2014 -
December
PERSONAL WEBSITE - SITE DESIGN - 23.12.2014
Is your site ready for mobile visitors?
More and more people are using their smartphones or tablets as tools for looking up information or for online shopping. It’s therefore important that your website should be easily accessible to mobile visitors. How can you check this yourself?
WEB SERVICES - VIDEO - 23.12.2014
Tools for YouTube
You can find just about anything on YouTube these days, from pure entertainment to video material for professional purposes. We tested three tools which can make you do even more with this popular video channel.
COMPUTER - MONITOR - 23.12.2014
Use your TV as an extra computer monitor
Perhaps you have one of those expensive flat-screen televisions at home? Have you ever considered using it as a computer monitor? Why would you want to do that and how do you do connect your devices?
SECURITY - WIRELESS - 23.12.2014
Safe surfing on a public Wi-Fi network
Do you sometimes use public Wi-Fi networks, for example in shops, restaurants, on the train or in airports or railway stations? Then it’s best to apply a couple of security tips. What should you do?
TELEPHONY - ANDROID - 23.12.2014
Transferring data to your new Android device
If you’ve just bought a new Android smartphone or tablet, you will probably want to transfer all your existing data from the old device to the new one. How do you do this?
WEB SERVICES - ONLINE OFFICE - 23.12.2014
Charts: new tools
Do you need to turn your sales figures or product stocks into a chart? You will probably automatically turn to Microsoft Excel. But perhaps the new tools Chartcube and Charted are equally good?
CONSUMERS - FINANCE - 23.12.2014
Mobile apps for your wallet
Most banks offer mobile apps which allow you to check your accounts and make payments using your smartphone or tablet. However, there are also apps which help you control your spending.
WEB SERVICES - ONLINE OFFICE - 23.12.2014
Tips for using OneNote more productively
Microsoft OneNote is a handy digital notebook for recording, saving and sharing all kinds of information. The following tips will allow you to make even better use of this tool.
COMPUTER - HARDWARE - 23.12.2014
A second life for your old computer
Suppose you’ve bought a new computer and you don’t know what to do with your old device. You can of course sell it or give it away, but here are some alternative options.
E-MAIL - E-MAIL SOFTWARE - 23.12.2014
Inky & co
Inky is a somewhat different e-mail application which is now also available for mobile devices. You may not be familiar with Inky yet, so it’s high time for an in-depth investigation.
BUSINESS - JOBS - 23.12.2014
People wanted! Jobs wanted!
It’s a new year and we’ve checked top sites, some with innovative approaches for employers, employees and job seekers.
LOANS - 23.12.2014
Are company loans to relatives taxable?
HMRC says that the loan made by our subscriber’s company to her son is taxable on her as a benefit in kind. What’s more, it’s asking for extra corporation tax from the company. Is HMRC correct or can both tax charges be avoided?
VAT - 23.12.2014
VAT trap for company vans
Following a recent tax inspection you’ve received a letter demanding VAT on your employees’ personal use of company vans. The inspector wants VAT for each of your vans for the last four years. Can this be right?
IHT - 23.12.2014
Why business owners shouldn’t ignore trusts
You’re updating your will and your solicitor suggests leaving the shares in your company to a trust. You’ve steered clear of these until now as they seem complex and cost money to set up. But can tax savings make them worthwhile?
CAPITAL ALLOWANCES - 23.12.2014
Is it ever too late to claim capital allowances?
Your new accountant has been pawing over your business records and identified expenses going back ten years for which no tax deductions have been claimed. He says a claim can still be made. It sounds a bit dodgy to you, is it really OK?
CAPITAL GAINS TAX - 23.12.2014
CGT break on goodwill scrapped - is it all bad news?
The Autumn Statement slammed the door on a long-standing tax break for business owners who transfer their trade to a company. But, as the saying goes, when one door closes another opens. Is there still a chance of tax relief?
HMRC - 23.12.2014
Autumn Statement’s big changes
There were surprises in this year’s Autumn Statement for property buyers and businesses considering incorporation. What’s the full story?
DISPUTES - 23.12.2014
Challenge the Taxman - if you can afford the wait
HMRC’s tax enquiries have become increasingly aggressive. This has led to a huge backlog of tax appeals waiting to be heard. In view of this, what alternative steps can you take to resolve a quarrel with an awkward inspector?
SPREADSHEETS - 23.12.2014
Handling multiple criteria
You want to calculate total sales by month for each member of a team but your accounting software isn’t up to the job. How can you use Excel to produce such a report?
