Entries by Michael Barker

Taxman steps up pension tax relief scrutiny

HM Revenue and Customs is cracking down on pension tax relief as part of a broader drive to maximise revenue collection, according to reports. The tax authority is said to be stepping up its scrutiny of claims from higher earners and “lowering the threshold” for requiring evidence to support requests. Additionally, HMRC will no longer […]

Changes to filing rules set to be scrapped

New rules that would require small and micro companies to disclose their profit and loss statements for the first time are set to be scrapped, according to media reports. The new Companies House rules were set to come into effect in April 2027, removing current exemptions when it comes to filing accounts. The changes would […]

Apprentices may be a smart investment

With employers finding it hard to recruit good skilled workers and both the inflationary and government-imposed increases to staff costs, there are many advantages to taking on an apprentice. With the increase in minimum wage being so much higher than inflation, many employers may be put-off employing young people. And understandably, an 18 per cent […]

UNCERTAIN TIMES DEMAND UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION

The current economic picture – with downgraded growth forecasts, increased government borrowing costs and global uncertainty around tariffs and conflicts – is filled with uncertainty. As well as halving their growth forecast for this year to one per cent, the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) has also predicted inflation will average 3.2 per cent. US […]

Holiday lets tax advantage to end

April will see the government’s decision to abolish the Furnished Holiday Lettings (FHL) regime put into force. The move removes a longstanding tax advantage that treated qualifying holiday lets as trading rather than investment properties. From April 6 2025, holiday let owners will see their properties aligned with standard residential lettings for tax purposes. Profits […]

Support needed for small businesses

The government is being urged to make good on its statements that growth is its number one priority and to think again about its inheritance tax plans. The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) says support for small firms must be at the core of the three strategies which will be unveiled this spring: the Industrial […]

CGT hike not as bad as feared

As predicted Rachel Reeves hiked Capital Gains Tax (CGT) – however the changes she announced were less drastic than many had feared. CGT is tax on any profits or gains you make when you dispose of an asset. Assets not only apply to the sale or exit of business but can also apply to the […]

Strategy goes for growth in key sectors

Eight sectors have been selected as the focus of the new government’s ‘modern’ industrial strategy which has been widely welcomed by business leaders. The aim is to create a “pro-business environment” and play to the UK’s strengths, with the focus on growth driving sectors including creative industries and financial services. Business secretary Jonathan Reynolds has […]

CGT hike: Would it impact on investment?

Investors and entrepreneurs have warned Britain will lose fast-growing startups if the government raises capital gains tax (CGT) in its October budget. CGT is tax on any profits or gains you make when you dispose of an asset. Assets not only apply to the sale or exit of business but can also apply to the […]