The action plan highlights three core areas of focus to enable the UK to become a leader in artificial intelligence: Building Secure and Sustainable AI InfrastructureAI demands significant computational power, supported by robust and sustainable infrastructure. The...
Recent figures reveal that UK inflation dropped slightly in December to 2.5%, down from 2.6% in November. Although the decline is modest, it has sparked conversations about how this could influence the Bank of England’s decision-making on interest rates in the coming...
Welcome to our latest monthly newswire. We hope you enjoy reading this newsletter and find it useful. Please contact us if you wish to discuss any issues further. January 2025 Get Britain Working White Paper Reforms to employment support announced The government has...
Happy New Year and welcome to the January 2025 edition of Tax E-News. We hope that you find this informative. Please contact us if you wish to discuss any matters in more detail. SCOTTISH AND WELSH BUDGETS Scotland The key tax takeaways from the Scottish Budget, held...
The Self-Assessment tax return filing deadline of 31 January is fast approaching, and HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) recently revealed that 5.4 million taxpayers have yet to complete their returns. Don’t let time run out and risk penalties for late filing! Key Filing...
With the holidays and end of the year fast approaching, it’s a good time to plan your finances for the new year. For those who file Self Assessment tax returns, the prospect of having to make a heavy tax payment at the end of January 2025 may be causing you concern....
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) have revealed that 4,409 people chose Christmas Day to file their tax returns, ensuring their 2023-2024 tax affairs were in order well before the 31 January deadline. In total, 40,072 taxpayers submitted their returns over the...
The start of January marks a time of new beginnings, and for business owners, it’s the perfect opportunity to pause, reflect, and plan ahead. After the whirlwind of the festive season, January offers a quieter moment to consider where your business is headed, how it’s...
New changes come into effect from January 2025 where online platforms, such as eBay and Airbnb, will start sharing some user sales and personal data with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). Although these reporting requirements have caused concern, HMRC have confirmed that...
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) have issued a reminder to be careful about scam attempts that target people filing Self Assessment tax returns. In the last year, nearly 150,000 scam attempts were referred to HMRC, a 16.7% increase on last year. With the 31 January 2025...
Welcome to our latest monthly newswire. We hope you enjoy reading this newsletter and find it useful. Please contact us if you wish to discuss any issues further. December 2024 Agricultural and business property relief What happened in the Budget? Changes to...
Welcome to the December edition of Tax E-News. We hope that you find this informative. Please contact us if you wish to discuss any matters in more detail. Have a great Christmas and best wishes for 2025. December 2024 FARMERS CAMPAIGNING FOR AGRICULTURAL PROPERTY...
The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has reported that shoppers lost over £11.5 million to online criminals between November 2023 and January 2024. Each victim lost an average of £695. A total of £10.6 million was lost the previous year. The Black Friday season...
New arrangements will apply to business to business (B2B) parcels sent from Great Britain to Northern Ireland under the Windsor Framework, effective from 31 March 2025. The changes were originally due to come into effect from 30 September 2024, but this was delayed to...
The UK Government has launched a consultation to tackle so-called “subscription traps,” aiming to make it easier for consumers to cancel unwanted subscriptions and secure refunds. These proposals are designed to simplify cancellation processes and improve...
The latest inflation figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reveal that the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) for October 2024 rose to 2.3%, up from 1.7% in September. This marks the first increase in inflation since July, and it has sparked interest among...
Following the Bank of England’s decision to reduce the base rate from 5% to 4.75%, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) have announced a reduction in their late payment interest rates. HMRC interest rates track the base rate. Late payment interest (payable if you pay tax...
As had been widely expected, the Bank of England reduced the interest base rate to 4.75% last week. This was due to inflationary pressures easing in recent weeks. The Bank expects inflation to increase slightly again over the next year to around 2.75% and then fall...
