2005 - October
Since Customs & Excise merged with the Inland Revenue, the VATman has started to borrow a trick or two from the Taxman. For example, he’s now sending out his own version of an enabling letter. What’s this all about?
If the shares in your company are worth too much you could end up with an Inheritance Tax (IHT) problem. Transferring some shares is one answer, but what’s the optimum number of shares to transfer?
Settling your petty cash differences
Sometimes expenses have to be paid in cash. But if the Taxman inspects your company records he will tax you on any cash expenses that are unaccounted for. How can you make sure you’re not left out of pocket?
A colleague has told you that it isn’t worth appealing against the VATman’s decision anymore, because he’ll no longer pay your costs if you win. This doesn’t seem fair to you. What’s the full story here?
Using the new limits to claim more
A new(ish) definition of who is classed as a small and medium-sized company exists. This could enable you to reduce your company’s existing tax bill. What do you need to check?
There is a tax exemption for Christmas parties and similar functions. If you have more than one function, some of which are just for employees and others are for guests as well, how can you make sure that the exemption is put to best use?
The portable TV used in the office to watch the cricket this summer won’t do for next year’s World Cup. What arrangements could your company make?
You want your partner to do some work for the company. Can it employ them or would it be better for them to be an independent contractor and invoice the company for any work they do?
The new rules on managing asbestos have now been in force for a couple of years. With talk of directors going to jail, what’s been the reality?
You’ve just received the annual renewal form for your business liability insurances (which have gone up again). Do these policies really benefit your company or could you cut costs by cancelling them?
A new customer placed an order with you worth nearly £5,000. Your company did the work as requested and had the goods ready on time. When he came to collect them he said he could only afford to pay £3,000. What are your options?
Dead on the job - who’s liable?
Recently, one of your employees died whilst at work. As a director, you’re worried that you could be liable to his estate. What is the position and would it make any difference if the company had been to blame for the death?
One of your senior managers has just handed in his notice and you’re sure he’s going to work for a major competitor. His employment contract includes a clause restricting him from doing this, but can you enforce it?
You’re just back from a business trip to a major European customer. Whilst away, you were charged VAT on your hotel bills. Can you claim this sum back on your VAT return?
You’ve heard a rumour that working at heights of less than one metre is going to come under HSE scrutiny. Surely this cannot be true, but if it is, what are the chances of falling foul of the enforcers?
When the need for in-house catering arises you call on the services of a local lady. Do you need to check that she has adequate insurance and basic food hygiene certificates?
Stress awareness with a difference
November 2 is National Stress Awareness Day. Is this just another HSE campaign to turn your employees against you, or could it be to your advantage?
In the event of a serious workplace accident you will need to call the emergency services as quickly as possible. What information will they require and how should you prepare for their arrival?
Having carried out a risk assessment, you’ve identified that staff should be wearing protective footwear in an area of your business. How do you choose it, and then contend with those who refuse to wear it?
As you may be aware, the police are taking a greater interest in road traffic accidents which are work-related. In order to protect yourself, why not use our Driving at Work Policy to make your drivers aware of the standards you expect?
Like many businesses, you may occasionally need to use a maintenance contractor. Whilst you may be tempted to let them get on with it, case law suggests this approach isn’t wise. What should you be doing?
Asking for holiday whilst on sick leave
An employee’s been off sick for some time and is receiving just Statutory Sick Pay. He’s now put in a request to be paid his annual leave entitlement in full. Is he entitled to holiday pay whilst sick?
A subscriber currently retains records of all warnings issued to staff, even after expiry. A colleague has advised that this is contrary to the Data Protection Act. Is this correct and if not, can they justify keeping these records?
You know that if someone provides their own tools for the job, there’s a pretty good chance they’re self-employed (good news for you). But what’s the Taxman’s current thinking on this?
It’s not uncommon to operate an ad hoc bonus system. Probably you apply some conditions to the payment of such a bonus, e.g. the need to remain in employment. Following a recent case, when is it safe to withhold payment?
You suspect that one of your workers is looking for a new job. Her previously high standards have fallen and she seems to be wasting time. Should you ask her straight? How should you deal with this common situation?
Tightening up on discrimination
This month, amendments to the Sex Discrimination Act came into force. What’s the latest that you need to know about?
