accountants
6 Cavendish Street  
Barrow in Furness  
Cumbria  
LA14 1SB  
Tel: (01229) 838567  
enquires@sdgaccountants.co.uk   
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The Budget 2011

The Budget 2011

 

Accountancy News from sdg accountants

Self Assessment Filing Deadline Extended
In a recent statement by HMRC they have agreed to extend the Self Assessment filing deadline to 2nd February 2012.  This is a result of industrial action at HMRC call centre's, we are sure this news will be greeted with thanks from many agents and individuals across the country.
 
Taxman to review record checks project
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) is to carry out a review of its Business Record Checks project, designed to tackle poor record-keeping by small and medium-sized enterprises.
 
Employment tribunal fees plan unveiled
The government has outlined its plans for charging fees to take cases to employment tribunals, designed to cut a multi-million pound bill for the taxpayer and ease pressure on businesses.
 
E-trader jailed over VAT fraud
An online trader has been jailed for attempting to evade more than £420,000 of VAT, ahead of the launch of an HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) campaign targeting people who use e-marketplaces to buy and sell goods and who fail to pay tax owed.
 
Our offices will be open until 5pm on Friday 23rd December 2011 and will reopen on Tuesday 3rd January 2012
If you need to speak to someone between these times please call Scott Gomersall on his business mobile 07739310508 or e-mail our office at enquiries@sdgaccountants.co.uk leaving a contact number and he will call you.
 
We take this opportunity to wish all our clients an regular readers a Happy Christmas and prosperous 2012.
 
'Real time' pilot on way for PAYE
A major change to the way that employers submit information on tax and national insurance for their employees is to begin next year with a pilot programme.
 
£95m boost for small businesses
Small and medium sized businesses in England are set to benefit from £95 million in government investment.
 
New taskforces to target tax cheats
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has launched five new taskforces around the country to tackle tax evasion in sectors including fast food, property rentals and scrap metal dealing.
 
'Millions' may drop out of auto-enrolment, survey finds
Pensions experts have warned that around three million people may drop out of a government scheme designed to encourage more workers to save for their older age.
 
A N Other fine mess on PAYE paperwork
Employers are being urged to make sure their PAYE paperwork is correct after hundreds of returns incorrectly claimed to employ A N Other in 2009/10.
 
SME's slipping up on credit checks
Almost three-quarters of small and medium-sized UK businesses are failing to check on their customers’ creditworthiness, according to new research.
 
National Minimum Wage Rates Rise From 1 October 2011
Employers are reminded that new national minimum wage rates (NMW) will come into force from 1 October 2011.
 
HMRC criticised over tax amnesties
HM Revenue and Customs say the number of scam “phishing” emails has increased by more than 300% over the past year.
 
Three-fold increase in tax scam emails
HM Revenue and Customs say the number of scam “phishing” emails has increased by more than 300% over the past year.
 
New Agency Worker Regulation (AWR) comes into affect
The Government has introduced new Agency Worker Regulation (AWR) changing the way businesses introduce new staff on a short term basis.
 
2,250 tax inspectors in super rich crackdown
A crack team of more 2,000 tax inspectors is to be set up by HM Revenue and Customs to target tax avoidance and evasion.
 
Capital allowances loophole closed
The government has bought forward the closure of a loophole that allowed businesses to accelerate capital allowances claims for plant and machinery and obtain advantageous early tax relief.
 
Retailers warned over online security
Businesses have been urged to do more to protect customers’ data after hackers were able to access the payment details of thousands of customers of cosmetics and toiletries retailer Lush.
 
Rule change on agency workers' rights looms
New rules affecting employers who take on agency and temporary workers will take effect from 1 October 2011.
 
Taxpayer hit by HMRC hold-up
Around 500,000 people who complete self assessment tax returns will have to wait longer than normal to find out how much tax they have to pay, HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has announced.
 
Businesses asked for views on tax and NI merger
The government is asking businesses for their views on integrating the income tax and national insurance contributions (NIC) systems.
 
Students urged to save on summer job tax
Students are being reminded that they may not have to pay any tax on the money they make from summer jobs.
 
End of National Insurance cards comes step closer
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has introduced the latest stage of its move to phase out National Insurance cards.
 
UK lobbies over European maternity leave proposals
The UK has reinforced its opposition to proposals by MEPs to introduce 20 weeks of maternity leave on full pay.
 
'E-traders' included in new tax crackdown
New campaigns targeting VAT defaulters, private tutors and e-marketplaces will be launched by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) over the next year.
 
VAT Rule Breakers Targeted
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has announced it is to target individuals and businesses who are trading above the VAT threshold but have not registered for VAT in a new drive against rule breakers.
 
Cheque Guarantee Card Scheme Closes
The UK cheque guarantee scheme, for businesses and individuals using cheques to make or receive payments, will close on 30 June 2011.
 