ONLINE SALES - 23.12.2014
How to sell more online
Research shows that only 20% of webshop visitors have the intention to buy. So, is there a simple, cheap and effective way to get more people spending and not just browsing?
AUDITS - 23.12.2014
Is it time for a change of auditors?
It’s a new year and the audit is due soon so now would be a good time to review this key supplier relationship. While cost is an important factor when choosing auditors, what else should you be looking for?
PAYROLL - 23.12.2014
2015/16 (and beyond) payroll changes
The 2014 Autumn Statement announced several changes to tax and NI. What do you need to know to prepare for the 2015/16 payroll year?
PERSONNEL - 23.12.2014
Passing on the bonus?
It’s got to the time of year when you’re thinking about annual bonuses - or how to defer them for another year perhaps. But do staff really want the money? Research suggests not. What’s to know?
PRICING - 23.12.2014
Supplier costs in project quotations
Your project managers prepare quotations for customer projects using Excel and this has led to a number of problems including confusion as to how they should be budgeting for supplier costs. How can you help them?
CREDIT CONTROL - 23.12.2014
How useful is days sales outstanding as a measure?
You’ve been considering the performance of the credit control team as you think they could do better. The company has always used days sales outstanding as the key measurement of credit control performance. Are there alternatives?
BENEFITS IN KIND - 23.12.2014
Pay for the holiday with the company card
If you use your company credit card for personal purchases, it counts as a benefit in kind on which you’ll be taxed and might have to pay National Insurance. So can using your company credit card for a holiday purchase save you money?
MANAGEMENT REPORTING - 23.12.2014
Sensitivity analysis in the monthly accounts
The directors find your monthly reporting pack very useful. However, after their board meeting they keep asking you for “what if” analyses. How can you build some sensitivity into your monthly reporting packs?
PERSONNEL - 23.12.2014
A saving with homeworking?
Although not a new concept, homeworking still has a bit of a stigma in the UK. However, a new report suggests that it could save businesses money. Is this right and, if so, how much?
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE - 23.12.2014
Getting paid in bitcoin
With companies like Dell and Expedia now accepting bitcoin as a form of payment, is it time for your company to jump on the digital currency’s bandwagon? And if you do, what will be the tax consequences?
PERSONNEL - 23.12.2014
Must you pay subcontractors holiday pay?
A fellow director is in a panic. She’s been told that any company which uses self-employed subcontractors must now pay those individuals holiday pay. Surely this isn’t true?
COMPANY LAW - 23.12.2014
Subsidiaries - why every company should have one
Your company is about to start a new venture. Like all new businesses it’s not guaranteed to succeed. You and your fellow directors have been discussing the best way to manage the risk. Might a subsidiary be the best option?
COMPANY LAW - 23.12.2014
Changing the company’s name
There’s a whole host of reasons why a company might want to change its registered name. How can this be done and is there an alternative option that would also satisfy Companies House (CH)?
COST CUTTING - 23.12.2014
Keeping track of employee expenses
You employ several mobile employees who incur thousands in expenses every year. You’re worried about the accuracy of their claims and the time it takes to administer them. What steps can you take to improve your systems?
TAX - CAPITAL ALLOWANCES - 23.12.2014
Maximising tax relief on equipment
Your new company is in the process of buying some office equipment, but needs extra funds to do it. You can lend it the money, but a colleague suggests purchasing the equipment yourself might be more tax efficient. Is he right?
DIRECTORS’ DUTIES - 23.12.2014
Directors’ duties and historic breaches
It’s come to your attention that, some years ago, a former director breached his duties and this resulted in financial losses. Can the company pursue him personally for compensation or is any court action now time barred?
TAX - 23.12.2014
Autumn Statement highlights
The Chancellor announced a few tax breaks for businesses in the 2014 Autumn Statement. Which of them can your company take advantage of?
OUTPUT VAT - PAWNED GOODS - 23.12.2014
VAT due on pawned goods?
The market for pawned goods has increased greatly over the last few years with many jewellers and other businesses now operating in the sector, not just traditional pawnbrokers. What are the VAT consequences?
OUTPUT VAT - PARKING FINES - 23.12.2014
Any VAT on parking penalties?
Like most employers, your staff out on the road pick up parking fines from time to time. The VAT position of these fines has caused confusion over the last few years but seems to have finally been decided. What’s the story?
