HLAS

The UK is hosting the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow until the 12 November 2021. Climate change is probably the world's most pressing problem. It is widely accepted governments must take more cuts in warming gases if we are to prevent higher global temperature rises. The summit in Glasgow is where change may happen. We need to look at the promises made by the world's larger economies and whether poorer countries get help to make changes. Decisions made at the COP26 conference will impact all of our lives in the future and most importantly, the future [...]

The prevalence of electric vehicles is increasing massively, and I felt it was time to revisit one off my favourite subjects. We have noticed clients moving towards electric vehicles, issues still remain for many, the primary one is range. Although electric range is now respectable on many cars, it may still be a burden for some high mileage drivers. Topping up a battery may seem like hard work but a Taycan can be topped up from 5-80% in 20 some minutes and 62 miles of range can be added in 5 minutes. So with a little planning and a coffee [...]

The market for successful small businesses has never been better. There is massive demand from larger businesses to add to their portfolios. Some of this driven by markets looking for good returns for their money or just plain common sense as surplus cash effectively earns nothing. I think many owners would be surprised by how valuable their business is and now would seem like a good time to test the market. Taxation of disposals is reasonably light but reforms to capital gains tax may make gains taxable at income tax rates. I always liken selling a business to selling a [...]

On 27 October 2021, the Chancellor delivered his third Budget in conjunction with the Public Spending Review. Many of the spending announcements had already been leaked to the Press prior to Budget Day and arguably a lot of it was not new money. The Chancellor did however manage to keep a few surprises back for Budget Day. Low paid workers will welcome the increases in the National Living Wage (NLW) that take effect from April 2022 and the 8% reduction in the Universal Credit income taper. However, the increase in the NLW in conjunction with the 1.25% increase in National [...]

Many were expecting big changes to capital gains tax in the Autumn Budget, particularly as the Office of Tax Simplification (OTS) had suggested that CGT rates should be aligned with income tax rates. The Government have however taken on board the OTS recommendation that the 30 day reporting and payment deadline should be increased to 60 days. This will be a welcome change for property owners and their tax agents and will affect residential property disposals that complete on or after 27 October 2021. Entrepreneurs will be relieved that CGT Business Asset Disposal Relief continues resulting in a 10% CGT [...]

The Government continue to promise a fairer system of Business Rates and will provide new reliefs for investment and improvements to business premises.  In order to support businesses and jobs in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors, the chancellor announced a 50% discount in business rates up to £110,000. High Street businesses still operate at a significant disadvantage to online retailers who generally pay lower Business Rates, and some pay a lot less corporation tax. The Government will consult shortly on an Online Sales Tax which may help level the playing field.

Businesses investing in plant and machinery will welcome yet another extension in the 100% Annual Investment Allowance (AIA) until 31 March 2023. The 100% relief was scheduled to revert to £200,000 on 1 January 2022. This deduction is available to unincorporated businesses as well as limited companies and the equipment does not have to be new. This tax allowance is not as generous as the 130% super-deduction announced in the March 2021 Budget which is available when new plant and machinery is acquired by limited companies between 1 April 2021 and 31 March 2023.

The 1.25% increase in the rate of National Insurance Contributions (NICs) paid by workers and employers announced on 7 September to provide extra funds for Health and Social care will go ahead from 6 April 2022. This will become a new Health and Social Care Levy from 2023/24 onwards. Although the income tax personal allowance and thresholds are frozen until 2025/26, certain NIC thresholds have been increased In line with inflation. For 2022/23, employees and the self-employed will start paying NICs at £9,880 and pay at 10.25% (self-employed) and 13.25% (employees) up to £50,270. Note that the Upper Limit is [...]

The basic rate of income tax and higher rate remain at 20% and 40% respectively, and the 45% additional rate continues to apply to income over £150,000. As previously announced in the March Budget, the personal allowance and higher rate threshold have been frozen at £12,570 and £50,270 until 2025/26. As announced on 7 September, from 6 April 2022 dividend income will be taxed at 8.75%, 33.75% and then 39.35%, depending upon whether the dividends fall into the basic rate band, higher rate band or the additional rate band. The first £2,000 of dividend income continues to be tax-free. The [...]