Dealing with religious beliefs at work can be a minefield at the best of times, but what happens if an employee’s request not to work on Sundays conflicts with your business needs? What does recent case law have to say?
The result of the latest appeal in the Arctic Systems case is not likely to be known before 2006. So in the meantime what should you do about husband-and-wife companies?
The Taxman tells you that an underpayment of tax has arisen due to an administrative oversight, and could you please send him a cheque. Do you really have to pay the Taxman’s bill for what, in fact, could be his mistake?
If you use partitions to section off part of your premises for, say, a customer reception area, surely you can claim a tax deduction for this cost? Here’s how to make sure you can.
The computer ate my tax return
When you send in your VAT return late you could find yourself open to a penalty from the VATman. If this wasn’t deliberate can’t you do something to get out of his bad books?
Where do you keep your data back-up media? Off-site? Well here’s a safe way to keep all that vital information at home, tax-free.
This year, last year, whenever...
You’ve discovered that some expenditure has been omitted from last year’s accounts. Can you deduct them in the subsequent, or even later, accounts? Does the Taxman have any say in the matter?
More and more couples are buying property together before marriage. But the introduction of the pre-owned asset tax means they could now face an annual tax charge. What’s the problem and is there any way around it?
The most recent asylum and immigration bill could result in two-year prison terms for directors who hire illegal workers. How can you play it safe?
You know that most contracts don’t have to be in writing to be legal. But does anyone ever sue over broken verbal agreements? Is it safe to make non-written deals, knowing that you can back out later without a problem?
From October 2006, new age discrimination legislation will make it illegal to discriminate against workers on the basis of their age. What should you consider now to ensure that you’re fully prepared for these changes?
If the company reimburses your business expenses, these figures should be disclosed to the Taxman each year. Although there’s an exemption from this, the Taxman is reluctant to grant it for directors? How can you convince him?
You’ve noticed that a company near you is trading with exactly the same name. Your company’s name is registered with Companies House, so surely you have exclusive rights to use it?
As a company director, there are two ways of calculating the National Insurance on your salary. What’s the principal difference between the two methods and which one could gain you an advantage?
You know that there are personal risks involved in being a director - you could be pursued by all manner of predators. However a new Act may offer you increased protection. How can you take advantage?
An employer recently sacked an employee for keeping an online diary (a blog), on the basis that its contents brought the company into disrepute. What’s the latest on this new threat to your reputation and how should you deal with it?
The ‘flu season will be with us again very soon. You’re thinking about offering a vaccination for all staff. Will it work and what might be the financial implications?
Finding the right employee for a position is an expensive business. But research shows that even after all your hard work, 40% of offers are turned down. What can you do to improve the acceptance rate?
You know that you can easily be liable for the discriminatory acts of your staff. This means that for some unscrupulous “victims” the temptation to claim might be too much. So how to prevent being taken for a ride?
Still confused by holiday dues?
Even with the summer holiday season behind us, we’re still receiving countless queries about annual leave. So what is an employee’s entitlement? Read on for the answers to the most often asked questions.
Don’t forget the (final) warning!
You have an employee who’s less than satisfactory but not quite bad enough to warrant dismissal. After a while you become frustrated and sack him anyway. Why might a final warning be a safer option?
You know just how important it is to make sure your employment contracts provide you with maximum protection and flexibility. But how can you tell if they’re up-to-date? Should you turn to a solicitor?
According to HSE statistics, 70 people are killed and over 1,000 injured each year by workplace traffic accidents. How can you ensure that all staff and visitors adopt a safe position when vehicles are operating?
One of your employees, who carries out manual handling activities, has developed arthritis. If an accident occurs as result of their condition, who is liable and what can you do to reduce the risks?
You may think that RSI only affects office workers. However, new research has found that this isn’t the case. What’s the latest that you should be aware of?
You employ a couple of security staff and are concerned about the likelihood of them being attacked. What inexpensive measures can you implement to provide them with adequate protection?
Raising awareness of health and safety with your workforce can have manybenefits, including fewer accidents and increased productivity. How can you achieve this without spending too much time and money?
If your business involves working at height, or has had reportable accidents as a result of a slip or trip, you are more likely to receive a visit from an inspector before the end of year. If so, how should you act?
You are the owner/occupier of an old building and have decided the windows need either renovating or replacing. You’re concerned that there may be lead in the old paint. How do you find out, and what are the best options to deal with it?