TUPE Rules Included in Employment Law Review
Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne billed his second Budget as a “Budget for growth”, telling MPs that it was an “urgent call to action for Britain”. His main ambitions, he said, were to ease the economic burden on families and businesses while promoting Britain as the best place to do business in Europe.
 
Bribery Act Takes Effect On 1 July
Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne billed his second Budget as a “Budget for growth”, telling MPs that it was an “urgent call to action for Britain”. His main ambitions, he said, were to ease the economic burden on families and businesses while promoting Britain as the best place to do business in Europe.
 
Flexible Working Consultation Launched
Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne billed his second Budget as a “Budget for growth”, telling MPs that it was an “urgent call to action for Britain”. His main ambitions, he said, were to ease the economic burden on families and businesses while promoting Britain as the best place to do business in Europe.
 
Health And Safety Rules Blocking New Jobs, Says Report
Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne billed his second Budget as a “Budget for growth”, telling MPs that it was an “urgent call to action for Britain”. His main ambitions, he said, were to ease the economic burden on families and businesses while promoting Britain as the best place to do business in Europe.
 
First Automatic Pension Enrolment Letters Go Out
Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne billed his second Budget as a “Budget for growth”, telling MPs that it was an “urgent call to action for Britain”. His main ambitions, he said, were to ease the economic burden on families and businesses while promoting Britain as the best place to do business in Europe.
 
New Growth Fund Opens For Business
Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne billed his second Budget as a “Budget for growth”, telling MPs that it was an “urgent call to action for Britain”. His main ambitions, he said, were to ease the economic burden on families and businesses while promoting Britain as the best place to do business in Europe.
 
New Minimum Wage Rates Set
The government has accepted the independent Low Pay Commission’s (LPC) recommendations for this year’s National Minimum Wage (NMW) rates.
 
New Late Filing Penalties in Place
Taxpayers could find themselves paying a high price for submitting late tax returns under a new penalty regime introduced in April.

 

Round-up of Budget Reaction
Chancellor George Osborne delivered the 2011 Budget on 23 March, saying he intended to “put fuel into the tank of the British economy”. With the implications of the Budget still sinking in, this round-up of some key points also looks at the response to the measures.
 
Online Filing Plans Under Fire
Government plans to impose online filing on all the main businesses taxes have been criticised by tax campaigners.
 
Cable Plans Shake-up of Audit Rules
Business Secretary Vince Cable says the government will remove audit requirements from thousands of smaller businesses.
 
HMRC Seeks Views on Website
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has launched an online survey of its website, www.hmrc.gov.uk
 
R&D Brings Tax Benefits
Thousands of companies are benefiting from research and development (R&D) tax credits, according to new figures from HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC).
 
Businesses Offered Chance to Slash Red Tape
Businesses are being urged to get involved in government moves to reduce the burden of red tape.
 
Employers Set to Say ‘You’re Hired’ to More Apprentices
Business organisations have welcomed plans, announced in the March Budget, to increase the number of apprenticeships over the next four years.
 
HMRC Told ‘Go Back to Drawing Board’ on Record-Keeping Drive
A proposal by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to start making large-scale checks of business records before relevant tax returns are submitted is misguided, according to the Chartered Institute of Taxation (CIOT).
 
The Budget 2011
Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne billed his second Budget as a “Budget for growth”, telling MPs that it was an “urgent call to action for Britain”. His main ambitions, he said, were to ease the economic burden on families and businesses while promoting Britain as the best place to do business in Europe.
 
Reminder on Tax Code Notice Change
Taxpayers are reminded that copies of the notices informing them of their tax code for the year 2011-2012, sent out during January, February and March, will no longer go to their tax agent or advisor.
 
Record Numbers File Online
Record numbers of people completed their self assessment tax returns online this year, HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has revealed.
 
Childcare Support Changes
Businesses are reminded that the rules on employer-supported childcare will change for higher and additional rate taxpayers from 6 April 2011.
 
Time Running out on Retirement at 65
Employers are reminded that they only have a limited time remaining to set in motion procedures to retire staff at the age of 65.
 
Time to Pay Rejection Rate Rises
The percentage of Time to Pay requests refused by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) in 2010 was more than double the rate in 2009, according to new statistics.
 
Right to Request Flexible Working Extended
Workers’ right to request flexible working is to be extended under a change to be introduced from 6 April, businesses are reminded.
 
Whitehall Rapped on Quality of Case for New Business Regulations
An independent watchdog that reviews government proposals for new regulations affecting businesses says a “worryingly high proportion” fail to make a strong enough case.
 
Time Running Out on State Pension Top-Up Offer
Around 70,000 people, mainly women, have until 5 April to boost their basic state pension and get backdated payments.
 
‘Game Up’ Warning on Offshore Non-Compliance
New penalties of up to 200 per cent could be imposed on anyone hiding money offshore, HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has warned.
 
