Category: Tax

Businesses in the UK spent £23.7 billion on research and development (R&D) in 2017, according to the latest data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The ONS found that year-on-year expenditure on R&D increased by £1.1bn – or 4.9% – compared to statistics for 2016. Firms in the pharmaceutical sector continued to have the … Continued

The Office for Tax Simplification (OTS) has urged the Government to implement a digital system for inheritance tax, following complaints the current form-filling system is too complex. On average, there are around 570,000 deaths in the UK every year, although inheritance tax is due on less than 5% of estates. Although the majority of estates … Continued

These are the suggested reimbursement rates for employees’ private mileage using their company car from 1 December 2018. Where there has been a change the previous rate is shown in brackets. Engine Size Petrol Diesel LPG 1400cc or less 12p     8p (7p) 1600cc or less   10p   1401cc to 2000cc 15p   … Continued

Those thinking about making gifts at Christmas should take advantage of the various inheritance tax (IHT) exemptions and reliefs available to them. Note that certain gifts can also have capital gains tax (CGT) implications. The IHT annual exemption – use it or lose it! Although not particularly generous at £3,000 per donor per annum if … Continued

Liverpool city region professionals say there are a number of positives in Philip Hammond’s Budget including a renewed commitment to the Northern Powerhouse. Tony McDonough of Liverpool Business News reports Peter Taaffe, managing partner of BWM   Business leaders, both in the Liverpool city region and across the UK have offered a cautious welcome to Philip … Continued

There is a forthcoming legislation change which affects the taxation of capital gains on property; notably a change to the reporting and payment on account obligations for UK resident individuals with residential property gains. The changes will take effect for disposals on or after 6 April 2020, in line with announcements made at Budget 2017. … Continued

The annual investment allowance is set to temporarily increase from £200,000 to £1 million, allowing businesses to gain more tax relief on their investments. This will take effect from 1 January 2019 and remain in place until 31 December 2020, after which it is due to revert back to £200,000. Using the annual investment allowance, … Continued

Individuals set to benefit from an increase to the higher-rate threshold in 2019 will only see half of the tax reduction expected, as a result of a Budget measure not mentioned in the Chancellor’s speech. In Budget 2018, the Chancellor announced that the higher-rate income tax threshold would increase from £46,350 to £50,000 in 2019/20. … Continued

The Treasury is reportedly considering abolishing the dividend allowance in Autumn Budget 2018. The Daily Telegraph claims Chancellor Philip Hammond has business owners, directors and shareholders in his sights to help fund a Government pledge to increase spending on the NHS. Hammond cut the dividend allowance from £5,000 to £2,000 in Spring Statement 2017, with … Continued