4 in 10 SME directors worried about closure

Nearly half of small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) are struggling to secure financial support, with over two-thirds believing business taxes are too high. According to a recent survey by Sumer Group, four in ten SME owners are concerned their businesses may close...

Tax hike fears trigger asset sell-offs

Wealth managers and tax experts say fears of a capital gains tax hike in the upcoming October Budget have triggered a surge in asset sales among business owners, property investors, and shareholders. This “frenzy” of activity comes as concerns mount that...

HMRC warns about nursery tax abuse

HMRC has reminded employers to comply with workplace nursery tax rules to avoid exploiting the tax exemption. While most schemes meet the requirements, some operators falsely advertise HMRC approval without meeting partnership criteria. The tax exemption, introduced...

HMRC contacts pending ROR claimants

HMRC is writing to taxpayers who made a provisional business asset roll-over relief (ROR) claim on asset sales in 2020/21 and haven't replaced it with a valid claim. The deadline for making a valid claim is 31 January 2025. If a valid claim isn't made by then, HMRC...

HMRC discontinues tax clearance for MVLs

In a recent announcement, HMRC revealed the immediate withdrawal of its clearance service for members' voluntary liquidation (MVL) cases. The latest insolvency guidance, issued on 6 December 2023, stated that HMRC will no longer provide pre- and post-tax clearances,...