Latest News
Arctic Systems – The Verdict
The long running saga of Geoff and Diana Jones and their company, Arctic Systems Limited, has recently been back to the courts for the final time to the House of Lords.
HSE Reveals Myths
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) publish a series of myths of the month for businesses. The myth for July, which businesses need to be aware of, is that all office equipment must be tested annually by a qualified electrician.
HMRC To Target Bank Accounts
HMRC have started a consultation on the way in which they pursue individuals who do not pay their tax liabilities on time. The proposal, which would result in HMRC taking money owed directly from an individual’s bank accounts, would aim to tackle the problem of approximately 200,000 people who are pursued through the courts each year for outstanding tax.
Phishing Scams
HMRC have been made aware of certain so-called 'Phishing' scams targeting taxpayers in an effort to fraudulently obtain personal information from them.
Advisory Fuel Rates
HMRC have issued advisory fuel rates for company car drivers. These take effect for all journeys undertaken from 1 August so employers should advise affected employees and update any expense forms as soon as possible.
Offshore Disclosure – HMRC Follow Up
Recently in enews we reported what has been widely reported in the press as HMRC’s ‘Tax Amnesty’. As previously explained the term amnesty is misleading as it only applies to the penalty that would be charged on undeclared tax relating to the offshore accounts, which HMRC have promised to cap at 10% if a voluntary disclosure is made.
Business Disruption – Postal Dispute
HMRC have announced that VAT returns and payments that were delayed by postal disputes will be viewed sympathetically.
Refund Of Voluntary NICs
As previously reported in enews in some limited circumstances individuals who have paid voluntary national insurance contributions (NICs) may be entitled to a refund.
Delays In VAT Registration
According to HMRC’s website it is currently taking an average of 38 days to process new VAT registration applications.
