HMRC error means self-employed workers could lose out on state pension

An HMRC error could mean that some low-income, self-employed workers lose out on their entitlement to National Insurance-related benefits like the state pension, warns the Low Incomes Tax Reform Group (LITRG). The issue centres around the payment of voluntary Class 2 National Insurance contributions (NICs) that can be made by self-employed taxpayers with profits under… Read more…

Revitalise ‘Brand Britain’, says CBI

Revitalising ‘Brand Britain’ in its first 100 days in office should be a priority for the party that wins the General Election, says the Confederation of British Industry (CBI). In its Business Manifesto, the business group has mapped out the steps it says the next government can take to redefine the UK’s growth trajectory. The… Read more…

The Benefits of Cloud-Based Accounting for Small Business Owners

The advent of cloud-based solutions has completely transformed traditional business practices. Rather than relying on in-house hardware and software, companies can now shift key processes onto the cloud. Whether it’s marketing, customer relations, or in this instance, accounting- there’s a plethora of solutions available. This can be particularly useful for smaller businesses, who may not… Read more…

Latest guidance for employers

HMRC has published the latest issue of the Employer Bulletin. The March issue has information on various topics, including: PAYE Settlement Agreement payment reporting expenses and benefits for the tax year ending 5 April 2024 mandating the payrolling of benefits in kind from April 2026 PAYE tax calculator basis period reform – reporting on a… Read more…

UK borrowing reduces Chancellor’s wiggle room

Higher than expected government borrowing has reduced the Chancellor’s ‘wiggle room’ at a pre-election Budget. Government borrowing – the difference between spending and tax income – was £120.7 billion in the year to March, according to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). This was £7.6 billion lower than last year, but… Read more…

HMRC launches online voluntary NICs payment service

HMRC has launched a new online voluntary NICs payment service. The government says the new service will make it easier for customers to check for and fill any gaps in their National Insurance record to help increase their State Pension. It also said that the new Check your State Pension service has been enhanced to… Read more…

HMRC clarifies tax rules for WFH commuting

HMRC has updated guidance on when tax relief is available on travel expenses for staff who work from home. The tax authority is responding to the growth of flexible or hybrid basis working contracts, particularly since the Covid-19 pandemic. HMRC confirmed that ‘under such arrangements, the employee will have a base office and journeys from… Read more…