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Payments on account for self-assessment

Self-assessment taxpayers typically need to pay their Income Tax liabilities in three instalments each year. The first two payments on account are due by 31 January during the tax year and by the 31 July after the tax year has ended. Each payment on

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Class 4 National Insurance payments

Self-employed individuals are usually required to pay Class 4 National Insurance contributions (NICs) if their annual profits exceed £12,570. For the 2024-25 tax year, Class 4 NIC rates are set at 6% (down from 9% in 2023-24) on profits between

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Who qualifies for Tax-Free Childcare?

The Tax-Free Childcare (TFC) scheme helps working families manage childcare costs by providing support through a wide network of registered providers, including childminders, breakfast and after-school clubs, and approved play schemes across the UK.

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Pension fund withdrawal options

Most personal pensions set a minimum age at which you can start withdrawing money, typically not before age 55. Some pension benefits can be taken tax-free. Generally, you can withdraw 25% of your pension pot as a tax-free lump sum, with a maximum of

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Deferring Class 1 NIC contributions

Employees with more than one job may be eligible to defer or delay paying Class 1 National Insurance in certain situations. This deferment can be considered if any of the following apply: You pay Class 1 National Insurance to more than one

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New brooms to deliver better pension frameworks

The Department for Work and Pensions has published an outline of the new Pensions Scheme Bill. There are three main objectives that the government want to achieve, and they are set out below. However, the process of consultation and redrafting that

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An outline of the Employment Rights Bill

Legislation has been introduced in Parliament to upgrade UK workers’ rights. The legislation is wide ranging with the intention of tackling poor working conditions and benefitting businesses. A summary of the main changes are: The existing

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New powers for banks to combat fraudsters

Banks will be granted new powers to delay and investigate payments suspected of fraud, enhancing consumer protection against scammers. Under new laws being proposed by the Government, banks will be able to extend the maximum delay for suspicious

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Service tipping law now in force

New regulations that prohibit employers from withholding tips for employees in the hospitality, leisure, and services sectors took effect on 1 October 2024. This change follows the enactment of The Employment (Allocation of Tips) Act 2023, commonly

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Using the GOV.UK ID Check app

The GOV.UK ID Check app is used to allow applicants to verify their identify when they sign in to a government service with GOV.UK One Login. Once this had been completed satisfactorily, your identity information is automatically saved to your GOV.UK

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