With an ever-growing client base, we are looking to expand our team across various departments. As a business, we focus on exceeding our clients’ expectations and adding value to them in a commercially effective way. It is therefore essential that candidates have this same outlook. About JRW Hogg & Thorburn As one of the largest...

The Chancellor has indicated that the government will raise taxes in October’s Budget, citing a £22bn ‘hole’ in public finances as the reason. When asked about potential tax increases in the Budget, Rachel Reeves replied: “I think that we will have to increase taxes”. She reaffirmed Labour’s manifesto promise not to increase income tax, National...

One of the more tax efficient ways of reducing a company’s tax bill and increase the amount of money withdrawn at the same time, is by paying salary to a member of the director’s family. This could be the director’s spouse or children at university. Partner Joanne Gibson advises in this article. Another good reason...

John sold a machine which he had used in his business before he was VAT registered. He was told that he should have charged VAT on the sale and that he must now account for it out of the proceeds. Is this true? Partner Kevin Ferguson discusses in this article. When a VAT registered business...

As an employer, you don’t want to waste time carrying out extra admin tasks, such as processing multiple expenses claims for employees’ subsistence claims. Could benchmark rates provide you with a good alternative? Helen Johnstone from our Galashiels office takes a closer look. As an alternative to reimbursing your employees’ subsistence costs (which might consist...

Partner Andrew Wayness provides the answers in this month’s Q&A. Is a charity’s loss-making event exempt from VAT? Q. We are a charity that is registered for VAT. We recently held a fundraising event, treating the income as being exempt from VAT, but the event made a loss. Should we treat the income as standard-rated...

If you earn a little income on the side, the trading allowance can exempt it from tax or reduce the amount payable. What types of income does it apply to and how does it work?  Kirsten Hancock explains in this article. In 2017, the government announced two completely new allowances out of the blue: the...

You’ve purchased an expensive personalised number plate which included VAT.  A business associate has told you that because the registration number has a connection with the business, you can reclaim the VAT.  Are they correct?  Bruce Currie takes a closer look below. VAT claim allowed Unlike VAT paid on the purchase of cars, there’s no...

HMRC has changed its guidance on home to work travel costs where an employee’s home is their workplace. How might this affect your right to tax relief? Naomi Swan brings you a detailed update. Tax experts have been saying for years that HMRC’s guidance on tax relief for travel costs needed updating to cover the...

With an ever-growing client base, we are looking to recruit an experienced accounts senior in our Peebles office. As a business, we focus on exceeding our clients’ expectations and adding value to them in a commercially effective way. It is therefore essential that candidates have this same outlook. What we are looking for: Practice Accounts...