Ashgates are going to the @FIFAWorldCup !! We're delighted to have assisted client Peter Schmeichel (@Pschmeichel1) secure a top presenters role with Russia's TV Channel RT (@RT_com) #WorldCup2018 #Russia2018 #SeeYouTherePeter HMRC have published the latest advisory fuel rates reflecting an upward trend in fuel prices. These rates are used when an employee has a company car and either wishes to reclaim business mileage from their employer, or an employer pays for fuel but needs to work out the private element to recover from the employee.
The updated rates apply from 1 December 2017 but businesses can continue to operate the previous rates for one month after the introduction.
A few headlines from the Chancellor's speech. Look out for our full budget update.
With the Chancellor’s first Autumn Budget due to be presented on 22 November, professional bodies and business groups are setting out their Budget wishlists. Recommendations include changes to Business Rates, a ‘Brexit ready’ Budget, incentives for business and an appeal for changes to the Apprenticeship Levy. The ICAEW is urging that the government give sufficient attention to Making Tax Digital to ensure a successful roll out and making the necessary changes to accommodate Brexit.
Meanwhile, the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has urged Philip Hammond to deliver a ‘Brexit-ready’ Budget, which rules out any new business tax increases and maintains investment incentives. We will update you on pertinent announcements. Internet links: CBI FSB ICAEW autumn budget HMRC have changed the way in which they will assess some taxpayers removing the need for these individuals to complete a Self Assessment Tax Return. These changes took effect from September 2017.
The affected taxpayers fall into one of two categories: The Welsh Assembly has announced the proposed rates and bands for land transaction tax (LTT) which is to be introduced for land and property in Wales on 1 April 2018, replacing Stamp Duty Land Tax.
Under the new rates for LTT, Wales will have the highest starting threshold for the property tax in the UK. The proposed rates are as follows: On 14 December, the Scottish Budget will set out the Scottish Government’s financial and tax plans.
Currently taxpayers who are resident in Scotland pay income tax on their non-savings and non-dividend income at rates and thresholds determined by the Scottish Government. Scottish higher and additional rate taxpayers may pay more income tax than those with similar income in the rest of the UK. The Scottish Parliament is considering plans to radically revise the bands and possibly to introduce some further income tax rates so that middle and higher earners pay additional tax. The Scottish Parliament are also expected to announce the details of Air Departure Tax which takes effect for flights from Scotland from April 2018. We will keep you up to date with pertinent announcements. Internet links: BBC news The Criminal Finances Act 2017 took effect on 30 September 2017. It makes companies and partnerships, a ‘relevant body’, criminally liable if they fail to prevent the facilitation of tax evasion being carried out by an employee, anyone acting on their behalf or someone acting as an agent. If found guilty, the business could face unlimited fines and potentially further consequential sanctions within their industry or profession.
The government have announced details of a new Help to Save saving scheme. The scheme is government backed and designed to support working people on low incomes build up their savings.
The scheme, administered by HMRC, will be open to working people who receive Working Tax Credits, and those who receive Universal Credit with a household income equivalent to at least 16 hours a week at the national living wage (currently £120 a week). |
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