Johnson Murkett & Hurst

• GIFT AID TRANSITIONAL RELIEF
  Charities are entitled to claim a tax repayment in respect of gift aid donations made by individuals. The tax repayment was 22% until 5 April 2008 being the basic rate of tax on payments made through gift aid.  As you are no doubt aware the basic rate of tax was reduced to 20% from the beginning of this tax year............read more
• REDUCING EMPLOYERS' ADMINISTRATION
  The Department for Business, Enterprise & Regulatory Reform (BERR), has launched a campaign advising employers on how they can reduce the amount of administration involved in dealing with their employment law obligations. The BERR believe that some employers are routinely over-complying or duplicating work...........read more
• NMW CHANGES
  HMRC have announced that some changes to penalties and calculation of arrears of National Minimum Wage (NMW) payments have been delayed to April 2009. The delay is apparently due to the slower than expected passage through parliament of the Employment Bill. The changes deal with HMRC powers, in particular giving powers..........read more
• SALARY SACRIFICE ARRANGEMENTS
  Salary sacrifice is a complex area which should not be overlooked.  HMRC have added some questions and answers on this difficult subject to their website. If you are planning any salary sacrifice arrangements please do get in touch...........read more
• PENALTIES
  HMRC have published a leaflet on the new HMRC penalties warning tax payers to make sure that their records are sufficient to comply with the new penalty regime. The new legislation covers returns and other documents issued for periods commencing from 1 April 2008 which are due for submission from 1 April 2009...........read more
• PAPER TAX RETURN DEADLINE LOOMING
  HMRC are reminding taxpayers who wish to complete paper self assessment tax returns that the new 31 October 2008 deadline is ‘only weeks away’. Previously, both paper and online self assessment tax returns had to be filed by 31 January following the end of the tax year. The 31 January 2009 deadline remains for online submission of 2007/08........... read more
• LICENCE TO BRING IN MIGRANT WORKERS
  The UK Border Agency has started a television campaign aimed at employers to help prepare them for the introduction of the government's new rules for skilled migrant workers which become effective from November 2008. The government is introducing a ‘points’ based system............read more
• VAT TREATMENT OF CHARITY CHALLENGE EVENTS
  HMRC have issued revised guidance on Charity Challenge Events, including those that qualify for the VAT Charity Fundraising Exemption. Many charities use Charity Challenge Events, for example running, walking and cycling events, to raise funds through sponsorship of the individuals who take part................ read more
• CARELESS DRIVERS
  Under the new careless driving laws, which came into effect from 18 August 2008, motorists who kill whilst avoidably distracted at the wheel will face prison. The new offences will allow courts to imprison drivers for up to five years who cause deaths by not paying due care to the road, or to other road users.......... read more

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