Straight from the horse’s mouth

The gift of capital allowances

30th January 2024
You received a new laptop for Christmas which you will use for work. Even though it cost you nothing, can you claim a tax deduction in respect of the business use?  Kenny Logan from our Edinburgh office provides the answer below. A gift with extra benefit It’s nice to receive gifts and apart from thanking...

Is there tax on your side-hustle?

15th January 2024
HMRC is getting better at detecting and penalising people who make extra income but don’t declare it. With that in mind if you have a small side venture to make some extra cash, is it always necessary to declare it to HMRC?  Audrey Rankine outlines the details in this article. Naturally, HMRC is interested in...

What do the NI rate cuts mean for you?

15th January 2024
What do the NI rate cut changes mean for both the employed and the self-employed? And what action do you need to take, if any?  Natasha Crockatt from our Payroll team explains below. Classes 2 & 4 currently The self-employed currently pay two classes of NI contributions – Class 2 and Class 4. Class 2...

Group registration and leasing cars

10th January 2024
Your business is registered as a VAT group and is partially exempt. All cars are leased through one group member that only has taxable income. How much input tax can you claim on the leasing payments and what other issues must you consider?  Associate, Bob Johnstone from our Galashiels office explains in this article. Even...

Under-radar changes to be aware of

9th January 2024
The National Insurance cuts in the 2023 Autumn Statement grabbed the headlines, but there were a number of other changes also announced. What were the most important to be aware of?  Naomi Swan outlines the changes in this article. Self-assessment The criteria to be met for an individual to fall within self-assessment have been changed....
tree planting, charity donation

Is VAT payable on charity donations?

5th January 2024
A trustee of an environmental charity has launched a fundraising appeal to ask for donations from supporters. One tree will be planted in a city centre for each £20 donation. Are the donations subject to VAT as a supply of services?  Naomi Swan explains in this article. What is a donation? VAT is not payable...

Seasons Greetings

24th December 2023
From all at JRW we wish you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year   Our offices will reopen on the 4th January at 9am
Rental Unit

Pros and cons of charging your company rent

5th December 2023
If you own the trading premises of your business, charging rent can be a good way to extract income. The trouble is it can increase any capital gains tax (CGT) payable if you sell the property. Can the income tax saving justify the extra CGT? Kenny Logan from our Edinburgh office takes a closer look....

EV charging, what’s changed?

1st December 2023
HMRC has recently changed its guidance on electric vehicle (EV) charging costs. If you are an employer who followed HMRC’s original guidance, what steps should you now take?  Audrey Rankine explains. After a long wait HMRC has corrected its guidance on the tax and NI treatment of payments by employers to employees for electric vehicle...
business startup

A little help from your friends

30th November 2023
You have been offered financial donations from friends and family to help start your new business. If it’s a success, you plan to reward them. What would the tax position be for the business and the donors?  Kenny Logan from our Edinburgh office explains. It’s far from unusual for close relatives and occasionally friends to...