The Competition and Marketing Authority has published information recently that points to evidence of potential mis-selling and unfair contract terms in the leasehold housing market. Their press release is reproduced below: As part of a probe into the industry, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is concerned that leasehold homeowners have been unfairly treated and prospective buyers misled by housing developers. These...
30 days or else
We have reported earlier this year that from 6 April 2020, residential property sales that are subject to capital gains tax will need to be reported to HMRC within 30 days of the sale. Any CGT due will also need to be paid in this 30 day period. Property sales affected will include: a property that you’ve not used as your main...
Muras Matters: Company Cars Changes to Advisory Fuel Rates
This Bulletin is aimed at company car drivers (and their employers) who are not provided with fuel for private mileage HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) have changed their advisory fuel rates for company cars with effect from 1 March 2020. The rates are intended to give guidance to employers about what is an acceptable fuel allowance to reimburse employees for use of...
Don\’t fall for this scam
The Insolvency Service has issued a warning that fraudsters have been contacting investors in insolvent schemes claiming to be from the Official Receiver’s office or to have been appointed by the Official Receiver to help recover funds for a fee. These approaches are always fraudulent. Official Receivers or any agent legitimately instructed to act on their behalf will never ask you to...
Last chance to consider tax planning options
In a month’s time, 5 April 2020, the 2019-20 tax year expires. After this date many of the options to utilise allowances and claim reliefs to reduce tax for 2019-20 will disappear. A number of the reliefs to consider are listed below. This is by no means an exhaustive list. Any numbers quoted refer to the tax year 2019-20. Have you utilised...
Budget predications 11 March 2020
What can we expect from the budget next week? On the expenditure side, infrastructure and the NHS seem to be the two major areas for investment. HS2 and other rail improvements in the North are likely to be beneficiaries as will carbon capture and other climate related projects, for example, improving the energy efficiency of homes, schools and hospitals. During the last...
Additional rates reduction for pubs
Pubs will benefit from £1,000 business rates discount from April 2020. The cut is on top of previously announced plans to slash the bills of small shops by 50%. In a fresh demonstration of the government’s support for communities up and down the country, a new Pubs Relief will be introduced in April, with £1,000 being taken off the business rates bills...
Tax Diary March/April 2020
1 March 2020 - Due date for Corporation Tax due for the year ended 31 May 2019. 2 March 2020 – Self assessment tax for 2019/19 paid after this date will incur a 5% surcharge. 19 March 2020 - PAYE and NIC deductions due for month ended 5 March 2020. (If you pay your tax electronically the due date is 22 March...
Muras Matters: New Reporting Requirements for the Sale of Residential Property
Background Individuals are currently required to report any capital gain and pay any tax on the sale of residential property through self-assessment. From 6 April 2020 new rules will come into force requiring a UK resident individual or trustee making a taxable capital gain on the disposal of UK residential property to submit a ‘residential property return’ to HM Revenue & Customs...
We are on your side
As we approach the end of yet another tax year it is worth reflecting on the role of HMRC in our tax affairs. Without a doubt, HMRC, tax legislation and its application, will continue to ensure that you pay your taxes. You can rely on HMRC to pounce if they feel that you have underpaid tax. Unfortunately, they may not be...