As we close the books on December and January, Tax Affinity Accountants couldn’t be prouder of the incredible results we delivered for our clients during this crucial period. The Self Assessment deadline for HMRC has come and gone, and once again, our clients are experiencing the benefits of working with a team that not only meets deadlines but ensures the best possible tax outcomes. Our firm’s dedication to providing personalized, efficient, and effective tax services has proven to be invaluable during one of the busiest times of the year.
The numbers are in, and we’ve exceeded expectations across the board. With the highest number of referrals in our history, we are humbled by the trust our clients continue to place in us. Our reputation for delivering outstanding results has never been stronger, and as a result, more and more people are turning to Tax Affinity Accountants for expert guidance on how to save on taxes and maximize their hard-earned money. In this post, we’ll explore how Tax Affinity Accountants rose to the occasion during the Self Assessment season, the satisfaction our clients enjoyed, and why now is the perfect time to consider switching to a tax team that actually understands your needs and can put you on the path to better tax outcomes. The HMRC Self Assessment Deadline: A Busy Period for Accountants and Taxpayers Alike The Self Assessment tax return deadline for HMRC is one of the most significant dates in every freelancer, contractor, sole trader, and small business owner’s calendar. As many people know, the 31st of January is the final day for submitting tax returns for the previous financial year, and the stress of meeting that deadline can be overwhelming. With penalties for late submissions and the risk of costly errors, it’s no surprise that many individuals and businesses turn to professional accountants for help. This past December and January, our team at Tax Affinity Accountants worked tirelessly to ensure that our clients’ tax returns were submitted accurately and on time. Our expert accountants handled a wide range of complex scenarios, from straightforward self-assessments to more intricate tax situations involving multiple income streams, investments, property portfolios, and international tax issues. Regardless of the complexity, we ensured that all our clients received tailored advice and support to help them navigate the Self Assessment process with ease. Our clients benefit from the comprehensive knowledge we have of current tax laws, and we worked diligently to ensure they understood their obligations while also taking advantage of every allowable deduction and relief available. The peace of mind that comes with having experienced professionals in your corner during such an important and stressful time cannot be overstated. Client Delight: Low Taxes, Timely Returns, and Maximum Savings What sets Tax Affinity Accountants apart from other tax firms is our commitment to delivering the best possible outcomes for our clients. Throughout December and January, we received glowing feedback from individuals and businesses who were delighted with the results we achieved for them. By applying our deep expertise in tax planning and optimization, we were able to significantly reduce the tax liabilities of many clients. This is what truly excites us—helping individuals keep more of what they’ve earned. Whether it’s taking full advantage of allowable tax deductions, advising on tax-efficient investments, or utilizing strategies to minimize National Insurance contributions, we’re always looking for new and creative ways to reduce our clients’ tax burdens. One example involved a small business owner who had previously been using a generic online tax software to file their returns. While the software was quick, it didn’t provide them with the tailored advice they needed to make the most of their tax position. After switching to Tax Affinity Accountants, we identified numerous opportunities for tax savings, including business expenses they had overlooked and potential claims for tax relief that they didn’t know about. As a result, the business owner’s tax bill was reduced by a significant amount—enough to reinvest in their business, expand operations, and increase profits. We’ve also worked with several high-earning individuals who were struggling with their tax obligations. By applying a strategic approach to tax planning and ensuring they understood the implications of different income streams, we were able to optimize their tax position and save them thousands of pounds. When