News + Resources

Under the new proposed Real Time Information (RTI) rules, HMRC originally proposed that the P45 form would be replaced with a leaver statement. Currently a P45 form is given to workers when they move to a new employer or lose a job. By law a P45 has to be issued, recording pay and tax deducted in the year so far.
10 February 2012

Are you aware of the major changes coming soon with the PAYE system? If not, you are not alone, in a Sage survey from 2011 76% of small firms admitted to having no knowledge of the forthcoming alterations.
7 February 2012

People who file their self-assessment tax returns on 1 February and 2 February will not be "unfairly" fined, a government minister confirmed today.
27 January 2012

HMRC has conceded that it will have to deal leniently with taxpayers who face fines, owing to a planned strike by their staff. Approximately 2.7 million people still have to file their self-assessment tax returns online by the deadline of 31 January, but some HMRC staff plan to strike on the deadline day. If there isn’t enough staff to answer last-minute queries, people may decide they are unable to complete their forms and face a £100 penalty.
26 January 2012

Chiene + Tait's newest edition of our client newsletter, Connect, is now available to download from our website here. This edition reviews a number of areas of potential concern for clients including year end tax planning tips from our tax team...
4 January 2012

VAT affects transactions undertaken by individuals, partnerships, companies, trusts, charities and housing associations; each of these entities can find themselves considering wide ranging VAT issues and having to comply with various regulatory obligations.
15 December 2011

Furnished Holiday Lettings (FHLs) have come under the spotlight in recent years, with successive governments vowing to reform the rules on the tax treatment of such properties. Please find here our guide to the current and future rules on FHLs.
13 December 2011

The UK Government has confirmed its intention to implement a cost-sharing VAT exemption for organisations such as charities, universities, housing associations and financial institutions. A consultation process has taken place which invited contributions from charities and other affected groups and the legislation will be introduced by the Finance Bill 2012. Draft legislation and the responses document will be released on 6th December, however legal implementation will occur when the Finance Bil
2 December 2011

The First Tier Tax Tribunal in the Bridport & West Dorset Golf Club VAT case released its decision in June this year. Many golf clubs have already submitted sizeable protective claims (some going back to VAT periods in 1990) so the fact that the Tribunal found in the golf club’s favour that visiting non members’ green fees were VAT exempt was greeted with some optimism.
2 December 2011

On Tuesday 29 November, Chancellor George Osborne presented his Autumn Statement to the House. Here, Chiene + Tait outline the key points from his speech.
29 November 2011

Auto-enrolment staging dates for small businesses are being put back by thirteen months, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) confirmed today.
28 November 2011

The UK government today confirmed that a motor fuel duty discount pilot scheme for island communities will start from 1 March 2012. Applying to the Inner and Outer Hebrides, the Northern Isles, the islands in the Clyde and the Isles of Scilly, the 5p per litre tax discount will apply to fuel on the islands.
25 November 2011

How compliant is your business when it comes to employment taxes? Have you ever thought about having a health check to ensure you are not running any risks? Many employers don’t realise that HMRC now operates a risk strategy for all taxpayers.
17 November 2011

As lots of employers are finding out, there are many considerations to be tackled in light of the new regulations which impose a responsibility on all employers to auto-enrol their employees into a qualifying pension scheme before the employer-specific “staging date”, which will fall between 2012 and 2016.
17 November 2011

Changes to tax and updates from HM Revenue & Customs occur more frequent than many would like. After each new update, a review of your personal financial situation to ensure you make the most of your reliefs and allowances should be undertaken.
21 October 2011

New figures have shown that HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has issues a record number of fines for late tax returns. HMRC has fined 1.5 million for filing late self-assessment returns since January, up 8% from the previous year and 56% from five years ago.
17 October 2011

On 5 September 2011, HM Revenue & Customs announced that changes to the penalties for late or non-filing of a contractor's monthly return within the Construction Industry Scheme are to come into force today (6 October 2011).
6 October 2011

Chiene + Tait conducted a client feedback survey throughout the months of June and July, to understand our strengths and weaknesses in delivering services to clients.
28 September 2011

