Thompson Elphhick News
Bank Rate trimmed to 4%
The Bank of England has knocked the main interest rate down to 4% today, cutting it by a quarter‑point from 4.25%. It’s the fifth cut in a year and brings the rate to its lowest since March 2023. The
Interactive online tool for tax compliance check
HMRC’s new Q&A tool guides you through each step of a compliance check. The free interactive online tool is designed to help individuals and businesses better understand what happens during a tax
Challenging your Council Tax band
If your property has changed or seems mis-banded, you may have the right to request a Council Tax review. Properties in England and Wales are assigned Council Tax bands based on their value as of 1
Who can claim the IHT residence nil rate band
With the Residence Nil Rate Band (RNRB), families can pass on up to £1 million without IHT The RNRB is an additional £175,000 Inheritance Tax (IHT) allowance that applies when a person’s main
Reclaiming duty moving goods to Northern Ireland
Businesses can reclaim duties on qualifying goods moved to or through Northern Ireland since 2021 The Northern Ireland Duty Reimbursement Scheme allows businesses to reclaim import duties paid on
Homebuyers warning
Properties needing repairs still count as homes and false claims to recover Stamp Duty Land Tax could mean big tax bills and penalties. HMRC has issued a warning to homebuyers about rogue tax agents
HMRC to increase anti-money laundering fees
Fit and proper test fee to jump from £150 to £700 under HMRC’s proposed AML supervision changes Many businesses are monitored by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) or certain professional bodies
Employing family members in your business
Many small business owners turn to family members when looking to fill roles in their team. It can seem like a natural choice, offering trust, loyalty, and a shared sense of purpose. However,
The value of retaining profits to support cash flow and growth
For small businesses and growing companies alike, one of the most reliable sources of funding is often the profits they generate. While it can be tempting to extract earnings in the form of dividends,
Taxation of entertainment expenses
Many business gifts and hospitality costs are not tax-deductible under current rules. Entertainment expenses including providing hospitality and business gifts are common, but the taxation of these
Estate valuation for IHT purposes
Before probate begins, you must estimate the estate's value to see if Inheritance Tax applies. This includes valuing the deceased person's money, property and belongings in order to determine if
Found objects and Capital Gains Tax
Items discovered lying on land or buried in the soil, such as antiques or historical objects, are treated as chattels for Capital Gains Tax (CGT) purposes. This remains true even if ownership is tied