clients come to us seeking clarity and guidance, we don’t just meet their needs; we exceed them, delivering tax returns that maximize their savings while ensuring full compliance with HMRC. At Tax Affinity Accountants, our clients are the center of everything we do. The positive feedback and appreciation we received during the January rush are a testament to the hard work we put in and our unwavering commitment to providing top-notch service. Our clients know they can count on us to not only meet the deadlines but also to deliver the best tax outcomes. The Highest Number of Referrals in Our HistoryOur clients don’t just trust us—they recommend us to their friends, family, and colleagues. During the December and January rush, we received an unprecedented number of referrals, making it clear that our reputation for delivering outstanding results is growing faster than ever. Referrals are the highest compliment we can receive, and we take great pride in knowing that our clients are not only satisfied with our services but are so confident in our ability to help others that they actively refer us to people they know. It’s also a sign that more and more individuals and businesses are realizing the value of working with an accountant who genuinely understands their financial goals and strives to help them save on taxes. This year’s increase in referrals is a direct reflection of the exceptional results we consistently achieve for our clients. From freelancers and contractors to business owners and high-net-worth individuals, we’re proud to be the trusted partner that so many people turn to for expert tax advice. And as our client base continues to grow, we’re excited to help even more people take control of their tax positions and keep more of their hard-earned money. Why Switch to Tax Affinity Accountants? If you’re currently working with an accountant who isn’t delivering the results you expect or feel that your tax bills are higher than they should be, now is the perfect time to make the switch to Tax Affinity Accountants. Here’s why:
If you’re ready to take control of your taxes and start working with a firm that truly understands how to maximize your savings, Tax Affinity Accountants is here to help. With our team of experts by your side, you’ll never have to worry about missed deadlines, unnecessary penalties, or overpaid taxes again. Don’t let another year go by paying more than you need to. Reach out to us today for a consultation and discover how much we can help you save. Whether you’re switching from another accountant or looking for a new tax partner, Tax Affinity Accountants is here to provide the expert service, advice, and savings you deserve. Contact us now, and let’s start working on a tax strategy that works for you. Together, we’ll make this year the best one yet! Disclaimer: Tax Affinity Accountants is a leading accounting firm specializing in tax planning, advice, and compliance services. We work with individuals, freelancers, contractors, business owners, and high-net-worth individuals across the UK to help them maximize their tax savings and optimise their financial strategies. Please visit www.taxaffinity.com to learn more about our services and book a consultation. By Anni Khan at Tax Affinity Accountants Tax Affinity Accountants are experts Business, Tax and Accountancy. With branches in Worcester Park and Kingston upon Thames and Epsom and Ewell they are considered in the Industry to be expert business accountants and tax advisors for both individuals and small & medium sized businesses (SME's). Helping and supporting both individuals and limited company owners / self employed people throughout the UK and the world, they regularly help clients grow their business providing tailored advice and support. Their support has been considered invaluable by many clients and key to their success. For more information visit www.taxaffinity.com. To read more interesting articles like this visit www.taxaffinity.com/blog. Please feel free to comment and share this with your friends.
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Autumn statement 2023 main points for small and medium sized businesses (SME) and employees11/25/2023 Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has disclosed the UK government's fiscal plans for the upcoming year. On November 22, 2023, Hunt presented the Autumn Statement in the House of Commons, likely the last pre-election mini-budget, with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak hinting at a potential election in October 2025 next year.
