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Increase the IHT-free part of your estate by 50%
Your father died leaving his entire estate to your mother who later remarried. You’ll inherit some or all of her estate depending on whether she dies before her husband. What steps can be taken to reduce the inheritance tax (IHT) on the estate?
How much will you save with reduced scale charges?
HMRC has reduced the VAT fuel scale charge by nearly 6% for company-provided cars. When does the new reduced rate take effect and how do you make the calculations?
Avoid the trading allowance trap
In late 2024 you became self-employed. You’re now completing your tax return for 2024/25 and will claim the trading allowance instead of a tax deduction for business expenses. Could this impact your NI record and state pension entitlement?
Was a company buyback of EIS shares tax avoidance?
Two taxpayers used the “purchase of own shares” procedure to extract gains they’d made from enterprise investment scheme (EIS) shares. HMRC said this was unfair tax avoidance, the taxpayers disagreed. What did the Upper Tribunal decide?
Income sharing trouble for separated couple
After a couple separated one spouse received income from letting the property she jointly owned with her estranged spouse. HMRC taxed all the income on her. Was it right to do so or should her spouse have been taxed on half the income?
How to handle workers aiming to "Slide Away" to an Oasis Concert
The Oasis Live ’25 UK reunion tour starts in Cardiff on 4 July 2025 and concludes in London on 28 September 2025. With ticketless fans keen on obtaining last-minute tickets and ticketed fans eager to get to the gig for when the gates open, this could have an impact on staff productivity and timekeeping. How can you tackle these issues?
Is getting your business to pay tax efficient?
You were recently involved in an online discussion about the tax consequences of putting the cost of a celebratory meal for the business owners and staff through the firm’s books. Will doing so save or increase tax overall?
VAT-saving opportunity with changes to the CGS?
The government has announced that it will increase the capital goods scheme (CGS) threshold for capital expenditure on land and buildings from its current level of £250,000. What will the new threshold be, and how can you take advantage?
Delay salary to save tax
As a company owner manager, you decide when to take income from your business. If that’s your only source of income, tax planning is relatively simple but it’s trickier if you have other sources. What’s the best strategy to improve tax efficiency?
Cutting the cost of a company car
You want to help your young son replace the ancient car he currently drives. The plan is for your company to buy it but for the running costs to be met by your son. That’s fine with him but is there a more tax and cost-effective alternative?
Changes to NDAs from 1 October 2025
From 1 October 2025 non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) will become unenforceable if they prevent victims of crime from making certain disclosures. What does the new law say?
When will you have to register your new business for MTD?
The timetable for mandatory use of Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self-Assessment (MTD ITSA) by existing businesses is well established. But when must you use MTD ITSA if you start a new business or create a new income stream?