2020 -
April
CORONAVIRUS - TAX ENQUIRIES - 30.04.2020
Tax enquiries on hold
Businesses and individuals subject to tax enquiries are being given more time to respond to HMRC’s requests for information. What’s the full story?
INCOME TAX - EXPENSES - 30.04.2020
Expenses for volunteer workers - are they taxable?
You’ve volunteered to do some fetching and carrying for a charity. You won’t be paid a wage but the charity is willing to meet your travel costs. Will you have to pay tax on these?
CORONAVIRUS - CHILD BENEFIT - 30.04.2020
Register for child benefit or risk losing out
If you haven’t claimed child benefit because HMRC would claw all of it back through the high income child benefit charge (HICBC), now might be the time to reconsider. Why, and what are the consequences of making a benefits claim now?
CORONAVIRUS - LOSSES - 30.04.2020
Tax break for owners of companies in trouble
Coronavirus is having a devastating effect on the trade of many companies which might result in closure or a negative balance sheet. What tax relief for these losses is available to the shareholders and when can they claim it?
CORPORATION TAX - 30.04.2020
Can you delay tax by changing your accounting date?
A business associate recently told you that his accountant changed his financial account period in order to delay tax liability. Is this something worth considering for your company?
CORONAVIRUS - TRAVEL COSTS - 30.04.2020
Can clients claim home to office travel?
Several of your clients and their employees are working from home due to the coronavirus lockdown. If any of them need to travel to the office, e.g. to collect post, can they be paid a mileage expense tax free?
CORONAVIRUS - MAKING TAX DIGITAL - 30.04.2020
Welcome delay to final phase of MTD
The final phase of Making Tax Digital for VAT has been deferred as HMRC looks to ease pressure on businesses during the pandemic. What’s on ice, when will it be back, and how can you best keep up to date with new developments?
NATIONAL MINIMUM WAGE - 30.04.2020
Are clients aware of the NMW rule changes?
The national minimum wage increases went ahead as planned in April 2020. However, the new rates aren’t the only thing to have changed. What else do you need to make your clients aware of?
CORONAVIRUS - DEREGISTRATION - 30.04.2020
Is VAT deregistration a sensible option?
Many businesses have had to stop trading as result of the coronavirus crisis and others have suffered reduced sales, which could be a long-term problem. Is it possible to deregister some of your clients from VAT, and what do you need to be aware of if so?
MARITAL BREªKDOWN - 30.04.2020
The family home: tax on divorce in 2020/21
Two of your long-standing clients are contemplating divorce after a long marriage. This is amicable, though obviously stressful, and they have requested your advice on avoiding tax charges. Why might a quiet 2020 rule change lead to issues?
VAT - 30.04.2020
Place of supply rules: don’t get caught out by exceptions
In most cases clients supplying services to overseas customers don’t need to charge UK VAT. However, there are exceptions to this. When do these apply, and will things change after the transitional period ends on 31 December 2020?
CORPORATION TAX - 30.04.2020
Changes for non-resident corporate landlords take effect
April 2020 sees the change of tax treatment to some companies which have a UK property business. What’s happening, which clients will be affected and how can you ensure you’re able to continue acting for them?
CORONAVIRUS - DIRECTORS’ DUTIES - 28.04.2020
Wrongful trading rules relaxed
The government has temporarily suspended the wrongful trading rules to ease the pressure on businesses. What do you need to know?
CORONAVIRUS - FURLOUGH - 28.04.2020
While some are furloughed, others work
A non-furloughed employee has complained that they are working really hard for you during the coronavirus pandemic whilst a furloughed colleague sits at home doing nothing and receiving 80% of their salary. How should you respond?
PROFITABILITY - 28.04.2020
Ordering stock wisely
You’ve identified some new product lines that could work well. The margins stack up nicely, but you’re worried about making a large order in the current climate. What should you do to protect the bottom line?
VAT - HOMEWORKING - 28.04.2020
Reclaiming VAT on your home phone bill
Where you or an employee use your home for work it might result in extra costs. As these relate to the business can it reclaim any of the corresponding VAT on those additional costs?
INSURANCE - 28.04.2020
Easing the claims process
You pay a small fortune in insurance premiums every year, but whenever you want to make a claim the insurer makes you jump through hoops. Is there a way to make the whole process more efficient?
CORONAVIRUS - FINANCIAL SUPPORT - 28.04.2020
The latest on coronavirus financial aid and where to find it
Guidance about coronavirus financial aid including help with tax and payroll issues continues to develop making it tricky to keep track of. We’ve rounded up the key facts and included links to the official sites where you can find the latest information on how to access help.