The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) has concurrently unveiled its latest economic outlook for the UK. In response to last week's news of a drop in inflation to 4.6% for the year up to October, Conservative MPs had advocated for broader tax cuts, taking advantage of what was termed as 'fiscal headroom.' Consequently, the chancellor has indeed announced tax reductions in today's statement. The focus now turns to how these revelations might impact small businesses and the self-employed. Read on for key updates affecting this sector:
Despite receiving a little bit of positive feedback, reservations linger about the effectiveness of these reforms in bolstering the strained small business sector. The increase in minimum wages rates for employees will no doubt increase costs for SME's already suffering from high utility bills - and will ultimately mean smart business owners decease the days and hours of staff. The majority of small businesses already had access to small business rates relief so nothing changed there. Finally the much talked about CGT and IHT amendments did not materialise, neither was there any focus on reigning in large energy suppliers sapping the profits out of small and medium sized business to boost their annual profits. And the loss of class 2 NI is a blow for micro businesses and sole traders who needed it to top up their state pension contributions. Overall not impressed at all. By Anni Khan at Tax Affinity Accountants Tax Affinity Accountants are experts Business, Tax and Accountancy. With branches in Worcester Park and Kingston upon Thames and Epsom and Ewell they are considered in the Industry to be expert business accountants and tax advisors for both individuals and small & medium sized businesses (SME's). Helping and supporting both individuals and limited company owners / self employed people throughout the UK and the world, they regularly help clients grow their business providing tailored advice and support. Their support has been considered invaluable by many clients and key to their success. For more information visit www.taxaffinity.com. To read more interesting articles like this visit www.taxaffinity.com/blog. Please feel free to comment and share this with your friends. The Smart Move: Why You Should Use a Tax Accountant for Your Self-Assessment
In the world of personal finance, few things are as certain as taxes. Each year, individuals across the globe prepare to navigate the labyrinth of tax regulations, deductions, and forms required for their self-assessment. While some opt for the DIY approach, a growing number are discovering the numerous benefits of enlisting the expertise of a tax accountant. In this blog post, we'll explore why using a tax accountant for your self-assessment is not just a smart choice but often a financially savvy one. 1. Expertise and Knowledge: Tax accountants are professionals who specialize in tax laws and regulations. They stay up-to-date with the latest changes in tax codes and have the experience to navigate complex financial situations. This expertise can help you minimize your tax liability legally. 2. Maximize Deductions and Credits: Tax accountants have a keen eye for identifying deductions and credits that you might overlook. Their attention to detail can result in significant savings, ensuring you're not paying more taxes than necessary. 3. Reduce Stress and Save Time: Preparing your own taxes can be time-consuming and stressful. It often involves sifting through a mountain of paperwork and deciphering intricate tax jargon. Hiring a tax accountant frees up your time and reduces the stress associated with tax season. 4. Avoid Costly Mistakes: Filing taxes incorrectly can lead to penalties and audits. Tax accountants are trained to minimize errors and ensure that your return is accurate, reducing the risk of costly mistakes that can haunt you later. 5. Year-Round Assistance: A tax accountant's support isn't limited to just tax season. They can offer financial advice throughout the year, helping you make informed decisions to optimize your tax situation and financial health. 6. Audit Protection: If you're audited by tax authorities, having a tax accountant on your side can be invaluable. They can guide you through the audit process and ensure that your rights are protected. 7. Customized Strategies: Tax accountants can create personalized tax strategies that align with your financial goals. They consider your unique circumstances to help you make the most of available tax benefits. 