Taxpayers can currently obtain a rather generous tax relief (known as ‘Lettings Relief’) on sales of buy-to-let properties. This applies if they have been rented out a property which has been their main residence. However, changes in Lettings Relief will be coming into effect in the near future. The lettings relief is currently the lowest of: The Principal Private Residence …
Benefits of Outsourcing Bookkeeping
Many business owners choose to carry out their own bookkeeping; with the main benefit being the cost savings paying a bookkeeper. However, when you look at the benefits of outsourcing bookkeeping, you may find the cost is well worth it. If the bookkeeping is relatively straightforward and the owner is content to spend their own time, away from the principal business activity, …
What are the Rental Expenses for Buy-to-Let Properties?
Ensuring you claim the correct rental expenses against your income for buy-to-let properties is not always obvious. The HMRC Property Income Manual can be found here. This article written by RPP Accountants explains what can and can’t be claimed as a revenue expense for buy-to-let properties. HMRC have also produced other guidance for landlords here. The starting point for any …
Sole Trader vs Limited Company
The choice between Sole Trader vs Limited Company can be a tough one, It’s important to consider the issues and make the right decision to suit your needs. Some of the items to consider when deciding on the best option are: Limited Liability Taxation Reporting Requirements Recognition Limited Liability One of the main advantages of having a limited company is …
Self-Assessment Tax Returns
You are probably wondering why in August we have chosen to write about Self-Assessment, when the deadline for filing manual tax returns is 31st October 2018 and the deadline for on-line submissions is 31st January 2019. HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) notifies individuals who must file a Self-Assessment Tax Return after the end of the tax year. The tax year runs …
PAYE Coding Notice and Tax Refunds
Reviewing your PAYE coding notice is vitally important to make sure you’re being taxed correctly; if not you may be due a tax refund. PAYE stands for Pay As You Earn. This is the standard method for deducting Income Tax & National Insurance from your wage/salary or pension before you receive it. It was introduced in 1944. What is a PAYE …
Trading and Property Allowances
Trading and Property Allowances From the 2017/18 tax year onward, HMRC have introduced a trading allowance and a property allowance of £1,000 each. These allowances work in a similar way to rent-a-room relief, meaning that the taxpayer has the choice to deduct either the relevant expenses from gross receipts, or the £1,000 allowance, not both. The allowances are going to …
Making Tax Digital
Making Tax Digital (MTD) is being implemented by HM Revenue & Customs from 1st April 2019. However, for many businesses the real switch over date is much sooner. This brief article explains why you should be thinking about MTD now and how Rawlinson Pryde & Partners can assist you. Who has to comply with Making Tax Digital? Any VAT registered business …
When to contact an Accountant?
The timing of when to contact an Accountant or Tax Adviser is often overlooked. However, it can be a vitally important issue in order to keep as many tax savings options available as possible. When should you contact an Accountant? For an Accountant or Tax Adviser to best advise you, you should always contact them prior to making a decision …
2018/19 Tax Efficient Profit Extraction for Owner Managed Companies
The new tax year means it is time for owner managed companies to consider tax efficient profit extraction. For many years accountants and tax advisors have suggested that director/shareholders should extract profit by paying themselves a low salary with the remainder of their income being extracted in the form of dividends. Dividends are not deductible in arriving at the company’s …