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New Energy Bills Discount Scheme

The government has published details of a new Energy Bills Discount Scheme which will replace the current Energy Bill Relief Scheme that comes to an end on 31 March 2023. The new scheme will offer support until 31 March 2024, to eligible non-domestic

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A definition of trusts

HMRC’s internal manuals states that the word `trust’ describes a relationship between certain persons which is recognised by the law; concerned with particular property; and enforceable by reference to rules of trust law. Effectively, a trust

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Which way to turn

Inflation and recession are cruel task-masters. If you provide goods or services that can be readily sourced from alternative suppliers, and at a lower cost, trying to beef-up your sales prices will likely result in lost income as your customers go

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UK regains control over business subsidies

A new system to regulate the award of subsidies to business came into force on Wednesday 4 January 2023. It should provide a boost to businesses across the country and empower public authorities to deliver support to businesses in a quicker, fairer,

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Limits to tax relief for pension contributions

Under current rules, you can claim tax relief for your private pension contributions. The annual allowance for tax relief on pensions is £40,000 for the current tax year. There is a three year carry forward rule that allows you to carry forward any

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Customs Declaration Service deadline extended

The Customs Declaration Service (CDS) is a customs IT platform designed to modernise the process for completing customs declarations for businesses that import or export goods from the UK. A phased launch of the service started in August 2018 and was

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Did you file your tax return on Christmas Day?

A new press release by HMRC has highlighted the fact that 3,275 taxpayers took the time to file their tax return online on Christmas Day with a further 10,311 taxpayers completing their tax returns on Boxing Day. In total, 22,060 Self-Assessment

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What is the VAT One Stop Shop?

The VAT One Stop Shop is an EU wide scheme that allows a VAT registered business to register in only one single EU Member State. The scheme was extended with effect from 1 July 2021. The extended scheme covers three special schemes: the non-Union

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Mortgage Guarantee Scheme extended

The Mortgage Guarantee Scheme was set to end on 31 December 2022. In a last-minute announcement from HM Treasury, it was confirmed that the scheme will now be extended for a further 12 months until 31 December 2023. The scheme helps prospective home

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Applying for National Insurance number

If you do not already have a National Insurance number you will normally need to apply for one if you are planning to work in the UK, claim benefits, apply for a student loan or pay Class 3 voluntary National Insurance contributions. It can take up

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