8. Peace of Mind: Perhaps one of the most valuable aspects of hiring a tax accountant is the peace of mind it brings. Knowing that a professional is handling your taxes can alleviate anxiety and allow you to focus on other aspects of your life. 9. Cost Savings: Contrary to common belief, hiring a tax accountant can often result in cost savings. The deductions and credits they can uncover, combined with the reduction in errors, can more than offset their fees. 10. Legal and Ethical Compliance: Tax accountants operate within the bounds of the law and adhere to ethical standards. This ensures that your taxes are filed ethically and legally, eliminating any worries about potential legal repercussions. In conclusion, the decision to use a tax accountant like Tax Affinity for your self-assessment is an investment in your financial well-being. Their expertise, ability to maximize savings, and dedication to compliance can make the process smoother, more accurate, and less stressful. Ultimately, it's a smart move that can pay dividends in terms of both financial savings and peace of mind. So, this tax season, consider enlisting the help of a tax accountant like Tax Affinity and reap the rewards of a stress-free and financially optimized experience. By Anni Khan at Tax Affinity Accountants Tax Affinity Accountants are the number rated and recommended Tax Accountants in London. With branches in Worcester Park and Kingston upon Thames and Epsom and Ewell they are considered in the Industry to be expert business accountants and tax advisors for both individuals and small & medium sized businesses (SME's). Helping and supporting both individuals and limited company owners / self employed people throughout the UK and the world, they regularly help clients grow their business providing tailored advice and support. Their support has been considered invaluable by many clients and key to their success. For more information visit www.taxaffinity.com. To read more interesting articles like this visit www.taxaffinity.com/blog. Please feel free to comment and share this with your friends. UK Chancellor, Kwasi Kwarteng announced a series of tax cuts & changes in his mini-budget on 23rd Sept 2022, and yesterday did a U-turn on cancelling the drop from 45% to 40% on the highest tax rate. A quick list of how the mini-budget will affect tax payers is listed below: 1. Income taxes The top rate of income tax for those earning more than £150,000 per annum was reduced from 50% to 45% by a previous Chancellor in 2013 this was planned to be lowered to 40% but has now been cancelled by the government U-turn and will remain at 45%. From 6th April 2023 the rate of income tax on income between £12,571 & £50,270 per annum will be reduced from 20% to 19%. 2. National Insurance reversal Chancellor confirms the 1.25 percentage national insurance rise introduced earlier this year by the previous Chancellor will be cancelled from 6th November 2022 i.e. from December’s payslip onwards. 3. Stamp duty cut Before there was no stamp duty to pay on the first £125,000 of a property’s value. It has now been doubled to £250,000. The no stamp duty threshold for first-time buyers will rise from £300,000 to £425,000. The max property value for first-time buyers’ stamp duty relief will rise from £500,000 to £625,000. 4. Corporation tax stays at 19% Corporation tax rises have been scrapped, the previous Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced that the rate of corporation tax would be increasing from 19% to 25%, from 6th April 2023. So now businesses with profits below £50,000 will stay at the 19% rate, as well as businesses with profits over £250,000 that were meant to pay 25% rate ie everyone stays at 19%. 5. Changes to IR35 From 6th April 2023, the previous IR35 rules introduced in 2017 and 2021 have been reversed. Allowing individuals to contract instead of work as employees again ie self employed off-payroll working through a limited company. The changes mean its up to the contractors themselves to make sure they have the right status and are paying the right amount of tax instead of putting the burden on employers. 6. Strikes legislation The government says it will legislate to stop “militant trade unions” from closing down key infrastructure through strikes. The laws will require unions to put pay offers to a member vote, to ensure strikes can only be called once pay talks have genuinely broken down, he says. 7. Investment zones The government confirmed that almost 40 investment zones will be created with tax breaks for businesses. Areas included are the West Midlands ,Tees Valley, Norfolk and the west of England etc. 8. Energy Bills Freeze household energy bills at £2,500 for a typical household and a price cap on energy bills for commercial properties also. 9. Investment (AIA) Annual investment allowance, the total amount a company can invest tax free, stays at £1 Million. New & start-up companies are able to raise up to £250,000 under a scheme giving tax relief to investors in their business Share options for (PAYE) employees doubled from £30,000 to £60,000 10. Bankers’ bonuses Chancellor confirms the bankers’ bonus cap will be scrapped. By Anni Khan at Tax Affinity Accountants Tax Affinity Accountants are experts Business, Tax and Accountancy. With branches in Worcester Park and Kingston upon Thames and Epsom and Ewell they are considered in the Industry to be expert business accountants and tax advisors for both individuals and small & medium sized businesses (SME's). Helping and supporting both individuals and limited company owners / self employed people throughout the UK and the world, they regularly help clients grow their business providing tailored advice and support. Their support has been considered invaluable by many clients and key to their success. For more information visit www.taxaffinity.com. To read more interesting articles like this visit www.taxaffinity.com/blog. Please feel free to comment and share this with your friends. We love a list that gets right to the point. So here is our key points for businesses in the UK from the Chancellor's autumn budget 2021:
