Wokingham Accountants
HMRC have revealed that every year lots of simple errors are made in tax returns in relation to capital gains tax which result in the taxpayer suffering additional tax, interest and penalties. Here are some common mistakes, and how to avoid them. Using the correct annual exempt amount When calculating how much capital gains tax … Read more
Up to certain limits, it is possible to enjoy some savings income tax-free. The extent to which this is possible depends on the rate at which you pay tax; not all routes are open to all. Personal allowance If you do not fully use your personal allowance elsewhere, any balance not otherwise used can be … Read more
If you are registered for VAT, you will need to keep normal business records. The records must be complete, up to date and sufficient to enable you to calculate the VAT due to or due from HMRC. You will also need to maintain a VAT account and keep copies of your VAT invoices. Business records … Read more
Many people earn small amounts of money from self-employment, often as a side hustle. For example, this may be from craft or baking activities, tuition, or the provision of services, such as babysitting. If you earn money in this way, it is important to understand the associated tax and National Insurance implications. Tax consequences A … Read more
Taxation of company cars in 2024/25 A taxable benefit arises where an employee has the private use of a company car. Unless the car is an electric car, a further benefit arises if the employer meets the cost of fuel for private travel. Car benefit charge The amount that is charged to tax depends predominantly … Read more
The VAT registration threshold rose from £85,000 to £90,000 from 1 April 2024. The deregistration threshold increased from £83,000 to £88,000 from the same date. The changes in the thresholds change the trigger points for compulsory registration and optional deregistration. When must you register? You must register if your taxable turnover in the last 12 … Read more
A sole trader or proprietor of an unincorporated business may incur training costs. The tax treatment of those costs depends on whether the costs are regarded as ‘revenue’ or ‘capital’ expenditure. HMRC have revised their guidance in this area, expanding the range of training for which a deduction is available. Old rules Previously, HMRC only … Read more
A new penalty regime was introduced for VAT from 1 January 2023. The new regime comprises late submission penalties and late payment penalties. Here we look at the penalty regime for late returns. Late VAT returns The late submission penalty regime kicks in whenever a VAT return is filed late. It applies regardless of whether … Read more
Employees often need to incur expenses when undertaking their jobs. The nature of the expense may vary depending on the job, but typical expenses include travel and subsistence expenses and fees and subscriptions. It will often be the case that the employee initially incurs the expense and then reclaims the cost from their employer via … Read more
Changing personal circumstances may mean that individuals who were previously taxpayers find that they are now non-taxpayers. If they are in the habit of making charitable donations under gift aid, they need to tread carefully to avoid an unwanted bill from HMRC. Nature of gift aid Donations made by individuals to charities or to community … Read more
