Accountancy, like many other industries, has long struggled with a dire skills vacuum within the sector. The pool of qualified accountants continues to shrink, with the over-50s and those aged 18 to 24 leaving the workforce in the greatest numbers. Figures suggest many older accountants chose to retire early during the pandemic, while younger individuals are choosing to travel or study...
HMRC hikes interest rates again on late payments
HMRC interest rates for late payments will increase again this month to their highest level since 2001. Late payment interest is payable on tax bills covering income tax, National Insurance contributions, capital gains tax, corporation tax pay and file, stamp duty land tax, stamp duty and stamp duty reserve tax. The latest rise was triggered by the increase in the Bank of...
Muras Matters: Rising Interest Rates And Tax On Savings
Background With interest rates having risen significantly over the last 18 months, and tax thresholds being frozen, more taxpayers are likely to find themselves being pushed into paying income tax on their savings. Individuals pay tax on interest they earn on cash savings that exceed their personal savings allowance. It is estimated that for the current 2023-24 tax year over 2.7 million...
Banks with lowest savings rates to face robust action
The UK’s financial watchdog has warned it will crack down on lenders that fail to justify low savings rates. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) said providers who fail to show how their rates represent fair value to customers could face “robust action by the end of 2023”. This could include fines. It is part of a 14-point plan by the FCA following...
Working overseas? Be aware of the tax implications
The pandemic triggered a seismic shift in working practices with remote and hybrid working become the norm at many UK businesses. Even when a return to the traditional workplace became possible, it was evident many workers preferred a more flexible arrangement. Well-reported difficulties in recruitment and talent acquisition led many employers to accept flexible working requests. It also became more commonplace for...
Support for customers needing extra tax help
Voluntary and community organisations will benefit from a £5.5m pot awarded by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to support customers who may need extra help with their tax affairs. HMRC is inviting eligible organisations to bid for the funding, worth £1.8 million a year from 2024 until 2027, through HMRC’s Voluntary and Community Sector Grant Funding programme. Bids can be submitted...
The Construction Industry Scheme
The Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) is a set of special tax and national insurance rules for those working in the construction industry. Businesses in the construction industry are known as 'contractors' and 'subcontractors' and should be aware of the tax implications of the scheme. Under the scheme, contractors are required to deduct money from a subcontractor’s payments and pass it to...
Tax on savings interest
If you have taxable income of less than £17,570 in 2023-24 you will have no tax to pay on interest received. This figure is calculated by adding the £5,000 starting rate limit for savings (where 0% of the interest is taxable) to the current £12,570 personal allowance. However, it is important to note that if your total non-savings income exceeds...
Alcohol duty changes
Changes in the way alcohol is taxed will come into effect from 1 August 2023. The new system of calculating alcohol duty for all alcoholic drinks will be made using standardised tax bands based on alcohol by volume (ABV). This will replace the current alcohol duty system, which consists of four separate taxes covering beer, cider, spirits and wine. These changes...
South Yorkshire first UK Investment Zone
It was announced as part of the Spring Budget 2023 measures that the government would establish twelve Investment Zones across the UK, subject to successful proposals. South Yorkshire has now been named as the first of the UK Investment Zones. These Investment Zones are designed to encourage investment and new economic activity, supporting growth and jobs. The Investment Zones will benefit...