All posts tagged 'Cardiff'

As the spring of 2024 unfolds, the Government have unveiled their budget, setting the stage for economic policies, social initiatives, and infrastructure development for the upcoming fiscal year. This pivotal moment not only reflects current priorities but also shapes the nation in the months and years to come. In this blog, we delve into some of the top topics emerging from the spring 2024 budget and their potential implications.

National Insurance

The main topic for the budget was the cut in national insurance again. The chancellor reduced the amount of national insurance employees would pay by 2%. The rate going from 10% to 8% in April 2024. It is estimated that the cut would be worth about £450 a year for someone on a £35,000 full-time salary.

It is estimated that around 29 million workers are set to benefit from the change. The rate of 'class 4' national insurance contributions, which is the main rate paid on self-employed profits of between £12,570 and £50,270, will be cut from 9% to 6% from 6 April. This rate had been due to fall to 8% from 6 April, but the chancellor has taken it one step further today. The self-employed will benefit too as the rate is slashed from 9% to 6%.

Housing

The chancellor confirms plans to scrap the furnished holiday lets regime. The initiative gives tax reliefs on properties being rented out to holidaymakers and make renting out to holidaymakers more profitable than to long-term tenants. The move is expected to raise £300m a year for the Treasury, however a blow to furnished holiday lets owners.

The chancellor also announced the government will reduce the higher rate of property capital gains tax. This is a tax Cross Accounting Service | Blog

Oct 202320

Financial Stability

Nicola

Financial stability is crucial to any business. It is extremely important that you protect and enhance it. Cashflow of your business is vital. You need to be aware of how much money is coming in and how much money is going out of the business. You will need to have a plan in place to cover any shortfalls.

Governments are having their own challenges and not always there to help us in a crisis, we have to stand on our own two feet, to see ourselves through these challenging trading times.

To stay on top of cashflow, it is best to speak to your accountant about cashflow projections. We have also got examples of how to get the best of cashflow on our website, click here to find out more.

We have examples of cashflow and budgeting here.

So, what can be causes of cashflow issues?

The number one issue we see is when a supplier has increased their prices significantly. This is when you need to decide if there is something you can scale back on or is it time to start shopping around. Talking to your suppliers if you notice increases, we’ve all been facing this over the past 18 months.

Track and monitor your costs, by carrying out management accounts, comparing this year with last year, you can see instantly what has changed for you and your business.

Late payments from customers can lead to cashflow issues too. This can sometimes cause tension as you do not want to ruin relations. The following tips can help tackle these issues;

· Ensuring your invoices are accurate and on time can help avoid late payments.

· Giving gentle reminders as it approaches credit term limits.

· Providing easy payment solutions such as bank transfer or a direct debit system

· Check your customers credit score, giving too much credit without looking into your customer bill paying activities can lead to bad debts.

· Discounts for early payment to improve the timing of when the cash will be paid in can help too.

We all dislike to pay tax, but it is a part of life. Tax planning helps to keep your business financially healthy. We must ensure we have the funds to cover the tax payments. This is why it is crucial to work with your accountant so that you know well ahead of time how much your tax bill is. Not paying the tax bill in full and on time can add to the cost. Penalties and interest will incur and can make this less manageable.

There are allowances and reliefs out there to bring the tax bill down. Getting this done correctly will ensure that you pay the lowest but accurate amount over to HMRC.

Set up a savings account, and slowly build up the cash towards any tax bill, you don’t get surprises when its time to pay the bill then. Any surplus in that account, could pay for something you want.

Businesses that plan ahead, traditionally do better than those that don’t plan and work in the dark.

Jun 202312

The Art Of Cashflow Management

Nicola cashflow, management accounts

Point 1

Always be aware of what you have in the bank Account

Point 2

Put together a short term cashflow 3 months and a longer term one 12 months

To put together the cashflow statement

Sales Income Put all you known sales turnover from your diary into the forecast Unknown your new sales turnover, use last years figures to guide you, in the absence of last year, use a realistic sales turnover.
Don’t forget VAT and keep it separate, as this money belong to the Inland Revenue
Other Income ie bank interest, dividend, insurance refunds.

