2018 -
May
RETURNS - 29.05.2018
Is your tax return valid?
The First-tier Tribunal recently considered whether a tax return submitted voluntarily gave HMRC its usual rights to investigate the figures. Where do you stand if HMRC asks questions about a return you sent voluntarily?
PROPERTY - 29.05.2018
Cash basis - decision time for some landlords
As a landlord you might need to make extra calculations when completing your 2017/18 tax return because of the new basis for working out profit. What sort of adjustments are required and is there a way to avoid having to make them?
EMPLOYMENT STATUS - IR35 - 29.05.2018
The big IR35 consultation
HMRC has published its keenly awaited consultation on the future of IR35. Radical changes are ahead for some freelancers and those who hire them. How could you be affected?
IHT - 29.05.2018
Estate planning - timing your gifts to save tax
Gifts usually play a major part in planning estates for inheritance tax (IHT) efficiency. Giving away cash and other assets is the easiest way to achieve this, but there’s a right and a wrong way to do it. How can you avoid getting it wrong?
VAT - 29.05.2018
Annual accounting - how to make it work for you
A business associate says that his firm uses VAT annual accounting to help with its cash flow. What are the conditions for joining the scheme and can it offer you the same cash-flow advantages?
PROFIT EXTRACTION - 29.05.2018
Taking stock (from your business)
Following a PAYE inspection, our subscriber received a letter from HMRC about goods he took from his company for personal use. Surprisingly, the letter wasn’t about benefits in kind, but increased tax on profits. What was the problem?
CAPITAL GAINS TAX - 29.05.2018
Personal or corporate investment - which is better?
You have the opportunity to buy shares in a new company with good prospects. You can afford to make the investment personally, but might you be better off doing it through your company?
SECURITY - PRIVACY - 29.05.2018
What permissions should you give Facebook?
To comply with the new European privacy regulations, Facebook will explicitly ask you to grant certain permissions in the coming weeks. Which permissions should you grant and what should you pay attention to?
PERSONAL WEBSITE - WEBSITE DESIGN - 29.05.2018
The best DIY kit for your website?
Do you want to build and maintain your own website without any technical knowledge and at a low cost? Use a DIY kit. Here’s our checklist to help you make the right choice.
TELEPHONY - SMARTPHONES - 29.05.2018
Handy widgets for your Android device
If you have an Android device, it is a good idea to install so-called “widgets” on the start screen. What exactly are these widgets and which ones should you try out?
SOFTWARE - BROWSER - 29.05.2018
Optimise your privacy settings in Chrome
The Google Chrome browser by default saves a great deal of privacy-sensitive information about you. How do you review your privacy settings and optimise them?
WEB SERVICES - ONLINE STORAGE - 29.05.2018
Free up space on Google Drive and Gmail
Google offers an ample 15GB of storage for Gmail and Google Drive. Still, there may come a time that you run out of online storage. How do you free up space in the Google cloud?
E-MAIL - WEBMAIL - 29.05.2018
The “new” Gmail for smarter e-mailing
After having remained more or less the same for many years, Gmail has been completely revamped. What can you expect, and is this really an improvement?
SOFTWARE - WINDOWS - 29.05.2018
Get started with the Windows 10 April Update
Microsoft has a habit of releasing a major update of Windows 10 several times a year. So what’s new in the April 2018 Update (also called the Spring Creators Update)?
COMPUTER - DISPLAY - 29.05.2018
Protect your eyes
You and your co-workers will probably be spending hours in front of the computer screen. This can cause irritated, tired, red or runny eyes. How can you avoid any discomfort?
LEISURE - TRAVEL - 29.05.2018
Taking a well-deserved break
Summer is coming and lots of “special deals” can be found online. We have taken a look at sites that can help those who want to go travelling.
WEB SERVICES - ONLINE COMMUNITIES - 29.05.2018
New business options in Pinterest
It is said that “a picture tells a thousand words”. The popular Pinterest can help you to spread your visual message worldwide. A good idea, even in a business context!
BUSINESS - WEB SERVICES - 29.05.2018
How to evaluate your business ideas
Suppose you’re planning to launch a new product, open an extra branch or present an innovative business plan. Which tools help you to sound out your customers?
