An increasingly complex tax system is costing UK businesses an estimated £15.4 billion a year in compliance, according to a report from the National Audit Office (NAO). HMRC’s cost of collecting tax has risen by £563 million over the past five years due to added complexity in the system plus investments in staff and IT.… Read more…

The government has introduced a package of support that it says will help the alcohol sector to grow. From 1 February, draught relief has increased to knock 1p off duty on draught products whilst small producer relief – a measure to encourage craft brewers to innovate – is becoming more generous. Together these tax cuts… Read more…

The overwhelming majority of businesses say the rise in employers’ NICs will force them to change their plans, according to research by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC). With under six weeks until the NICs rise comes in, 82% of firms say the tax hike will cause them to rethink. In addition, 58% of surveyed… Read more…

HMRC will reduce late payment and repayment interest rates from 25 February following the cut in the base rate. The Bank of England cut the base rate to 4.5% on 6 February, triggering a 0.25% cut in HMRC interest rates which are pegged to the base rate. From 25 February, the late payment interest rate… Read more…

HMRC has published the latest issue of the Employer Bulletin. The February issue has information on various topics, including: end of year reporting payrolling employees’ benefits and expenses get ready for changes to National Insurance new online iForm for PAYE employment expenses expanding the cash basis relevant motoring expenditure – National Insurance contributions. Please contact… Read more…

New company car advisory fuel rates have been published and took effect from 1 March 2025. The guidance states: ‘you can use the previous rates for up to one month from the date the new rates apply’. The rates only apply to employees using a company car. The advisory fuel rates for journeys undertaken on or… Read more…