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January is never the most enjoyable month, as we recover from festive overindulgence and aim to turn over a new leaf. For many people it’s also Self Assessment time, as the tax deadline looms on 31 January.

It can be bad timing for some people, following Christmas so closely and putting additional pressure on their finances. But if you’re going to find it a struggle to pay your income tax by the 2024 deadline, don’t panic – there are options available.

What the 2024 Self Assessment deadline means

Taxpayers on self-assessment must pay any remaining tax due for 2022/2023 by midnight on 31 January 2024. As well as any outstanding tax for 2022/23, you may also need to pay your first ‘payment on account’ for the current tax year. This applies if your ‘balancing payment’ for 2022/23 is more than £1,000.

You will also need to pay any Class 4 and Class 2 National Insurance due for the same tax year.  As of 2022/23, you pay Class 2 NIC if your profits are above the Lower Profits Limit (£11,908 for the 2022/23 year).

If your profits are below the Small Profits Threshold (£6,725 in 2022/23) you can choose to pay voluntary Class 2 NIC. If your profits from self-employment are between the Small Profits Threshold and the Lower Profits Limit then there is no Class 2 NIC to pay. You will still be entitled to benefits.

What are the options if you can’t pay your Self Assessment tax?

When you complete your self-assessment, you will get a bill from HMRC. You can view this when you finish filing your return under ‘View your calculation.’

If you are finding it a challenge to raise the money due, don’t ignore the problem. It will be worse in the long run, and it’s possible to set up a payment plan with HMRC.   

Generally you can pay in instalments as long as you have filed your tax return, owe £30,000 or less and are within 60 days of the payment deadline. If you meet these conditions, you can set up the payment plan online.

What if I can’t set up a payment plan with HMRC?

If you’re unable to set up a plan online and need help to manage your bill, contact HMRC direct. Often they will agree a bespoke payment solution that works for both parties. These are called Time to Pay arrangements. Interest is applied to these plans, but they are fairly flexible and can be repaid early if it’s affordable.

To set up a plan, call the Self-Assessment Payment Helpline on 0300 200 3822. If you cannot pay another type of tax, such as corporation tax, call HMRC’s Payment Support Service on 0300 200 3835.

You will need your unique taxpayer reference and National Insurance number; your VAT registration number if applicable; your bank account details, and details of any missed payments.

HMRC will assess your monthly income and outgoings and any savings and investments you have to decide what you can afford to repay each month. Usually if you have savings or investments, you’ll be expected to use these to settle your tax bill.

How to avoid Self Assessment stress in the future

January isn’t great timing for a tax bill, but you don’t have to leave it until then to settle your tax. You can file your self-assessment from 6 April – as soon as the tax year ends.  You don’t have to pay the bill at that point, but you will at least know how much it will be.

Early filing also gives you time to do the return accurately and correct any errors if needed. Or, you could employ a friendly accountant to manage the whole process for you and avoid any unwanted surprises.

Worried about Self Assessment Tax Returns? Let us help. As small business accountants in the Lune Valley, we’re here to support you with tax returns, accounting, payroll services and much more. Call us today.

On Wednesday November 22 Jeremy Hunt presented the Autumn budget. He set out his priorities as to avoid major spending, but to cut taxes and ‘reward hard work’ with numerous changes to business tax and allowances.

Mr Hunt announced that the UK economy is set to grow by 0.6% in the current year, according to forecasts from the Office for Budget Responsibility. It then expects the economy to grow by 0.7% next year. GDP is forecast to rise by 1.4% in 2025, 1.9% in 2026 and 2.0% in 2027.

Below, we explore the announcements from the Budget that will affect small businesses.

Inflation expected to fall

Inflation is expected to fall to 2.8% by the end of 2024 according to the spending watchdog, down from 11.1% last year when Hunt and Rishi Sunak took office.

National living wage up by more than £1 an hour

The national living wage will increase from April to £11.44, and will be extended to 21-year-olds.

Benefits will be increased by 6.7%, although there will be tougher requirements for unemployed people to look for work. The state pension will be increased by 8.5%.

Cuts to National Insurance

“High taxes discourage work”, said Mr Hunt, and that the combination of national insurance plus income tax means people pay a 32% marginal tax rate.

The main rate for employee national insurance will be cut from 12% to 10%, potentially benefiting 27 million people to the tune of c.£450 a year on average earnings.