HEALTH & SAFETY - 28.04.2020
Which accidents to report?
You have to report certain accidents to the Health & Safety Executive, but what about all the others - the trivial ones that need a plaster or result in no injuries? How can recording these save you money?
CORONAVIRUS - 27.04.2020
Managing risks during the lockdown
If you’re shutting down some or all of your premises you should take steps to prevent any environmental damage. Where should you focus your efforts?
WATER - 27.04.2020
National action to preserve water resources
The actions needed to ensure we have enough water in the future have been set out by the Environment Agency and partners from across the water industry. What’s the plan?
GREEN INITIATIVES - 27.04.2020
New or remanufactured laptops?
With so many staff working from home due to the pandemic, is it time to consider remanufactured laptops, as opposed to buying brand new? What are the pros and cons of going down this route?
WATER POLLUTION - 27.04.2020
Failure to self-monitor linked to pollution incidents
The company which owns Haven and Butlins holiday parks has been fined £90,000 after partially treated sewage was discharged into a river on three occasions. How did this happen and what could have prevented it?
ENVIRONMENTAL PERMITS - 27.04.2020
Why you should know more about Regulation 38(2)
Regulation 38(2) of the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016 is proving to be costly for non-compliant businesses. What is it and how can you make sure you comply with it?
BUDGET - 27.04.2020
A Budget for the environment?
The Chancellor’s first Budget since 2018 brought plenty of proposals to protect the environment. What significant measures were introduced and how might these affect your business?
ENVIRONMENTAL PERMITS - 27.04.2020
Business dismantled vehicles without a permit
A scrap dealer has been ordered to pay over £400,000 after his efforts to disguise his vehicle dismantling activities failed to fool the Environment Agency (EA). What are the rules and how were his illegal activities discovered?
CORONAVIRUS - HOMEWORKING - 27.04.2020
Temporary homeworking - the laptop issues
With many employees working at home on a temporary basis, you may feel that you need to carry out individual risk assessments for display screen use and supply furniture or equipment. What’s actually necessary?
CORONAVIRUS - RIDDOR - 27.04.2020
RIDDOR reporting of coronavirus
The HSE has clarified when you must report exposure to coronavirus under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013. When is it notifiable?
CORONAVIRUS - LEGIONELLA - 27.04.2020
Controlling legionella risk during the pandemic
One of our subscribers has been told that his entire hot and cold water system will need to have a biocide treatment before he starts up again to prevent Legionnaires’ disease. Is this necessary?
FIRE SAFETY - 27.04.2020
The Fire Safety Bill
A new bill going through Parliament should improve fire safety in buildings in England and Wales which are divided into flats. What changes will it introduce and what action might you need to take?
WORKPLACE - 27.04.2020
Crushed when moving furniture in a lift
A company which owned an Australian-themed bar has been fined for a string of safety failures after one of its employees was crushed in a lift. How did the incident occur and what should have been done to prevent it?
CORONAVIRUS - FOOD HYGIENE - 27.04.2020
Food enforcement during the pandemic
In a seminar for environmental health professionals held in early April 2020, the sector’s strategy on food safety enforcement was revealed. What can you expect from inspectors at this time?
CORONAVIRUS - CONSTRUCTION - 27.04.2020
Is site work allowed?
The principal contractor is demanding that you send your staff back to site. However, they don’t want to go, as they believe it’s unsafe to do so. How should you deal with this awkward situation?
CORONAVIRUS - FURLOUGH - 27.04.2020
Do you need the employee’s written agreement?
Following the publication of the Treasury Direction on the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS), there has been some concern that employers must obtain an employee’s written agreement that they will cease all work to be able to make a valid CJRS claim. Is this correct?
CORONAVIRUS - financial support - 24.04.2020
Guidance on self-employed support
HMRC has issued guidance on how to work out total income and trading profits under the Self-employment Income Support Scheme. Will you qualify?
TRIBUNALS - 23.04.2020
Increases to injury to feelings awards
The three Vento bands which apply to injury to feelings award in discrimination and harassment claims have been uprated from 6 April 2020. What are the new figures?
CORONAVIRUS - PROTECTING STAFF - 23.04.2020
Coronavirus: the position for vulnerable employees
According to expert medical opinion, some employees are at increased risk of severe illness if they contract coronavirus. It’s highly likely that you employ one or more of these employees. What do you need to think about if you do?
VICARIOUS LIABILITY - 23.04.2020
Supreme Court rules no vicarious liability for employers
The Supreme Court has overturned the Court of Appeal’s rulings and found for the employers in two key cases on vicarious liability, one relating to alleged sexual assaults and the other a data protection breach. What are the implications?