TAX - 29.05.2018
HMRC reporting - contractors risk heavy fines
Your firm pays subcontractors, the details of which it reports to HMRC under the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS). However, your bookkeeper now says that you should be sending additional reports or face fines. What’s she referring to?
EMPLOYMENT - 29.05.2018
Zero in on zero hours?
The number of zero-hours contracts (ZHCs) in use across the UK has increased to 1.8 million, according to figures released in April 2018. Despite the bad press, is this something for you?
COST CUTTING - 29.05.2018
Cost cutting: paper towels v hand dryers?
It’s been suggested that you could dramatically cut costs by removing paper hand towels from your toilet facilities and installing hand dryers instead. Is this true and are there any other benefits?
ENERGY - 29.05.2018
Energy reviews made easy
Summer is the perfect time to look at your energy waste, so that you can make any changes before autumn arrives and save the most money. What form does a simple energy audit take and is it really worth doing?
GDPR - 29.05.2018
The GDPR: ICO’s guidance on consent
The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has issued new guidance on consent under the GDPR. Why should those who are responsible for data protection in your business read and follow it?
TAX - CARS - 29.05.2018
What are the best company cars for tax deductions?
Usually, it takes decades for businesses to obtain tax relief for the full cost of a car. However, some automatically qualify for relief sooner, while for others you can take steps to legitimately speed it up. How’s it done?
IN THIS ISSUE - THE EIS - 25.05.2018
Making the most of the EIS
The enterprise investment scheme is a collection of generous tax reliefs aimed at encouraging private investment in fledgling companies. You may be aware of the basic framework of the rules and how to claim relief on the tax return, but what happens if one of your company clients wants advice on whether a prospective investor can claim the relief? What do you need to know to advise in 2018/19?
MAKING TAX DIGITAL - 25.05.2018
Pilot for self-employed clients now open
HMRC has launched a Making Tax Digital (MTD) pilot, with income tax being the focus. Which of your clients can join it and what might be the benefits of doing so?
EMPLOYMENT STATUS - 25.05.2018
Are your clients safe from the IR35 crackdown?
HMRC is considering whether to extend the public sector IR35 rules to the private sector. A recent case involving a BBC presenter highlighted the cost of getting things wrong, so how can you help your clients?
CAPITAL GAINS TAX - 25.05.2018
How to avoid a double tax trap on development land
One of your clients has land with development potential. They are teaming up with a neighbour in order to jointly sell a larger combined plot, but this could lead to a double tax trap. What can you advise to avoid this?
VAT - 25.05.2018
When do you need to apportion output tax?
When your clients sell goods or services, there are occasions when VAT is not payable on the full selling price. Are there any concrete rules on how to do this, and how could your approach save your client money?
STAMP DUTY LAND TAX - 25.05.2018
Taking advantage of multiple dwellings relief
If your clients make purchases that consist of several properties, they could claim multiple dwellings relief. Will this always be worthwhile, and how can you make sure they don’t end up paying more than necessary?
WASTE - 25.05.2018
Waste legislation to be overhauled
Members of the European Parliament have given the green light to new waste laws and have set new recycling targets. What can you expect from these policies?
AIR POLLUTION - 25.05.2018
Air pollution from construction
According to the Considerate Constructors Scheme, more needs to be done to tackle air pollution. What should you consider?
ENERGY SAVING - 25.05.2018
How to save energy and money in the office
As part of your environmental strategy you are looking for ways to reduce your office energy consumption. Use our checklist to identify your current strengths and weaknesses.
FIRE - 25.05.2018
Waste fires at illegal site
A waste company director has been fined following three fires at an illegal waste wood storage site he had abandoned in Cambridgeshire. What were the consequences for both him and the landlord?
PROPERTY - 25.05.2018
More interested in green risk
Taking account of environmental, social and governance (ESG) risks is increasingly popular with property investors. What does this mean for landlords and tenants of commercial property now and in the future?
FUEL - 25.05.2018
New rules for clean transport fuels
New renewable transport fuel rules came into effect in April 2018. What changes have been made and what are the implications for fleet managers and businesses making renewable energy?
MARKETING - 25.05.2018
A smaller price to pay for footprint labels
A new way to calculate the impact of products and services is on the way and it could reportedly save small and medium-sized businesses thousands of pounds. When is it coming in and might it be worth a look?