This change will be brought in from 6 January 2024.

Class 2 National Insurance abolished

Class 2 national insurance, which is paid by the self-employed, will be stopped. This will save almost two million individuals £192 per year.

The self-employed also pay class 4 national insurance at 9%, which will reduce to 8%. Taken together, these measures will save self-employed workers £350.

Small business support

Mr Hunt said that as a one-time small business owner, he wants to support this sector.

Recognising that SMEs want bills paid on time, he said that firms bidding for government contracts can expect bills to be paid within 55 days at first, and then within 30 days.

The 75% business rates discount for hospitality, retail and leisure is being extended for another year, at a cost of £4.3bn.

Investment in strategic manufacturing

Hunt also announced plans to make available £4.5bn over five years to attract investment into certain manufacturing sectors. This will include money for electric cars and life sciences.

The investments are aimed at keeping the UK competitive in sectors where it leads, and drive innovation in others.

Full expensing made permanent

Hailing full expensing a success, Mr Hunt announced that it would be made permanent. Companies that invest in the UK will reduce their tax by up to 25p for every £1 spent on plants and machinery.

12 investment zones for the UK

Tax reliefs for freeports and investment zones are being extended from five years to 10 years. New investment zones will be created in the West Midlands, East Midlands and Greater Manchester. These could bring in private investment of £3bn and 65,000 jobs.

Want to explore in more detail what the latest rules will mean for you or your business? As leading small business accountants in the Lune Valley we’re happy to advise. Get in touch with us today.

There are some helpful tax breaks for couples – both those who are married and those in a civil partnership. An important one can be the ability to transfer assets between them without any impact to capital gains tax. Sometimes this can be useful for tax planning.

Capital gains – no gain, no loss

Married couples and civil partners can transfers assets from one to the other during the course of the marriage without having to pay Capital Gains Tax (CGT). This applies to all assets including second homes, business interests, shares and capital. It’s known as the ‘no gain, no loss’ relief.

The effect of this rule is that any gain that has accrued while the transferor has owned the asset is passed to the receiver, and there’s no charge at the point of transfer.

Gains do not crystallise until the asset is disposed of outside the marriage or civil partnership.

An example of how this works

Mark purchases a piece of art for £2,000. Five years later he transfers it to his wife Amy. By then, the art is worth £4,000. Amy sells the piece a decade later for £7,000.

When Mark passes the art to Amy, it is transferred at a value of £2,000 – which is Mark’s base cost with neither a gain nor a loss. There is no capital gains tax to pay on the increase in value from £2,000 to £4,000 while Mark owned the art.

When Amy sells the art, the full gain of £5,000 – from £2,000 to £7,000 – becomes chargeable. Amy is liable for the full gain – not just the increase in value since she acquired the art.

There are no other gains in Amy’s tax year, so the gain sits within her annual exempt amount of £6,000. If the painting had fallen in value, Amy owns the overall loss in a similar way.

How the spouse tax break this helps with tax planning

This ‘no gain, no loss’ rule opens up a number of tax planning opportunities:

1. Make use of annual exempt amounts

Transferring an asset – or a share in one – can make best use of unused annual exempt amounts.

The annual exempt amount for 2023/24 is £6,000. Using this strategy can save the couple up to £1,200 in tax. Note that the annual exempt amount falls to £3,000 from April 2024.

• Make use of a lower tax band

If a gain can’t be fully sheltered by the annual exempt amount, but the spouses/civil partners have different rates of tax, the taxable gain can be shared and taxed at the lowest rate of tax.

• Change income allocation

Income from an asset owned jointly by spouses and civil partners is taxed 50:50, irrespective of who specifically owns what share.

But to make sure income is taxed at the lowest possible marginal rates, you can transfer a set share of the ownership under the CGT rules.

For example, asset shares could be transferred to be 80:20 in favour of the lower-earning partner. A Form 17 needs to be completed to confirm this transfer.

• Business asset disposal relief

You may be able to qualify for Business Asset Disposal Relief (formerly Entrepreneurs’ Relief) if you are a sole trader or business partner, and you’ve owned the business for at least two years.

The relief reduces the rate of CGT on selling certain business assets from 20% to 10%. Each spouse or civil partner has their own limit. Assets or shares can be transferred from one spouse to the other, before selling.

