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.
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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. a Tax Accountants Experience and expertise is highly valued in tax planning and hmrc investigations5/22/2023
Tax Affinity Accountants are rated as experts in Tax and Accounting Industry and because of our experience and expertise with Tax we can help clients to both legally minimise their tax and make the best plans for the future. We never recommend breaking any rules but instead using our expertise know that there is more than enough scope with the framework to legally reduce taxes and still have the peace of mind. And because we stay abreast with the latest changes and developments we are are always at the forefront of advising clients when things change. And you know your in safe hand because Tax Affinity are experts in tax law with a good working relationship with HMRC. There to there to help and support clients if they are involved in a HMRC tax or VAT investigation or have a Worldwide Disclosure / Let Property Campaign letter etc to respond to. We are always able to successfully support and guide clients to the best possible outcome. Just ask one of our many happy clients who sing our praises. Below is a list of just some of the things we can help with. If what your looking for is not listed we most likely are still able to do it but just didnt want to make the list too long. Give us a call and have a chat with one of our tax experts or come into one of our high street branches - we will be happy to help. - Inheritance tax planning for landlords with estates between £1million - £250million - Capital gains tax planning - Transferring properties into a limited company - Incorporation - Offshore tax planning - HMRC Tax and VAT Investigations - Code of Practice 8 and 9 investigations - Alternate Dispute Resolution - Tax Tribunals - Forensic Accounting - Worldwide Disclosure Facility - Let Property Campaign - HMRC Check of Self Assessment / Tax - Contractual Disclosure Facility (CDF) - Code of Practice 8 / 9 / 11 / 14 - Section 144 Enquiry - Section 12A TMA 1970 Notice Investigations - Code of Practice 11 (Local Compliance Offices) - Code of Practice 14 Investigation (Company Tax Return Investigations) 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 new UK Chancellor (yes another one...can you believe the UK had 4 Chancellors in 4 months in 2022) has given his first budget. And as before we have refined the main points and facts for business owners including SME's and entrepreneurs. So you can easily navigate and plan ahead with clarity.
The main points from the budget are: 1. Energy price guarantee for homes will remain at £2,500 extended for only 3 months until end of June. It was set to rise to £3,000 but that has now been cancelled. And no new support announced for business bills. 2. Corporation Tax for a limited company will rise from 19% to 25% from 6th April 2023. Small company's with profit of less than £50k will still pay the lower 19%. But companies with profits between £50k to £250k have to pay between 19% and 25% but are allowed to claim marginal relief. Company profits over £250k will be taxed at 25%. And companies with group ownership of other companies may end paying close to 26.5% (effectively) because the corporation tax for Group Companies was increased also - sadly all important details missed by the main stream media. 3. Tax-free yearly allowance for pension cash out to rise from £40,000 to £60,000 after being the same for the past 9 years. 4. Fuel duty (tax) frozen so the 5p cut to fuel duty/tax on petrol and diesel which was due to end in April, has been extended for another year. 5. Maximum amount a worker can accumulate in pensions over their lifetime before paying extra tax currently £1.07 Million will be cancelled. Now there is no limit. 6. Tax on tobacco to increase by 2% above inflation for normal and 6% above inflation for hand-rolling tobacco. 7. Those who are already drawing down on their pensions, the total amount they can save tax free under the Money Purchase Annual Allowance is increased from £4,000 to £10,000 from April 2023. 8. 30 hours of free childcare for working parents in England expanded to cover 9 months to three year olds. 9. New £600 "incentive payment" for people becoming childminders, and the rules have been changed in England to let childminders look after more children. 10. Immigration rules to be relaxed for five roles in the construction sector, to ease labour shortages in the Industry. These categories are:
11. Super deduction of 130% will end on 31/03/23 and move back to 100% AIA for plant and machinery purchased and can be used directlty against corporation tax payable. A list of typical purchases is lasting until 31/03/26:
If your worried how these will effect you and need more specific guidance to help your business carry on growing during turbulent times then contact one of our Tax Affinity expert business advisors today (click here). With their countless years of knowledge and expertise they can guide your business to success even in the toughest of economic conditions. 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 now has a new PM Rishi Sunak after the shock resignation of the previous PM Liz Truss due the GBP (Sterling) stock market crashing after the announcment of her mini budget just weeks ago. So the new Chancellor Jeremy Hunt announced a raft of reversals listed below that seem to have temporarily reassured the markets and IMF etc. But what are they in a quick short read - well see below: 1. Cut to Corporation tax down to 19% from 25% - cancelled 2. Removal of 45% higher rate tax - cancelled 3. Personal Income tax cut from 20% to 19% - cancelled 4. Alcohol duty freeze - cancelled 5. VAT free shopping for overseas visitors - cancelled 6. National Insurance reverse of 1.25% - retained 7. No stamp duty on first £250,000 - retained 8 First time buyers no stamp duty on first £425,000 - retained 9. IR35 rules reversal - cancelled 10. Removal of bankers bonus cap - retained 11. Freeze on energy bills for 2 years - amended to 6 months only now 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. 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. HMRC relishes the idea that tax payers will make errors in their tax returns and then they will pay higher taxes or be fines for making errors. The number of errors by members of the public doing their own self assessments has been rising steeply in the last few years and HMRC has been raking in fines for errors. So its very important to try to ensure you make none.
Why? - Well simply mistakes on your tax returns could cost you a lot of hard earned money. Solution? - Avoid HMRC penalties and charges by making sure you don’t commit these mistakes during tax return time by getting an expert like Tax Affinity Accountants (one the most highly recommended accountants in the UK) to do calculate and submit the return for you and sleep easy at night knowing you paid the least tax and everything was correct according to HMRC rules. Key things to keep in double check:
A good tax accountant should save you much more in tax than what he/she charges. And having a Tax Affinity accountant calculate your personal and business tax situation will lead to zero mistakes on your return and a lower tax bill first time every time. Fill out our contact us page to find an office near you and we will be happy to help you sleep easier at night. 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. There are only a few working days are left until (UK) HMRC's self assessment (tax return) deadline. And with many people receiving furlough, SEISS type covid grants and Covid Support from Local Council's which all need to be declared it only add to the complication.
Many tax payers are finding their tax bills are higher this year than last year and are turning to expert tax accountants at Tax Affinity to help them. Doing it yourself or with someone with a basic knowledge of the ever changing tax rules is likely to end up costing you much more than the fees an expert tax accountant would ever cost. It just makes economic sense. So if you have not had your 2020/21 (6.4.20 to 5.4.21) 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 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. £1000 Job retention bonus to encourage firms to retain furloughed staff
5% VAT for six months - VAT cut for restaurants, hotels and attractions only
Zero Stamp duty up to £500,000 and 'green homes grant'
50% Discount on restaurant meals in August only Monday to Wednesday
Financial Support for young workers
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. |
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