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Helen Beaumont

Essendon Tax

Independent tax consultants ...



Capital gains tax, A burden on our wallets, But a must for growth
The Dangers of Raising Capital Gains Tax Rates at the Autumn Budget

The debate surrounding Capital Gains Tax rates intensifies as the Chancellor approaches the Autumn Budget. While potential increases aim to address fiscal challenges, history suggests that drastic rate hikes may hinder rather ...

Tax Freedom Day comes, A day of financial bliss, Spring's true liberation
Tax Freedom Day Falls Three Weeks Later in 2025

In 2025, Tax Freedom Day has shifted to the 12th of June, marking a worrying trend for British tax payers. This later date is attributed to rising taxes and frozen thresholds, urging individuals to explore strategies to bring ...

The Rent A Room Scheme, Offers space and company, Shared home, shared stories
Unlock Extra Income with the Rent A Room Scheme

By participating in the Rent A Room Scheme, you can effortlessly earn up to £7,500 a year tax-free. This applies whether you own your home or are simply renting. In today's economy, this scheme provides a vital opportunity fo ...

Optimising income, For directors, a balancing act, Profit and purpose
Salary or Dividends: Optimising Income for Directors

Directors of limited companies must make informed decisions about their remuneration strategies. Optimising income for directors involves balancing salaries and dividends while considering significant changes to tax legislati ...

VAT on private school fees, A burden for some, Education's cost
How VAT on Private School Fees Triggered a 22.6% Rise in Education Costs

The addition of VAT on private school fees since January has caused a substantial increase in education costs, with fees rising by an average of 22.6%. This change has already triggered student enrolment declines, raising con ...

It's crucial for online sellers to ensure that their income is accurately reported!
HMRC Taking A Good Look At Savvy Online Sellers

HMRC's new data sharing initiative, which aligns with the OECD's global objective to tackle tax evasion, has been met with mixed reactions from online sellers ... ...

The 'Afsha Chugtai vs HMRC' case serves as an essential teaching moment in the realm of inheritance tax and trust law
Trusts Did Not Benefit Family in £442k Inheritance Tax Case

The recent case of Afsha Chugtai vs HMRC has significant implications for Inheritance Tax (IHT) legislation, particularly regarding trusts. The tribunal examined whether funds in two trusts qualified for exemption from IHT, u ...

Maximising tax relief on pensions is not merely advantageous, but essential!
Maximising Tax Relief on Pensions

The implications of tax policy changes can significantly impact individual financial planning, and strategic pension contributions serve as a vital tool in mitigating these effects ... ...

The consolidation of these small pension pots into a single pension scheme will benefit millions!
The Future of Small Pension Pots

The landscape of retirement savings in the UK is changing, especially concerning small pension pots. As the introduction of auto-enrolment pensions continues to proliferate, millions of individuals now possess tiny pension po ...

Working alongside a knowledgeable tax adviser who specialises in property means investors can safeguard themselves against costly misjudgments!
Stamp Duty: The £6.6M Property That Cost An Extra £475K

Few events are as nerve-wracking as encountering unexpected tax demands following a purchase. The case of a £6.6 million property bought by pharmacist Bemal Patel stands as a glaring example of how these treacherous waters ca ...

When it comes to tax on savings, savers should consider working with a tax adviser to mitigate the financial impact!
More Than 1.1 Million Savers Affected by New Tax on Savings

More than 1.1 million savers have been impacted by a burgeoning tax on savings, a reality that many may not have anticipated. The convergence of high interest rates and the longstanding freeze on personal allowances have put ...

Parents should also be aware of the 'seven-year rule' when gifting cash!
The Perils Of Gifting Cash To Your Children

Gifting cash for a property purchase for children is a common way parents support their offspring in securing a home. However, they then can find themselves ensnared in various tax traps that demand careful consideration ... ...

Rather than hiding your wealth, it really is in your best interests to make a voluntary disclosure to HMRC!
Do You Need To Make A Voluntary Disclosure To HMRC?

Making sure you pay the right amount of tax is essential, and with the introduction of more sophisticated computer systems, it is becoming increasingly difficult for taxpayers to keep things hidden from HMRC ... ...

The ticking clock serves as a reminder that the opportunity to top up your state pension is finite!
Time is Running Out to Top Up Your State Pension

As individuals approach their retirement years, the importance of a robust financial plan becomes paramount. One often overlooked aspect is the potential to top up your state pension, particularly as a deadline is fast approa ...

Inheritance Tax remains a significant concern for many!
Writing Life Insurance in Trust Can Benefit Your Estate

Inheritance Tax (IHT) is a complex and often daunting subject for many individuals and families. In recent years, the government has seen an uptick in IHT receipts, with figures reaching £7.5 billion for the tax year 2023/24 ...

If some or all of your property could be used as a residence, then it falls under ATED!
ATED: Annual Tax On Enveloped Dwellings Deadline

Are you due to submit your Annual Tax on Enveloped Dwellings (ATED) return soon? ATED is a pre-emptive tax which means you may need to file a return even if you have no tax to pay. Returns are due by the 30th of April each ye ...

