For many years Chancellors have threatened to reduce the Income Tax relief that can be claimed for payments into a private pension scheme. There have been reductions in the amount of contributions that can be made and the size of the pension fund that can be accumulated, but thus far, allowable contributions may still attract […]

The present rate of Inheritance Tax (IHT) that is payable by your executors on your taxable estate is 40%. The good news is that you can reduce the impact of this tax, which effectively reduces the amount of your hard-won assets that is received by your beneficiaries. For example: The first £325,000 is tax-free. This […]

Readers with children at university should pass on this message as students starting university this year are being warned by HMRC that they could be targeted by a fresh wave of tax scams. As new students start the academic year, they can be particularly vulnerable to cybercrime. With universities taking a blended approach to online […]

Brits will be able to get cashback from shops without needing to buy anything under new proposals to protect the UK’s cash system announced 15 October 2020. Under the government proposals, cashback without a purchase could be widely available from retailers of all sizes in local communities across the UK. Although cash use is declining, […]

HMRC have recently published a press release entitled “Just 100 days left for Self -Assessment”. Before readers make the obvious connection, that this heralds the end of tax returns in the UK, it is purely a reminder that 2019-20 Self-Assessment returns need to be filed by 31 January 2021. Gathering together the information to complete […]

The revised Job Support Scheme (JSS) announced in the last few days comes in two varieties: Open and Closed. JSS Open Businesses in Tier 2 areas, that suffer the restrictions to sociability rules, never-the-less are not required to close. This is an insidious outcome for these traders, particularly those in the hospitality sector, as they […]

A package of measures to help businesses in England build back better following the pandemic was recently announced by the Government. The Department for International Trade’s (DIT) Export Growth Plan provides additional financial support and expertise, some of which is targeted towards specific regions that are most in need. The plan includes a £38 million […]

If you are starting to give serious consideration to setting up your own business one of the issues you will need to consider is the type of business structure that best fits your planned business activity. How risky is your business? All business activity involves a certain degree of risk. Many of these risks can […]

The government has outlined new plans for Freeports to turbo-charge post-Brexit trade. Details have been released that assert a number of new freeports are being planned across the UK. The first new Freeport is on track to open by the end of 2021. Responding to the consultation on the proposals the government confirmed that sea, […]

The letters borrowers receive from their lenders when they are seriously behind on repayments will be easier to understand and less intimidating as a result of new rules proposed by the Treasury last week. The aim is to reduce stress and anxiety that borrowers may experience if they are unable to keep up with repayments […]