CORONAVIRUS - BUDGET - 21.04.2020
Budget announcements
Whilst coronavirus is dominating the headlines and taking up most of your time, you still need to be aware of the announcements in Budget 2020 that affect employers. What’s to know this time around?
CORONAVIRUS - REDUNDANCY - 21.04.2020
Making redundancies to stay afloat
Even with the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme you may have to cut even harder to survive the economic impact of the pandemic. What are the rules if you have to say goodbye to employees? Are there alternatives?
CORONAVIRUS - HOLIDAYS - 21.04.2020
Holiday carry-over rules relaxed
Following the coronavirus outbreak, the government has passed emergency legislation which relaxes the restrictions on the carry-over of untaken holiday. What do you need to know?
CORONAVIRUS - HOMEWORKING - 21.04.2020
Staff rules for professional video meetings
Many employers are now conducting meetings with staff and third parties using video conferencing facilities. If you’re in this situation, it’s best to put some ground rules in place for your employees to follow. What should you include?
DISMISSAL - 21.04.2020
Never say: “resign or be dismissed!”
An employee who was told to “resign or be dismissed anyway” has won her claim for unfair dismissal and been awarded compensation of £13,000 (even though the employer offered to pay her off). Why did the employer lose?
CORONAVIRUS - TIME OFF - 21.04.2020
The right to emergency volunteering leave
The Coronavirus Act 2020 introduces a new statutory right to take emergency volunteering leave (EVL). Will you be able to refuse EVL requests and, where it is taken, do your staff have a right to be paid?
DATA PROTECTION - 21.04.2020
Not liable for employee’s misuse of personal data
In 2013 a rogue employee deliberately disclosed the personal data of 100,000 colleagues. However, the Supreme Court has now ruled that the employer wasn’t vicariously liable for his actions. Why did it reach this decision?
CORONAVIRUS - RIGHT TO WORK - 21.04.2020
Temporary changes to right to work checks
Employers must carry out right to work checks on prospective employees before employment begins. To help make this process easier during the coronavirus outbreak, some temporary changes have been made. What’s happened?
CORONAVIRUS - PAY - 21.04.2020
How is furlough pay calculated?
If an employee is furloughed, you may claim 80% of their monthly wage costs capped at £2,500 (gross), plus the associated employers’ NI and minimum auto-enrolment pension contributions. How is the 80% figure calculated?
CORONAVIRUS - 20.04.2020
Furlough scheme open for claims
The portal to reclaim 80% of an employee’s costs under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) is now open.
CORONAVIRUS - FURLOUGH - 17.04.2020
Furlough scheme extended to end of June
It’s come as no great surprise but the Chancellor has today accounced an extension to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS).
CORONAVIRUS - SOCIAL DISTANCING - 17.04.2020
What if 2m apart is impossible?
For many businesses it’s not possible for everyone to work from home and there are some activities that require employees to be within 2m of each other. What’s been the government response?
ANTI-AVOIDANCE - 16.04.2020
Another delay in the loan charge?
After the government’s apparently “final review” of the loan charge and HMRC’s response the position seemed settled. However, it’s now back on the agenda. What’s the full story?
CORONAVIRUS - CAPITAL TAXES - 16.04.2020
How to use the stock market fall to your (tax) advantage
In March 2020 stock markets around the world crashed in response to coronavirus. Whilst most investors will understandably view this as bad news, it has created some tax planning opportunities. How can you take advantage?
CORONAVIRUS - EXPENSES - 16.04.2020
Personally owned equipment - employer contributions
Some of your employees are using their own IT equipment while working at home during the coronavirus pandemic. You want to pay them an allowance to compensate them for the business use. Do you have to put it through the payroll and deduct PAYE tax and NI?
PROPERTY - 16.04.2020
Are local property levies tax deductible?
Our subscriber converted a commercial property to flats which he intends to let, but he’s now received an unexpected bill from his local authority for the community infrastructure levy (CIL). Is the tax deductible from his rental income?
VAT - 16.04.2020
Managing the FRS efficiently
If your business mainly supplies services and you use the VAT flat rate scheme, you might assume that you’re stuck using the VAT rate for limited cost traders. How can you manage your expenses so that it doesn’t apply and thereby reduce your VAT?
CORONAVIRUS - LOANS - 16.04.2020
Short-term borrowing from your business
As a small business owner you might be able to fall back on its cash reserves during the coronavirus lockdown. If so, what are the longer-term tax and NI consequences for you and your business?
CORONAVIRUS - FURLOUGH - 16.04.2020
Furlough scheme eligibility date changed
Another day, another set of changes and clarifications to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS). Most importantly the eligibility date has been changed from 28 February to 19 March 2020.
