General News

The implementation date for the EU Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is 25 May. Despite Brexit, UK businesses will need to comply.

In order to maintain business links with EU countries, the UK will need to create EU equivalent rules and regulations. GDPR is an example of this and must be complied with if businesses want to trade with the EU. The GDPR regulations are more favourable to consumers than businesses.

In the February newsletter, we reported the Tax Tribunal decision involving Christa Ackroyd Media Ltd, a company set up by a TV presenter to supply her services to the BBC, where it was held that the IR35 personal service company rules applied to the arrangements. In a recent case involving a night manager on a building site, another tribunal decided that the IR35 rules did not apply. 

Whilst on the subject of the reduction in cash transactions, we take the opportunity remind you of the Gift Aid Small Donations Scheme (GASDC). Under this scheme, a charity or community amateur sports club (CASC) can claim top-up payments on small donations up to £20. 

From 6 April 2017 charities have also been able to claim tax back on donations made using contactless technology, such as a contactless credit or debit card.

As a Landlord, it’s always important to ensure that you know what you can be claiming for.

The government allows landlords to claim tax relief on money spent to replace 'domestic items' in their rental properties. This came into effect from 5 April 2016 and the replaces the previous wear and tear allowance basis, which was used to cover such items.

The government lists a number of examples of which domestic items qualify for this new relief. These include:-