2014 -
September
PROPERTY TAX - 30.09.2014
South west property tax taskforce launched
HMRC has launched a new taskforce tackling property tax avoidance in south west England and south Wales. Which clients are likely to be targeted?
PENSIONS - 30.09.2014
Get your clients to benefit from changes to pensions
The generous changes to pensions announced in Budget 2014 mean that pension contributions are back as an attractive means of tax mitigation. How can you advise your clients to take advantage?
TAX INVESTIGATIONS - 30.09.2014
How to deal with HMRC’s new strong arm tactics
On 1 July 2014 HMRC changed the way it investigates tax fraud. So if a client receives one of the new COP9 letters, are you well prepared to advise them on how to respond to it?
RTI - 30.09.2014
HMRC delays RTI penalties (again!)
RTI in-year late filing penalties were due to start on 6 October 2014. But HMRC has now decided to delay these for smaller employers. What’s the full story?
CHARITIES - 30.09.2014
Gift aid or SITR?
Buried within the Finance Act 2014 was the introduction of the social investment tax relief (SITR) scheme. Now, if a client wants to provide funds for a social cause, would they be better off claiming SITR rather than making a gift aid donation?
VAT - 30.09.2014
Are property clients maximising their VAT recovery?
A VAT registered self-employed client has just bought an investment property and has asked if they can recover VAT on the repairs and letting agent’s fees? As rental income is exempt they can’t, can they?
BENEFITS IN KIND - 30.09.2014
Should clients move over to the new childcare scheme?
A director shareholder client’s company gives him childcare vouchers as part of his remuneration package. With the new tax-free childcare scheme to start in 2015, would he be better off switching to that?
TAX - 30.09.2014
HMRC extends RTI concession
In-year RTI fines were due to start in October 2014. However, HMRC has deferred them again, but not for all employers. Where does your company stand?
BANKING - 30.09.2014
Direct debit errors - how to put them right
Direct debits save your company time and ensure bills get paid when they should be. But when they go wrong they can be a devil to put right. If a supplier has taken too much, what’s the quickest way to get your money back?
DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION - 30.09.2014
When is directors’ remuneration “paid” for tax purposes?
The board has approved bonuses for the directors, but due to cash flow they won’t be paid for several months. HMRC claims the PAYE tax and NI on the bonuses is already overdue and a penalty is payable. Can that be right?
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES - 30.09.2014
Share valuations and expert opinions
One director is going to buy another shareholding in the company. As they can’t agree on the fair market price, they’ve decided to appoint an independent expert to assess it. Will that expert’s valuation be binding?
PERSONNEL - 30.09.2014
Employees: who’s paying for their replacement?
An employee has quit without warning and, therefore, not worked their notice period. Are you entitled to deduct the cost of hiring a replacement from your former employee’s final salary payment?
IT - 30.09.2014
Cloud computing: the bare risk
Due to the potential cost savings, many smaller companies are either using, or considering, cloud computing. However, as a number of celebrities found out in September 2014, it’s not 100% safe. What do you need to know?
BUSINESS - WEB SERVICES - 30.09.2014
Time tracking with Teamito
When you bill on an hourly basis keeping track of the number of hours you’ve worked can be quite a chore. The recently launched Teamito promises to help you. Does this new webtool deliver?
SOFTWARE - BROWSER - 30.09.2014
New 64-bits Chrome: 25% faster!
Is your computer equipped with a recent processor and do you run the 64-bit version of Windows (7 or 8/8.1)? Then you can now switch to the 64-bit version of Chrome too. What are the advantages?
WEB SERVICES - ONLINE OFFICE - 30.09.2014
Google Docs, better and better
Google Docs and Google Drive are convenient office and storage tools in the cloud. Thanks to some recent changes, working with these tools has become even more efficient.
WEB SERVICES - ONLINE STORAGE - 30.09.2014
More space in the cloud with Dropbox
Dropbox, the most popular cloud service, is finally offering its users more space: up to ten times more, for the same price. What does Dropbox have to offer now, and how does this service compare to other cloud services?
TELEPHONY - SMARTPHONE - 30.09.2014
iPhone 6: worth the wait?
Apple recently launched the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus. What do these devices have to offer? And how about iOS 8 and the upcoming Apple Watch?
BUSINESS - CONSUMER - 30.09.2014
Click & collect brings benefits for all
Internet sales have risen steadily along with a big increase in click ‘n collect as customers aim to avoid waiting for deliveries. We check the status.
