Tax Blog

Our tax blog is dedicated to sharing the latest UK tax news and developments. We also feature tax tips for sole traders, employed individuals, limited company directors, and partners in a partnership. Feel free to get in touch to discuss any of the subjects in our tax blog.

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Autumn statement 2023

Autumn Statement 2023

In an effort to boost the UK economy, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt unveiled a package of measures that includes business tax cuts and reforms to national insurance contributions.

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Common minimum wage errors to avoid

Common Minimum Wage Errors to Avoid

Workers are entitled to be paid the National Living Wage (NLW) or Minimum Wage (NMW) for their age. Employers who fail to do this run the risk of financial penalties and of being ‘named and shamed’. To help employers avoid mistakes, HMRC have produced a checklist of 18 common errors.

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Relief for pre-trading expenses

Relief for Pre-Trading Expenses

In setting up a trade it is inevitable that expenses will be incurred before the trade actually commences. Expenses may be incurred on acquiring premises and kitting them out, on buying stock, on office supplies, on professional advice, on marketing, on software, on setting up a website, on legal fees and suchlike.

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Telling hmrc that you have no corporation tax to pay

Telling HMRC That You Have No Corporation Tax to Pay

If you have a company that is dormant and you have filed your company tax return showing that no tax is due, you may think that there is nothing further you need to do as regards the lack of corporation tax due. After all, you have filed a return which shows that you have nothing to pay.

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We are hiring

We Are Hiring

We are looking for an Accounts Assistant to join our Chester based team of accountants. The role will be full time and remote-based.

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Tax & influencers

Tax & Influencers

Earlier this year, HMRC sent ‘nudge’ letters to social influencers who they suspect may not have declared the tax that they owe. They have also cracked down on gifts provided to influencers in return for promoting brands.

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Do i need to complete a tax return?

Do I Need to Complete a Tax Return?

Even if you pay all your tax through PAYE, you may still need to complete a Self-Assessment tax return if you are a high earner. For 2022/23 and earlier tax years, this is the case if your income is more than £100,000. However, for 2023/24 onwards, the trigger threshold is increased to £150,000.

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Should i file my tax return early?

Should I File My Tax Return Early?

If you need to file a Self Assessment tax return for 2022/23, you have until midnight on 31 January 2024 in which to do this, as long as you file online. However, HMRC have been encouraging taxpayers to file their tax return early. Is this worthwhile and what are the benefits?

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Making tax-free mileage payments

Making Tax-Free Mileage Payments

If you have employees in Chester, who use either their own car or a company car for business mileage, you can pay mileage allowances tax-free up to certain limit. However, if you pay more than the permitted amount, the excess is taxable and liable to Class 1 National Insurance

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How to appeal a tax penalty

How to Appeal a Tax Penalty

There are various reasons why HMRC may issue a tax penalty. You may receive a penalty if you file your tax return late, your tax return is inaccurate, you are late paying tax that you owe or you fail to keep accurate records.

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Tax and tips

Tax and Tips

The Employment (Allocation of Tips) Act 2023 sets out a new legal framework for the fair allocation of tips. A new Code of Practice is to be introduced and employers will have a legal obligation to adhere to the Code.

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Beware of gift aid clawback

Beware of gift aid clawback

If you have not paid sufficient tax to cover that reclaimed by charities on your gift aid donations, HMRC may look to you to pick up the bill. Read this article to find out how to avoid falling into this trap.

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Declaring instagram income

Declaring Instagram income

How to Declare Instagram Earnings in the UK

If you are an Instagram influencer in the UK, you may be wondering how to declare your earnings to HMRC. Here is a guide to help you do just that.

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Full expensing for companies

Full expensing for companies

The super-deduction, which allowed companies to claim an immediate deduction of 130% of their qualifying expenditure, came to an end on 31 March 2023. It was replaced with full expensing.

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Should i hire an accountant?

Should I hire an accountant?

The answer to the question, Should I hire an accountant?, depends upon a number of factors, including the size and complexity of your business, your own financial knowledge and experience, and your budget.

If you are a small business owner with a relatively simple financial situation, you may be able to handle your own accounting without too much difficulty.

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Capital gains tax on separation and divorce

Capital gains tax on separation and divorce

Spouses and civil partners enjoy certain tax breaks, including the ability to transfer assets between them at a value that gives rise to neither a gain nor a loss. Prior to 6 April 2023, a couple are only able to benefit from no gain/no loss transfers until the end of the tax year in which they separate. However, from 6 April 2023, the rules are relaxed in certain situations.

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How do i find a good accountant uk?

How do I find a good accountant UK?

Our tips on how to find a good personal accountant in the UK, include:

Get recommendations from friends, family, or colleagues. First-hand feedback from people who have used the accountant’s services, is one of the best ways to find a new accountant.
Do your research online. There are a number of websites that list accountants in the UK, along with reviews to read. This can be an excellent way of narrowing down your options.

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Why is my accountant so expensive?

Why is my accountant so expensive?

The cost of hiring an accountant can depend on:

Experience: More experienced accountants typically charge a higher rate per hour as they have a deeper understanding of accounting principles and tax laws, and can provide more comprehensive advice and services.

Location: Accountants in cities, such as London, will charge more per hour than those in smaller towns or rural areas.

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Are accountants worth it?

Are accountants worth it?

Whether or not an accountant is worth engaging depends on your individual circumstances. If you are not comfortable with your finances or have complex tax issues, then engaging an accountant can be a wise investment.

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How much is an accountant per hour uk?

How much is an accountant per hour UK?

The average hourly rate for an accountant in the UK is £25-35. However, this may vary depending on the accountant’s experience, location, and the type of services they offer. For example, accountants who specialise in tax planning may charge more per hour than those who only offer basic bookkeeping services.

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Pension changes

Pension changes

In his March Budget, the Chancellor announced a number of changes to the pension tax rules, including an increase in the annual allowance and the abolition of the lifetime allowance.

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How to claim a tax refund

How to claim a tax refund

If you have paid too much tax, you will be able to get a refund from HMRC. The mechanics for obtaining your refund depending on how the overpayment arose. Claims must be made within four years from the end of the tax year to which the refund relates.

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Beat the reduction in the additional rate tax threshold

Beat the reduction in the additional rate tax threshold

For a brief period it seemed that the days were numbered for the additional rate of tax following the announcement in the ill-fated mini Budget that it was to be scrapped. Like much of the mini Budget, its planned abolition was swiftly reversed. However, this was not the end of the additional rate tax saga; the Autumn Statement delivered a further plot twist with the announcement that the additional rate threshold is to fall to £125,140 from 6 April 2023.

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Pension payments – what tax relief is available?

Pension Payments – What Tax Relief is Available?

Pension Payment Tax Relief – To encourage pension savings, tax relief is available on contributions made to registered pension schemes. However, there are limits on the contributions that can qualify for relief, and punishing tax charges can apply if these limits are exceeded.

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7 accountancy software packages best for mtd

7 Accountancy Software Packages Best for MTD

As ACCA-qualified accountants with countless years of experience, we’re well-versed in what can work and for who. For example, if you’re a sole trader with only a few receipts in the year, you’ll only need a fairly simple software package with a super-friendly user interface.

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The information on this website is intended for guidance only. It is based upon our understanding of current legislation and is correct at the time of publishing. No liability is accepted by TPP Accountants Ltd T/A Phillips & Co Accountants for actions taken in reliance upon the information given. Furthermore, this website contains links to external sources of information which we believe you will find useful. However, we are not responsible for the content or integrity of any external websites and, as such, accept no liability for any viruses or malware connected to those sites and any resultant damage caused.