PROPERTY - 23.12.2014
How to revoke an option to tax
It’s not unusual for a business to purchase a building, opt to tax it and then decide that this was the wrong thing to do. Once you’ve opted to tax can you subsequently get out of it?
FINANCIAL SERVICES - 23.12.2014
European ruling could cost millions
A European ruling looks set to slap an additional tax burden on financial services businesses. This could have a particular impact in the UK. What’s the story?
PROPERTY - 23.12.2014
Build a house, then live in it
What’s the VAT recovery position when you start a building project and then decide to live in the property yourself? What will HMRC allow and will you need to join a scheme?
CAPITAL LOSSES - 23.12.2014
Avoiding the pitfalls of share loss relief
It’s helpful for a client to be able to set a capital loss on certain unquoted shares against income but, as two 2014 cases show, there are strict and unforgiving conditions to be met. What do you need to make clients aware of?
BENEFITS IN KIND - 23.12.2014
How to turn a yacht into a legitimate business expense
In a 2014 case a management training business was permitted to write off the cost of an ocean-going yacht against corporation tax without the directors incurring a benefit-in-kind charge. Could any of your clients do a similar thing?
CAPITAL GAINS TAX - 23.12.2014
No ER on goodwill on incorporation
Entrepreneurs’ relief on the transfer of goodwill on incorporation was abolished in the Autumn Statement. What should you be advising on incorporations now?
PROPERTY TAX - 23.12.2014
Changes to private residence relief from April 2015
From April 2015 the rules on private residence relief eligibility are changing. They will predominantly affect non-residents but could also have an impact on UK residents with overseas homes. What do your clients need to be aware of?
RESIDENCY - 23.12.2014
The statutory residence test in practice
The statutory residence test was introduced in 2013/14 to provide certainty to those who need to determine their tax residence for a given year. But how do the rules work in practice and what traps might be lurking to catch out the unwary?
INSURANCE - 22.12.2014
Insurers are digging deep
If your insurer has completed a “risk rating” audit of your premises, you may find demands to make environmental improvements included in the findings. Will you be expected to cover the entire cost of the work?
MARKETING - 22.12.2014
Green credential checks
More organisations are checking the green credentials of their suppliers and contractors than ever before. What questions could be facing you in the future?
ADVISORY AGENCIES - 22.12.2014
Who to speak to for green advice?
As of December 2014 there are approximately 800 separate sources of advice on environmental matters available to businesses in the UK. Are there any in particular that you should be seeking out?
ENERGY SAVING - 22.12.2014
Rural heating options
Research suggests that British businesses are wasting money and creating tonnes of carbon because they use oil rather than LPG. Is this correct and should you switch?
ENERGY LABELLING - 22.12.2014
Online energy labels
On January 1 2015 the rules regarding energy labels for some products are changing. What brought about these changes, what’s different and is this likely to make much difference to you?
POLLUTION - 22.12.2014
Fined for polluting the sea and a watercourse
Southern Water was fined £500,000 after an investigation found that untreated sewage was discharged into a local brook. What can be learned from this unfortunate case?
RECYCLING - 22.12.2014
New recycling targets for glass packaging
The government has announced new targets for glass recycling. What are these and what are the implications for those dealing with glass products and packaging?
VIOLENCE AT WORK - 19.12.2014
Company robbed and then fined for it
A national newsagent has been ordered to pay fines and costs of £228,000 after pleading guilty to safety offences. How did getting robbed become a crime and what can you do to avoid finding yourself in the same position?
SLIPS, TRIPS AND FALLS - 19.12.2014
Could you be liable for a slip on someone else’s site?
In an unusual case heard in November 2014, it was argued that a hotel was liable for a non-employee’s slipping accident even though the incident location was not under its control. What’s the story?
RIDDOR - 19.12.2014
Tick the right box!
A subscriber had a shock when an officer from the HSE called to offer their condolences for their recently deceased member of staff - however, they weren’t dead! How did this happen and how can you avoid a similar experience?
WORK AT HEIGHT - 19.12.2014
Official guidance on using mobile platforms
The HSE has published guidance on selecting and using mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs). What practices are recommended and is there anything new to consider?
NOISE - 19.12.2014
Can you overdo it with hearing protection?
You need to select ear defenders for use with a noisy machine, but you’re not sure of the specification required. Is it best to simply choose the product which offers the most protection?
OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH - 19.12.2014
No time to lose against cancer
The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) has launched a two-year campaign to tackle cancer. Should you check it out?