However, the business needs to be in that ownership structure for two years before disposal for this relief to apply. It’s important to plan ahead if you want to take advantage of this option.

Make sure you and your partner don’t pay more tax than you need to. As Lune Valley tax specialists and accountants we can help you assess the most tax-efficient way to manage your affairs. For more information, contact us today.

When you sell an asset, such as property, stocks or valuable possessions and you make a profit, Capital Gains Tax (CGT) may apply.   In this blog, we look at what Capital Gains Tax is, who needs to pay it and how you can navigate your tax obligations.

What is Capital Gains Tax?

Capital Gains Tax is a tax on the money you make when selling certain assets. These include:

1. Property: Selling your main residence is usually exempt from Capital Gains Tax, but a second home or a buy-to-let property will tend to qualify for the tax.
   
   
2. Shares: You might pay CGT when selling shares in a company – both those listed on the stock exchange and unlisted shares. But this does not apply if the shares are part of an Individual Savings Account (ISA) or Personal Equity Plan (PEPs).
   
   
3. Personal Possessions: Valuable items like art, antiques and jewelry that have a value exceeding £6,000 may be eligible for CGT. Eligible items must have a long lifespan of more than 50 years – so selling cars or watches won’t expose you to tax.
   
   
4. Business Assets: If you’re a business owner, Capital Gains Tax may apply when you sell or dispose of business assets. Typical assets are property, land, machinery and registered trade marks.

The tax is calculated based on the difference between the asset’s selling price or market value and its original purchase price. This is known as the ‘capital gain.’

Importantly, Capital Gains Tax is only payable on the gain, not the entire sale proceeds.

Who needs to pay Capital Gains Tax?

UK residents each have an annual tax-free allowance. You only need to pay CGT on total gains above this amount. In the 2023/2024 tax year, the Capital Gains Tax allowance is £6,000.

If you are married or in a civil partnership or own assets with another person, you can combine your exemptions to potentially double the tax-free gains.

Note that CGT allowances have decreased from £12,300 in 2022/23 to £6,000 this year, and are due to halve again next year (April 2024) to £3,000.

When is Capital Gains Tax not applicable?

You don’t need to pay CGT in certain situations, such as:

• Making a gift of an asset to your spouse or civil partner
• Giving an asset to charity
• If you win a sum of money in a lottery or competition
• If you make gains from ISAs or PEPs, UK government gilts or Premium Bonds.

What is Capital Gains Tax charged at?

The rate of tax you pay depends on your total taxable income for the tax year, as it is linked to your tax band.

As of 2023/2024, the CGT rate for higher or additional rate taxpayers is 28% for gains from residential property and 20% on other assets.

For a basic rate taxpayer, CGT on any gains within your basic rate Income Tax band is 18% for residential property and 10% on other assets.

How can I reduce my Capital Gains Tax?

There are a few options that may reduce the tax due on gains from disposing of your assets:

1. Careful timing. Deciding when to sell or give away assets may be important, especially with the allowance set to reduce further next year.
   
   
2. Using schemes and wrappers. Investment schemesand tax relief routes may help – seek advice on which might apply to you.
   
   
3. Make use of any losses. If you make a loss on any investment, you may be able to offset this against your gains. You can also carry forward capital losses to future tax years.
   
   
4. Tax free transfers. You can transfer assets to a spouse or civil partner, which can be helpful in sharing the gain, especially if your partner sits within a lower tax bracket.
   
   
5. Manage your taxable income. Because the rate of CGT you pay links to your income tax band,it can help to reduce your income. Common ways to do this are to increase pension contributions or make charitable donations. 

Advice on managing Capital Gains Tax

If you need to pay CGT, make sure you maintain accurate records of all transactions, including original purchase costs, expenses and the selling price. Good records will help you calculate the correct tax liability.

Capital Gains Tax can be complicated, especially if you’re dealing with multiple assets. We’ll be pleased to advise you and help you keep CGT to a minimum. Get in touch to find out more.

Inheritance Tax is increasingly important to our clients, led by the rapid rise in property prices over recent decades and the fact that the inheritance tax threshold has remained static since 2009.

How much is inheritance tax and will it apply to my estate?

Each individual in the UK qualifies for a Nil Rate Band of £325,000, which means that there’s no tax to pay on the first £325K within your estate. That threshold will remain the same until at least 2028, which means that every year more people will be exposed to inheritance tax at 40% on the wealth they leave behind.

