HMRC helpline changes on hold
HMRC has been forced into an embarrassing climbdown on plans to close the Self-Assessment, VAT and PAYE helplines from early April until September this year. HMRC has now confirmed that these helpline changes have been abandoned following feedback from many concerned stakeholders, including MPs,
HMRC to accept service of legal proceedings by email
HMRC has issued an updated ‘news story’ to confirm that, where possible, new legal proceedings and pre-action letters can be served on the department using email instead of post. This measure was originally introduced in April 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The update confirms that this
Tech companies assist with fuel price transparency
Leaders from top comparison sites, RAC and The AA will be among those meeting the Energy Affordability Minister to help share new fuel price data and keep costs down for motorists.
Price comparison sites and map apps will have access to this new data as part of the government’s PumpWatch
Appeals against tax penalties
It is not unusual for taxpayers to find themselves in a position where they disagree with a tax decision issued by HMRC. There are a number of different options open to taxpayers seeking to use the review and appeals process.
Note, that there is a separate procedure to be followed by taxpayers that
Beware fake tax rebate offers
HMRC continues to warn of the ever-present problem of fraudulent phishing emails, suspicious phone calls and texts. These unwanted emails, phone calls and texts are being sent from around the world as HMRC and other agencies continue to combat the problem.
These messages aim to obtain taxpayers
Are you self-employed?
Self-employed taxpayers should notify HMRC as soon as practicable when they begin working for themselves. HMRC must be officially notified by 5 October following the end of the tax year so that a self-assessment return can be issued on time and to avoid any unnecessary penalties.
HMRC’s guidance
Autumn Finance Bill 2023 update
The government published the Autumn Finance Bill 2023 on 29 November 2023. The Bill is officially known as Finance Bill 2023-24. The Bill contains the legislation for many of the tax measures announced in the recent Autumn Statement.
The Bill has now completed its passage through the House of
The Valuation Office Agency tackles holiday lets
The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) is writing to some owners of self-catering holiday lets that are assessed for business rates. They are doing this because they need further information about the income and expenditure of these properties.
Last year, the VOA wrote to most self-catering holiday let
Government promotes electric vehicles
The government department active in the promotion of electric vehicles has published guidance regarding the costs, charging issues and infrastructure. We have extracted a few comments and reproduced them in this post.
Buying an electric vehicle
While a new electric vehicle (EV) costs more to buy
Government launches new WhatsApp channel
The Government has launched a new account on WhatsApp Channels, allowing members of the public to subscribe to receive important updates to their phones.
As a trusted, verified account the UK Government channel will focus on reiterating important information which is relevant directly to the public