VAT rises at the beginning of 2011 together with fuel price fluctuations make it ever more difficult to forecast fleet cost: benefit ratios. In the race to reduce overheads to keep businesses profitable, the vehicle fleet has to be a starting point. What can employers do to reduce costs both to themselves and to their driver workforce? Our experienced tax team has some suggestions.
6 September 2011

Chiene + Tait today issued an alert to all businesses regarding VAT registration. HMRC has a 30th September deadline for all businesses that should be VAT registered to notify them, otherwise the full weight of penalties will be issued.
23 August 2011

To be or not to be [Self employed]? That is the question, says Justine Riccomini, employment tax Senior Manager.
12 August 2011

The rules relating to manorial rights in England and Wales are changing from 12 October 2013. From this date those holding a title as lord or lady of the manor will no longer have an ‘overriding interest’ in mineral and sporting rights on the land to which their title relates.
11 August 2011

It was reported today that theft is estimated to have cost the UK farming industry £49.7m in 2010. NFU Mutual said "agri-crime" on Britain's farms has risen from £41m in 2009, with power tools the most stolen item in 2010. Thieves were most likely to strike at night and raid outbuildings, it said.
8 August 2011

Justine Riccomini, Employment Tax Senior Manager, and Lynn Gemmell, VAT Director, comment on the implications for employers who operate salary sacrifice schemes after the recent AstraZeneca case
5 August 2011

Rural Affairs Secretary and MSP Richard Lochhead has encouraged farmers and landowners to take part in Scotland's "renewables revolution".
4 August 2011

Any employer will tell you the frustrations caused by having to administer PAYE and NI (National Insurance) deductions. This is complicated by the fact that two sets of legislation have to be complied with and this legislation has evolved from different government departments. However, it looks as if all that is set to change - the Chancellor announced in his last Budget that NI and income tax will be merged.
20 July 2011

We recognise that our clients may face skills gaps in their finance team at certain times through unexpected resignations, maternity leave or staff illness. Should you have a short to medium term need for cover then we can supplement your existing finance team by providing an extra resource at any level.
13 July 2011

HM Treasury has released a consultation paper on the lifetime donation of works of art or historical objects of pre-eminent importance to the nation.
13 July 2011

A recent report has suggested that businesses, which use workers hired on a temporary basis, have done no or very little preparation to address new rules on the rights of such staff, even though the rules are due to come into force in less than four months' time.
28 June 2011

The definition of a Scottish taxpayer will be determined by an individual's home and not their place of work, the Scotland Bill confirmed this week.
24 June 2011

HM Revenue & Customs have released two consultation papers on the Statutory Definition of Non-residence for Taxation Purposes and the Taxation of Non-Domiciled Individuals residing in the UK.
17 June 2011

HMRC has announced that up to 10 voluntary groups will be given £2m a year to support people who need help with their taxes.
16 June 2011

It’s been described by the coalition as the “biggest transfer of fiscal power to Scotland since the creation of the United Kingdom”. The legislation is aimed at transferring control of some powers from Westminster to Holyrood, including some tax changing authority.
16 June 2011

A consultation on the government's plan to boost charitable legacies was announced today. Chancellor George Osborne used the Budget to launch a 10% inheritance tax reduction for those who leave at least one-tenth of their estate to charity, with the aim of encouraging higher legacy giving.
13 June 2011

Has your business ever missed your tax return deadline? If so, newly published research finds that you’re not alone.
6 June 2011

Since HM Inland Revenue combined with HM Customs & Excise to form HM Revenue & Customs – HMRC – they have been rationalising the different rules they apply to manage all the taxes they collect for the government. Read more here...
25 May 2011

This week, the Royal Courts of Justice in London will begin taking evidence into the rules surrounding the charitable status of independent schools. Currently, in Scotland, all independent schools have to face the “charity test” and show they exist for a “charitable purpose” i.e. the advancement of education and provide public benefit.
23 May 2011

