Agent update August 2020
HMRC has released the latest bi-monthly issue of the ‘Agent Update’ publication which includes summaries of recent changes and updates that have been announced. The document, that is aimed at taxation and accountancy practitioners, includes links to more detailed information on each of the topics
Green Homes Grant Scheme
One of the measures announced by the Chancellor, Rishi Sunak in his Summer Economic update on 8 July 2020 was the launch of the new £2 billion Green Homes Grant scheme.
From September 2020, home owners and landlords in England will be able to apply for a grant to make their home more energy
Myths and Student Loans
Student Loans are part of the government’s financial support package for students in higher education in the UK. They are available to help students meet their expenses while they are studying. The Student Loans Company (SLC) is a non-profit making government-owned organisation that administers
Connected persons CGT and other taxes
The definition of a connected person for tax purposes can be complex and varies depending on the circumstances.
A statutory definition of “connected persons” for tax purposes is set out in Section 839 of the Income and Corporation Taxes Act (ICTA) 1988.
The general situation in Section
HMRC credit card fees
New credit card fees for paying HMRC are to be introduced from 1 November 2020. These changes will mean that HMRC will be able to charge anyone using a business debit card a fee for making certain payments.
The fee for using a business debit card from 1 November 2020 is difficult to calculate but
Renewing your MOT
Vehicle owners with a MOT expiry date between 30 March 2020 and 31 July 2020 were given a 6 month extension. This measure was designed to help motorists as the Coronavirus pandemic began to take hold. Mandatory MOT tests for car, motorcycle and van owners in England, Scotland and Wales were
Government u-turn on lockdown changes
Lockdown changes – in England – that were due to come into effect on 1 August 2020, have been delayed until at least 15 August. The last-minute announcement by the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, followed worries of a rise in COVID cases and means that casinos, bowling alleys and ice skating rinks
£50 bike repair voucher scheme launched
The government has launched a new scheme – open to anyone in England – with a bike in need of repair. The Fix your Bike Voucher Scheme is a new initiative that has been championed by the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, to help fix old bikes by offering a £50 bike repair voucher towards the total cost
Local authorities to receive £500m additional support
The government has confirmed allocations for individual councils in England from the £500 million of additional support for Coronavirus-related spending pressures. This further injection sees a total of £4.3 billion in direct funding to councils to help with issues caused by the Coronavirus
Draft legislation published for Finance Bill 2020-21
The government has published the draft legislation for Finance Bill 2020-21, along with accompanying explanatory notes, tax information and impact notes. The consultation on draft clauses is intended to make sure that the legislation works as intended. The consultation will close on 15 September