New capital gains tax rules could cost accidental landlords thousands of pounds when they sell their former home in changes that were confirmed by HMRC. The new rules could affect over half a million landlords when they come to sell, Brona MacDougall takes a closer look at the details and the implications. Measures announced earlier...

By Stuart Hair, JRW CA Tax Team You’re about to form a new company of which you’ll be the main income generator. To save tax your spouse will own shares in the company. Should you subscribe for shares and give some to them, or should you both subscribe? The example below demonstrates why HMRC was...

You and your fellow directors own your company’s trading premises. Currently it occupies the property rent free. If this is the case, you should probably think about charging rent to your company as a tax-efficient source of income. But what is the income tax efficiency versus entrepreneurs’ relief? Tax expert Helen Johnstone takes a closer...

After some delay HMRC have now published the draft rules for consultation on Structures and Buildings Allowance and in this article we update you with some of the details. This change, announced in the 2018 Budget, provides for capital allowances for expenditure incurred on or after 29th October 2018 on the construction of a building...

As well as the more obvious practical differences, the difference between a company van and a company car also has an impact on your tax bill. But in March 2019 the Upper Tribunal upheld two differing decisions over ‘combi’ vans provided to employees for private use. Kevin Crowford discusses the tax implications and brings you...

Putting spouses and children on the payroll of your business can be tax efficient as long as HMRC are willing to accept the validity of doing so, but where do you stand if they decide to challenge your claim for a tax deduction? Tax expert Brona MacDougall provides you with some very good advice. In...

As an alternative to salary or dividends, benefits in kind are a potentially tax-efficient option for directors, especially those of multiple companies. But what’s the advantage and when can you use it? Brona MacDougall takes a closer look. Most tax experts will tell you that dividends are the most tax-efficient form of income for director...

UK businesses trading with the EU will need a UK EORI number to continue trading in the event that Britain exits the EU without a deal. Kenny Logan outlines what is involved in this no cost application. With only two months until the UK’s scheduled departure from the EU, it is still tough for most...

One of your employees has asked if he can give up some of his salary for extra holiday. You’re aware that there are special tax and NI rules for sacrificing pay for benefits. How do they apply in this situation? Brona MacDougall advises. Since April 2017 where you offer an employee the choice of less...

Christmas might be the season of goodwill but you still need to be aware on the tax implications for gifts, parties and even decorations this festive season. Q.  Can you claim tax relief on Christmas decorations? A.  The good news is that unless you work from home, you are able to claim tax relief on...