Deliberate Defaulters Told ‘Taxman will be Watching You’
Tax cheats have been warned they face up to five years of detailed scrutiny by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC).
 
Company Car Changes Go Electronic
An important change to the way employers notify HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) about replacement company cars will take effect from April 2011.
 
SMEs Urged to Keep Business Records in Shape
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has launched new tools to help small businesses, sole traders and the self-employed keep their records in shape.
 
Businesses Share Common Concerns on Tax
A series of roadshows organised by the Office of Tax Simplification (OTS) has highlighted key areas of small business taxation that those affected say need to be reviewed or simplified.
 
SMEs Count Fraud Toll
Fraud costs small and medium-sized enterprises an average of £2,800 a year each, according to new statistics from the National Fraud Authority (NFA).
 
Tax Appeals May Be Worth Pursuing
Taxpayers appealing against HMRC decisions or penalties on technical issues or for late or inaccurate filing of VAT returns have a better than 50:50 chance of success, according to recent statistics.
 
HMRC Denies National Insurance Problem
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has hit back at suggestions that more than £1.3 billion in national insurance contributions (NICs) has been lost.
 
Tax Experts Offer Help on Underpayment Letters
The Low Incomes Tax Reform Group (LITRG) has issued guidance on what action to take if someone receives a tax calculation letter for the 2007-08 tax year from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).
 
Employers Offered Guidance on Pension Changes
Employers are being offered extra help to get to grips with new responsibilities under workplace pensions reform.
 
Consultation Begins in Bid to Cut Employment Tribunals
The government has launched a new consultation on plans to improve the way in which workplace disputes are resolved.
 
New Parental Leave Plan Unveiled
The government has announced more details of shared parental leave arrangements designed to help families balance work and life commitments.
 
Consultation Under Way On PAYE Reform
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is inviting employers to respond to a second phase of consultation on improving PAYE through the use of Real Time Information (RTI).
 
Corporation Tax ‘Vodcast’ Offers Expert Advice
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has teamed up with accountancy experts to provide online advice on changes to corporation tax due in April 2011.
 
HMRC Joins Twitter
HMRC has begun trialling the use of Twitter, operating under the username @hmrcgovuk.
 
Employment Rights Payments Change
Annual changes to the payments for unfair dismissal and redundancies will take effect from 1 February 2011.
 
Business Records Checks Consultation Focuses On SMEs
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) is seeking views on how best to implement a programme of Business Records Checks, designed to improve record keeping in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
 
European Patent Fees Reduced
Thousands of innovative UK businesses will reduce the cost of protecting their bright ideas in Europe under new arrangements.
 
Tax Avoidance Study Group Launched
The government has made its first appointment to a group of experts who will explore the potential for a General Anti-Avoidance Rule (GAAR) as part of the UK tax regime.
 
Tax Reliefs In The Spotlight
The Office of Tax Simplification (OTS) has completed a key stage in its major review of tax reliefs.
 
Concern As Time To Pay Arrangements Fall
New figures show that fewer businesses are deferring tax payments through the HM Revenue & Customs’ (HMRC) Time to Pay scheme, designed to help businesses during the economic downturn.
 
HMRC Reports On R&D Support
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has issued a new report on research and development (R&D) decision-making processes in British businesses.
 
VAT Rules On Entertaining Overseas Customers Changed
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has shifted its position on the VAT treatment of business entertainment provided to overseas customers.
 
Change On Unfair Dismissal Claims On Cards
Lord Young, the government’s new Enterprise Adviser, has told the BBC that he may recommend an increase in the length of time employees have to work before being allowed to bring unfair dismissal claims.
 
Smaller Charities Win Online Filing Concession
From 1 April 2011 onwards, all companies and organisations will have to file company tax returns online for any accounting period ending after 31 March 2010.
 
Reminder On Filing Online
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has reminded anyone missing the 31 October deadline for filing paper self assessment tax return for 2009-2010 that they have until the end of January to file online.
 
Alert To Employers On CD-ROM
Businesses using HM Revenue & Customs’ (HMRC) Employer CD-ROM have been urged to make sure it is up to date.
 
Businesses Urged To Prepare For Pensions Shake-Up
The government has set out plans for automatic enrolment into workplace pensions.
 
Act now before the pension annual allowance falls
Since the coalition announced the scrapping of measures which would have seen those earning at least £150,000 lose some or all of their higher rate tax relief, we have been waiting with baited breath to find out what the alternative would be.
 
Spending Review Offers Help to Business
Chancellor George Osborne unveiled his Spending Review on 20 October, setting out £81 billion in cuts over the next four years.
 
New Enterprise Allowance Boost for Start-Up Firms
People who have been unemployed for six months and want to start their own business will be offered access to business mentoring and financial support of up to £2,000.
 
