This blog is now archived
This blog is now archived
Please note that this blog is no longer being updated.
Cyber security - Fail to prepare, prepare to fail
The recent Government Cyber Security Breaches survey showed that though businesses are more aware than ever before, many need to prepare.
You can find information about Cyber Security at Cyber Aware. This is a cross government website, which provides information based on expert advice from the National Cyber Security Centre, part of the Government Communications Headquarters.
You can also find information about protecting your login details and reducing the risk of fraud when using HMRC Online Services, at HMRC's online security information for agents.
The National Minimum Wage and the tax avoidance cycle - Talking Points meetings
We have two meetings this week – one on the National Minimum Wage (NMW) and the other on the tax avoidance cycle. The NMW Talking Points meeting is on Thursday 21 September 2017, from 11am to midday. The tax avoidance cycle and how to get out of it, takes place on Friday 22 September 2017, at midday to 1pm.
New digital services for the Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) and Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS)
Welcome,
As you may have read in Agent Update 61, our new digital service – ‘Apply to use the Venture Capital Schemes’ – is now available and is being tested with selected volunteers. Currently this can only be used to obtain an advance assurance for a proposed investment under the EIS, SEIS or from a Venture Capital Trust; however, we intend to add the process for companies to submit a Compliance Statement (forms EIS1 and SEIS1) later this year.
Cyber Aware, keeping secure online and Making Tax Digital for Business, the basics - Talking Points meetings
We have two Talking Points meeting subjects this week. Cyber Aware – Keeping Secure Online. Don’t miss your opportunity to learn about simple steps you can take to keep your business and your clients secure online. Join us on Monday 11 September 2017, midday to 1pm. We also have our Making Tax Digital for Business meeting which provides an overview of the basics of Making Tax Digital for Business, including the latest information about the new phased approach. We have two meetings on Thursday 14 September 2017 at either 1pm to 2pm or 2:30pm to 3:30pm. And two meetings on Friday 15 September 2017 at either 10:30am to 11:30am or midday to 1pm.
Goodbye and thank you from Colin Ford
Goodbye and thank you from Colin Ford. After more than 35 years at HMRC I am retiring. As this is my last Tax Agent blog, I would like to take the opportunity to say thank you for all your input and support, without which the fantastic relationship between agents and HMRC would not be the success it is today.
Tax Codes and how they have changed, changes to Inheritance Tax and the new Trusts Registration Service - Talking Points meeting
We have three subjects for this week’s Talking Points meetings. On Monday 4 September 2017, we have Tax Codes and how they have changed at 1pm-2pm. Wednesday we have Changes to Inheritance Tax from 11am to midday. And Friday, 12:30pm – 1:30pm we have the new Trusts Registration Service.
Tax agents’ toolkits - are you using them?
I know I have talked about the Tax agents’ toolkits, but have you looked at what they offer?
HMRC have 20 Tax agents’ toolkits available for you to download and use. They are a free online resource aimed at helping you to avoid the most common errors we see in filed returns.
Worldwide Disclosure Facility and Option to Tax - The once and done approach - Talking Points meeting
On Thursday 31 August 2017, midday to 1pm, we will hold a Talking Points meeting about the technical aspects of the Worldwide Disclosure Facility and Requirement to Correct.
We also have the Talking Points meeting, Option to Tax - The once and done approach. This meeting is a general overview of option to tax, when to notify, how to notify and who can notify and takes place on Friday 1 September 2017, midday to 1pm.
Printed SA tax calculations
Agents have told us that not all their client’s lenders will accept the self-serve copy printed from their HMRC online account or the commercial software used to file the SA return, or their commercial software does not print. A list of lenders who will accept self-serve copies can be found in the HMRC’s guidance, Mortgage providers and lenders who accept a SA302 tax calculation and a tax year overview.
Submission of SA Returns affected by Exclusions and the Construction Industry Scheme – Talking Points meetings
Welcome to my blog about this week’s Talking Points meetings. Submission of SA Returns affected by Exclusions is on Wednesday 23 August 2017, midday to 1pm and the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) Talking Points meeting on Thursday 24 August 2017- midday to 1pm.