Immediately following the US election results and Donald Trump’s win, the dollar made gains against other currencies. The FTSE 100 index also went up on Wednesday afternoon by 1%. The positive moves appear to be based on Trump’s plan to cut taxes and raise tariffs, as...
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) have provisionally concluded that with certain commitments the proposed merger of Vodafone and Three would not be a competition concern. Vodafone and Three first proposed merging in June last year, however the CMA have been...
As use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to help with employee recruitment increases, the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has published guidance on key data protection considerations. While AI tools can help you improve efficiency in the hiring, there is...
Last week was Stress Awareness Week 2024. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) used the occasion to remind employers of their need to carry out their legal duty to prevent work-related stress and support good mental health at work. According to HSE figures, 17.1...
The government has announced the new National Minimum Wage (NMW) rates that will apply from 1 April 2025. These are as follows: 1 April 2025 – 31 March 20261 April 2024 – 31 March 2025National Living Wage (Age 21 and over)£12.21£11.4418-20 Year Old...
Two days before the Budget, the Prime Minister announced that the cap for single bus fares would be increased to £3 from its current £2. The current fare cap is due to expire at the end of 2024. Without intervention, prices for some routes looked set to rise...
From 26 October 2024, employers were given a new legal duty to take “reasonable steps” to prevent sexual harassment of employees. This duty requires employers to anticipate when sexual harassment may occur and take reasonable steps to prevent it. If sexual harassment...
In today’s digitally connected world, social inclusion has extended into virtual spaces, and young people are increasingly exchanging personal information to stay connected with friends and access social media platforms. This trend has raised significant privacy...
Could that help or hinder your business? As part of a series of announcements made in recent weeks by the Chancellor, the government is making a push for greater use of electronic invoicing (e-invoicing). HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) will soon launch a consultation...
What employers need to know As of 1st October, the Employment (Allocation of Tips) Act came into force that ensures workers keep 100% of the tips, gratuities, and service charges they earn. While many employers already pass on tips to staff, this new legislation will...
Will it lead to interest rate cuts? The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reports each month on inflation and other economic indicators each month. During October they reported that their measure for inflation (Consumer Prices Index) fell to 1.7% for the year...
A strong relationship with your bank is a crucial part of the success and stability of your business. You may rely on them for tailored financial solutions, ranging from short-term credit facilities to long-term loans, to support your growth plans or manage cash flow...
Following the release of the Employment Rights Bill, its Impact Assessment was published last week showing that the new Bill will have a “positive direct impact on economic growth.” The Bill received a majority vote at its second reading in the House of Commons last...
If a cyber incident affects your business, the way you communicate with your staff, stakeholders, customers and perhaps the media, can make a huge difference in the way your business is perceived. In an incident, attention tends to focus on the technical aspects of...
Law practices hold sensitive information and can often be the target of cyber attacks. The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has published some specific cyber security tips to help barristers, solicitors and legal professionals in firms of all sizes protect...
Researchers in the UK are being offered new funding opportunities to explore ways of making society more resilient to the risks posed by Artificial Intelligence (AI). These risks include emerging threats such as deepfakes, misinformation, and cyber-attacks, and the...
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is stepping up its efforts to protect consumers opting for unregulated legal services, such as will writing and divorce arrangements, which are becoming increasingly popular alternatives to traditional high street...
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) have reported that their measure for inflation (Consumer Prices Index) fell to 1.7% for September. This is an unexpected reduction and is the lowest inflation has been in more than three years. Drops in airfares and petrol were...
If you run a business with a website, you’ve likely seen those cookie consent banners asking visitors whether they’d like to accept or reject cookies. But what if your website is not giving visitors a fair and informed choice when it comes to how their personal data...
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has just published a new set of heat maps showing where businesses across the UK have received warning or advisory letters for potentially breaking competition law. It’s the first time the CMA has published this kind of...
The latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reveal that the UK’s economy grew by 0.5% between April and June, a slight dip from the initial estimate of 0.6%. This adjustment, largely due to sharper-than-expected declines in the manufacturing and...
