There are now several statutory payments associated with childbirth and young children: maternity pay, paternity pay, adoption pay, parental bereavement pay, neonatal care pay and shared parental pay. Employers can usually reclaim 92% of these statutory amounts paid to employees. However, employers can claim a higher amount if they qualify for small employers’ relief (SER)....

There is a corporation tax (CT) charge on loans made to ‘participators’ in close companies (broadly, companies controlled by 5 or fewer shareholders) where the loan is outstanding at the end of a CT accounting period (CTAP). This charge used to be at a fixed rate, which Chancellors changed from time to time. However, in...

At the November 2025 Budget, the Chancellor announced increases in the tax rates applicable to income from property businesses and savings, to apply from 6 April 2027. The basic, higher and additional rates on rental and savings income will all rise by two percentage points in 2027/28, to 22%, 42% and 47% respectively. These increases...

Do we pay VAT on demolition costs? Q.  We have purchased a derelict public house and been granted planning permission to demolish it and build three new houses on the site. I am clear that the builder services we use will be zero-rated, and also the materials they supply as part of their work, but...

You are planning to make gifts to your children to reduce the inheritance tax (IHT) burden for your estate. But to achieve this you’ll either need to sell assets to raise the cash or gift them. But how does any resulting capital gains tax (CGT) impact on IHT planning?  Partner and Tax expert Kenny Adamson...

HMRC is encouraging anyone who hasn’t yet downloaded their free and secure HMRC app, to “do one thing and get on it today”. As part of a major advertising campaign, HMRC are urging all taxpayers to “Do One Thing” and get on the HMRC app to save time and simplify managing their money and tax....

PRESS RELEASE In a significant expansion, two of the leading accountancy firms in the Borders have announced that they have merged. Taking effect on 6th April 2024, this exciting merger sees Hogg & Thorburn and JRW joining forces as part of a newly expanded firm, to be known as JRW Hogg & Thorburn. This latest...

If you own the trading premises of your business, charging rent can be a good way to extract income. The trouble is it can increase any capital gains tax (CGT) payable if you sell the property. Can the income tax saving justify the extra CGT? Kenny Logan from our Edinburgh office takes a closer look....

A business associate says he gets a tax break by getting his company to pay a pension contribution for his spouse who’s currently not working. Is this something you should consider?  Head of Payroll and Partner Joanne Gibson takes a closer look below. You are possibly aware that individuals aged under 75 can, in theory,...

You want to reduce the potential inheritance tax (IHT) on your estate. An acquaintance has suggested transferring ownership of your home to your children. HMRC rules say that this does not work if you still live in it. Is there a way to legitimately avoid this the rule?  Find out more from Head of Tax...