Is there VAT on garage rent? Q. We operate a hairdressing salon business. We rent the premises on a long lease, and this also includes two lock-up garages. We fully claim input tax on all property related costs, the lease is tenant repairing, and we earn extra income by renting out the two garages to...

HMRC has improved its guidance about information you must include on your sales invoices. What are the key issues to consider? With guidance from Partner Andrew Wayness. There has been no change in the legislation about the contents of a tax invoice since October 2007 but HMRC has clarified the information you must include. The...

Giving away samples of your goods or offering free services is a way to attract new customers and to keep those you have. But the trouble with free samples, is that the associated VAT rules are tricky. When must you account for VAT on samples and when can you avoid it? Our VAT expert Kenny...

Your business has purchased a commercial vehicle to transport goods to your customers but there will be some private use at weekends. Must you apportion input tax on the purchase price and ongoing costs to reflect the private use? Partner, Alister Biggar, discusses here in this article.

If you receive money or gifts in connection with your hobby, do you always have to declare them to HMRC and pay tax on them? Partner Christiaan Hansen discusses the tax implications and responsibilities. If you undertake a hobby in your spare time which generates income and you are lucky enough to get paid in...

The recent Autumn Budget announced a new rule affecting loans and other advances made by companies to their shareholders. If you owe your company money, is this something you should be concerned about? Partner Christiaan Hansen discusses the implications. If you are an owner manager of a close company (this is a company which is...

The Autumn Budget has certainly triggered a lot of questions and concerns from our clients. Particularly from farmers whose estates may now be subject to Inheritance Tax when they die, whereas previously there were good tax reliefs to protect their estates. If you are a farmer and are concerned about how this might affect you...

As the owner of a medium-sized company, you are keen to start a company car scheme for senior staff which encourages them to switch to vehicles with lower emissions. But what tax factors should they be aware of, and could salary sacrifice be the most efficient approach?  Audrey Rankine explains in this article. In line...

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...