If you’re a door supervisor or security guard, or you employ them, you’ll need to be aware of some important changes that may affect you as we approach 2025. From 1 April 2025, new training will be compulsory for anyone looking to renew their licence. This update,...
We have also become aware of scam letters and emails purporting to be from HMRC being sent to taxpayers. These letters request important personal information which would be needed by fraudsters to access your data. If you have doubts about whether a communication from...
HMRC have recently increased their use of “one to many” or “nudge” letters to taxpayers which suggest that there may be errors or omissions in tax returns or accounts information. HMRC argue that these letters are a key tool in their compliance strategy but this...
The current State Pension is £11,502 and is due to rise to around £12,000 a year for 2025/26. At current annuity rates it would cost over £300,000 to receive an index-linked annuity starting at £12,000 a year, so it’s important to maximise your entitlement. In order...
Under current pension rules, many pension funds allow pension scheme members to withdraw up to 25% of their pension savings tax-free. Finance Act 2023 limited the tax-free amount to £268,275 unless the individual had applied for protection at a higher amount. There...
If you, or your child, was born between 1 September 2002 and 2 January 2011, there could be a savings account with your or their name on it – literally! More than 670,000 young people, aged 18-22, have yet to claim their Child Trust Fund, with HM Revenue & Customs...
The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) and the National Crime Agency (NCA) have announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding that details how the two organisations will cooperate to improve the UK’s cyber resilience. The aim is that their working more...
Figures released by the Office of National Statistics last week show that the UK economy showed no growth in July 2024. This is the second month in a row as there was also no growth in June. However, looking at the three months ending in July, Gross Domestic Product...
The UK Chief Veterinary Officer has declared a bluetongue restricted zone across Norfolk and Suffolk following several confirmed cases of Bluetongue virus BTV3 in the region. Since 30 August all keepers of cattle, sheep, and other ruminants and camelids in this area...
Many wealthy individuals are apparently passing on substantial amounts of their wealth in anticipation of possible changes to inheritance tax (IHT) in Labour’s first Budget on 30 October. This allegedly includes a number of high-profile individuals such as TV...
Last month, the Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, announced a significant government crackdown on employers hiring migrants illegally. Overview of the government's crackdown From Sunday 18 to Saturday 24 August, Immigration Enforcement teams carried out a series of...
As a pensioner you were likely dismayed to learn that Winter Fuel Payments are now being restricted to those who are on benefits and Pension Credit. The Winter Fuel Payment is a key benefit to help with increased heating costs during winter that was previously paid to...
The Office of National Statistics has reported that inflation for July has risen to 2.2%. This is the first rise of 2024 after inflation fell during the early part of the year and then settled at 2% for May and June. A rise was expected because energy prices are now...
The economy is continuing to grow, according to the latest figures for the April to June quarter. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is estimated to have increased by 0.6% for the quarter. This compares with an increase of 0.7% for the January to March quarter. Two quarters...
The Bank of England’s decision to reduce the base rate to 5% means that HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) will also reduce their interest rates. The interest rates charged by HM Revenue and Customs on late tax payments, as well as the rates they pay on repayments are...
The UK government has announced £32 million in funding for 98 innovative AI projects, aimed at improving efficiency in various sectors. These include delivery of prescriptions, railway maintenance and training construction workforces. The funding will support over 200...
The previous government included plans to end non-domiciled tax status at the Spring Budget and replace it with a 4-year foreign income and gains (FIG) regime. The new government have now announced their intention to continue with these plans, while ending some...
Dealing with HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) can often be challenging. Long wait times when calling for assistance, incorrect refund amounts, errors in tax codes, and other issues can be frustrating. Recently, the decline in service standards from HMRC has been...
The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has released guidance aimed at assisting developers, engineers, decision-makers, and risk owners in the creation and use of machine learning systems. Machine learning is a form of artificial intelligence where computers...
