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Class 2 and 4 NIC for the self-employed

There are two types of National Insurance contributions (NICs) payable by most self-employed people. These are known as Class 2 NICs and Class 4 NICs. Class 2 NICs are paid by all self-employed taxpayers unless they earn under the Small Profits

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Checking your Simple Assessment tax bill

Simple Assessment is a method by which HMRC can assess where additional Income Tax is due by a taxpayer. A Simple Assessment letter is usually issued to taxpayers with reasonable straight forward tax affairs. The Simple Assessment notice of liability

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On your bike tax-free

The Cycle to Work scheme was introduced over 20 years ago to help promote the use of environmentally friendly modes of transport. The scheme allows employers to provide bicycles and cyclists’ safety equipment to employees as a tax-free benefit. The

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VAT supplies for no consideration

In most cases, a supply of goods or services for VAT purposes is deemed to have taken place in return for consideration. This is usually payment in money but can also be of a “non-monetary” nature, such as goods or services supplied in

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Giving money to charity in your Will

A reduced rate of Inheritance Tax (IHT) of 36% (reduced from 40%) applies where 10% or more of a deceased’s net estate is left to charity. The lower rate applies where 10% or more of the ‘net value’ of the estate is left to charity. The current IHT

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Access to cash to be protected

Recognising the need to maintain access to cash withdrawal facilities, the government is stepping in to set out a new access standard in the UK. The vast majority of people and businesses are set to be no further than three miles away from

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The best and worst of British banks

Personal and small business current account holders were asked how likely they would be to recommend their provider to a friend, relative or other business. The survey also covered the quality of online and mobile provision, branch and overdraft

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VAT recovery when leasing vehicles

The VAT treatment of motoring expenses is relevant to any business that incurs VAT on motor expenses. We have covered below some important points to be aware of concerning the recovery of input tax (VAT) when leasing vehicles: Leasing company

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Capital Gains Tax and trusts

A trust is an obligation that binds a trustee, an individual or a company, to deal with the assets - such as land, money and shares - held by the trust. The person who places assets into a trust is known as a settlor and the trust is for the benefit

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