The Scottish Court of Session’s recent judgment in the ‘Rangers’ EBT’ case (Murray Group Holdings & Others [2015] CSIH 77) has attracted much attention in the press, with opinions of both support and criticism being voiced. It is not often that a Court both overturns the decisions of two Tribunals beneath it, and expressly declines to follow previous cases that have gained a certain acceptance.

This case concerned a scheme involving payments to various trusts set up in respect of executives and footballers employed by the former Rangers Football…

The financial benefits of driving a company car have continued to erode over recent years, but this benefit remains one of the most popular and potent perks of a job. In general terms, less tax will be payable on ‘greener’ cars, but the tax charges on lower emissions vehicles are set to rise significantly in real terms over the next few years.

Two new appropriate percentage bands apply from 2015-16 for cars emitting between zero and 50gkm CO2, and between 51and 75gkm CO2, with the appropriate percentages set at…

Making the most of your money and achieving your financial goals in a world of complex and ever-changing tax legislation requires careful planning and expert advice.

This guide introduces some of the kay areas to consider when planning to maximise your business and personal wealth, although your exact requirements will depend on your individual circumstances.

If you have any questions or would like one-to-one advice tailored to your needs, please call us on01792 466 428 or email [email protected].

Many small businesses can choose to be taxed on the basis of the cash that passes through their books, rather than being asked to spend their time doing calculations designed for big businesses (‘cash basis’). Where the cash basis is used, it is also possible for the business to use certain simplified arrangements for claiming expenditure in working out taxable profits for income tax purposes. Flat rate expenses can be claimed for business costs for vehicles, working from home, and living at your business premises.

Where a trader runs…

The government estimates that around £420m a year is lost in tax and NICs by taxpayers ignoring or manipulating the intermediaries’ legislation (IR35). The September edition of this newsletter (see The future for intermediaries) contained details of the government’s consultation on proposals to improve the effectiveness of the rules. The consultation document set out proposals that could see the onus to verify the employment status of an individual being put on the shoulders of the ‘engager’. The option for aligning the IR35 test with that used for temporary…