ENFORCEMENT - 25.05.2018
What you tell a solicitor may not be secret
When you make a statement to your company’s solicitor as part of an internal accident investigation, it could potentially be used against you in a prosecution. What do you need to know?
DSE - 25.05.2018
Study shows standing desks are bad for health
Standing at a desk has been promoted as beneficial to health and has led to some employers buying expensive height-adjustable desks. But now a study has shown that there are health risks associated with standing. What was found?
WORKPLACE TRANSPORT - 25.05.2018
Learn from what has happened before
Royal Mail has been accused of not learning from previous workplace transport incidents after an employee was run over. Is this fair and where did it go wrong on this occasion?
HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES - 25.05.2018
Company fined after worker engulfed in flames
Opening a container of petrol may seem relatively harmless, but flammable liquids can cause serious burns if not handled with care. What happened in a recent case and what precautions are required?
HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES - 25.05.2018
Dangerous substances campaign
The EU has launched a two-year dangerous substance campaign. What is the objective and is it worth a look?
PLANT AND EQUIPMENT - 25.05.2018
What training is needed to operate a mini-digger?
As you’re looking to hire a mini-digger you need to know what level of training is required for your employees to operate it. You understand that the hire company will provide some basic training, but is that enough?
FOOD HYGIENE - 25.05.2018
Kitchen planning
You’re growing your business and moving into food preparation. You’ve been told that you’ll need to re-design your kitchen area. What are the key safety and hygiene considerations?
EXIT PROCESS - 18.05.2018
Managing a successful exit process
It’s a fact of business life that even the best and most valued employees move on to new roles. What might be the benefits of a well-designed and easily analysed exit process?
SICKNESS ABSENCE - 18.05.2018
Can you challenge a fit note?
Fit notes will either certify that an employee isn’t currently fit for work or that they may only be fit provided certain changes are made. However, if you don’t agree with the doctor’s assessment on the fit note, what can you do about it?
DATA PROTECTION - 18.05.2018
Handling data subject access requests under the GDPR
Once the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) takes effect on 25 May 2018, you could see an unwelcome surge in data subject access requests from employees. How can you ensure compliance with the new regime?
SEX DISCRIMINATION - 18.05.2018
Failure to pay enhanced shared parental pay not discriminatory
The Employment Appeal Tribunal has ruled that an employer’s failure to pay a male employee enhanced shared parental pay when it paid enhanced maternity pay to female employees was not direct sex discrimination. What’s the impact for employers?
CONTRACTS - 18.05.2018
Restrictive covenants - when do they work?
Restrictive covenants can impose important restrictions on employees after employment termination. However, they’re the most difficult provisions of the employment contract to draft. Why is this and what drafting tips might help you?
HARASSMENT - 18.05.2018
Don’t gag your employees!
As the “#MeToo” movement continues to grow, is it time to review your confidentiality provisions in employment contracts and settlement agreements?
FOREIGN WORKERS - 18.05.2018
EU workers’ rights post-Brexit
Following a year of negotiations, there’s now an agreement for the rights, post-Brexit, of EU nationals living in the UK, including an agreement on the transitional period. What do we know so far?
DATA PROTECTION - GDPR - 18.05.2018
How long can we hold CVs on file?
You’ve interviewed a candidate who was unsuccessful but they may well be suitable for a future job role. Are you permitted to hold their CV on file or does the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) prohibit this?
CONTRACTS - 18.05.2018
Lost equipment and lawful deductions from wages
One of your employees has lost their work laptop and you want to make a deduction from their wages to cover the cost of a replacement. Can you make the deduction automatically?
maternitY - 18.05.2018
Disclosing and asking about pregnancy
In May 2018 it was suggested that a woman who’s aware she is pregnant should be legally obliged to disclose the fact to a new employer - currently, they don’t have to. Can you ask a job applicant if she is pregnant?
TERMINATION - 18.05.2018
When does a notice of termination take effect?
The Supreme Court has considered whether a notice of termination sent by post takes effect when it’s delivered or when it’s read by the employee. What did it decide and how can you protect yourself?
HOLIDAYS - 18.05.2018
Holiday - last minute changes to plans
An employee has booked annual leave that they’re due to take next week. For whatever reason their plans have changed and they want to cancel this time off at the last minute. Must you agree?