SOFTWARE - WINDOWS - 30.09.2014
Windows 8.1 with the look and feel of 7
Many desktop computer or laptop users don’t like the Windows 8 and 8.1 interface, which is mainly intended for touchscreens. How can you make Windows 8.1 resemble Windows 7 again?
WEB SERVICES - PERSONAL START PAGE - 30.09.2014
Your personal start page
In your browser you can set your favourite website as your start page. However, it’s also possible to create a custom-made start page yourself, giving you easy access to your favourite information sources and web addresses.
SOFTWARE - BLOATWARE - 30.09.2014
Clean up your new computer immediately
When you buy a new computer you will notice that a lot of unwanted and annoying software has been preinstalled. How do you get rid of this so-called “bloatware”?
E-MAIL - MAILING LISTS - 30.09.2014
Creating a newsletter using Mad Mimi?
An electronic newsletter is a handy and cheap way to remain in contact with your customers. MailChimp is a well-known service used to create and distribute e-zines. Can Mad Mimi match this?
E-MAIL - E-MAIL USE - 30.09.2014
Working with e-mail filters
Most modern e-mail applications are equipped with a filter function. How do you create filters in your e-mail program or webmail service? How do they work and what is their practical use?
MARKETING - 30.09.2014
Sourcing cheap promotional photos
Your marketing staff are keen to freshen up the website and some of the sales materials. However, you’re worried about the costs of buying or commissioning photos. Are there any cheap options?
STAFF RETENTION - 30.09.2014
Saving on recruitment costs
New research shows that small businesses could lose a fifth of their staff because they’re unhappy in their current jobs. That means recruitment costs could spiral. What can you do to keep them and what might proactive research save you?
MEETINGS - 30.09.2014
Clockwork meetings
Meetings are an essential part of business life, yet their effective management remains a headache for directors. Could a simple investment cut meeting times and save money?
FINANCE DEPARTMENT - 30.09.2014
What it takes to become a finance director
You’ve been a financial controller for three or four years and are now looking to make the next step to finance director. What are the key differences between the two roles and how can you gain the necessary experience?
SPREADSHEETS - 30.09.2014
Using Goal Seek to find the answer
Tucked away in Excel is a little tool which is particularly useful when working with financial forecasts. For example, it can be used to find the break-even point or the sales price needed to make the required profit figure. How does it work?
TECHNOLOGY - 30.09.2014
Selecting timesheet software
Your business has outgrown its manual or spreadsheet-based time recording process so you are now considering using a timesheet software solution. With so many on the market, how do you select the one that best suits your business?
FINANCIAL REPORTING - 30.09.2014
Small company limits to rise
Many medium-sized companies will be able to submit simpler accounts to Companies House under new proposals. Does this mean they won’t need an audit?
CREDIT CONTROL - 30.09.2014
Dealing with a very late paying, but crucial customer
If a key customer is very late paying a bill, you may be reluctant to follow your usual procedures and place the account on hold as you don’t want to sour the relationship. But what else can you do in this situation?
BANKING - 30.09.2014
Managing bank covenants
One of the most important documents that you will come across is the lending agreement you have in place with your bank. The covenants clause is part of that contract. How do you ensure that you don’t breach these covenants?
OFFICE COSTS - 30.09.2014
Free office space?
Many small businesses can’t afford to house all their employees in one place, especially regional sales staff, but could there be a rent-free way to offer staff some much needed office space?
PAYROLL - 30.09.2014
Late filing penalties now in force (for some)
If your company has more than 49 employees, from 6 October 2014 HMRC’s computer will automatically issue a penalty if you submit an RTI return late. What makes an RTI return “late” and what are the penalties?
MATERIALS - 26.09.2014
EU countries using illegal timber
Half of European countries are not implementing regulations designed to stop companies trading in illegally-logged timber. What can you do to make sure you stay within the UK law?
WATER - 26.09.2014
Preventing water pollution
Each year many businesses are prosecuted for polluting groundwater or neighbouring streams. To avoid following suit, use our new water pollution risks checklist to audit your arrangements.
PROPERTY - 26.09.2014
Could your property become unlettable?
Research has identified that, due to forthcoming legal changes, up to 35% of the UK’s non-domestic properties could be unlettable from April 2018. If you’re affected, what should be your response?
HAZARDOUS WASTE - 26.09.2014
Binned - the right way
Research has identified that many businesses are failing to dispose of hazardous waste in the correct way. Might this include you without you knowing it?
WASTE - 26.09.2014
A backtrack on waste regulation?
