Although a key VAT-saving measure for listed dwellings was abolished in October 2012, there are still circumstances in which a renovation project can be subject to a reduced rate of VAT of five per cent. There are two circumstances in which this can apply. The first is where a dwelling has been empty for the… Read more…

According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), averages wages in the UK are growing at their fastest rate since 2008. The ONS has revealed that average earnings, including bonuses, grew by four per cent in the four months between May and July. This is the highest rate in a decade and means that wages… Read more…

It has been reported that HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has begun carrying out PAYE investigations remotely. The investigation begins with a phone call, inviting the employer to complete a survey sent by email. There is a concern amongst accountants that the wording of some of these questions could trip up unwary employers and prompt… Read more…

The latest data from Companies House shows that thousands of penalties were handed out for the late filing of company accounts, with more than 25,000 companies missing a deadline on 30 September. This date marks a common deadline for companies, according to Companies House, with a further 643 companies narrowly avoiding a penalty by filing… Read more…

New figures published by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) have revealed a significant increase in the number and value of Inheritance Tax (IHT) receipts. The figures, which relate to the 2016/17 tax year, show a 15 per cent increase in the number of estates paying IHT in comparison with the previous year, rising from 24,500… Read more…

Employees working overseas on secondment could face paying twice as much in National Insurance Contributions in the event of a no-deal Brexit, HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has warned. If the UK leaves the EU without a withdrawal agreement then current agreements to avoid double payment of the equivalent of National Insurance Contributions (NICs) in… Read more…

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has announced that it is entering into data-sharing arrangements with local authorities to help clamp down on council tax debt. In the 2017/18 tax year, councils in England had an £818 million deficit for council tax arrears, which has prompted HMRC to work with local authorities by sharing information about… Read more…

The controversial introduction of the VAT reverse charge in the construction sector has been postponed by a year and will now take place on 1 October 2020, following concerns that the industry wasn’t ready for this monumental change. The new VAT reverse charge had been due to come into force on 1 October this year,… Read more…

Email scams have become increasingly common, with fraudsters claiming to be from companies, banks and even HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) to obtain your data and bank details. The fraud, which is also known as a phishing scam, can also involve malicious software that can infect your device with a virus. To stay protected, here… Read more…