monthly Focus
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MONTHLY FOCUS: INTRODUCING R35
The rules known as IR35 are complicated in practice. In this Monthy Focus, we introduce the rules and explain the contractual factors HMRC will look at when considering whether they apply to a particular engagement.
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MONTHLY FOCUS: CGT RELIEF FOR SHARE DISPOSALS
Business asset disposal relief is available where businesses are sold, but can also apply to the disposal of company shares and, in some circumstances, assets used by the company. What are the rules?
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MONTHLY FOCUS: THE ENTERPRISE INVESTMENT SCHEME QUALIFYING CONDITIONS
The enterprise investment scheme (EIS) is a generous collection of tax reliefs aimed at encouraging private investment into relatively young companies. In this Focus, we look at the qualifying conditions relating to the investor and the issuing company that must be met in order for a claim for relief to succeed.
Practical Guides
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What are the tax benefits of buying commercial property?
Following the abolition of the furnished holiday lettings regime, you are considering the tax advantages available for commercial property compared to residential property. What are the key factors?
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Does income lose its nature over time?
Following the inheritance tax announcements at the 2024 Autumn Budget, your mother is keen to take advantage of the exemption for gifts out of income to reduce the value of her estate, with a gift to her grandchild. Will this work, and could HMRC argue that gifts from accumulated savings are capital in nature?
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The 10% problem with charitable legacies
In 2024, the First-tier Tribunal (FTT) gave judgment in a case where an estate attempted to access the reduced inheritance tax (IHT) rate which applies when funds are donated to charity. What were the problematic points and what can you learn from it?
Tax Documents
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Alternative ways to challenge HMRC
After several months of trying to get your point across to HMRC you’re getting nowhere. Might a formal review help resolve the issue and how do you go about applying for one?
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Director's or employee's loan account record
Director’s loan account record A taxable benefit in kind may arise where a director is provided with a loan, either interest free or at a rate of interest below HMRC’s official rate (3% for 2016/17). Use this document to calculate what, if anything, you need to declare to HMRC. Make a note Where a cheap rate or interest-free loan is no more than
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Dividend waiver
A dividend waiver is a document produced by a sharelder to show that they have given up (waived) their right to one or more dividends that they would otherwise be entitled to. A waiver can be used in income tax and inheritance tax planning but it must be made as a deed or HMRC will not accept its validity.
Calendar
* All dates are subject to possible adaptations