Please find below all the articles from September 2015.
Q. I have recently registered for VAT. What is the difference between ‘normal’ and ‘cash’ accounting?
A. Under the normal method of accounting for VAT, you account for the output tax on your sales as they take place or as soon as you issue a VAT invoice, even if your customer hasn’t paid you. Then you can reclaim input tax on purchases you make as soon as you receive a VAT invoice, even if you haven’t paid your supplier. This method can cause cash flow problems if you have…
Read MoreVarious rules exist for determining the time for payment of inheritance tax (IHT). In certain circumstances it will be possible to pay in instalments, and it is even possible to settle a liability by transferring ownership of assets to the Crown (for example, a valuable painting may be donated to a national museum in lieu of an inheritance tax bill).
Unless it can be paid in instalments, IHT is generally due for payment as follows:
– Chargeable lifetime transfers: Tax is due six months after the end of the month…
Read MoreConfusion often arises regarding tips and gratuities as the tax and NIC treatment depends on how they are paid to the recipient.
Cash tips handed to an employee, or left on the table at a restaurant and retained by that employee, are not subject to tax and NICs under PAYE, but the employee will need to declare the income to HMRC – HMRC often make an adjustment to the employee’s PAYE tax code number to reflect the amount likely to be received during a tax year so any liability…
Read MoreThe Summer Budget 2015 contained an announcement that the government is to consult on proposals toimprove the effectiveness of the existing intermediaries legislation, commonly known as IR35. The reason for this review was given as the perceived unfairness that two people could be doing the same job and pay very different levels of tax depending on how they are engaged. A consultation document has now been published (Intermediaries Legislation (IR35): discussion document), which sets out the rationale for change, the options to be discussed and the…
Read MoreThere are a number of ways to save or invest for children – some accounts are tax-efficient but rigid, others are often flexible but liable to tax. Interest earned from CTFs and Junior ISAs is paid tax-free, but the money is effectively locked in until the child is 18, at which time it belongs to the child. Standard savings accounts usually offer lower interest rates and the interest is likely to be taxable, but there will be flexibility on withdrawals and transfers, enabling the parent to keep a…
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