2012 -
December
PENSIONS - 21.12.2012
Auto-enrolment is bad news for some pension savers
There have been worrying reports that pension auto-enrolment might land anyone who has a large fund with an unexpected tax bill. Not so well publicised is that those with small pensions funds might also lose out. What’s the full story?
PROFIT EXTRACTION - 21.12.2012
Setting your salary for the new tax year
In December the Chancellor confirmed changes to the personal tax and NI limits for 2013/14. In view of this at what level should you set your salary (and dividends) for maximum tax efficiency?
AUTUMN STATEMENT - 21.12.2012
Autumn Statement highlights
There was mixed news in the Autumn Statement. Capital allowances received a boost, but pensions tax relief will be cut. What’s in it for you and your business?
INVESTIGATIONS - 21.12.2012
Rental property owners under attack
You’ve read worrying reports about checks being made by HMRC’s Property Income Task Force. While you own a rental property, it’s only made losses to date and so you haven’t declared it. Can HMRC penalise you?
REDUNDANCY - 21.12.2012
Paying off an employee safely
One of our subscribers is facing a bill for £5,000 in extra tax and NI as a result of not checking the small print in his own employment contracts. What caused this trouble and how could it have been avoided?
VAT - 21.12.2012
When to charge VAT on supplies made by another business
It can be convenient to charge your customer for goods or services supplied by other businesses as part of your overall supply on a single invoice. But as a recent case showed this can lumber you with an extra VAT bill. Why?
CHILDREN - TAX PLANNING - 21.12.2012
Funding the university years
Supporting your youngster while they’re living away from home and studying at university is expensive. Usually you would have to fund this out of taxed income, but to improve tax efficiency can you divert some of your income directly to them?
WEB SERVICES - ONLINE COLLABORATION - 21.12.2012
Synchronising information with family or friends
It’s a good idea to share your calendar, contacts, to-do lists or photos with your family, friends, colleagues or acquaintances. But how do you do this? Here are some of your options.
SOFTWARE - WINDOWS - 21.12.2012
How different are Windows 8 apps?
The new apps appearing on the Windows 8 start screen differ substantially from the familiar Windows applications. What are the main differences and what do you need to know about them?
BUSINESS - WEB SERVICES - 21.12.2012
What do your customers think?
Online survey tools make it easy to collect relevant information from your customers. Two big players in this field - Zoomerang and SurveyMonkey - have recently merged. How good is the result?
BUSINESS - WEB SERVICES - 21.12.2012
Visual project planning
A while ago we reviewed Ganttic, a cloud tool which lets you present your projects in a highly visual manner. However, there’s an alternative now: 5pm. Which is best?
BUSINESS - MISCELLANEOUS - 21.12.2012
Note-taking on your tablet
Tablet PCs are playing an increasingly important part in business. When attending a meeting, training or presentation, you may already have used your tablet for taking notes. We tested two apps which can be helpful in this situation.
E-MAIL - E-MAIL USE - 21.12.2012
A new e-mail routine
Are you constantly disturbed by e-mail, instant messages or smartphone notifications while working? A new e-mail routine and some dedicated utilities will help you to work more efficiently.
MEDICAL HEALTH - 21.12.2012
Good advice for a healthy year
Netdoctor has collaborated with IWantGreatCare.org to offer reviews of doctors and dentists. Here are top sites and apps to help you stay healthy in 2013.
LIVING - HOME AUTOMATION - 21.12.2012
Simple home automation
Home automation doesn’t sound that simple. Still, there are some solutions plus accompanying apps which allow you to easily manage certain things around the house remotely.
SOFTWARE - BROWSER - 21.12.2012
The new Firefox: how good is it?
The Firefox browser recently released a new version, Firefox 17; however, the beta version 18 has been around for a while as well. Why should you install either of these? We put them to the test.
LEISURE - E-BOOKS - 21.12.2012
Reading books on the Kindle… something for you?
The Kindle e-reader has become highly popular in both the US and the UK. What exactly do they have to offer, what are the different ones available and why would you want to buy one?
SECURITY - ANTI-MALWARE - 21.12.2012
Safe in the sandbox
Whether you’re surfing to unfamiliar sites or downloading and installing a new program, there’s always the risk of malware invading your system. A tried and tested technique for avoiding damage is “sandboxing”. What is it?
SPREADSHEETS - 21.12.2012
Using Excel to predict future sales
You want to understand the effect certain advertising strategies have had on sales so that you can use this information to help forecast sales revenue for future periods. How can Excel help with this?
