If you are an employee and pay for your own childcare, if you are not already in a childcare voucher scheme then this option is no longer available as the government closed such schemes to new applicants on 4 October 2018. However, there are two alternatives for working… read more
If you are self-employed, there is still time to top up your national insurance contributions (NICs) by making Class 2 payments, which can be a significantly cheaper option than making Class 3 voluntary contributions. Class 2 NICs were due to be abolished in April 2018, but the measure… read more
The Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) has stated that inheritance tax (IHT) is ‘unnecessarily complicated’ and ‘widely misunderstood’. Responding to a review of the tax by the Office of Tax Simplification (OTS), the AAT said that several IHT exemptions ‘could be scrapped’. It argues that certain exemptions, such… read more
The Office of Tax Simplification (OTS) recently published a detailed review into the taxation of savings income. The OTS’s stated aim was to review the application of the tax system to savings and investment income, and highlight ways in which any ‘real complexities’ can be removed. Within the… read more
The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has warned that the majority of UK small firms are ‘unprepared’ for the risk of disruption to the business posed by both internal and external threats. Data published by the FSB revealed that 65% of small businesses do not currently have any… read more
In response to the publication of official apprenticeship statistics, business groups have urged the government to reform the Apprenticeship Levy. The organisations, including the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), the Institute of Directors (IoD) and the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) have called on the government to reform… read more
Over 270 volunteering hours have been donated by the team from city accountancy firm Rawlinsons, who were given the opportunity to take a paid day out of the office to help local charities as part of the company’s commitment to community volunteering. A number of projects at chosen… read more
Hot topics – including GDPR and digital media – facing charities around the city have been tackled at the annual Rawlinsons’ annual charity conference. The full-day event, now in its eighth year, has continued to grow in popularity; with around 150 delegates attending the event at the Kingsgate… read more
Have you considered employing family members in your business? As long as they are not minor and you can justify their involvement, you can employ them in your business. In a limited company, they can be remunerated with a salary, receive benefits, and be included in your company… read more
The UK inheritance tax (IHT) system has changed considerably since its introduction, and previous rises in residential property prices have resulted in the number of people who may fall within the scope of this tax increasing over time. IHT is currently charged at 40% on the proportion of… read more