Putting spouses and children on the payroll of your business can be tax efficient as long as HMRC are willing to accept the validity of doing so, but where do you stand if they decide to challenge your claim for a tax deduction? Tax expert Brona MacDougall provides you with some very good advice. In...

As an alternative to salary or dividends, benefits in kind are a potentially tax-efficient option for directors, especially those of multiple companies. But what’s the advantage and when can you use it? Brona MacDougall takes a closer look. Most tax experts will tell you that dividends are the most tax-efficient form of income for director...

UK businesses trading with the EU will need a UK EORI number to continue trading in the event that Britain exits the EU without a deal. Kenny Logan outlines what is involved in this no cost application. With only two months until the UK’s scheduled departure from the EU, it is still tough for most...

One of your employees has asked if he can give up some of his salary for extra holiday. You’re aware that there are special tax and NI rules for sacrificing pay for benefits. How do they apply in this situation? Brona MacDougall advises. Since April 2017 where you offer an employee the choice of less...

Christmas might be the season of goodwill but you still need to be aware on the tax implications for gifts, parties and even decorations this festive season. Q.  Can you claim tax relief on Christmas decorations? A.  The good news is that unless you work from home, you are able to claim tax relief on...

Following our article in the summer entitled Childcare Vouchers are Changing, problems with HMRC’s new Tax-Free Childcare continue to crop up. You’re thinking of using the scheme, but you’re not sure whether it will leave you better off. How should you decide? Joanne Gibson provides you some answers in her latest update. Is Tax-Free Childcare...

After deferring your state pension for a few years you have decided that it’s now time to take it. You have the option of a higher pension or a lump sum. The latter offers the chance of some tax planning but what’s involved? Kevin Ferguson advises. Deferred state pension As you may know, the government...

The new five rate Scottish tax system has thrown up some problems since it was introduced, this time it’s a twist in the way that Marriage Allowance works. Some people will lose, whilst others will gain, but how can you work out which group you’re in? Brona MacDougall takes a closer look. As you will...

As you might have seen in the news recently, The Supreme Court has upheld earlier decisions confirming an individual’s claim that he was a ‘worker’ and not self-employed. But what are the tax and NI consequences of this ruling? Joanne Gibson discusses the Pimlico Plumbers case and its decision on employment status. The long-running and...

Inheritance Tax could potentially cost your loved one’s hundreds of thousands of pounds, yet it is possible to dramatically reduce this or even to pay none at all. Brona MacDougall our Senior Tax Manager provides you with some superb advice for effective IHT planning. Inheritance Tax (IHT) is a tax on the estate of someone...