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Private Residence Relief garden and grounds

In general, there is no Capital Gains Tax (CGT) on a property which has been used as a main family residence. This relief from CGT is commonly known as private residence relief. However, there are grey areas which might result in CGT being due on

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IHT gifts with reservation of title

The majority of gifts made during a person's life are not subject to tax at the time of the gift. These lifetime transfers are known as 'potentially exempt transfers' or 'PETs'. These gifts or transfers achieve their potential of becoming exempt from

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Donations through Gift Aid

The Gift Aid scheme is available to all UK taxpayers. The charity or Community Amateur Sports Clubs (CASC) concerned can take a taxpayer’s donation and, provided all the qualifying conditions are met, can reclaim the basic rate tax allowing for an

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Second cost of living payment

Back in May 2022, the then Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced a package of support measures targeted mainly to the most vulnerable members of society. One of the main measures was the Cost of Living support package to help over 8 million households in

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Deadlines 2021-22 Self-Assessment tax return

The 2021-22 tax return deadline for taxpayers who continue to submit paper Self-Assessment returns is 31 October 2022. Late submission of a Self-Assessment return will become liable to a £100 late filing penalty. The penalty usually applies even if

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VAT Flat Rate scheme

Using the VAT Flat Rate scheme, businesses pay VAT as a fixed percentage of their VAT inclusive turnover. The actual percentage used depends on the type of business. The scheme has been designed to simplify the way a business accounts for VAT and in

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Utilising CGT losses prior to death of taxpayer

Usually, if you sell an asset for less than you paid for it you would make a capital loss. As a general rule if the asset would have been liable to CGT had a gain taken place then the loss should be an allowable deduction. If an individual realises

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Unlawful estate agency businesses

The Money Laundering Regulations (MLR) are designed to protect the UK financial system and put in place certain controls to prevent businesses being used for money laundering by criminals and terrorists. HMRC has named 68 estate agents that have

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Chancellor statements – 17 October 2022

The new Chancellor of the Exchequer, Jeremy Hunt, was only appointed on Friday 14 October 2022. However, following another turbulent weekend, the Chancellor made not one but two important statements on 17 October 2022 about the future of the economy.

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Prime Minister’s statement – 14 October 2022

The Prime Minister, Liz Truss delivered a hastily arranged press conference on Friday 14 October. At the press conference, the Prime Minister confirmed that she had sacked the Chancellor, Kwasi Kwarteng after less than six weeks in office. This was

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