HMRC’s new refund verification system looks disconcertingly like a scam. We have had several clients recently receive SURF1 and SURF2 letters from HMRC in response to 2019/20 tax returns that requested a refund. The SURF1 is being sent mainly to people who are newly registered in self assessment and it is a fraud prevention tactic....

Something that many people have discovered during lockdown is that it is possible to work effectively from home. But perhaps you are now keen to create a more permanent work space at home and are thinking of investing in a garden office. What are the key things to consider and are there any tax implications?...

Your company’s financial year ends soon. Despite the difficult trading conditions over the last year the accounts will show a profit. But what steps can you take to legitimately reduce the corporation tax bill? Joanne Gibson advises. Generally, expenses that your company incurs are tax deductible. However, special rules mean that tax relief for some...

Despite the financial pressures caused by the pandemic, the government has gone ahead with the planned extension to tax breaks for environmentally friendly vehicles. What might this mean for your business? Bob Johnstone advises. Businesses wanting to take advantage of the capital allowances (CAs) tax break for environmentally friendly cars and other vehicles have been...

You recently saw a press article about tax and Gift Aid donations, it said that people who donate to charity and whose income has been hit by coronavirus can face unexpected tax bills. Are you at risk of this? Helen Johnstone provides the answer. As you probably know, under the Gift Aid scheme charities and...

Small and medium-sized businesses can now apply for grants of up to £2,000 to help them adapt to new customs and tax rules when trading with the EU. The grant can be used to help fund training or professional advice that may be required due to the changes in customs, rule of origin and Vat...

If you deferred VAT payments due between 20 March 2020 and 30 June 2020 and still have payments to make, you have three options: • Pay the deferred VAT in full, on or before 31 March 2021 • join the VAT deferral new payment scheme – the online service is open between 23 February 2021...

Generally speaking, if you are a director shareholder, dividends are the most tax-efficient way to extract profit from your company. However, company and personal circumstances can change that, so are pension contributions worth considering too? Partner and Tax expert Brona MacDougall takes a closer look. Since 2016, the government has introduced a number of measures...

The Scottish Government are providing a new fund for owners and operators of mobile and home-based close contact service businesses and for registered driving instructors. The fund will give eligible applicants a one-off payment of £4,000. The deadline for applications is 16 March 2021 at 6pm. To be eligible for this fund, you must own...

The new SME Brexit Support Fund aims to help businesses get to grips with post Brexit importing or exporting rules.  The government has just announced this new fund which can give grants of up to £2,000 to help with training or professional advice on exporting for businesses with up to 500 employees.  Euan Welsh takes...