CREDIT CONTROL - 21.12.2012
Scams to look out for when analysing accounts
It’s good practice to always analyse potential customers’ accounts before selling to them. But to do this effectively, you need to be aware of several stock scams that inflate sales in the accounts and, therefore, the profitability of a company.
ACCOUNTING ERRORS - 21.12.2012
Cutting down on transaction errors
One of your continuing quests is improving the efficiency of the accounts department. One way of doing this is by understanding and improving on transaction errors. But how?
DEBT RECOVERY - 21.12.2012
Chasing payment, saving money
A huge amount of time can be spent/wasted on chasing overdue payments, which can cost you a great deal of money. How can you make clients pay more quickly?
HEALTH & SAFETY - 21.12.2012
Be careful what you cut
You’ve been looking at your budget for 2013 and have decided to reduce the amount of money you’re spending on maintenance and health and safety issues. But could this end up costing you money?
PERSONNEL - 21.12.2012
Should you pay travel expenses?
Recruitment interviews can be a costly business, not only in the time taken but also in travel expenses. Can you cut these charges and still get the right candidates?
ACCOUNTING - 21.12.2012
Reducing a chart of accounts
It’s so tempting and easy to add additional codes to your chart of accounts with a computerised accounting system. But there are many unintended consequences of doing this without care. Why should you look to reduce an unwieldy chart?
OFFICE COSTS - 21.12.2012
Time to take a tablet?
Media consumption is changing fast - you can now get all the information you need online. So might you be better off with an iPad instead of buying newspapers and trade mags?
CORPORATION TAX - 21.12.2012
Taking advantage of the Patent Box
If your company makes a profit from exploiting patented inventions, from April this year it could benefit from a reduced rate of Corporation Tax. How do you know if your company qualifies and is there anything you need to be doing now?
OVERHEADS - 21.12.2012
Staying on top of factory overheads
It’s relatively easy to control direct product costs but if management want to know the true cost of manufacturing an individual item, it’s essential to allocate the factory overheads in a precise and logical manner. How can you do this?
FINANCIAL REPORTING - 21.12.2012
The end of UK GAAP is nigh
At the end of last year, two of the three standards that will replace all the current financial reporting standards (FRSs) and significant accounting policies were issued. How do these affect your company?
DIRECTORS’ LIABILITY - 21.12.2012
Are the directors prepared for a cyber attack?
Any company with an online presence is vulnerable to a “cyber attack”. Not only could this disrupt your business, it may lead to a claim for damages. So what can the directors do to protect the company’s position?
DIRECTORS’ LIABILITY - 21.12.2012
When can you use an unlimited company?
You’re setting up a new business and a colleague suggests forming an unlimited company to own its trading premises. What are these and what are the pros and cons of being a director of one?
REDUNDANCY - 21.12.2012
Can you be made redundant with(out) consultation?
In a recent case, the Employment Appeal Tribunal held that a director who had been made redundant with no consultation had been fairly dismissed. So does this mean you can now be shoved out the door without any warning?
DIRECTORS’ INVESTMENTS - 21.12.2012
Personal investments with company cash
Rates of return on corporate bank accounts are at an all-time low. Interest on personal accounts are better, but can a director simply withdraw company money and invest it in his own name?
COMPANY CARS - 21.12.2012
The tax advantages of a pure perk company car
The time has come to replace your second car. While the current one was paid for with personal money you know that tax incentives for green company cars have steadily improved. So is it now worth getting your company to pay?
ESTATE PLANNING - 21.12.2012
What happens to “digital possessions” if you die?
Like most directors, you probably have some “digital possessions”, the most common being iTunes, films and e-book downloads. The total cost of these can run into hundreds of pounds, but what happens to them on your death?
DIRECTORS’ TAX - 21.12.2012
Autumn Statement roundup
The Chancellor’s Autumn Statement included several surprises. We’ve looked at a few, so are they good or bad for directors and their companies?
WORKPLACE TRANSPORT - 18.12.2012
Loading docks safety
The Freight Transport Association, in conjunction with others, has recently produced new guidance on health and safety in loading docks. What is its legal status and do you need to follow it?
FIRE SAFETY - 18.12.2012
Liability for damages to your neighbour’s property
In a recent case, a business owner sought damages after a fire spread out of control from his neighbour’s property. How did an historic case play its part in the outcome and what lessons are there to be learned?
CONSULTANTS - 18.12.2012
How much to pay for safety advice?
The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health has recently published the findings of its pay survey. What does it identify and how might you be able to use its results to your advantage?
SAFE USE OF EQUIPMENT - 18.12.2012
New “sharps” legislation on the horizon
As a result of a European directive, the UK must introduce legislation to reduce the risk of sharps injuries in healthcare. When is this likely to happen, who’s likely to be affected and how?