ENFORCEMENT - 19.12.2014
Trends in accidents, ill health and enforcement
In November 2014 the HSE published its Health and Safety Statistics: Annual Report for Great Britain 2013/14. What pictures do these figures paint and how should you use the information?
PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT - 15.12.2014
Picking up on a revolting habit
You’ve received a number of complaints from staff about a colleague who has a rather revolting personal habit - he constantly picks his nose. What’s the best way to tackle this unpleasant situation?
HOLIDAYS - 15.12.2014
Should you allow staff to sell back annual leave?
One way to boost staff motivation levels is to allow employees to buy additional annual leave. But what about the opposite arrangement, whereby employees are allowed to sell holiday back to you? Is this an equally good idea?
MISCONDUCT - 15.12.2014
Fighting after the staff party
Mix a large quantity of alcohol with a clash of personalities during a work party and it can spell trouble. Let’s suppose a fight breaks out between two employees after the event has finished. Does this justify disciplinary action?
TRIBUNALS - 15.12.2014
How is early conciliation working?
Employees must now apply to Acas for early conciliation (EC) before they can lodge a tribunal claim. But how many of them go to the tribunal if this attempt to settle their claim fails?
WORK AND PARENTS - 15.12.2014
Introducing a shared parental leave policy
On 1 December 2014 the Shared Parental Leave Regulations came into force. They introduce a statutory right which will be available to all eligible parents whose child is due to be born on, or after, 5 April 2015. What must you do now to prepare?
RECRUITMENT - 15.12.2014
Responding to speculative CVs
Employers often receive CVs that have been sent in on a speculative basis, either by a recruitment agency or a job seeker. How can you reject unsolicited applications safely?
RESIGNATIONS - 15.12.2014
Resignation costs employer £49,000!
An employer has been ordered to pay a former employee who resigned compensation totalling £49,000. This was all down to one fatal mistake. So what did it do that was wholly unacceptable?
INHERITANCE TAX - 12.12.2014
New intestacy rules and the IHT consequences
If you’ve been given the job of sorting out the estate of someone who died without a will, you’ll need to know about the intestacy rules as they can lead to unexpected IHT bills. What steps can you take to reduce or avoid them?
CORPORATION TAX - 12.12.2014
Patent box tax break cut short
The patent box scheme offers a 10% tax rate for companies which innovate. However it’s soon to be closed. How long do you have to take advantage?
EXPENSES - 12.12.2014
Tax deductions for personalised car registrations
Although personalised plates are part of a vehicle, HMRC says capital allowances can’t be claimed on their cost. However, an alternative form of tax relief is available for companies. What is it and is it worth using?
CARS - 12.12.2014
Get a little extra from your mileage allowances
If an employee uses their own car for business journeys, you can pay them a tax and NI-free mileage allowance. This can be tax efficient for them, but there’s not much in it for you. How can you use a legitimate scheme to cut your costs?
PAYE - 12.12.2014
Don’t get caught for your employees’ tax bills
If your payroll clerk makes an error that results in an employee not paying enough tax, HMRC can use its powers to make you liable for the underpayment. What steps can you take to reduce the risk of this happening?
TRAVEL - 10.12.2014
Fully prepared for winter disruption?
Some weather forecasters are predicting the harshest winter for decades but many small businesses will still be caught off guard if the worst does happen. What can you do now to prepare?
COMPANY TAX - 10.12.2014
Tax deductions for holiday homes
You’re thinking of buying an apartment in the Alps for the skiing in winter and walking holidays in summer. In might also make a decent investment. You could buy personally, but might it be more tax efficient for your company to?
BANKING - 10.12.2014
Using a personal account for company business
From time to time you use your personal bank account for company business. Your bookkeeper says that this is illegal or at least breaks the terms and conditions of the account. Is he right and what are the consequences if he is?
PERSONNEL - 10.12.2014
Can you really ignore a flexible working request?
During a live radio interview in November 2014 the Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg, repeatedly insisted that businesses “have the right to ignore flexible working requests”. Is this really true?
DIRECTORS’ LIABILITY - 10.12.2014
Delegated financial tasks and disqualification
To reduce your ever-increasing workload, you’re thinking about delegating certain financial tasks to a trusted employee. Once they’re up and running, can you let them get on with things and have no further involvement?
PROFIT EXTRACTION - 10.12.2014
A tax-saving plan using dividends and company cars
Dividends are usually the most tax-efficient way to extract profit from your business. But if you have a company car there’s a legitimate way to use dividends to generate extra tax and NI savings. How’s it done?