While commenting on the GDP growth and what it indicates about the economy, the Prime Minister again drew attention to National Insurance. The article released by the Prime Minister’s Office noted that the progress in the economy has allowed them to bring down taxes,...
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) have released figures showing that 295,250 Self Assessment tax returns were filed in the first week of the new tax year. Almost 70,000 were filed on the first day – April 6th. This seems to suggest an increasing trend for filing tax...
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has published an article outlining its approach to regulating artificial intelligence (AI) in workplaces. The article has some implications that businesses should consider, as follows: Regulatory compliance As with any other area...
A new digital service has been launched that makes it easier to check if you have any gaps in your National Insurance (NI) record that may affect your State Pension entitlement. GET IN TOUCH WITH OUR WIMBLEDON ACCOUNTANTS The service is called Check Your State Pension...
According to the latest figures released by the Office for National Statistics, the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) rose by 3.2% in the 12 months to March 2024. This is down from 3.4% in February. The main reason for the change was that prices for food are rising by less...
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) are running a campaign to help people avoid being caught out by tax avoidance schemes. This is particularly relevant to those who are contractors, agency workers, or are working through an umbrella company. Tax avoidance schemes are...
Losing access to any of your digital accounts can be very stressful, and if it’s an account you need for work this can be doubly the case. The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) produces guidance that can help the self-employed and sole traders as well as any...
New Disability Confident guidance has been published to help managers recruit, retain, and foster the progression of disabled people and those with health conditions in the workplace. The Disability Confident scheme is voluntary and helps employers make the most of...
As a result of a new UK-Australia Free Trade Agreement (FTA), UK artists will now be able to claim resale royalties when their art is resold in the Australian professional art market. Previously, UK artists have not received any royalties when their artwork was resold...
The Low Pay Commission (LPC) has published a report on the future of the National Minimum Wage beyond 2024. In recent years, the LPC has been setting the National Living Wage based on a target of two-thirds of median hourly earnings. The National Living Wage is now...
The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has recently published a guide for CEOs (and by extension all business owners) on responding to a cyber incident. A cyber incident can occur in various forms and often result in financial loss, reputational damage, legal...
Last year, Vodafone UK and Three UK announced a joint venture deal that would bring their customers under a new, single network provider. As two major providers of telecommunication services in the UK, this deal affects around 27 million customers. Many of these...
The original concept for national insurance contributions (NICs) was as a part of social welfare reforms implemented by the government in the early 20th century. The idea being to establish a social insurance that provides financial protection and assistance to...
Last week, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) announced changes to its helpline services that will encourage people to go online first. However, in a fast about turn, the very next day they halted these changes while they consider how best to help taxpayers make more use...
When you browse to a website it is now commonplace to have to interact with a cookie notice where you give permission or not to the use of advertising cookies. Website cookies are small text files that websites store on a user's computer or device. These files contain...
Penny Appeal, a charity based in Wakefield, have been ordered to stop sending unsolicited marketing texts by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). The charity sent more than 460,000 unsolicited texts over a ten-day period to 52,000 people who had either not...
2024 seems to be a good year to be a small business. The UK Government is doubling down on its commitment to the nation’s 5.5 million small businesses by announcing the launch of a new Small Business Council. Small businesses are the backbone of the UK economy,...
Self-Assessment customers, who are starting to think about their annual tax returns for the 2022 to 2023 tax year, should guard against being targeted by fraudsters, warns HMRC. Fraudsters target customers when they know they are more likely to be in contact...
There’s a growing trend in people submitting their Self-Assessment returns to HMRC early. In the last five years, the number of people choosing to file their return on the first day of the tax year has almost doubled. The deadline for sending your Self-Assessment tax...
Self Assessment customers, who are starting to think about their annual tax returns for the 2021 to 2022 tax year, should guard against being targeted by fraudsters, warns HMRC. There are plenty of fraudsters and scams around at this time, asking for personal...