CORONAVIRUS - BUSINESS RATES - 15.04.2020
Business rates discount - do you qualify?
Some businesses are entitled to a 100% discount of their business rates for 2020/21. Does yours qualify for the discount?
CORONAVIRUS - IT - 15.04.2020
Keep your email secure
If your staff work away from the office the email services they use might not be secure and could allow hackers a way into your firm’s system. What security measures are available to make sure emails and the information in them stay safe?
CORONAVIRUS - COMPANY LAW - 15.04.2020
Board meetings during the crisis
Board meetings are not a legal requirement for most small businesses but in the current climate the directors will need to talk frequently. How do you get the best out of these meetings?
CORONAVIRUS - INSURANCE - 15.04.2020
Remote working - the insurance implications
During the coming weeks and months more and more people will be working from home due to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. Are there insurance risks involved that you need to consider?
CORONAVIRUS - FRAUD - 15.04.2020
Watch out for the fraudsters
The last thing any business needs right now is to be hit by a malware attack or phishing scam. However, Action Fraud has logged a sharp increase in coronavirus-related fraud since February 2020, with total losses amounting to nearly £970,000. How can you protect against it?
coronavirus - VAT - 15.04.2020
VAT payments - how to help cash flow
Whilst the government has announced a deferral of VAT payments because of the coronavirus pandemic, eventually you’ll have to pay HMRC. How can you use the intervening time to change your invoicing practices to further delay VAT?
CORONAVIRUS - PERSONNEL - 15.04.2020
Can directors take furlough leave?
Under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, businesses may place eligible employees on furlough leave. Is this available to directors too and could you add your spouse, a partner or relative to the payroll so they can benefit from it?
CORONAVIRUS - 14.04.2020
Coronavirus: the latest on the employment measures
With the government’s coronavirus delay strategy now being progressed on a daily basis, what are the latest measures due to come into force, or already in force, that specifically affect employers?
CORONAVIRUS - TIME OFF - 14.04.2020
Coronavirus: emergency volunteering leave
The Coronavirus Act 2020 has created a new right for workers to take emergency volunteering leave to assist during the pandemic. What’s this all about?
EMPLOYMENT STATUS - 14.04.2020
Off-payroll working rules reforms postponed
The government has announced that it’s deferred the reforms to the off-payroll working rules by a year. What does this delay mean in practice?
CORONAVIRUS - STAFF COSTS - 14.04.2020
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme - the detail
A new scheme will enable you to access a grant so you can continue paying part of your employees’ wages if they’re on your payroll and have been asked to stop working during the coronavirus pandemic. What else do we know so far about the scheme?
WORK AND PARENTS - 14.04.2020
A new statutory right to neonatal leave and pay
The government has confirmed its intention to introduce statutory leave and pay for parents of babies requiring neonatal care, with the provisions to be set out in the forthcoming Employment Bill. What is the new statutory scheme likely to look like?
BUDGET 2020 - 09.04.2020
End of digital “reading tax” in sight
The zero rate of VAT will be applied to electronic publications from 1 December 2020. This will be the same rate as for printed material. Will these changes affect your business?
CUSTOMER GIFTS - 09.04.2020
How do you deal with VAT on gifts to customers?
Your business has enjoyed a successful trading year and you have decided to reward loyal customers and a local charity with a special gift. Can you claim input tax on the purchase of these goods or is the situation more complicated?
INPUT TAX - 09.04.2020
Claiming input tax you’ve previously missed out on
You have discovered that your business has not claimed input tax on some past expenses because you did not have invoices available at the time. Is there any problem making a belated claim on your next VAT return?
FLAT RATE SCHEME - 09.04.2020
Claiming VAT that you pay on capital expenditure
The VAT legislation allows flat rate scheme users to claim input tax on capital expenditure in some cases. In what circumstances is a claim permitted, and how do you go about making it?
COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS - 09.04.2020
Selling office buildings to a residential developer
Your business owns an opted commercial building that you have rented out to a tenant. The tenant is shortly to vacate, and you will sell it to a developer who intends to convert it into apartments. What are the VAT issues and potential pitfalls?
OVERSEAS SERVICES - 09.04.2020
Services purchased from abroad: registration needed?
One of our subscribers owns a side company that is not VAT registered because it only makes exempt sales. But is there a hidden VAT trap because it uses the services of an Indian-based business to deal with its in-house computer issues?
CORONAVIRUS - 09.04.2020
Key payroll changes
Employers are facing challenges like never before due to coronavirus and it’s your job to ensure that payroll continues to function properly. What’s changed?
