In between tenants you are doing some work on your rental property. How these are categorised, as repairs or improvements, determines whether or not you’re entitled to an income tax deduction. What factors should you consider? Improvement or just repair? As a rule, a “revenue” tax deduction can’t be claimed for the cost of improving...

HMRC wants individuals who are self-employed or have a property rental business to trial its Making Tax Digital for Income Tax service before it becomes mandatory. HMRC has changed the login process for its digital services for all business users; it now requires two-step verification. Lauren Herbert discusses in greater detail below. MTD for income...

Despite a difficult year, it looks like the accounts will show a profit after all. What could you look at to legitimately reduce the corporation tax bill the company has to pay? Kenny Logan advises. Generally, expenses that the company incurs are tax deductible. However, special rules mean that tax relief for some expenses might...

Since April 2020 there have been restrictions on when letting relief on the disposal of residential property can be claimed. You are selling your Guest House and would like advice about potential letting relief. Brona MacDougall advises. Letting relief changes Letting relief can reduce a chargeable gain by up to £40,000 for someone letting accommodation...

David has just taken out a contract on the latest mobile phone. As he uses it mainly for work, he wants to put the cost through his company. But what are the tax consequences for him and the business? Wendy Brown finds out. David was so keen to get his hands on the latest mobile...

Susan has been meeting some business expenses out of her own pocket. But can your company pay you interest for using your own money and is there any tax advantage to doing so? Naomi Swan takes a look. Susan is the sole director and shareholder of a small company. She frequently travels for work and...

Your company is paying for an electric charging point to be fitted at your home. Both you and your partner will use it as you each have electric cars. But will this count as a taxable benefit in kind and what are the tax consequences if you sell your home? Joanne Gibson advises. The tax...

Company cars continue to be a popular benefit in kind. However, employer-paid-for fuel has a poor reputation for resulting in disproportionately high tax bills. Is this still justified or might it be time for another look? Helen Johnstone does just that. Car versus fuel The calculation of tax and Class 1A NI on company cars...

Inheritance tax (IHT) planning often involves giving away your wealth, but as a business owner business property relief (BPR) can significantly reduce IHT. What can you do to help your estate achieve the maximum relief? Inheritance tax expert Brona MacDougall advises. IHT and business property Where you own a business, or a share of one,...

Expenses for travel to temporary workplaces Q. In April 2020 we furloughed an employee who since June 2019 had been temporarily working away from her normal workplace. She is about to return to work at the temporary location and is expected to be there for the next six months at least. We have always paid...