Jeremy Hunt cuts NICs again in the Spring Budget

The Chancellor made further changes to National Insurance contributions (NICs) following the cuts made in the Autumn Statement 2023. The rates for NICs will be cut by two percentage points for both employees and the self-employed from 6 April 2024. This will see Class 1 employee NICs reduced from 10% to 8% from 6 April… Read more…

Relief at HMRC’s reversal of helpline closures

HMRC’s decision to halt its plans to restrict taxpayer helplines and direct people to online services instead has been met with relief by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB). The tax authority had announced that it was closing its self assessment helpline for six months every year. It was also restricting the opening times of… Read more…

Should I rent or buy my business premises?

When running a small business, it’s often possible to work from home. After all, many of the juggernauts of the business world began their efforts around a kitchen table. However, companies that are growing require more space. A dedicated area for business, whether that’s an office, store front or storage, can quickly become a necessity.… Read more…

Advisory fuel rates for company cars

New company car advisory fuel rates have been published and took effect from 1 March 2024. 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…

Latest guidance for employers

HMRC has published the latest issue of the Employer Bulletin. The February issue has information on various topics, including: Please contact us for help with tax matters. Internet link: Employer Bulletin

Pensions income needed to retire rises

The amount needed for a single person to have a moderate retirement has risen to £31,300, according to the Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association (PLSA). The rising cost of living and an increased importance on socialising following the pandemic had pushed up the income required by £8,000, the PLSA said. The PLSA uses evidence from… Read more…

Over one million miss self assessment deadline

Over one million self assessment taxpayers missed the filing deadline at midnight on 31 January, according to data published by HMRC. A record 11.5 million taxpayers did file their 2022/23 self assessment tax returns by the deadline. HMRC’s figures also showed that 1.1 million missed the deadline. The final day saw 778,068 beat the clock… Read more…