Act now to take full advantage of the tax-free allowances available to you!
Don’t Miss Out on Your Tax Free Allowances

As the final weeks of the 2024-25 tax year approach, vigilant taxpayers are keenly aware of the impending deadline: the 5th of April. This date marks the cut-off for various tax-free allowances ... ...

Drivers who's EV costs less that £40K will pay £195 and if they cost more, they'll pay £600!
Many Electric Vehicle Owners Unaware of Looming Road Tax

The landscape of electric vehicle EV ownership is set to undergo a significant transformation in terms of fiscal responsibilities as 83% of EV owners remain oblivious to a looming £195 road tax bill that will be implemented f ...

Embrace the opportunities that Deeds of Variation offer, as they may pave the way for better financial outcomes for your family!
Understanding Deeds of Variation

Dealing with the loss of a loved one is never easy, especially when coupled with the complexities of managing an estate. Among the tools at your disposal for post-death tax planning, Deeds of Variation stand out as an effecti ...

Navigate these changes effectively and protect yourself from additional Inheritance Tax!
Inheritance Tax: Understanding Double Taxation Risks for Pensions

The recent announcement regarding the treatment of pensions for Inheritance Tax purposes has significant implications for your financial planning. From April 2027 onwards, any unused pension pots and death benefits will form ...

If you've been involved in a disguised remuneration scheme, you can expect to receive a letter from HMRC!
HMRC: Important Updates on Disguised Remuneration

Navigating the complexities of taxation, especially concerning the Loan Charge, can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, HMRC has plans to send letters to all taxpayers affected by the loan charge by mid-March 2025 ... ...

HMRC has set its sights on robust tax investigations in 2025!
Understanding HMRC's Compliance Priorities For 2025

The fiscal landscape continues to shift under the new Labour government, and HMRC is poised to ramp up its tax investigations in 2025. The government’s recent budget reflects an increase in the UK's tax liability ... ...

It's about ensuring that you're compliant while still maximising the legitimate benefits of R&D tax relief!
HMRC Encourages Voluntary Disclosures for R&D Tax Relief Over-Claims

In a move to address the growing concerns surrounding inaccuracies and potential fraud in Research & Development (R&D) tax relief claims, HMRC has launched a new disclosure service. This initiative comes as a response to alar ...

While navigating the HICBC during a separation can seem overwhelming, understanding its intricacies provides clarity!
HICBC: A Guide for Separated Families

When navigating the complexities of family life, particularly during a separation period, one financial aspect that often goes overlooked is HICBC, the High-Income Child Benefit Charge ... ...

Here's some fun tax trivial for you to use instead of rubbish cracker jokes!
Wishing You All A Very Merry Christmas

With most of us finishing for the holidays this week, I thought I'd join the festivities and let you have some tax trivia. You could even use a few of these facts as a replacement for rubbish cracker jokes this year ... ...

Embracing salary sacrifice is not merely a reactionary measure!
A Strategic Approach to Cost Management Using Salary Sacrifice

As businesses prepare for an increase in employers' national insurance contributions (NIC) beginning on the 6th of April next year, it is crucial they explore strategies to alleviate the burden of these additional costs ... ...

The Government just performed a screeching u-turn so double cab pickups are still considered vans and are not cars!
Double Cab PickUps Are Still Vans And Not Cars!

Double cab pickups have long been a popular choice for many businesses in the UK, especially in the farming and construction sectors. These vehicles are known for their off-road capabilities and load-carrying capacity ... ...

Failure to heed HMRC's warning could yield significant financial repercussions down the line!
HMRC: Timely compliance is crucial for landlords

In a recent advisory, HMRC has emphasised the importance of compliance for landlords with unpaid tax on property income. As the self-assessment deadline looms, the urgency for individuals involved in property rental increases ...

The need for a thoughtful approach to CGT becomes even more apparent following Labour's first budget!
Navigating the complexities of changing CGT rates

The changes in Capital Gains Tax rates, as announced in Labour's first Budget, demand immediate attention from business owners. With the CGT rate for basic rate taxpayers escalating from 10% to 18%, and higher rate taxpayers ...

The pathway to successful R&D tax relief claims lies in preparation, documentation, and informed compliance!
R&D Tax Relief: Common Pitfalls And How To Avoid Them

The R&D tax relief scheme is designed to encourage innovation and support businesses that undertake qualifying research and development activities. Despite its noble intentions, many companies find themselves facing denied cl ...

If your bathroom leads through to the Annexe then HMRC will have an issue with MDR!
How A Bathroom Access Issue Cost £64k In MDR

In the realm of property taxation, the case of Shine Business Limited serves as a cautionary tale for those seeking Multiple Dwellings Relief (MDR). The owner purchased a £1.9 million property in Purley ... ...

Strategic planning will be integral in mitigating the impact of potential National Insurance changes!
A Closer Look At Possible National Insurance Changes

In recent discussions concerning fiscal policy, a significant focus has emerged around the potential hike in employers' National Insurance contributions. The Chancellor has hinted at this possibility during a recent media app ...

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