UK Business Taxes

EU Will Allow Darling to Cut VAT Rates

Nov 20th, 2008 | By James Green | Category: Business News, Political Comment, Running a Business, UK Business Taxes

For years now the European Union severely limited the ability of national governments to reduce VAT rates – which fact seemed to have escaped Tony Blair who promised cuts during the 1997 General Election though he “found out” later. Good excuse not to keep your manifesto promises eh?
However following a meeting earlier this month the [...]



Up to a Million Landlords Targeted by HMRC

Nov 20th, 2008 | By James Green | Category: Business News, Property, UK Business Taxes

New Powers Come Into Force Next April
As part of a drive to track down tax evaders, up to one million landlords could be subject to investigation from HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) who aim to identify those landlords who are not paying the correct amount of tax.
HMRC say that in their experience many buy-to-let investors [...]



Don’t Do As I Do. Do As I Say: International Business Deserting London

Oct 9th, 2008 | By James Green | Category: Rants & Raves, UK Business Taxes

What can you think when you realise that the chairman of the International Business Advisory Council - charged with safeguarding London’s pre-eminence as a business centre - is about to move his own HQ to Ireland?
Such is the position of Sir Martin Sorrell, head of advertising conglomerate WPP, who announced last week that he was [...]



VAT Invoicing Requirements – Fines if You Don’t Comply

Aug 12th, 2008 | By James Green | Category: Accounting for the Money, UK Business Taxes

As from 1st of October 2007 there were changes made to what information you need to include on a VAT invoice. If you don’t comply then HM Revenue and Customs can hit you with pretty massive fines.
Although fines are unlikely to be levied for non compliance in the first year, business owners cannot be complacent. [...]



HMRC Advisory Fuel Rates

Aug 6th, 2008 | By James Green | Category: Accounting for the Money, UK Business Taxes, UK Personal Taxes

COMPANY CAR:
If you have a company car which you can also use for private use then as from 1st July 2008 the following rates apply for reimbursement of fuel costs for business mileage:
 

Engine Size

Petrol

Diesel

LPG

1400cc or less

12p (11p)

13p (11p)

7p (  7p)

1401cc to 2000cc

15p (13p)

13p (11p)

9p (  8p)

Over 2000cc

21p (19p)

17p (14p)

13p (11p)

 
PRIVATE CAR: 
If you use your [...]



Ten Simple Ways to Save Tax

Aug 6th, 2008 | By James Green | Category: Tax Saving Ideas, UK Business Taxes, UK Personal Taxes

Here are some simple ways to save tax:

Keep accurate accounting records, remember to note down all business expenses;

File your tax return before the 31 January and avoid unnecessary fines;

Pay your tax on time so avoiding having to pay interest as well as a 5% surcharge;

If you are married consider organising your investments so that investment [...]



Starting In Business: Part 2 – Taxation of Income

Jul 22nd, 2008 | By James Green | Category: Starting a Business, UK Business Taxes

Every business will - unless it continually makes a loss - have to address the issue of taxation. Like it or not the government wants its pound of flesh, but there is nothing to stop you structuring your business to get the best tax advantage possible.
Here you will find some points to consider when deciding [...]