1) Dividends: rise of 1.25% tax after nil band from 7.5% to 8.75% and higher rate band up from 32.5% to 33.75% from April 2022 2) Capital gains tax (CGT): with immediate deadline to report & pay after selling a UK residential property has increased from 30days to 60days after completion date. Giving landlords more time 3) Corporation tax: will rise from 19 % to 25 % from April 23. Businesses with profits less than £50k will get a small profit rate which is still 19%. For profits above £50,000 there is a tapered rate with bands & %’s going up to the 25% rate. 4) National insurance: Increase 1.25% national insurance contribution for all (employees, employers & self-employed) from April 2022. 5) National living wage: increase from £8.91 to £9.50 p/hr. 6) R&D tax relief: to be expanded to cover cloud computing & data costs now also as well. 7) Business rates : Rates revaluation cycle changed from 5 years to 3 years from 2023. New Improvement Relief, for businesses to improve/extend property, meaning they won’t pay additional business rates in 12 months after improvements. Plus a 50% business rates discount from April 2022 (to max £110k) for 1 year for retail, hospitality & leisure. 8) Annual investment allowance (AIA): £1m Annual Investment Allowance (AIA) extended to March 2023. If your business is effected by these changes and you want help and support contact us today By Anni Khan at Tax Affinity Accountants Tax Affinity Accountants are experts Business, Tax and Accountancy. With branches in Worcester Park and Kingston upon Thames and Epsom and Ewell they are considered in the Industry to be expert business accountants and tax advisors for both individuals and small & medium sized businesses (SME's). Helping and supporting both individuals and limited company owners / self employed people throughout the UK and the world, they regularly help clients grow their business providing tailored advice and support. Their support has been considered invaluable by many clients and key to their success. For more information visit www.taxaffinity.com. To read more interesting articles like this visit www.taxaffinity.com/blog. Please feel free to comment and share this with your friends. The UK Chancellor announced one-off top up grants for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses worth up to £9,000 per property to help businesses through to the Spring.
Businesses are advised to contact their local authority for discretionary grants and Local Restriction Support Grants worth up to from £1300 to £3,000 a month and extension of furlough scheme. This follows the Prime Minister’s announcement that business will be closed until at least February half-term in order to help control the coronavirus. The cash payment is accepted by the local authority is provided on a per-property basis to support businesses through the latest restrictions Chancellor Rishi Sunak also said: A further £594 million pounds is also being made available for Local Authorities and the Devolved Administrations to support other businesses not eligible for the grants, that might be affected by the restrictions. Businesses should apply to their Local Authorities as soon as possible. The new one-off grants come in addition to grants worth up to £3,000 for closed businesses, and up to £2,100 per month for impacted businesses once they reopen. The government has also provided 100% business rates relief for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses, £1.1 billion existing discretionary funding for Local Authorities, the furlough scheme now extended to April and 100% government backed loans, extended until March. More information
By Anni Khan at Tax Affinity Accountants Tax Affinity Accountants are experts in Tax and Accountancy. With branches in Worcester Park and Kingston upon Thames and Epsom and Ewell they are considered in the Industry to be expert business accountants and tax advisors for small and medium sized businesses (SME's). Helping and supporting limited company owners and self employed people throughout the UK, they regularly help clients grow their business providing tailored advice and support. Their support has been considered invaluable by many clients and key to their success. For more information visit www.taxaffinity.com. To read more interesting articles like this visit www.taxaffinity.com/blog. Please feel free to comment and share this with your friends. Only 20 working days left until HMRC self assessment deadline.
