Business Clothing – Can you claim?

Posted on 21st August 2018 at 09:01

One of the recurring topics I discuss with clients is business clothing – what can you claim, what can’t you claim and why. As a business owner, contractor or freelancer, it is of course important to be smartly dressed and give a great impression to your clients and customers – but unfortunately that doesn’t mean it can be claimed as a business expense.

Paying dividends to family members

Posted on 17th August 2018 at 09:42

I am often asked by clients if they can add their wife, husband, partner, mother, father (even aunt or uncle) as a director to pay them dividends from their limited company. As ever, the answer is….it depends!

The New Disguised Remuneration Loan Charge

Posted on 14th August 2018 at 09:28

I wrote recently about Tax Avoidance Schemes to remind you of the basics. Now to appraise you of the developments this year, including the new legislation giving HMRC more power to tackle this tax avoidance.

Tax Avoidance Schemes – What you NEED to know!

Posted on 9th August 2018 at 09:30

HMRC is always keen to tackle tax avoidance and for the past 1-2 years it has focused its attention on “tax avoidance schemes”. Contractors are the most common target for such schemes whilst claims of 90-95% take-home pay may sound appealing, they are a honey-trap that you need to avoid!

What are trivial benefits and when are they tax free?

Posted on 2nd August 2018 at 07:30

A small gesture of thanks can have a big impact on employee satisfaction, morale, and productivity. For employers, so called trivial benefits can make a big difference in the daily operations of a company and the good news is that many can be classed as tax free and don’t require legal paperwork. And yes, this can apply for directors of small companies too! Don’t miss out!

The 3 GDPR basics that every small business needs to know

Posted on 24th July 2018 at 18:25

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) came into force on 25 May 2018 – 2 months ago now. Many small businesses I work with have mentioned to me that they have an awareness of the regulation, but do you really understand what it means and how it affects their operations? Don’t worry, we’ve got the basics covered.

The step-by-step guide for becoming an employer

Posted on 20th July 2018 at 16:30

The UK is one of the easiest places in the world to set-up a business and start hiring the talent you need. Whether you’ve been operating as a sole trader for a while and are now ready to expand or you’re starting from scratch, we’ve got the step-by-step guide you need to follow to take on your very first employee.

Does your accountant outsource?

Posted on 13th July 2018 at 07:40

In recent years, increasing numbers of accountants are outsourcing clients accounts, tax returns and payrolls to contracted service providers in the UK and overseas. What does this mean for clients? And does it matter to you?

My latest challenge

Posted on 5th July 2018 at 13:30

For as long as I can remember, I have hated running. I would always try to find a way out of running events on school sports days and look for ways to avoid cross country. I even remember being on the sports field with the PE teacher, Mr Nelson, glancing over at me “running” around the field, and me walking but moving my arms and legs in a running motion! I am sure he wasn’t fooled!

Business Premises Costs – What can you claim?

Posted on 2nd July 2018 at 07:45

One of the most common questions I am asked my contractors and other small business owners is “I work from home; can I claim the costs of the rent?” In the blog post, I will explain what you need to consider and what you may be able to claim.

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