In order to qualify for a full year’s Tax Credit claim for 2012-13 your application needs to be made before 6 May 2012. This is because HMRC will not back date an application for more than one month. Prior to 6 April 2012 it was possible to backdate applications and notification of changes for three […]
HMRC to stamp on residential property transactions
How much Stamp Duty Land Tax will you pay when you buy residential property in the UK following the Budget? Firstly the extension of the nil rate band to £250,000 for first time buyers ceased 24 March 2012. The current Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) rates are: Residential property purchased outside disadvantaged areas Zero charge […]
Is your birthday after 5 April 1948?
If the answer is yes you will not qualify for the higher value personal allowances presently available to the over 65s and over 75s. From 6 April 2013 Age Related Personal Allowances are being phased out. Here’s how the changes will work in practice: 1. If your birthday is after 5 April 1948 you will not […]
Who will pay the highest rate of income tax in 2011-12?
General considerations:You will normally be paying tax at the 40% income tax rate if your income less tax allowances exceeds £35,000 and at the additional rate, 50%, on any of your taxable income that exceeds £150,000. There are special tax rates that apply to company dividend income. Additionally, your Personal Allowance reduces when your income […]
HMRC to cap certain tax reliefs
In an attempt to ensure that higher rate tax payers make a reasonable contribution to UK tax revenues new legislation is to be introduced from 6 April 2013 that limits access to certain, tax reliefs. Taxpayers will be denied relief(s) if the claim exceeds 25% of their income or £50,000, whichever is the greater. This […]
Budget Update – 21st March 2012
Personal Tax Allowances The income tax allowances and rates for 2012-13 have already been announced. They are: Personal Allowance – £8,105.Age Related Allowance for persons aged 65-74 – £10,500.Age Related Allowance for persons aged 75 and over – £10,660.Married Couples Allowance for those born before 6 April 1935 – £7,705.Blind person’s allowance – £2,100.Age related […]
Motor expenses and VAT
Most VAT registered traders will be aware that you cannot reclaim the VAT when you buy a car. The only exceptions are businesses that use cars directly to generate income: for example a taxi firm. The VAT position of motor expenses for cars owned by the business is slightly more complex. FuelAs most business cars […]
Ideas for reducing your taxable income 2011-12
Before we describe a few basic ideas for reducing your taxable income this year it is worth pointing out that you only have until 5 April 2012 to take action… Deferring incomeIf you receive bonuses this month or a dividend from your company you should estimate your earnings for the next tax year, 2012-13, and […]