HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has revamped its VAT registration process, prioritising digital applications for businesses and agents. Starting from November 13, this change aims to streamline the registration procedure, making it quicker, easier and more secure. HMRC is urging businesses and agents to embrace the digital approach for VAT registration. Unless they fall under […]
The Government has withdrawn draft regulations for company reporting after consultation with businesses raised concerns about imposing additional requirements. Instead, the Government will pursue options to reduce the burden of red tape to ensure the UK is one of the best places in the world to do business. Draft regulations published in July would have […]
If you have ever stopped to ask yourself, why does the tax year start on April 6, you are definitely not alone. The idea that the tax year doesn’t begin until we are a quarter of the way into the year is a somewhat perplexing concept for many. Accountants and taxpayers alike often wonder why […]
When a bank hits the headlines, it isn’t usually for good reasons. Such is the case for Metro Bank which has found itself the talk of the town. Share prices took a massive dip amid concerns for its future, although the news has improved with a £925m investment package preventing it from collapsing. But, while […]
Tougher measures to address late payments to small businesses have been announced by the Government. In 2022, SMEs were owed, on average, an estimated £22,000 in late payments. This can slow down growth with many companies spending disproportionate time chasing payments that can lead to cash flow problems. Small Business Minister Kevin Hollinrake said: “Small […]
Two million people will receive a pay rise next year when the National Living Wage increases to at least £11 an hour. It means the annual earnings of a full-time worker on the National Living Wage – currently set at £10.42 an hour – will rise by more than £1,000. It will be welcome news […]
Hundreds of thousands of young adults have an average of £2,000 sitting unclaimed in Child Trust Funds. The long-term, tax-free savings accounts were set up for every child born between September 2002 and January 2011, with the Government contributing an initial deposit of at least £250. Funds can be withdrawn once the account matures when […]
Rules on hidden online fees, known as drip pricing, will be tightened to boost transparency for stretched families. The Government is proposing a crackdown on extra charges such as booking or processing fees in products ranging from train tickets and concerts to food deliveries. It comes after research confirmed drip pricing – where the price […]
One in five people have reduced their pension contributions or stopped saving for retirement altogether due to cost-of-living pressures. As household budgets continue to tighten, new research suggests 14 per cent of people have stopped paying into their pensions while eight per cent have cut their contributions. Men are more likely to have taken the […]
Moving from job to job and starting a new pension each time can present a headache when the time arrives to think about retiring. Few of us can recall every pension provider we have ever had and unless you have carefully filed all the relevant paperwork, you will need help tracking them all down. But […]