Jan 15

Scottish Draft Budget

Finance Secretary Derek Mackay delivered the 2018/19 Scottish Draft Budget on Thursday 14 December 2017 setting out the Scottish government’s financial and tax plans. The Scottish government has the power to set the rates and bands of income tax (other than those for savings and dividend income) which apply to Scottish resident taxpayers. Since 6 […]

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Dec 21

Advisory fuel rates for company cars

New company car advisory fuel rates have been published which took effect from 1 December 2017. The guidance states: ‘You can use the previous rates for up to one month from the date the new rates apply’. The rates only apply to employees using a company car. The advisory fuel rates for journeys undertaken on or […]

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Dec 20

Delay in the abolition of Class 2 NIC

The government has announced that it will introduce legislation, to abolish Class 2 national insurance contributions (NIC) and to make further proposed NIC changes in 2018. The measures the legislation will implement will now take effect one year later than previously announced, from April 2019. These measures include the abolition of Class 2 NIC paid […]

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Dec 18

Pension contribution increases and temporary staff

The Pensions Regulator is reminding employers that they need to comply with their auto-enrolment duties. Automatic enrolment still applies to temporary staff this Christmas With the festive season fast approaching, employers may be planning to take on temporary staff to help their business survive the rush. Automatic enrolment applies to these employees in the same […]

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Dec 15

Employee gifts – tax free?

At this time of year, some employers may wish to make small gifts to their employees. A tax exemption is available which should give employers certainty that the benefits provided are exempt and do not result in a reportable employee benefit in kind. In order for the benefit to be exempt it must satisfy the […]

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Dec 14

Trusts Registration Service

HMRC has launched a new Trusts Registration Service (TRS) so that trustees can register their trust online and provide information on the beneficial owners of the trust. The new service launched in early July for trustees and replaces the 41G (Trust) paper form, which was withdrawn at the end of April. Under the existing self-assessment […]

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Dec 13

Autumn Budget 2017

The Chancellor Philip Hammond presented his first Autumn Budget on Wednesday 22 November 2017. Some of the key announcements are set out below. Increased limits for knowledge-intensive companies The government will legislate to encourage more investment in knowledge-intensive companies under the Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) and Venture Capital Trusts (VCTs). The government will: double the […]

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Nov 30

Simple Assessment

HMRC have changed the way in which they will assess some taxpayers removing the need for these individuals to complete a Self Assessment Tax Return. These changes took effect from September 2017. The affected taxpayers fall into one of two categories: new state pensioners with income more than the personal tax allowance (£11,000) in 2016/17; […]

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Nov 27

Criminal Finances Act

The Criminal Finances Act 2017 took effect on 30 September 2017. It makes companies and partnerships, a ‘relevant body’, criminally liable if they fail to prevent the facilitation of tax evasion being carried out by an employee, anyone acting on their behalf or someone acting as an agent. If found guilty, the business could face […]

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Nov 23

New guidance for employers

HMRC have issued the October 2017 Employer Bulletin which contains a number of articles relevant to employers on payroll related issues. HMRC are advising that following the changes to the valuation of benefits in kind (BiK) where there is a cash option available, they will consult and then issue the necessary amendments to the PAYE […]

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Nov 20

Welsh Land Transaction Tax

The Welsh Assembly has announced the proposed rates and bands for Welsh land transaction tax (LTT) which is to be introduced for land and property in Wales on 1 April 2018, replacing Stamp Duty Land Tax. Under the new rates for LTT, Wales will have the highest starting threshold for the property tax in the […]

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Oct 26

Autumn Budget on Wednesday 22 November and 14 December

Chancellor Philip Hammond has announced that he will deliver the Autumn Budget on Wednesday 22 November. The Autumn Budget will be the second Budget to be delivered this year, and will outline the government’s proposed tax changes and spending plans in response to forecasts from the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR). The 2017 Autumn Budget […]

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Oct 19

Trusts Registration Service

HMRC have launched a new Trusts Registration Service (TRS), so that trustees can register their trust online and provide information on the beneficial owners of the trust. The new service launched in early July for trustees and replaces the 41G (Trust) paper form, which was withdrawn at the end of April. Under the existing self […]

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Sep 29

Childcare Services compensation

The government are offering compensation to those who have been affected by problems with the implementation of Tax-Free Childcare. Individuals who have been affected may be able to get a government top-up as a one-off payment for Tax-Free Childcare. The government will also consider refunding any reasonable costs directly caused by the service not working […]

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Sep 25

Auto enrolment for new employers

Under pensions, auto enrolment employers have to enrol qualifying employees into a workplace pension. Duties include paying contributions for the employee. The process of auto enrolment has been phased in from October 2012 when the largest employers had to comply with the rules. However the rules are set to change and new employers will have […]

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Sep 21

Get ready for the new data protection rules

The government is to introduce new data protection rules under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) which takes effect from 25 May 2018. Under the GDPR businesses will have increased obligations to safeguard the personal information of individuals which is stored by the business. These rules apply to the information of customers, suppliers or employees. […]

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Sep 18

Advisory fuel rates for company cars

New company car advisory fuel rates have been published which took effect from 1 September 2017. The guidance states: ‘You can use the previous rates for up to one month from the date the new rates apply’. The rates only apply to employees using a company car. The advisory fuel rates for journeys undertaken on or […]

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Sep 14

Pensions Auto Enrolment Compliance

The Pensions Regulator (TPR) has begun carrying out employer spot checks to make sure employers are complying with their automatic enrolment duties and that they are giving their staff the workplace pensions they’re entitled to. According to the TPR, these inspections help them to understand any challenges employers are facing, and whether TPR needs to […]

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Sep 11

Guidance for employers

HMRC have issued their latest guidance for employers in the August edition of the Employer Bulletin. This publication, which is issued every two months, includes articles on: Reporting Pay As You Earn in real time Optional Remuneration Arrangements Tax codes – Get it right first time PAYE penalties – continuation of the risk-based approach to charging penalties […]

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Aug 03

Proud Sponsors of the Denbigh and Flint Agricultural Show 2017 Stand E18

Sage & Co Chartered Accountants are proud sponsors of the Denbigh and Flint Agricultural Show again this year.  With agricultural accounting being at the forefront of our specialities, we have developed well-established links with other professional practices strongly associated with the rural community. As such, we pride ourselves on our strong connections with the local rural community and are […]

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From first going self-employed to starting a limited company, the fantastic accountants at Sage have talked me through the processes and looked after all things accounts-related, leaving me with peace of mind; free to focus on the day-to-day operating of the business. Sage handles everything for me from payroll to tax returns and their service is flawless; when I need something its done; when I need info I get it. All of their staff are friendly, professional, efficient and patient and I couldn’t manage without them.

 

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