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Helen Beaumont

Essendon Tax

Independent tax consultants ...



Pension salary sacrifice, A choice for the future, Savings bloom in spring?
Chancellor eyes pension salary sacrifice: a £5.1bn question

Rumours in the media suggest the Chancellor may curb pension salary sacrifice in the Autumn Budget. Employers, employees, and HMRC see risks to take-home pay and saving habits. Here's what could really happen ... ...

Inheritance tax, Transitional gifting rule, Pass on with purpose
Why farmers need an inheritance tax transitional gifting rule now

Older farmers face a cliff edge in April 2026. An inheritance tax transitional gifting rule could ease pressure and protect family businesses. Here's why it matters and what should happen next ... ...

Inheritance tax risk, Family business at stake, Planning is crucial
Inheritance Tax risk for family-owned businesses: act before reliefs shrink!

Here's the lowdown on Inheritance Tax risk for family-owned businesses and why time matters. Reliefs are tightening, and proactive planning can save millions. Start now to secure business succession and family wealth ... ...

Pension tax raid, oh, Hard-earned savings taken, gone, Retirement dreams fade
A pension tax raid would put the NHS in danger

A pension tax raid risks driving GPs to retire early and undermining new neighbourhood care plans. It could also destabilise NHS funding and deepen workforce gaps. Clarity on tax reforms is urgently needed, especially with th ...

Real-time HICBC, Payment without delay, Efficient and fast
HMRC launches real-time HICBC payment for smoother PAYE

HMRC's real-time HICBC payment lets employees settle the charge through PAYE. It's quick, accurate and avoids self-assessment for many. It's a practical win for households receiving child benefit ... ...

Directors loans flow, From company to owner, Debt ties them tightly
Are directors' loans a good cash flow strategy or just another tax trap?

Here's a straight-talking take on directors' loans. They can ease cash flow or invite HMRC scrutiny. Used with discipline, they work; misused, they hurt ... ...

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 ...

Salary sacrifice, A smart way to reduce tax, More money for you!
Should Directors Use Salary Sacrifice To Reduce Income Tax And National Insurance?

Wondering if salary sacrifice to reduce tax is worth it? You can cut NI, boost pension contributions, and keep payroll efficient. Here's how it works for directors ... ...

Amnesty for Covid loan debtors, A weight lifted at last, New beginnings await
UK Unveils Amnesty For Covid Loan Debtors: Your Last Clean-Slate Chance

Here's what the UK's amnesty for Covid loan debtors means for you. Pay back what you shouldn't have taken, no questions asked. Miss it, and expect tougher enforcement soon ... ...

10-Year charge on trusts, Loyalty and growth abound, A decade of trust
Understanding The 10-Year Charge On Trusts Without The Headaches

The 10-Year charge on trusts can be a confusing subject for many, so here's a clear, friendly guide in blog post form. Learn what it is, how it's calculated, and what you need to do. Stay compliant and avoid surprises ... ...

HMRC pension relief, Crackdown on tax avoidance, Retirement fears grow
HMRC Pension Relief Crackdown: What Higher-Rate Taxpayers Need To Know

The HMRC pension relief crackdown means stricter evidence rules, no phone claims, and more checks. If you're a higher-rate taxpayer, you'll need accurate figures and documents. Get your pension contributions data ready to cla ...

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 ... ...

Inheriting a pension, A legacy of wealth, Retirement awaits
Why Inheriting A Pension Could Become Painfully Taxing

From 2027, inheriting a pension may drag funds into IHT and sometimes income tax. My blog post this week explains the rules, deadlines, and the RNRB trap. It outlines practical steps to mitigate exposure while keeping family ...

Taxing income from wealth, Takes a toll on the wealthy, But helps those in need?
Rethinking Taxation: The Case for Taxing Income from Wealth, Not Work

As debates on taxation intensify, the effort to transition toward taxing income from wealth rather than work emerges as an intriguing policy alternative, potentially reshaping the fiscal landscape in the United Kingdom ... ...

Stamp duty burden, Heavy tax on home buyers, Ouch, my wallet weeps
HMRC Warns Against Stamp Duty Rogue Agents: Stay Vigilant!

Following a recent Court of Appeal ruling, HMRC has announced a crackdown on fraudulent Stamp Duty repayment claims. Homebuyers are advised to avoid rogue agents touting misleading schemes that could result in significant pen ...

Employing young people , Seeds of growth and opportunity , Blooming futures bright
The Ins and Outs of Employing Young People

The first thing to consider when employing young people is their age. Children under the age of 13 are not allowed to work except in certain circumstances. However, there are a number of restrictions for all individuals under ...

Property tax advantages, A married couple's delight, Less burden to bear
Unpacking the Property Tax Advantages of Being Married

Marriage offers profound property tax advantages, affecting Income Tax, Capital Gains Tax, Inheritance Tax, and more. Couples can maximise reliefs, allocate income wisely, and transfer assets without incurring tax liabilities ...

Wealth tax, a burden, On the rich, a small price paid, For a fairer world
Exploring Alternatives to a Wealth Tax: Practical Solutions for Raising Revenue

As pressure mounts to introduce a Wealth Tax in the UK, innovative tax strategies could pave the way for increased revenues. In this blog post, I'll examine options such as Capital Gains Tax reforms, Inheritance Tax simplific ...

Crypto-investors, Riding the volatile waves, Holding tight their dreams
New Regulations to Fine Crypto-Investors £300 for Non-Disclosure

With the introduction of the OECD Cryptoasset Reporting Framework, UK crypto-investors will be subject to stricter regulations. Starting from January 2026, they must disclose personal details and cryptocurrency transactions t ...

Side hustle taxation, A burden on my shoulders, But my dreams won't wait
Understanding Side Hustle Taxation: Essential Tips from HMRC

With the rise of side hustles, HMRC highlights the need to understand side hustle taxation. Earnings above £1,000 require registration and a self-assessment tax return. By being proactive, side hustlers can manage their oblig ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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