But that doesn’t mean your estate will be liable. There are a number of allowances, reliefs and strategies to help you avoid or minimise that tax bill, so that more of your hard-earned assets stay in the family. Here are 8 ways to reduce your exposure…

1. Understand the allowances:

In addition to the £325,000 Nil Rate Band, there’s a further allowance for those who own their own home of up to £175,000.

To qualify, the person who died must have left their home, or a share of it, to their direct descendants – their children, stepchildren, adopted children or grandchildren.

This way, a homeowner’s estate could total up to £500,000 before inheritance tax applies.

2. Benefits for couples

For married couples and civil partners, there’s a useful tax perk. Spouses can inherit each other’s estate without incurring inheritance tax.

Furthermore, any unused tax-free allowance from the first partner’s estate can be transferred to the surviving partner, potentially doubling the tax-free threshold up to as much as £1 million.

3. Strategic gifting:

Why wait for the future to start distributing your wealth, when you can start making strategic gifts now?  Small gifts made during your lifetime are often exempt from inheritance tax. Use the annual gift exemption limit to gradually transfer assets to your beneficiaries while minimising your potential tax liabilities.

4. Explore trust options:

Trusts can be powerful tools for managing inheritance tax. By placing assets into irrevocable trusts, you can potentially remove them from your estate, thus reducing the taxable amount. Trusts require careful consideration and planning, so seek financial and tax advice before making any decisions.

5. Embrace business relief:

If you own a family business, business relief can be a crucial tool in tax planning. This relief can provide up to 100% exemption from inheritance tax on qualifying business assets. By keeping the business operational, you can not only protect your legacy but also benefit from significant tax savings.

6. Make charitable contributions:

If you have charitable inclinations, consider incorporating them into your estate plan. Leaving a portion of your assets to registered UK charities in your will can lead to a reduced inheritance tax rate – from 40% to 36%. This way, you can support causes you care about while potentially benefiting your loved ones financially.

7. Downsize thoughtfully:

If your current property is larger than your needs, downsizing could help. Selling a larger property and moving into a more suitable one could qualify you for downsizing relief, lowering your inheritance tax liability based on the property’s value.

8. Consider life insurance:

Placing life insurance policies in trust can ensure that the payout is excluded from your estate for tax purposes. A whole of life policy will pay out on your death at any age, passing money on to your loved ones. This way, the insurance proceeds can directly benefit your beneficiaries without being subject to inheritance tax.

While inheritance tax might seem daunting, employing these strategies can help you navigate it effectively. Every financial situation is unique, so always consult a knowledgeable financial or tax advisor before implementing any of these approaches.

But proactive planning, exploring your options and making informed decisions could safeguard your family’s financial future and pass on your legacy intact.

To discuss your own inheritance tax liability and how to mitigate it, get in touch with us today. As local tax specialists we can give you advice and support to protect your family’s future.

Have you ever had a suspicious phone call or email claiming to be from HMRC?

Unfortunately, the number of fraudsters targeting small business owners, the self-employed and other individuals is rising all the time. According to the National Cyber Security Centre, HMRC was the third most spoofed government body in 2022, behind the NHS and TV Licensing.

In this month’s blog, we share tips and advice to protect you from being caught out.

1.     Avoid tax phishing scams

Always be sceptical of any contact from HMRC that asks you to share personal or financial details or requests you to immediately transfer money. HMRC will generally give you time to settle any funds owed.

If in doubt, contact HMRC directly, using a phone number listed on the government website.

2.     Check on the latest scams

There are many different types of scam in operation, from suggested rebates to requests to update you tax account details. Other threaten legal action for tax avoidance. Don’t act on anything until you have checked the details.

The HMRC website even lists the most common scams and requests that you report suspicious activity.  You can forward suspicious emails to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk and texts to 60599.

3.     Never share your login details

Never share your HMRC login details with anyone. These give access to your personal information and increasingly, fraudsters use people’s details to request tax claims paid to their own bank. This leads to innocent people having to pay back false claims made on their behalf.

Note that your accountant or tax agent do not need your HMRC login details and will never ask you to share them.

4.     Choose your tax agent or accountant carefully.

If you choose to appoint an agent for support, take time to check their credentials. Sometimes criminals pose as accountants and offer their services to make tax claims for you.