You’ve heard that site waste management plans (SWMPs) are being reintroduced late in 2014. Is this really the case and, if so, will they cover all types of construction work?
STATUTORY NUISANCE - 26.09.2014
Might you be liable for your commercial tenant’s noise?
A 2014 case provides clarification regarding a landlord’s liability for noise nuisance. If you let out property are you potentially liable? If so, what can you do to distance yourself from it?
HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES - 26.09.2014
New law weeds out non-professionals
You have always kept the weeds at bay by applying pesticide purchased from a local agricultural supplier. But when you tried to top up your stock you were asked to prove you were certificated. Why was this?
LADDERS - 26.09.2014
What’s the deal with the Ladder Exchange?
The HSE has passed on the leadership of its ladder exchange scheme to another body. So does this mean that it’s no longer worth a look, or is there still a deal to be done?
CONTRACTORS - 26.09.2014
Are contractors telling you what you want to hear?
You’re convinced that to get through your selection process some contractors are telling you a pack of lies. Are you right to fear the worst? Plus, if they are lying to you, what should you do about it?
HSE - 26.09.2014
Why the HSE is cashing in
The HSE 2020 Strategy includes a number of startling revelations that could affect many businesses. What has it got up its sleeve?
LIFTING OPERATIONS - 26.09.2014
Carrying suspended loads on a telehandler
The Construction Plant-hire Association (CPA) has published new guidance on the use of telehandlers to carry suspended loads. What risks does the guide identify and what action is advised?
MANUAL HANDLING - 26.09.2014
School pushes off wheelchair claim
The case of Sloan v The Governors of Rastrick High School 2014 provides useful clarification on the best way to manage people handling risks as well as lessons in defending yourself in court. What’s the story?
TRANSPORT - 26.09.2014
“Warning, this vehicle is reversing”
As a case heard in August 2014 shows, there’s no place for confusion when supervising reversing lorries. What contributed to the accident described in court and how can you avoid the same happening in your workplace?
HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES - 26.09.2014
Changes to petrol legislation
New regulations which affect the use and storage of petroleum come into force on 1 October 2014. Are you likely to be affected and what might you need to do to become compliant?
UNFAIR DISMISSAL - 22.09.2014
Unfairly sacked for not preventing harassment
When an employee was kicked unconscious at his desk his manager was sacked for “failing to adequately protect him from harassment”. Why did the tribunal rule that her dismissal was actually unfair?
HOLIDAYS - 22.09.2014
Failed to return from their holiday
An employee was due back from holiday at the beginning of the week. However, they didn’t turn up or make contact. If there’s no sign of them by Friday, can you assume they’ve quit and terminate their employment?
E-MAIL POLICY - 22.09.2014
Work e-mail addresses: for work only
Although a work e-mail address should be used for business purposes only, many employees think that they can be treated just like a personal e-mail account. As this could land you in hot water, what’s the answer?
TUPE - 22.09.2014
TUPE transfer: is the consultation binding?
You’ve been talking to another firm about taking over its business and have consulted with the affected employees under TUPE. If the deal doesn’t go ahead, could those employees still claim there was a TUPE transfer?
GRIEVANCES - 22.09.2014
Grievances: must they be put in writing?
The Acas Code of Practice says that employees “should” put formal grievances in writing. However, its ambiguous wording has led some experts to conclude that this isn’t actually a requirement. What’s the legal position?
DRESS CODES - 22.09.2014
Acas’ new guidance on dress codes
In September 2014 Acas issued new guidance for employers on dress codes and how to draft them. Is the advice of any use?
TIME OFF - 22.09.2014
Time off: caring for a terminally ill dependant
An employee has just taken dependant’s leave as a close relative has been diagnosed with a terminal illness. They now want further time off in order to provide care. What are your options?
CAPITAL GAINS TAX - 16.09.2014
Can you get your share capital back tax free?
You and your fellow shareholders started a company with £50,000 of share capital each. Now the business is established and doesn’t need your money can you take some of it back without triggering a massive tax bill?
TAX CREDITS - 16.09.2014
Missed the tax credits deadline - it’s not too late
The deadline for renewing your tax credits was 31 July. If you missed it you might lose some of your entitlement permanently. The good news is that there could still be time to avoid that happening. What do you need to do?
CORPORATION TAX - 16.09.2014
Choosing a tax-efficient accounting date
Your company got off to a slow start, but with the end of its first year in sight it’s doing well. Should you prepare accounts for the period specified by Companies House or can you change it to something more tax efficient?