State Pension Age to Rise to 66 by 2020
Chancellor George Osborne has announced a faster than expected rise in the state pension age as part of his October Spending Review.
 
Business Quangos Bite Dust
Regional Development Agencies are among the business-related quangos that face the axe or other changes in a government shake-up.
 
All Change on National Insurance Cards
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has announced a change on replacement national insurance cards, ahead of a phasing out of the traditional plastic card.
 
Comments Sought on Competition Law Compliance Guidance
The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) is consulting on two guidance documents designed to help businesses and company directors comply with competition law.
 
Track Down your Missing Pension, says Minister
People who have lost touch with workplace pension schemes from previous employers, as well as personal schemes, are being urged to track them down to ensure they receive all of their entitlements in retirement.
 
HMRC Shakes up Contact Centre Opening Hours
From 29 November 2010, HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) contact centres will reorganise their opening times to allow more staff to answer calls during the busy periods.
 
HMRC Issues Guidance On Tax Underpayments
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has issued guidance for up to 1.4 million taxpayers who have underpaid PAYE due to incorrect tax codes.
 
£900m To Fight Tax Non-Compliance
Large businesses will be among those targeted in a £900 million government plan to tackle non-compliance in the tax system.
 
New Businesses Benefit From NI Holiday
A new regional national insurance (NI) holiday for start-up businesses has come into effect.
 
CD-ROM Alert For Employers
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has issued an alert to employers who use its Employer CD-ROM to help run their payroll systems.
 
Businesses Get Helping Hand On Awards
Businesses looking for opportunities to raise their profile are being given a helping hand by Business Link.
 
Online Guidance To Sale Of Goods Act Launched
The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) launched a new online resource to help businesses comply with the law when customers buy or return goods.
 
Comments Invited On Bribery Act Guidance
Businesses are being invited to have their say on guidance designed to help them implement legal measures designed to strengthen the UK’s stance against bribery.
 
Tax Specialists Criticise Paperwork Cuts
Tax experts have hit out at HM Revenue and Customs’ (HMRC) plans to stop issuing copies to tax agents of some mail sent to their clients to help cut costs.
 
National Minimum Wage Rates Rise From 1 October
Employers are reminded that new national minimum wage rates (NMW) will come into force from 1 October.
 
Three-Quarters Of Taxpayers Opt For Online Returns
As the 31 October deadline looms for paper tax returns, new figures from HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) reveal that growing numbers of individual taxpayers are opting for online filing.
 
Helping Hand On VAT Errors
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has issued new guidance on correcting VAT errors.
 
HMRC Steps Up Online Employer Information
Employers will be able to access more HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) advice and guidance online and via downloads as HMRC works to reduce the amount of information it posts out.
 
Furnished Holiday Lettings Rules Under Review
The government has launched a consultation on the tax rules for furnished holiday lettings.
 
IHT In The Spotlight
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has launched a consultation into tackling inheritance tax avoidance associated with trusts.
 
Tool Aids Businesses To Build Age-Friendly Workplaces
UK employers now have access to a free tool that allows them to assess current and future workforce needs.
 
Taxpayers Warned Of Phone Con
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) is warning taxpayers to be vigilant following reports that thieves are making phone calls pretending to be the taxman.
 
HMRC Brings In Debt Collectors In 2010-11
Debt collection agencies will be used by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) during 2010-11 to collect an additional £140m of tax debt.
 
Greener Cars Drive Up Savings
Private and fleet buyers in the UK are to be offered up to £5,000 as an incentive to buy greener cars in a government scheme launching at the start of next year. 
 
PAYE in the Spotlight
PAYE could be on course for significant change following the launch of a major consultation.
 
HMRC under fire over Income Tax cases backlog
The head of the National Audit Office has criticised HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) for failing to make enough progress in reducing a backlog of 18.2 million cases where there is potentially overpaid or underpaid income tax.
 
Online VAT Deadline Looming
Businesses need to act now if they have not already registered for online filing of VAT returns.
 
Tax Set To Be Made Simpler
Chancellor George Osborne has launched a new Office for Tax Simplification (OTS), with the task of identifying areas where complexities in the tax system for businesses and individuals can be reduced.
 
Get Ready For New Equality Act
Time is ticking away for businesses to review their policies and practices to make sure they are in line with the new Equality Act.
Late Returns Grace Period To End
Businesses are reminded that a seven-day grace period for late employers’ and contractors’ returns will cease from 31 March 2011.
Guide Aims To Make Managing Employee Performance Easier
New guidance is now available for businesses to help them manage the performance of their workforce more effectively.
 
Revised Guidance On ‘Fit And Proper’ Persons
New guidance on the fit and proper persons test for managers of charities has been issued.
 
HMRC Issues New Security Alerts
HM Revenue & Customs has issued a new security warning over an email currently in circulation.

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