NOISE - 18.12.2012
Noise hazards don’t only come from machines
When you think about harmful noise exposure your first thought probably goes to machinery, such as powered construction tools. But are there other sources to consider?
SAFE USE OF MACHINERY - 18.12.2012
Abrasive wheel training not completed
A recent case has highlighted the importance of ensuring that staff and others are trained and competent to use potentially dangerous work equipment. What happened and how can you avoid something similar happening on your site?
CONSTRUCTION - 18.12.2012
Olympics safety success
During the construction of Olympic Park high standards of health and safety were set. A new study identifies how they were achieved. What’s to know?
MICRO-GENERATION - 18.12.2012
Solar success
According to a two-year study, solar panels across the UK are performing better than expected. What does this mean and should you change your view on solar energy?
ENERGY SAVING - 18.12.2012
New energy strategy
The government has announced a new multi-million pound project to help businesses and householders save energy. Why is it doing this and should you take any notice?
TRANSPORT - 18.12.2012
New study on eco-driver training
A recent study completed on behalf of the RAC Foundation has identified that you can save money on fuel if you invest in eco-driver training for your staff. So is this a worthwhile investment?
LANDFILL TAX - 18.12.2012
Devolved powers consider future of Landfill Tax
From 2015, the Scottish government will be in charge of setting its own rules on dealing with waste. What changes are likely to be made and is this move likely to affect other parts of the UK?
ENFORCEMENT - 18.12.2012
The use of civil sanctions limited
The Department for Business, Innovation & Skills wants to release small and medium-sized businesses from the shackles of civil sanctions imposed for environmental offences. What does this mean and is it good news?
ENERGY BILLS - 18.12.2012
Energy bills - what’s the latest?
Recently, there’s been much talk from the government about energy production, prices and bills. What’s going on and how might you be affected?
ENVIRONMENTAL PERMITTING - 18.12.2012
New guidance on discharges to groundwater
The Environment Agency (EA) has recently updated the technical guidance note which spells out how water discharge and groundwater activity permits should be managed. What’s to know?
TIME OFF - 17.12.2012
Time off (or not) for dental appointments
Apparently, more than two million employees have “gone sick” as a result of oral health problems in the past five years. Whilst a visit to the dentist can both prevent and cure problems, must you grant time off for this purpose?
ATTENDANCE - 17.12.2012
A bad weather (skiving) alert
Forecasters are predicting that we’re going to have the worst winter for 100 years. Even if they’re wrong, some employees use the lightest snow flurry as an opportunity to skive. So what can you do to protect your business?
DISCRIMINATION - 17.12.2012
(In)direct discrimination: what’s the difference?
Depending on the circumstances, employees who have been subjected to unlawful treatment by their employers may bring claims of “direct” and/or “indirect” discrimination. But what’s the difference between the two?
DISCIPLINARY ACTION - 17.12.2012
Don’t interfere with disciplinary proceedings!
In a recent case, the employee had been the subject of disciplinary proceedings after he posted confidential business information on LinkedIn. However, despite having solid grounds, the employer came unstuck at the tribunal. Why?
UNFAIR DISMISSAL - 17.12.2012
Fairly sacked for taking a yoghurt worth 39p
Employees often help themselves to their employer’s stock, particularly items of low value. But, as a recent case shows, you don’t have to prove such misconduct “beyond all reasonable doubt”. So what are you required to do?
PARENTAL LEAVE - 17.12.2012
Changes to parental leave
Earlier this year the government placed a planned extension to parental leave rights “on hold”. It’s now made a final decision. So what’s on the cards?
PAYROLL - 17.12.2012
Outsourcing payroll
Although payroll can be undertaken in-house for various reasons, many employers opt to oursource this function to an external provider. If you’re thinking of going down this route, what mustn’t be overlooked?
CONSUMERS - CONSUMER INFORMATION - 13.12.2012
Put your shop passes in your smartphone pocket
A new, and largely unfamiliar, feature of iOS 6 is the Passbook wallet, which allows you to store all kinds of commercial passes digitally in your iPhone or iPod Touch. To what extent can you use this feature?
SECURITY - ANTI-MALWARE - 13.12.2012
Double check
Suppose you receive a file via e-mail or on a USB stick and you’re not sure it’s reliable? If your virus scanner’s opinion is not conclusive, you can call in the assistance of a dedicated web service.
SOFTWARE - PHOTOGRAPHY - 13.12.2012
Your photos in a flashy slideshow
The Internet is brimming with tools for converting digital photos into a dynamic presentation. The free Bolide Slideshow Creator offers a wide range of transitions and effects. We put the program to the test.