INVESTMENT - 16.09.2014
Can you still take advantage of BPRA schemes?
You’ve heard that HMRC is clamping down on investment schemes that use the business premises renovation allowance (BPRA) to reduce tax bills. You were thinking of putting money into one, but is it still safe to do so?
BENEFITS - 16.09.2014
Tax-efficient maintenance for your ex
Our subscriber’s company pays certain bills for his former wife as part of their divorce settlement. He’s been paying tax on them as a benefit in kind, but is he right to do so?
VAT - 16.09.2014
Recovering pre-registration VAT on software
You’re completing your company’s first VAT return and have asked HMRC whether you can reclaim the VAT on software you bought about a year ago. It has told you “no”, but is it correct?
PAYE - 16.09.2014
New RTI penalties
HMRC is soon to start sending penalty notices to employers who make late RTI reports. It’s expected that many will be sent in error. What steps should you take if you receive one?
SOFTWARE - WINDOWS - 15.09.2014
Make Windows 8.1 more efficient
Have you upgraded Windows 8 to Windows 8.1? Good, because this version is a lot more user-friendly than its predecessor. The following tips will make your operating system even more efficient.
SOFTWARE - WINDOWS - 15.09.2014
Useful apps for Windows
Are you looking for a program to perform a specific task on your computer? You may find something particularly useful in the following selection of apps for Windows.
BUSINESS - TRAVEL - 15.09.2014
The changing face of business travel
Travel accommodation company Airbnb has revamped its website and is also targeting business users. The “Uber” folks are taking a similar approach.
SECURITY - PRIVACY - 15.09.2014
Deleting files definitively
You may not realise this but when you delete a file it doesn’t really disappear from your hard drive. So what should you do to delete confidential files definitively when you’re planning to sell your computer?
TELEPHONY - SMARTPHONE - 15.09.2014
Better than the default keyboard
The ease with which you type on your smartphone or tablet obviously depends on your keyboard. Is the well-known SwiftKey a good alternative for the default keyboard?
BUSINESS - WEB SERVICES - 15.09.2014
Creating presentations with Haiku Deck
Most people will instinctively turn to the familiar PowerPoint to make a presentation. This is an excellent choice, but perhaps you don’t need all of its bells and whistles. Is the new web service Haiku Deck a good alternative?
WEB SERVICES - ONLINE PHOTOS - 15.09.2014
Your (holiday) photos online
It’s easy to e-mail just a couple of photos or post them on Facebook, but if you want to share lots of photos, you will have to make them available online. What are good services for this purpose, and what should you pay attention to?
BUSINESS - MISCELLANEOUS - 15.09.2014
The ideal mix
Internet, intranet and extranet are network architectures which use the same underlying technology but which each have their own role to play. What do you use them for and how can you combine them into an efficient whole?
WEB SERVICES - CLOUD STORAGE - 15.09.2014
Your personal cloud storage system
Public cloud storage services such as OneDrive, Google Drive or Dropbox are very convenient, but you’re never 100% sure that your data is really private. Why not create your own personal cloud storage service?
SOFTWARE - AUDIO - 15.09.2014
Edit audio files
Would you like to integrate an audio file into your website or play some music during your presentation? Then you need to edit or trim the MP3 file first. Which tools can help you?
SOFTWARE - APPS - 15.09.2014
“Indispensable” apps for your iPad
There are tens of thousands of apps for the iPad available in the App Store. Which ones should you try? Here’s our selection of lesser-known but nevertheless useful iPad apps.
PERSONNEL - 12.09.2014
Agency workers and right to work checks
You need an extra pair of hands and have decided to bring in a temporary agency worker. A fellow director believes there’s a potential £20,000 civil penalty if you don’t properly carry out a right to work check. Is this correct?
COST CUTTING - 12.09.2014
Cut the cost of foreign exchange
If your company does business abroad as a buyer or seller you’ll know that currency transactions through your bank attract stiff fees and charges. How can you reduce those costs?
DIRECTORS’ TAX - 12.09.2014
Turn a supplier’s discount into a tax-free benefit
A friend tells you that instead of discounts from suppliers she asks for extra goods free of charge. As they cost nothing she believes she can transfer ownership to herself without it being taxed as a benefit in kind. Is she correct?
DIRECTORS’ TAX - 12.09.2014
Entrepreneurs’ relief - a tax trap for directors
Should you decide to sell your shares in the company you can look forward to paying just 10% tax on any capital gain you make. However, a simple oversight can mean you losing out on this tax break. How can you avoid the trap?
