Monthly Archives: December 2013

Nothing better to do

 HMRC have revealed that 1,566 UK tax payers filed their 2013 self-assessment tax returns on Christmas day. Are we to take this as evidence that the “bah humbug” mentality is alive and well in the UK? In order to file their returns these reluctant revellers will have needed to switch on their computer, as the only way to file a Continue Reading
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HMRC criticised for soft peddling

In a recent report prepared by the Public Accounts Committee HMRC was accused of pursuing smaller businesses with more vigour than larger concerns. HMRC was also criticised for under estimating the amount of uncollected tax, over estimating amounts due from the holders of Swiss bank accounts, and collecting tax credit debt. A summary of the Committee’s comments is set out Continue Reading
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Tax free celebration for Christmas

Most business people are aware that if they keep the “per head” expenditure below £150 for the annual bash, and if they follow the other HMRC guidelines, then there should be no risk that HMRC will seek to treat the payments as a taxable benefit. However, if the cost creeps over £150, to say £200 per head, the total amount Continue Reading
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Equitable Life additional payout

On the 10 December 2013 HM Treasury announced that the long awaited additional payment, to pre-1992 Equitable Life annuitants, will be made this week. The details below are the formal confirmation from H M Treasury’s website: The government has confirmed that it will make ex-gratia payments by next week to those Equitable Life With-Profits policy holders who are excluded from Continue Reading
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