Did you know this year over 2700 people did their tax return on Christmas day this year according to HMRC. Those that did know that they have to get it done before the deadline of 31/01/2021 and that there is only 20 working days left (as of today 31/12/20). So if you have not had your 2019/20 (6.4.19 to 5.4.20) tax return completed then you urgently get in touch today as the number of working days are fast decreasing and before you know it the time will be gone and you may end up facing a fine by HMRC for missing the deadline. By Anni Khan at Tax Affinity Accountants Tax Affinity Accountants are experts in Tax and Accountancy. With branches in Worcester Park and Kingston upon Thames and Epsom and Ewell they are considered in the Industry to be expert business accountants and tax advisors for small and medium sized businesses (SME's). Helping and supporting limited company owners and self employed people throughout the UK, they regularly help clients grow their business providing tailored advice and support. Their support has been considered invaluable by many clients and key to their success. For more information visit www.taxaffinity.com. To read more interesting articles like this visit www.taxaffinity.com/blog. Please feel free to comment and share this with your friends./ The Chancellor yesterday announced a raft of new measures to support businesses in the UK. Below are the key points to help you and your business:
Job Support Scheme - to replace the Furlough scheme
If an employee (e.g. Mr Bob Smith) works reduced hours the employer pays for that. And in addition the employer and government pay one third of the lost pay each (up to the cap £697.92). So if Mr Bob Smith normally worked for an employer at £2,000 a month, and then worked 50% hours, he would get £1,000 normal pay plus £333 extra from their employer and £333 from the government. Self Employed Support - SEISS Grants
Bounce Back (BBL) Loans and Covid (CBILS) Loans - time extended from 6 to 10 years to repay + chance to pay interest only
Tax - 5% VAT to remain longer, VAT deferred interest free payments, more time to pay HMRC
By Anni Khan at Tax Affinity Accountants Tax Affinity Accountants are experts in Tax and Accountancy. With branches in Worcester Park and Kingston upon Thames and Epsom and Ewell they are considered in the Industry to be expert business accountants and tax advisors for small and medium sized businesses (SME's). Helping and supporting limited company owners and self employed people throughout the UK, they regularly help clients grow their business providing tailored advice and support. Their support has been considered invaluable by many clients and key to their success. For more information visit www.taxaffinity.com. To read more interesting articles like this visit www.taxaffinity.com/blog. Please feel free to comment and share this with your friends. CORONAVIRUS COVID-19 KEY POINTS FOR Self-Employment (SOLE TRADER) Income Support Scheme (seis)3/27/2020 Claiming a grant through the coronavirus (COVID-19) self-employment income support scheme (SEIS) worth 80% of trading profit
You can use this scheme if you're self-employed or a member of a partnership and have lost income due to coronavirus. This scheme will allow you to claim a taxable grant worth 80% of your trading profits up to a maximum of £2,500 per month for the next 3 months payable after HMRC checks your last 3 years tax returns filed. This may be extended by the government if needed. Who can apply for this You can apply if you’re self-employed (sole trader) or a member of a partnership and you:
If you have not submitted your Income Tax Self-Assessment tax return for the tax year 2018-19, you must do this by 23 April 2020. We can help you do this and you need to get in touch today. HMRC said they will use data on 2018-19 tax returns already submitted to identify those eligible and will risk assess any late returns filed before the 23 April 2020 deadline in the usual way. If you have tax to pay for your 2018-19 tax return then this will need to be up to date. How much will you get from hmrc You can get a taxable grant which will be 80% of the average profits from the tax years (if all 3 available):
They say it will be up to a maximum of £2,500 per month for 3 months. And they will pay the grant directly into your bank account, in one instalment. The bank details on your 18-19 tax return will most likely used as it is already in their records. How to apply for it You cannot apply for this scheme yet yourself. HMRC say they will contact you if you are eligible for the scheme and invite you to apply online. This may take some time as staffing levels are affected by COVID-19. Individuals are advised they do not need to contact HMRC now and doing so will only delay the urgent work being undertaken to introduce the scheme. You will access this scheme only through GOV.UK. website so be careful of fraud - And if someone texts, calls or emails claiming to be from HMRC, saying that you can claim financial help or are owed a tax refund, and asks you to click on a link or to give information such as your name, credit card or bank details, it is a scam. After you’ve applied for it Once HMRC has received your claim and you are deemed eligible for the grant, they will contact you to tell you how much you will get and the payment details. Previously this was by letter to the tax payers home for income tax refunds - it may be by text or emails also if HMRC has these records for you. Note: If you claim tax credits you’ll need to include the grant in your claim as income. This income is taxable. Other help you can get as well The government stated it is also providing the following additional help for the self-employed:
If you need help with your applications for government grants, loans and allowances as described above then as authorised HMRC agents and expert tax accountants Tax Affinity Accountants are available to support your business at this critical time. Urgently contact us by clicking here and we will use our expertise to support your business through this difficult time. By Anni Khan at Tax Affinity Accountants Tax Affinity Accountants are experts in Tax and Accountancy. Based in Worcester Park and Kingston upon Thames and Epsom they are considered in the Industry to be expert business accountants and tax advisors for small and medium sized businesses (SME's). Helping and supporting limited company owners and self employed people throughout the UK, they regularly help clients grow their business providing tailored advice and support. Their support has been considered invaluable by many clients and key to their success. For more information visit www.taxaffinity.com. To read more interesting articles like this visit www.taxaffinity.com/blog. Please feel free to comment and share this with your friends. The UK Government and the Chancellor have set out a package of temporary measures to support public services, people and businesses through this period of disruption caused by COVID-19.
