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Latest changes to Employment Law, dodging tax avoidance, and VAT road fuel scale updates

If you’re an employer, it’s vital that you are aware of the latest changes in Employment Law to ensure you are treating all of your employees fairly.  Plus, how to avoid getting caught out by a tax avoidance scheme, and the latest VAT road fuel scale charges set to take effect on 1st May 2024.…Read More

Inflation rates, procurement, import duties, lump sum death benefit charge, and Labour’s plans to close the tax gap – a bit of a mixed bag in today’s blog post from MLS Accountancy!

Inflation falls in March According to the latest figures released by the Office for National Statistics, the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) rose by 3.2% in the 12 months to March 2024. This is down from 3.4% in February. The main reason for the change was that prices for food are rising by less than a…Read More

Is your tax code correct? New Disability Confident guidance for employers and R&D tax relief information, plus be aware of a safety notice issued on thermites

Today we assist you in making sure your tax code is up to date to help you ensure you are paying the right amount of tax.  Plus, we share the government’s latest guidance for managers to help them ensure their business is Disability Confident….read on to find out much, much more! Have you checked your…Read More

Potential help to enable organisations to apologise when necessary, a crackdown on retail crime and what to do if your account is hacked

Today we discuss a range of topics, including potential new changes to the law which will enable organisations to apologise to victims without the fear of admitting liability. The government announce plans to tackle retail crime, plus we give you tips on what action to take if your account is hacked. Consultation on law changes…Read More

Stress Awareness month, food inflation starts to slow and child benefit rates are increasing

As an employer you will have some responsibility for supporting your employees’ wellbeing, take a look at the 5 key steps the HSE are recommending to help you manage work related stress for your staff.  April also sees a welcome increase in child benefit rates, and good news as food inflation is starting to slow.…Read More

Due diligence, training costs for the self-employed, the future of the minimum wage, and the importance of accurate book keeping

Today’s blog post covers a variety of topics for business owners. Are you perhaps considering purchasing another business but are not sure where to start? Self-employed but worried about the cost of upskilling or updating your CPD? How will the minimum wage continue to grow and evolve and what impact will this have on your…Read More

We weigh up the pros and cons of the VAT Annual Accounting Scheme, where to seek help in the event of a cyber-attack, and discuss the value of internal audits for SMEs

Could the VAT Annual Accounting Scheme be good for your business? VAT-registered businesses normally submit their VAT returns and payments to HM Revenue and Customs 4 times a year. However, HM Revenue and Customs also offer an Annual Accounting Scheme for businesses with a taxable turnover of £1.35 million or less. In this article we…Read More

A reminder of key dates for your diary

Today we remind you of key dates and changes to pay rates you will need to be aware of.  Whether you run your own payroll or outsource to an accountant, you will need to ensure all of your staff are paid at the correct rates.  Plus, if you’re self-employed, don’t forget your National Insurance Contribution…Read More

Apprenticeship reform roll out, Shareholder Agreements for limited companies, how to ascertain whether your business still qualifies as an SME, and a U-turn for HMRC’s helpline services

Major reforms to apprenticeships announced The Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, has announced reforms to apprenticeships that will enable up to 20,000 more apprenticeships and could be especially welcome news to small businesses. With effect from April 1st, the government will pay the full cost of training for anyone up to the age of 21. If…Read More

If you’re an employer – is your payroll system ready for the new tax year?

Today we help you to ensure your payroll system is up to date and ready for the new tax year. Take a look at our five simple steps below to help you navigate key deadline dates. The new tax year begins on 6th April and for employers running monthly payrolls, the March pay run will…Read More

Food labelling, complying to the ICO’s cookie laws and is 2024 a good year to run an SME?

Consultation on fairer food labelling is launched A consultation was launched last week to look at ways to make food labelling fairer and clearer. This is part of an initiative looking at how to give shoppers more information about how and where the food they buy is produced, and to give the products of British…Read More

Are you considering making redundancies? Read our tips to help you manage the situation carefully.  Plus, new Companies House powers come into force and the latest tax-free childcare rules

Redundancies – what factors should be considered? In times of economic uncertainty or because of operational challenges, you may find your business is facing tough decisions, including the possibility of redundancies. While such situations can be daunting and emotionally challenging, careful consideration and planning can help reduce the impact on both employees and the business…Read More

March 2024 Budget Updates – Minimum Wage Rates

Don’t forget the rates for minimum wage will increase from April 2024, so make sure your payroll systems are up to date. If you are currently running your own payroll system but you are finding it a burden and could do with some help, get in touch with us here at MLS Accountancy as we’d…Read More

March 2024 budget update part 2- NICs for the self-employed and the VAT threshold increase

Last week Jeremy Hunt announced changes to National Insurance Contributions for the self-employed – take a look at the infographic below to see the changes to both Class 2 and Class 4 contributions. The VAT registration threshold has also increased, hopefully giving small businesses a helping hand to survive the current difficult economic climate. If…Read More

March 2024 budget update – Income Tax Rates and National Insurance Contributions

Today we take a look at how the recent budget can affect income tax rates along with Class 1 National Insurance Contributions for both employers and employees. If you need help with your personal tax affairs or if you are an employer and are unsure of how the recent changes may affect you and your…Read More