SEX DISCRIMINATION - 18.05.2018
£55,000 for being told to lie about marital status
A female employee who complained about harassment by male colleagues has been awarded over £55,000 after her employer failed to deal with the matter properly. Where did this employer go wrong?
PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT - 18.05.2018
The HQ Trivia challenge
The HQ Trivia app is a daily quiz game in which players can win cash prizes. Trouble is it’s played at a time when your staff should be working. How can you manage the potential issues?
STUDENT LOANS - 18.05.2018
Student loans - the new trap to be aware of
They start off as loans but then are collected for 30 years through payroll as soon as the employee graduates. That’s all nice and easy for the government but not so simple for employers. Why not?
BENEFITS COMPLIANCE - 18.05.2018
HMRC targets benefits and expenses
For several weeks in the spring of 2018 HMRC has been issuing letters to large businesses initiating wide-ranging audits of expenses and benefits. If it trickles down to smaller businesses, how should you prepare?
HOLIDAY PAY - 18.05.2018
Holiday pay calculations - all change?
A recent court case means employers and those operating payrolls may have to rethink holiday pay calculations. What do you need to know?
COMPLIANCE - 18.05.2018
Made an error? Should you keep quiet?
PAYE compliance is very much in the spotlight at the moment. So is it better to come clean if you find you’ve done something wrong or wait for HMRC to find out? Which is likely to have the better outcome?
EMPLOYMENT LAW - 18.05.2018
Countdown to Brexit, should you be worried?
It’s less than a year now until we formally leave the EU, even if the transition period will drag things on for a bit. But what changes will there be for employers and how should you prepare for them?
HMRC - MAKING TAX DIGITAL - 15.05.2018
MTD development on a go-slow
HMRC’s CEO has announced that the MTD process for individuals is slowing down to free up resources for work on Brexit. How might this affect you?
PROFIT EXTRACTION - 15.05.2018
Getting your company to pay for your partner’s pension
You want your spouse to have their own pension plan. As they have little income of their own you intend to pay the contributions yourself. Alternatively, would it be more tax efficient to get your company to pay them?
VAT - 15.05.2018
Who pays the VAT when you pass on a supply?
A job for a customer requires work from another business which is not VAT registered. The customer wants you to manage the project and wrap up the bill from the other business with yours. How should you deal with the VAT?
LOSSES - ENQUIRIES - 15.05.2018
HMRC challenges business losses
A Tribunal recently ruled on a dispute between HMRC and a taxpayer over the losses shown in his accounts. What are the useful lessons any business can learn from the outcome?
BENEFITS - 15.05.2018
Cycle to work - is there a price cap?
Better weather is finally here and you’re considering a cycle-to-work scheme. The trouble is the companies marketing them set a price cap of £1,000 and you have your eye on a bike worth more. Is there a way to get what you want?
EXPENSES - 15.05.2018
Flat rate expenses - a good idea or not?
Since 2013 businesses have been allowed to use simplified deductions for motor (and other) expenses, to work out their taxable profits. This sounds like it might suit you, but could you lose tax relief by making the switch?
CAPITAL GAINS TAX - 15.05.2018
Transferring the family business - a tax trap
A few years ago you transferred shares in your company to your children and deferred the capital gain. One of them is now moving abroad. Your accountant warns you this might trigger a tax bill. Why, and can it be avoided?
PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT - 15.05.2018
Football fever?
It’s World Cup year so that means you could be facing hungover employees and requests for time off to watch or even attend the footie. How do you manage this period and keep staff happy?
MOTORING - 15.05.2018
Better driving data
Your accountant has suggested that your mileage records aren’t up to scratch. What are the most economical options for keeping these records and could it save you money?
TAX - REMUNERATION PLANNING - 15.05.2018
Directors - does it always pay to take a salary?
You’ve read that for maximum tax efficiency director shareholders should take a salary of £8,424 for 2018/19. But you have more than one business, plus other income. Should you take a salary from each and if so how much?
TAX - ONLINE TRADING - 15.05.2018
HMRC’s deal with online trading sites
In a move aimed at creating more checks on businesses which trade online, HMRC is in the final stage of a deal with companies like Amazon and eBay. How might this affect your business?
