[17.06.15] When is an email from HMRC, from HMRC?

HMRC has issued guidelines for businesses so they can spot when an email is really from HMRC, and when it’s not. HMRC is concerned that businesses may receive phishing emails claiming to be HMRC.

[08.06.15] Castletons Accountants sponsor the Wilmslow Art Trail 2015

We were delighted to sponsor again the Wilmslow Art Trail. Not only did we sponsor but we also hosted two artists – Pietra Castellani and Judith Roberts

[29.05.15] Budget & Updated App

As you may have read recently, Chancellor George Osborne has said that he will deliver a new Budget on 8th July. He has claimed it will have “a laser-like focus” on raising productivity and living standards.

[21.05.15] Tax underpaid: strict liability and other changes

You may be aware that over the past few years HMRC have increasingly been given a range of powers in order to tackle tax evasion and tax avoidance. With very little fanfare the recent Budget saw HMRC granted further powers to aid them in their efforts.

[11.05.15] Tax Advice from HMRC?

Many people would think it was obvious – if you have a problem or a question about tax, why not ring up HMRC? After they are the experts aren’t they?

However, the reality is that the technical competence of the average person answering HMRC’s phones can be very poor, and your chances of getting the right answer (or the best answer where, as so often with tax, there is more than one) are a bit of a lottery.

[07.05.15] Salary Sacrifice – what is it, and could it be advantageous for you and your employees?

Salary Sacrifice is a term to describe a situation where an employee agrees with the employer to give up his or her entitlement to normal paid salary, a bonus or pay rise in exchange for some non-monetary reward. The arrangements should ideally be tax-efficient so that both parties can potentially benefit.