Check that they are qualified and accredited – this is usually stated on the company website. There is advice on choosing an agent on the HMRC website. Read customer reviews about the agent to ensure they are trustworthy and provide a good service.

5.     Watch out for pension scams

One of the most shocking types of fraud is where criminals cheat victims out of their pensions, leaving them without the funds they need for retirement.

Pension scammers try to persuade you to transfer your pension pot to them or to withdraw funds from it. Some might seem trustworthy, but it’s never worth the risk. Always get professional financial advice before accessing your pension fund or transferring it.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) website highlights some scams to beware of.

Note that people aged between 44 and 66 are most at risk of falling victim to pension scams. Beware any contact out of the blue offering a free pension review, or help to access your pension before the normal minimum age. This is currently age 55.

6.     Beware of Tax avoidance schemes

Tax avoidance is bending the rules to reduce the amount of tax that someone pays. It deprives public services of the vital funding they need. If you are found to be using a tax avoidance scheme, you’ll have to pay the tax that is legally due, plus interest, plus you may have to pay a penalty.

There are many tax avoidance companies, and HMRC publishes details of schemes it believes are being used to avoid paying tax due.

If you’re using any of the schemes shown on the list, it’s best to withdraw from them and settle your tax affairs to prevent building up a large tax bill. HMRC offers advice and support for anyone in this situation, so don’t be afraid to contact them.

7.     Don’t pay to contact HMRC

You may come across ‘HMRC call connection’ services, advertised online. There’s no need to ever use these services – they are unnecessary and costly. Contact HMRC directly on its 0300 helpline numbers as listed on GOV.UK.

If you’re unsure about something and would like to discuss it, we’re happy to help. We support individuals and small businesses with tax management and all accounting services in the Lune Valley. Contact us today.

To help address the rising cost of living, many people are finding ways to increase their income with what’s known as a ‘side hustle.’ It can be a good money booster, but what are the tax rules?

Perhaps you’re taking in ironing for your neighbours, or delivering food for a local takeaway. You might be employed by a business already and are doing this additional work on the side. Or perhaps you’re self-employed and taking on new jobs to boost your bank balance.

But when you’re earning additional money, you might need to pay tax on it – and none of us want to be caught out by the taxman. In this quick guide, we’ll make sure you understand what your responsibilities are.

Business registration – yes or no?

You only need to register your side hustle if it generates an income of more than £1,000 per year. Below that, you can take advantage of the ‘trading income allowance’. Note that the £1,000 refers to income, not profit. But using this allowance may not always be the most tax-efficient choice.

How do I register a business?

Essentially, you will need to register as self-employed. It’s an easy process online, just go to the Government website.

Once you’re registered as self-employed, you will need to inform HMRC about the income and expenses for your side hustle. You do this annually by filling out a self-assessment tax return. The deadline for submitting tax returns is January 31 each year.

How much tax will I pay?

Once you’ve registered your additional business with HMRC, you’ll be responsible for paying tax on your business profits. You’ll pay income tax and Class 2 and Class 4 national insurance.

How much you pay depends on your business profit and the income tax allowances you’re entitled to. Remember that the income tax you pay will be based on the combined income from your side hustle plus your main job.

What are the tax thresholds?

If your side hustle income takes you over the income tax threshold, you may end up paying a higher rate of tax.

Current tax thresholds are as follows:

Band	Taxable income	Tax rate
Personal Allowance	Up to £12,570	0%
Basic rate	£12,571 to £50,270	20%
Higher rate	£50,271 to £125,140	40%
Additional rate	over £125,140	45%

Are there other things I should consider when registering my side hustle?

If you’re concerned about the level of tax you will pay once you have registered your side hustle, get some advice from an accountant.

There are other business structures you could consider, such as a Limited Company. That could be a good option if you plan to expand your side hustle in future, or if you have business partners.

It’s much better and simpler to start out with the right structure than to try and change it later.

What happens if I don’t register?

If HMRC finds out you have not declared a source of taxable income, you may face interest and penalties on top of the tax owed. If it’s a serious case, you could end up in court.

If you’ve made a genuine mistake, the earlier you contact HMRC to tell them about the income, the more lenient they’re likely to be.

How can I get more information?

We’re here to help – if you’re not sure whether you need to register the business or not, or whether you should set it up as a limited company, just give us a call. We’ll help you decide on the right approach to match your situation and future goals.

