Some employers may wish to give a small gift to their employees. As long as the employer meets the relevant conditions, no tax charge will arise on the employee.
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A tax exemption is available which should help employers ensure that the benefits provided are exempt and do not result in a reportable employee benefit in kind. In order for the benefit to be exempt it must satisfy the following conditions:

HMRC is giving information to taxpayers to help them avoid scams ahead of the Self Assessment deadline.  HMRC is warning millions of Self Assessment taxpayers to be aware of fraudsters in the run up to the 31 January deadline.

HMRC has issued an update to the Check employment status tool (CEST) in advance of the introduction of new tax rules proposed for individuals who provide their personal services via an 'intermediary' to a medium or large business. The tool is designed to give HMRC's view of the status of contracts and has received criticism.

The new rules are expected to apply from 6 April 2020, similar rules were introduced in 2017 for public sector organisations receiving services from intermediaries, typically Personal Services Companies (PSC).

Please contact us for help and advice on whether you are caught by the new rules or should be applying the new rules to someone your business engages via a PSC.
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Internet link: GOV.UK CEST

HMRC has published guidance for people who hold cryptoassets, typically cryptocurrency or Bitcoin, explaining what taxes they may need to pay and what records they need to keep. HMRC has also published further information for businesses and companies about the tax treatment of cryptoasset transactions.

HMRC advises that these papers set out HMRC's view of the appropriate tax treatment of cryptoassets, based on the law as it stands on the date of publication and that the tax policy in this area may develop as the sector develops.
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Internet link: GOV.UK tax on cryptoassets

HMRC has issued the latest Employer Bulletin. This issue includes articles on a number of areas including:

• guidance for employers on reporting PAYE information in real time when payments are made early at Christmas
• electronic payment deadline falls on a weekend
• Ultra Low Emission Vehicle
• High Income Child Benefit Charge deadline 31 January
• Tax-Free Childcare payments
• update on termination payments: Post Employment Notice Pay for employees paid by equal monthly instalments
• workplace pensions – remember to keep paying in.

Contact us for help with payroll matters.
Internet link: HMRC Employer Bulletin