A number of EU countries have reduced VAT rates in an attempt to stimulate the economy: if VAT rates fall, prices should fall encouraging consumers to spend more. There has been much press commentary recently that Rishi Sunak will announce a similar reduction in the UK. Note, at present this is pure speculation. If announced, any reduction will no doubt be for...
Unwinding furlough
Last month we commented on the changes to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) that commenced at the beginning of this month (1 July 2020). Now that we have the option to bring back employees on a part-time basis and still have a measure of support for their unpaid time, what considerations should we consider when planning the effects of the...
Parents returning from paternity or maternal leave
One aspect of the 1 July changes to the CJRS was the closing date to new entrants was set as 30 June 2020. This disadvantaged parents who had been on extended parental or maternal leave in recent months and were intending to return to work after 30 June. The government has now confirmed that parents on statutory maternity and paternity leave...
Brexit – no extension to transition period
It is now confirmed that the UK will neither accept nor seek any extension to the Transition Period. From 1 January 2020, the UK will have the autonomy to introduce its own approach to goods imported to GB from the EU. Recognising the impact of coronavirus on businesses’ ability to prepare, and following the announcement in February that the UK would implement...
New support for High Street
A package of support to help high streets to get back on their feet was launched 12 June 2020. This announcement was made just days before shops were allowed to reopen on 15 June. The High Streets Task Force will provide access to cutting-edge tools, training, information and advice for high streets across England as part of the government’s efforts to...
Tax Diary July/August 2020
1 July 2020 - Due date for corporation tax due for the year ended 30 September 2019. 6 July 2020 - Complete and submit forms P11D return of benefits and expenses and P11D(b) return of Class 1A NICs. 19 July 2020 - Pay Class 1A NICs (by the 22 July 2020 if paid electronically). 19 July 2020 - PAYE and NIC deductions due...
Lock-down independence day 4th July 2020
The changes to lock-down announced by the Prime Minister last week are summarised below. Most are effective from 4th July 2020. Pubs, restaurants and hairdressers will be able to reopen, providing they adhere to COVID Secure guidelines. From the same date, two households will be able to meet up in any setting with social distancing measures. This will open up the possibility...
Lock-down independence day 4th July 2020
The changes to lock-down announced by the Prime Minister last week are summarised below. Most are effective from 4th July 2020. Pubs, restaurants and hairdressers will be able to reopen, providing they adhere to COVID Secure guidelines. From the same date, two households will be able to meet up in any setting with social distancing measures. This will open up the possibility...
Muras Matters: Form P11D Deadline
Forms P11D and P11D(b) As you will be aware, the above HMRC forms are used to report benefits and expenses provided to employees and directors each tax year. An employer is liable for Class 1A National Insurance Contributions on taxable benefits, at 13.8% (2019/20), as reported on the employers declaration form P11D(b). Form P11D Deadline The deadline for submitting forms P11D (and providing a...
Option to defer VAT payments ends this month
One of the government’s schemes to assist VAT registered businesses with their cashflow during the current COVID disruption was the deferral of VAT payments. The VAT payments that could be deferred cover payments due between 20 March 2020 and 30 June 2020. VAT traders that have taken advantage of this support will have likely deferred just one VAT payment. The following terms and...