OTS releases video update
The Office of Tax Simplification (OTS) was established in July 2010, to provide advice to the Chancellor on simplifying the UK tax system. The OTS has recently published a recording of an online video update setting out its recent publications on three separate issues.
The insights into tax
Student tax scam warning
HMRC is warning new students starting university that they could be targeted by scammers trying to steal their money and personal details. As new students start the academic year, they can be particularly vulnerable to tax scams. This is especially prevalent if they have a part-time job and are new
Government announces winter COVID plan
The Prime Minister, Boris Johnson has set out the government’s autumn and winter plan for managing Covid.
The government is aiming to sustain the progress made and prepare the country for future challenges, while ensuring the National Health Service (NHS) does not come under unsustainable
Budget date announced
The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak has confirmed that the next UK Budget will take place on Wednesday, 27 October 2021. This will be the Chancellor’s third Budget and the first one to revert back to the Autumn Budget schedule that was interrupted first by Brexit related issues and then by
Capped social care costs from October 2023
The government has announced new plans to cap social care costs in England from October 2023. This change is expected to see the introduction of a new £86,000 cap on care costs across an individual’s lifetime.
There will also be the following measures of financial assistance for those without
Child benefit when child turns 16
Taxpayers entitled to the child benefit should be aware that HMRC usually stop paying child benefit on the 31 August on or after a child’s 16th Birthday. Under qualifying circumstances, the child benefit can continue until a child reaches their 20th birthday. A qualifying young person is someone
How to deal with tax appeals
There are a number of options open to taxpayers who disagree with a tax decision issued by HMRC. It is important to note that not all decisions by HMRC can be appealed against. There is normally a 30-day deadline for making a claim, so time is of the essence.
If you or your business have been
Postmasters’ bankruptcies reviewed
The recent Court of Appeal and Crown Court decisions to quash the convictions of many former postmasters was widely welcomed. The Courts found that the original convictions were based on evidence from the Post Office’s Horizon IT system which has now been found to be unreliable.
These cases caused
Card security update
VISA have issued information regarding changes to card processing security from September 2021. The idea is to reduce online fraud.
The changes will apply across Europe. A key part of the new security arrangements is the requirement for Strong Customer Authentication (SCA). This means you may be
Stage 4 COVID roadmap implemented 19th July
The Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, spoke to the nation and confirmed that the vaccines have significantly weakened the link between coronavirus cases and hospitalisations and deaths. This has allowed the government to confirm that many COVID restrictions will be lifted in England on 19 July, known