Managing Payroll is one of those core business functions that you might believe is better kept in-house, but as our new Payroll Bureau Manager Joanne Gibson informs you, there is a compelling case for outsourcing it. As a business owner you will know that employing a workforce requires a good understanding of your legal obligations...

The new Scottish tax rates left taxpayers pretty confused over how they would work with tax relief for pension contributions. What are HMRC saying about this? Kevin Crowford takes a closer look. When the new Scottish five-tier tax rates were announced there was no mention of how this would fit in with the UK three-tier...

VAT rules for cars used in your business are notoriously strict but for some types of motor running expenses, they are surprisingly generous. John Craig explains what are they and how can you take maximum advantage of them? Except in the rare situation that you can prove to HMRC that a car is used 100%...

You are looking to incorporate your business and you’ve heard that any resulting tax charges can be legitimately mitigated. However, there is tax to pay as Kevin Crowford shows in his latest blog. Undoubtedly one of the main reasons for transferring a sole trader business to a company in which you own shares is tax...

You are buying new IT equipment, mainly for use at home, but occasionally it will be used for work. Can you reclaim the VAT on the cost of the equipment and is there any advantage in doing so? VAT expert John Craig takes a closer look. ‘Putting it through the business’ is the old chestnut...

As an employer, you’ll be aware of the increasing number of obligations when employing and looking after your staff.  But this also has an impact on employing casual workers too, Kevin Ferguson looks at the Tax do’s and don’ts of employing casual workers. You will probably know from experience that these days employers must not...

With more changes than you can shake a stick at, this is article includes a summary of the new Scottish Tax rates and bands which come into effect on 6 April. The Scottish Government Budget announced new Scottish Income Tax rates and bands for the 2018 to 2019 tax year. These were confirmed on 20...

The recent reports of abuses connected to some charities working in the international aid sector are deeply troubling and as a regulator we take such matters extremely seriously. There are two key points that we would like to remind charities of in light of the reports. Safeguarding (keeping vulnerable beneficiaries, volunteers and staff safe). Notifiable...

From being unattractive and restrictive in many ways, pensions have now become a great deal more appealing. Back in 2014 the then Chancellor George Osborne gave savers full access to their pension pots abolishing the requirement an annuity. As well as this, there is also the potential to use pensions as a way to mitigate...

Taking control of our personal finances is a resolution that is definitely worth keeping this year. Kenny Logan provides you with 10 top tips on how to make more of your money, all it will cost you is a bit of time and effort. If you resolved to get fit, learn a new skill, quit...