As accountants we’re here for individuals and small businesses to help with tax management in the Lune Valley area. Contact us today.

As you may know, everyone must make approximately 35 years of National Insurance contributions to get a full state pension. If your NI record commenced before 6 April 2016, you might need to top up your record.

Address National Insurance gaps from the last 17 years

Normally you can only top up your NI contributions for the past six years. But right now there is an opportunity for UK residents to top up their contributions all the way back to 6 April 2006.

This opportunity is only open until 31 July 2023 – so now is the time to check your details.

You can view your National Insurance record on the government website. You will need your Government Gateway login details.

Aged 45 to 70? This applies to you

If you are aged between 45 and 70 it is important to check that you have, or expect to have, made sufficient National Insurance contributions to qualify for the full State Pension. If you’re under 45, you can still check, but it may not make financial sense to pay for any full years that are missing.

First, check whether you currently qualify for the full State Pension on the government website. The page will tell you whether you can improve your maximum pension or whether you’re already at the full entitlement of £203.85 per week. If so, you don’t need to do anything further.

If you aren’t at the maximum level and you have gaps in your National Insurance record, making voluntary contributions now could significantly boost the State Pension you receive in future. A full year’s NI payment is currently £824. It costs less to top up a partial year.

If you do have insufficient years, making that payment of £824 could benefit your State Pension by up to £5,500.

Check if you can claim credits

Before making any payments, check whether you are entitled to any free National Insurance credits. These may be available if any of the following apply to the missing/partial years on your NI record:

• You were on maternity allowance, carers allowance or jobseeker’s allowance
• You were receiving child benefit for a child under 12
• You were claiming Universal Credit
• You were employed and earning at least £6.396 a year
• You were self employed with profits of at least £6,725 a year
• You received working tax credits.

Check the full list of eligibility criteria.

How to make additional contributions

Contact the Future Pension Centre on 0800 731 0175 for specific details about your options and the cost of topping up.

If you decide you do want to make voluntary contributions, there’s information on how to pay on the GOV.UK website.

If you are already at state pension age, call the Pension Service on 0800 731 0469 before making any decisions. They will look at your records and confirm whether making voluntary contributions is recommended based on your personal circumstances.

Both phone lines are free and open between 8am and 6pm on Monday to Friday.

Need advice on managing tax and National Insurance? Let us help. As Lune Valley accountants we help with individual and small business tax management. Contact us today.

New HMRC rules mean that you’ll get penalty points if you submit a VAT Return late. We explain how the new system works and how you can avoid a £200 penalty.

HMRC has introduced a new penalty system for VAT return periods. The new approach started on 1 January 2023 and applies to payments due as of 7 March 2023. It replaces the existing VAT default surcharge.

How does the new VAT penalty system work?

Each VAT accounting period has a deadline by which you need submit your VAT return. For many businesses the VAT accounting period is quarterly, with the deadline set at a month after the end of the quarter.

The late submission penalty works on a points system. For each VAT return submitted late, businesses will receive a penalty point. Once they reach their penalty point threshold they will receive a £200 penalty.

Further £200 penalties also apply for each subsequent late submission while at the threshold.

HMRC has also introduced both late payment and repayment interest, replacing previous VAT interest rules.

What are the penalty point thresholds?

The threshold is set by your accounting period, as follows:

VAT Accounting period	Penalty Points threshold
Annual	2
Quarter	4
Month	5

Businesses with an agreement with HMRC to use non-standard accounting periods will be subject to different thresholds. These are detailed on the government website.

When do penalty points expire?

If you don’t reach your threshold, penalty points expire automatically. Each point will expire 24 or 25 months after the missed deadline.

Your penalty points will be removed if you can achieve both of the following…

A: complete a ‘period of compliance’ where all your VAT returns are submitted by the deadline. If you pay VAT quarterly, this period is 12 months.

B: Submit all outstanding returns for the previous 24 months.

See the government website for more detail on how this works.

What if I can’t afford to pay my VAT bill?

HMRC will help businesses that cannot pay their VAT bill in full. Customers may be able to set up a payment plan to pay their bill in instalments. If you propose a payment plan within 15 days of payment being due, that’s accepted by HMRC it, you would not be charged a late payment penalty.

How can I avoid getting VAT penalty points and fines?