This includes actions to support businesses including:
If you need help with your applications for government grants, loans and allowances as described above then as authorised HMRC agents and expert tax accountants Tax Affinity Accountants are available to support your business at this critical time. Urgently contact us by clicking here and we will use our expertise to support your business through this difficult time. Support for businesses through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme Under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, all UK employers are able to access support to continue paying part of their employees’ salary for those employees that would otherwise have been laid off during this crisis. Eligibility All UK businesses are eligible. How to access the scheme You will need to:
If your business needs short term cash flow support, you may be eligible for a Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan. Support for businesses through deferring VAT and Income Tax payments Government will support businesses by deferring Valued Added Tax (VAT) payments for 3 months. If you’re self-employed, Income Tax payments due in July 2020 under the Self-Assessment system will be deferred to January 2021. VATFor VAT, the deferral will apply from 20 March 2020 until 30 June 2020. Eligibility All UK businesses are eligible. How to access the scheme This is an automatic offer with no applications required. Businesses will not need to make a VAT payment during this period. Taxpayers will be given until the end of the 2020 to 2021 tax year to pay any liabilities that have accumulated during the deferral period. VAT refunds and reclaims will be paid by the government as normal. Income Tax For Income Tax Self-Assessment, payments due on the 31 July 2020 will be deferred until the 31 January 2021. Eligibility If you are self-employed you are eligible. How to access the scheme This is an automatic offer with no applications required. No penalties or interest for late payment will be charged in the deferral period. HMRC have also scaled up their Time to Pay offer to all firms and individuals who are in temporary financial distress as a result of Covid-19 and have outstanding tax liabilities. Support for businesses who are paying sick pay to employees Goverment will bring forward legislation to allow small-and medium-sized businesses and employers to reclaim Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) paid for sickness absence due to COVID-19. The eligibility criteria for the scheme will be as follows:
You are eligible for the scheme if:
A rebate scheme is being developed. Further details will be provided in due course once the legalisation has passed. Government websites will contain more details. Support for businesses that pay business ratesBusiness rates holiday for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses Goverment will introduce a business rates holiday for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses in England for the 2020 to 2021 tax year. Businesses that received the retail discount in the 2019 to 2020 tax year will be rebilled by their local authority as soon as possible. Eligibility You are eligible for the business rates holiday if:
There is no action for you. This will apply to your next council tax bill in April 2020. However, local authorities may have to reissue your bill automatically to exclude the business rate charge. They will do this as soon as possible. You can estimate the business rate charge you will no longer have to pay this year using the business rates calculator. Further guidance for local authorities is available in the expanded retail discount guidance. Cash grants for retail, hospitality and leisure businessesThe Retail and Hospitality Grant Scheme provides businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors with a cash grant of up to £25,000 per property. For businesses in these sectors with a rateable value of under £15,000, they will receive a grant of £10,000. For businesses in these sectors with a rateable value of between £15,001 and £51,000, they will receive a grant of £25,000. Eligibility You are eligible for the grant if:
You do not need to do anything. Your local authority will write to you if you are eligible for this grant. Guidance for local authorities on the scheme will be provided shortly. Any enquiries on eligibility for, or provision of, the reliefs and grants should be directed to the relevant local authority. Find your local authority on Google. Support for businesses that pay little or no business ratesThe government will provide additional Small Business Grant Scheme funding for local authorities to support small businesses that already pay little or no business rates because of small business rate relief (SBBR), rural rate relief (RRR) and tapered releif. This will provide a one-off grant of £10,000 to eligible businesses to help meet their ongoing business costs. Eligibility You are eligible if:
