HMRC have published the long delayed survey which they commissioned on Save As You Earn (SAYE) and Share Incentive Plans (SIP), which considers whether the schemes have met their policy objectives. The survey on SIPs was due in 2005. While the report provides some useful statistics, it is disappointing that HMRC have failed to address [...]
Deciding on whether it would be beneficial for a property investor to use a Limited Company can be quite complicated. A lot will depend on your personal circumstances but also on what type of property business you are engaged in. For example if you buy property to renovate and then sell on at a profit [...]
An Individual Savings Account (ISA) allows any UK taxpayer aged 18 or over to save up to £7,200 each year (for 16-17 year olds this is £3,600 cash) and not pay tax on the income they receive from the investment. They are now a permanent feature of the UK savings landscape. Tax Advantages of ISAs All income [...]
“Going Offshore” is a phrase that one commonly hears usually accompanied by a wry smile or a sly wink of the eye. There is an assumption that somehow “Offshore” is “dodgy” and anyone who has an offshore bank account or business must automatically be up to no good. Phrases like “tax avoidance”, “tax evasion” and, [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
Following this year’s Caribbean Investment Forum meeting in Port of Spain (Trinidad & Tobago) on the 11th and 12th June, several countries have announced that they too want to turn themselves into tax havens. So why the sudden rush? Well the countries involved: Trinidad & Tobago, Jamaica and the Dominican Republic don’t exactly have what [...]
Inheritance Tax (IHT) is probably not at the forefront of most people’s minds. However given the relentless rise in UK property prices over the past few years (and even allowing for the current, probably short term price drops) many individuals and couples are likely to find that they have been pushed over the current threshold. [...]
The so called IR35 Legislation came into force in the UK in April 2000. It seeks to tax freelance workers providing services via their own limited company. Its stated aim was to prevent employees setting up a limited company and performing their duties through that company with the resulting tax advantage. Generally it is more [...]
Taking out a pension does not guarantee you a comfortable retirement. You have to pay enough into it to make it worth while. How much you need to pay in will depend on what type of pension scheme you are a member of and also whether you are self-employed or not. You can pay as [...]
Gordon Brown is a serial offender. Master of the U-turn. And every time he does turn he blames other people for the financial chaos he has caused. We all know about the debacle over the abolition of the 10p tax rate and the criticism heaped on Gordon Brown. Rightly so. He only has himself to [...]
Capital Gains Tax (CGT) is a levy which may need to be paid when you sell certain types of asset, such as residential or commercial property, stocks and shares or other investments such as antiques, artwork – paintings, sculptures - and cars. Strictly speaking only individuals pay CGT but companies don’t escape as any gain they [...]
Corporation tax is the tax paid by companies on their profits. Unincorporated organisations (such as clubs and societies) also pay corporation tax, if they have taxable income. Partners in both traditional and limited liability partnerships and sole traders pay income tax instead. Companies are taxed on the profits made in an accounting period – normally [...]