As part of Making Tax Digital you should already be signed up to a digital accounting system, which makes VAT submissions simpler. Usually it just involves a few clicks.

Your system may remind you when your VAT return is due – and if not, you could set up manual reminders in your calendar.

The main thing to remember is not just to submit the VAT return, but also to make the required payment within 15 days of the submission deadline.

You could also appoint an accountant or bookkeeper to manage this process for you.

Why has HMRC brought in this new regime?

When HMRC announced this new system, it justified it as penalising ‘only the small minority who persistently miss their submission obligations rather than those who make occasional mistakes’.

The idea is that this approach is fairer. The challenge with the previous system was that a business would get the same penalty whether they were one day late with a VAT payment as if they were one year late.

For most businesses, it is straightforward to submit returns and make payments on time. If that applies to your organisation, this system change should not cause any problems.

Need advice on how best to navigate your VAT responsibilities? We’d love to help. As Lune Valley accountants we help with small business tax management and bookkeeping. Contact us today.

On Wednesday March 15 Jeremy Hunt presented the Spring budget 2023.

He took a positive tone, leading with the news that the UK will not enter recession this year.

Mr Hunt said: “Today the Office for Budget Responsibility forecast that because of changing international factors and the measures I am taking, the UK will not now enter a technical recession this year.”

Alongside the Budget Mr Hunt announced big childcare reforms, aimed at making it easier and more affordable for parents to return to work after parental leave ends.  This move was highlighted as a way to help UK businesses recruit skilled employees.

Below, we explore the announcements from the Budget that will affect small businesses.

Corporation tax increase confirmed

Hunt confirmed that corporation tax will rise from 19% to 25% in April. This has been a controversial area, although the government continues to assure that the UK is still a good place to start and grow businesses.

There will be a 19% ‘small profits’ rate for businesses that make less than £50,000 in annual profits, and marginal relief for companies that sit between the lower and upper rate for profits (£250,000).

Hunt re-confirmed that the UK will still have the lowest headline rate in the G7 and added that a 19% rate “did not incentivise investment” – which leads on to the next point.

Annual investment allowance for firms raised to £1m

The annual investment allowance has increased to £1m for small businesses. 99% of all businesses will now be able to deduct the full value of their investment from each year’s taxable profits.

‘Full expensing’ has also been introduced for the next three years, which means that all money invested in IT equipment and machinery can be deducted in full from taxable profits.

This will become permanent once the government is able to afford it. Mr Hunt claimed that the move will make the UK the only country in Europe with full expensing, and that ‘the impact on the economy will be huge.’  He billed it as a ‘corporation tax cut worth an average of £9 billion a year for every year it is in place.”

Abolishing the pensions Lifetime Allowance and increasing annual allowance to £60,000

As part of his plans to get older people back into work, the chancellor announced that the annual pension tax rate will increase. He highlighted that this is a key concern among senior NHS professionals who are leaving the health service because of unpredictable tax charges.

To prevent people being pushed out of the workforce for tax reasons, the pensions annual tax-free allowance is being increased by 50% from £40,000 to £60,000.

The Lifetime Allowance, currently limited to £1 million, is to be abolished entirely.

Fuel duty not increasing with inflation

On fuel duty, Mr Hunt said: ‘Because inflation remains high, I have decided now is not the right time to uprate fuel duty with inflation or increase the duty.’

He committed to maintain the 5p cut for a further 12 months and freeze fuel duty for the same time period.

Boosts for recruitment

Various measures aim to increase the size of the UK workforce. Funding is being made available to create up to 50,000 places on new voluntary employment scheme for disabled people, called Universal Support.

There will also be more places on ‘skills boot camps’ to encourage over-50s to return to the workplace. Immigration rules are to be relaxed for five roles in the construction sector to ease labour shortages.

New ‘AI sandbox’ to boost artificial intelligence businesses

The government is to launch an ‘AI sandbox’ to trial new, faster approaches to help innovators get cutting edge products to market and gain clarity on Intellectual Property rules.

The Chancellor is committing £900m of funding to implement recommendations for a supercomputer to create the power needed for AI’s complex algorithms.

He set a vision to be a ‘world leading quantum enabled economy by 2033.’

Want to explore in more detail what the latest rules will mean for you or your business? As leading small business accountants in the Lune Valley we’ll be pleased to advise. Get in touch with us today.