An IT contractor, trading as a consultant, emerged victorious from an IR35 case that could have cost her £50,000. In the ruling, judges concluded that “It’s clear to us that (the consultant has) a genuine business and there (is) not a target of the IR35 legislation.” Find out more about more here.
19 May 2011

Chiene + Tait's newest Partner, Carol Flockhart, was recently included in CA Magazine's Rising Stars feature, which looks at accountants who "have reached the heady heights of success and are tipped to go even higher."
9 May 2011

Justine Ricommini, Senior Employment Tax Manager is available to offer PAYE Settlement Agree (PSA advice). – if you would like Chiene + Tait to assist your P11D submission to HM Revenue and Customes and you hold a Dispensation document, please read on or contact our team of specialists.
20 April 2011

Justine Ricommini, Senior Employment Tax Manager is available to offer P11D dispensation advice – if you would like Chiene + Tait to assist your P11D submission to HM Revenue and Customes and you hold a Dispensation document, please read on or contact our team of specialists.
20 April 2011

Chiene + Tait Senior Employment Tax Manager, Justine Riccomini gives advice to businesses currently preparing their P11D information for HM Revenue & Customs.
20 April 2011

National Minimum Wage rates are to rise from October 2011, with the minimum rate for workers aged 21 and over increasing from £5.93 per hour to £6.08 per hour. An increase of 2.5%. Click here to find out more.
11 April 2011

HMRC has confirmed development of the Real Time Information (RTI) system is to go ahead as planned. A pilot will begin in April 2012 involving software developers and volunteer employers with the aim of making RTI ready for mandatory introduction in April 2013. Read more here.
11 April 2011

Leading Edinburgh accountants Chiene + Tait today announced a new partnership line-up at the firm. On 1st April, Carol Flockhart will be assumed as Partner, joining current Partners Gavin Morton (Managing Partner), Helen Mackenzie, Kenneth McDowell, David Collier, Jeremy Chittleburgh and Malcolm Beveridge.
29 March 2011

Billed as a "Budget for Growth", yesterday Chancellor George Osborne outlined a series of measures aimed at promoting growth in the economy and boost enterprise. Click here for more information.
24 March 2011

Below are some points which should be factored in to your annual tax health check. More detailed guidance can be found within our Informs and our tax team would be happy to hear from you, to discuss individual circumstances.
21 March 2011

From 6 April 2011, employers with fewer than 50 employees will have to file in-year forms (i.e. forms P45 and P46) online. You do not need to wait until6 April 2011 to start online filing - this can be started now. It has been a requirement for larger employers since 6 April 2009.
3 March 2011

Changes to paternity leave were brought in last year, however they will only start to take effect from April 2011. The changes, announced in April 2010, give fathers of children due on or after 3 April 2011 the right of up to six months extra leave if the mother returns to work early, if the child is over 20 weeks old. Some of this leave may be paid if it falls under the mother’s maternity pay period.
15 February 2011

HMRC is continuing with its plans to introduce major changes to the PAYE system. Last year HMRC published a consultation document “Improving the Operation of Pay As You Earn: Collecting Real Time Information” (RTI). The consultation period runs until 28 February 2011 and HMRC has indicated that unless there is an unforeseen ‘show stopper’ from this consultation process, the new system will be implemented.
15 February 2011

From 1 January 2011, the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) has the power to publicise cases where employers breach national minimum wage (NMW) regulations. BIS has published a policy, which sets out how the scheme will operate.
15 February 2011

It has been widely publicised that the Finance (no2) Act 2010 increased the rate of Capital Gains Tax (CGT) from 18% to 28% with effect from 23 June 2010. What is less commonly discussed is the impact for settlors and beneficiaries of offshore trusts.
11 February 2011

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has been forced to warn taxpayers not to fall for a new round of phishing emails designed to harvest bank account details.
7 February 2011

PAYE Payments – New HMRC Rules Regarding Penalties For 2010 - 11 From tax year 2010-11 HMRC may charge penalties if PAYE is paid late. This means you may have to pay a penalty if you do not make PAYE payments on time and in full from May 2010. The new late payment penalties will apply to all employers.
18 January 2010