Guidance for local authorities on the scheme will be provided shortly. Any enquiries on eligibility for, or provision of, the reliefs and grants should be directed to the relevant local authority. Find your local authority on Google. Support for businesses through the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan SchemeA new temporary Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme, delivered by the British Business Bank, will launch early next week to support primarily small and medium-sized businesses to access bank lending and overdrafts. The government will provide lenders with a guarantee of 80% on each loan (subject to a per-lender cap on claims) to give lenders further confidence in continuing to provide finance to SMEs. The government will not charge businesses or banks for this guarantee, and the Scheme will support loans of up to £5 million in value. Businesses can access the first 12 months of that finance interest free, as government will cover the first 12 months of interest payments. Eligibility You are eligible for the scheme if:
You should talk to your bank or finance provider (not the British Business Bank) as soon as possible and discuss your business plan with them. This will help your finance provider to act quickly once the Scheme has launched. If you have an existing loan with monthly repayments you may want to ask for a repayment holiday to help with cash flow. The scheme will be available from early next week commencing 23 March. Support for larger firms through the COVID-19 Corporate Financing Facility Under the new Covid-19 Corporate Financing Facility, the Bank of England will buy short term debt from larger companies. This will support your company if it has been affected by a short-term funding squeeze, and allow you to finance your short-term liabilities. It will also support corporate finance markets overall and ease the supply of credit to all firms. Eligibility All UK businesses are eligible. How to access the schemeThe scheme will be available early in week beginning 23 March 2020. The Government will provide information on how to access the scheme soon - keep an eye on their website updates. More information is available from the Bank of England website. Support for businesses paying tax: Time to Pay serviceAll businesses and self-employed people in financial distress, and with outstanding tax liabilities, may be eligible to receive support with their tax affairs through HMRC’s Time To Pay service. These arrangements are agreed on a case-by-case basis and are tailored to individual circumstances and liabilities. Eligibility You are eligible if your business:
If you’re worried about a future payment, call HMRC nearer the time. Insurance Businesses that have cover for both pandemics and government-ordered closure should be covered, as the government and insurance industry confirmed on 17 March 2020 that advice to avoid pubs, theatres etc is sufficient to make a claim as long as all other terms and conditions are met. Insurance policies differ significantly, so businesses are encouraged to check the terms and conditions of their specific policy and contact their providers. Most businesses are unlikely to be covered, as standard business interruption insurance policies are dependent on damage to property and will exclude pandemics. If you need help with your applications for government grants, loans and allowances as described above then as authorised HMRC agents and expert tax accountants Tax Affinity Accountants are available to support your business at this critical time. Urgently contact us by clicking here and we will use our expertise to support your business through this difficult time. By Anni Khan at Tax Affinity Accountants Tax Affinity Accountants are experts in Tax and Accountancy. Based in Worcester Park and Kingston upon Thames and Epsom they are considered in the Industry to be expert business accountants and tax advisors for small and medium sized businesses (SME's). Helping and supporting limited company owners and self employed people throughout the UK, they regularly help clients grow their business providing tailored advice and support. Their support has been considered invaluable by many clients and key to their success. For more information visit www.taxaffinity.com. To read more interesting articles like this visit www.taxaffinity.com/blog. Please feel free to comment and share this with your friends. |
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