Following our article in the summer entitled Childcare Vouchers are Changing, problems with HMRC’s new Tax-Free Childcare continue to crop up. You’re thinking of using the scheme, but you’re not sure whether it will leave you better off. How should you decide? Joanne Gibson provides you some answers in her latest update. Is Tax-Free Childcare...

After deferring your state pension for a few years you have decided that it’s now time to take it. You have the option of a higher pension or a lump sum. The latter offers the chance of some tax planning but what’s involved? Kevin Ferguson advises. Deferred state pension As you may know, the government...

As a retailer, it is very likely that you will on occasion run special offers and promotions to boost sales, but what do you need to consider in order to avoid unexpected VAT consequences? JRW’s Bob Johnstone provides you with some good advice. Correct amount Normally VAT is due on the price charged if that...

As a global association for practitioners who specialise in family inheritance and succession planning, JRW Tax Manager Brona MacDougall is now a Trust and Estate Practitioner or ‘TEP’ in the Borders, the designation given to full members of STEP. STEP members help families plan for their futures and as specialists in inheritance and succession planning,...

Making Tax Digital is without doubt the most significant change to the UK tax system in a generation and businesses really do need to take action now. We look at the implications and provide a valuable checklist for the transition across to the new system. The new digital method of tax collection and administration known...

The new five rate Scottish tax system has thrown up some problems since it was introduced, this time it’s a twist in the way that Marriage Allowance works. Some people will lose, whilst others will gain, but how can you work out which group you’re in? Brona MacDougall takes a closer look. As you will...

As you might have seen in the news recently, The Supreme Court has upheld earlier decisions confirming an individual’s claim that he was a ‘worker’ and not self-employed. But what are the tax and NI consequences of this ruling? Joanne Gibson discusses the Pimlico Plumbers case and its decision on employment status. The long-running and...

Inheritance Tax could potentially cost your loved one’s hundreds of thousands of pounds, yet it is possible to dramatically reduce this or even to pay none at all. Brona MacDougall our Senior Tax Manager provides you with some superb advice for effective IHT planning. Inheritance Tax (IHT) is a tax on the estate of someone...

Childcare Vouchers are an employee benefit for all eligible working parents but with the current system changing in October, anyone thinking about it should act now. Joanne Gibson takes a closer look. Childcare Vouchers are a Government approved, tax-efficient way of paying for childcare and are an employee benefit for all eligible working parents. And...

The better weather has finally arrived, and you are thinking about introducing a Cycle to Work scheme in your workplace. There are several options available to you including ready-made cycle schemes, the DIY alternative or a mixture of both. Bob Johnstone takes a closer look at the pros and cons. Cycle to work exemption You...