The tax office is now open for claims from employees that have incurred work-related costs for the year to 5 April 2021 and have not been – and will not be – reimbursed by their employers. How to make a claim – the DIY approach You can claim online, by post or by phone. This […]
Is inflation something to be concerned about?
Inflation is a measure of how much the value of currency depreciates each year. For example, if prices for a loaf of bread rise by 3% in a year, you would have to earn that extra 3% to continue to purchase bread, so your extra earnings would have no extra value. According to the Bank […]
Is July 19th freedom-day?
Next week, many of the present lockdown regulations in England are being relaxed. But cautionary guidance has also been published. It recommends: Meeting in well-ventilated areas where possible, such as outdoors or indoors with windows open. Wearing a face covering where you meet people you do not normally meet in enclosed and crowded spaces. Washing […]
Business rates overall for England
One of the largest fixed costs associated with business premises are rates payments to local authorities. The present system for reviewing rates in England is somewhat antiquated, the last review in England was 2017. The government had previously undertaken to move to more frequent revaluations, having introduced legislation to bring forward the next revaluations to […]
Furlough support changed 1 July 2021
Employers will need to start contributing to work not done by furloughed employees from 1 July 2021. The update from HMRC is reproduced below: From 1 July 2021, the level of grant will be reduced, and you will be asked to contribute towards the cost of your furloughed employees’ wages. To be eligible for the […]
July 19th – normality to be resumed?
Release from social distancing restrictions, in England, is deferred until 19 July 2021, which for most of us, means no change up to that date. We are still required to work from home when we can and maintain the other Step 3 social distancing provisions. However, there are a few additional concessions that will apply […]
What is the Unclaimed Estates List?
If an individual dies and for whatever reason executors or the Treasury Solicitor’s department are unable to track down beneficiaries, the unclaimed estate falls under the care of the Bona Vacantia and Government Legal Department. The Division publishes a list of unclaimed estates which have been recently referred, but not yet administered, and historic cases […]
Beware tax credit renewal scams
Tax credits applicants should be vigilant and alert to potential scams, HMRC has warned. In the 12 months to 30 April 2021, HMRC responded to more than 1,154,300 referrals of suspicious contact from the public. More than 576,960 of these offered bogus tax rebates. In the same period, HMRC has worked with telecoms companies and […]
Taking goods abroad to sell?
You must declare goods that you take with you to sell outside the UK – for example if they are in your baggage or in a private vehicle. There is a different process if you take goods abroad temporarily (for example samples for a trade fair) or use a courier or freight forwarder. Most countries […]