SECURITY - PRIVACY - 13.12.2012
No stalking, please…
When surfing from site to site, your behaviour is followed closely by “trackers”. These cookies are installed on your hard disk in order to present personalised ads. Can “Do Not Track” stop this?
SOFTWARE - E-MAIL & CALENDAR - 13.12.2012
Running Google applications on iOS
Although Google and Apple aren’t exactly the best of friends, the most popular Google applications run perfectly on iOS devices. How do you configure everything?
COMPUTER - TABLET - 13.12.2012
Surface: a competitor for iPad?
Microsoft recently launched its Surface, a tablet which is presented as a serious competitor for Apple’s iPad. What are the features of the Surface and can it really match the iPad?
MISCELLANEOUS - KIDS - 13.12.2012
Safe surfing for your kids
School will be out for your children shortly. How can you ensure that they can surf the Internet safely without having to install all kinds of extra software? Here are three tips.
CONSUMER - CLASSIFIED - 13.12.2012
Need a job doing well?
RatedPeople.com recently launched a free app that can help you find a decent plumber, electrician, etc. What apps and sites are most useful?
WEB SERVICES - ONLINE COMMUNITIES - 13.12.2012
A Facebook profile suitable for job applications
Almost three quarters of employers try to find out more about job applicants via social media. On LinkedIn, you will probably be showing your best professional side, but how about your Facebook profile?
SOFTWARE - WINDOWS - 13.12.2012
Apps… for Windows
You don’t install programs but apps on smartphones and tablets. With the advent of Windows 8, the Windows operating system now also runs apps and has its own app store. What’s on offer?
PERSONAL WEBSITE - SITE ANALYSIS - 13.12.2012
Monitor your website
Your customers should be able to reach your website at all times. But how can you be sure that your site is actually online at any time of the day? We put two website monitoring systems to the test.
PENSIONS - 13.12.2012
Pension carry-forward rules still causing problems
Talk in the media about reduced pension contribution limits prompted one of our subscribers to take a closer look at his situation. With retirement looming he wants to make a big contribution, but how will the carry-forward rules affect this?
PROFIT EXTRACTION - 13.12.2012
Share buy-backs - rejecting capital treatment
If you’re intending to sell your shares back to the issuing company, it’s usual to ask the Taxman to apply Capital Gains Tax (CGT) to the sale rather than income tax. But is this always the best option and do you have a choice anyway?
CORPORATION TAX - 13.12.2012
Where should you invest your company money?
A tribunal recently considered the tax consequences of a director investing company money into his personal bank account. The judgment didn’t go well for the director, but does this ruling mean this type of scheme can never work?
CARS - 13.12.2012
Changes ahead for CAs on company cars
Next April will see two changes to the CO2 bands which determine the rate of capital allowances (CAs) you can claim for the cost of company cars. What are these and are they really worth worrying about?
PAYE - 13.12.2012
Taxman unveils RTI penalty plans
Real time reporting of payroll data starts in full next April and tough penalties were threatened for employers who don’t comply. What’s the latest on this?
INVESTIGATIONS - 13.12.2012
VAT inspections - reducing the risks
VAT inspections can be triggered for many reasons. But can you ascertain why and is it worth bothering to find out? Plus, when the day arrives what steps can you take to ensure the Taxman’s visit goes smoothly?
INHERITANCE TAX - 13.12.2012
Maximising business property relief
Inheritance Tax (IHT) business property relief (BPR) is an excellent tax break, but it can be devalued where you have a business loan. Why, and what steps can you take to avoid this happening?
INSURANCE - 11.12.2012
Motor insurance claims - don’t get short changed
The Competition Commission is to investigate motor insurers over the costs in connection with accident claims. But to keep your costs down what should you advise your employees to do if they’re in an accident in a company vehicle?
IT - 11.12.2012
How to spy on your competitors (legally)
Astute directors know that in order for the company to flourish a close eye must be kept on the competition. This all takes time, so what little IT tricks can help you stay ahead of the game?
INVOICING - 11.12.2012
New VAT e-invoicing rules
From January 1 2013, EU member states will no longer be able to impose their own rules on the use of VAT e-invoices. Why is this good news for directors?
DIRECTORS’ BENEFITS - 11.12.2012
How to maximise the childcare tax break
The tax break for company-paid childcare was scaled back a while ago, but it’s still possible to get a tax and NI exemption on up to £55 per week. How can you achieve this and possibly do better?
PAYE - 11.12.2012
Companies face fines if they aren’t ready for RTI
A recent survey shows that many directors aren’t aware that RTI can affect them and their company even where they aren’t currently liable to PAYE tax and NI. What’s the full story?