Costs Cost of Sales this can be based on your average margin percentage

Overhead costs

Fixed and variable

Ie rent, heating, salaries, office costs
Bank loans and capital
The VAT return and Paye

Point 3

Update this daily or weekly, with actual figures, this will allow you to see in advance how your cash is being spent, and also if you need to fund the business. Or used for Capital expenditure and taking on staff. It’s a great predictor for being able to do operation things.

Point 4

If you see a dip in funds, make sure you know in plenty of time, as a six week window may not be able to be filled, whereas a 3 to 6 month window you can plan ahead, and build up cash funds to cover you over the slower time.

Point 5

Use other sources to save on cashflow Gain credit with suppliers Get your capital expenditure leased, or obtain a bank loan. This will also improve your credit score. You score goes up, when you are able to get credit.

Point 6

Keep this on track at all times, even when you are in a cash rich, situation. You might be wasting your money on low interest schemes. Look at saving in other areas.

Let it be used against bringing your tax bill down, investments in EIS schemes, Pension contributions.
Further investment that will give a better return. Capital expenditure. Website development.

May 202312

Business Tips from an Accountants point of view

Nicola

There are approximately 5.6 million businesses in the UK, of which 98% are considered small to medium sized businesses. So, we small businesses are crucial to the UK economy, there is no denying this.

Whether you are a start-up and excited for the times ahead, or an establishment renewing your challenges, we all want to be successful with our business. In our latest blog, we talk about tips we think are vital to any business.

We all have a vision in mind, of where we’d like to see our business in the future. This vision needs to be translated on paper as your business plan. A business plan is a must for all business owners. This can help outside investors get an insight of your business, for if ever you need funding to grow your business.

Business Plan

A business plan should consist of;

· Summary – What is your purpose, what is your vision?

· Target market – Who are you likely to sell to

· Competitors – What is your rivals weakness? Why are you different?

· Staff – Do you need people to help run your business. What level of skill and pay is required?

· Suppliers – Who will be your main supplier?

· Marketing Plan – How will you advertise yourself to the world

· Operations – Which is the best way to run your business.

· Finance – How much money do you need? Determine the profitability of the business.

Business Structure

As well as a business plan, you will need to have a business structure. Sole trader, partnerships and limited companies all have their own pros and cons. Deciding which structure to choose is not always straightforward. If an asset is owned outright, then you would need to consider retaining personal ownership on incorporation. If you’re not sure which structure model you should go for, then here at Cross Accounting we can give tailored advice to you.

Year End

We cannot stress enough the importance of doing your year end as early as possible. Once completed, this will give you peace of mind as you will not have to worry, until next year. It will also give you more time to budget for your tax bill. You will not be in a rush to find the money for the tax bill and not kill your cashflow. Keep all receipts for your expenses, these will all help lower the tax bill. If you buy equipment or tools, mobile phone bills, petrol, these are all deductible. HMRC can conduct random spot checks, so it’s important to keep paperwork, recommended for 6 years.

Budgeting

Having budgets in place for your business can help you predict the near future. This allows you to have a spending plan, so you can make sure you have money for the things you need and the things that are important to you. You can see what is eating up your cash and avoid spending on unnecessary fees. Below is an example of a very simple budget.

	Month 1 (Budget)	Month 1 (Actual)	Variance	Month 2 (Budget)	Month 2 (Actual)	Variance	Month 3 (Budget)	Month 3 (Actual)	Variance
Starting Cash	10,000	10,000	0	11,630	11,600	-30
Income	2,500	2,500	0
Total Income	2,600	2,600	0

Rent	800	800	0
Mobile	50	55	5	5	£19.27	£38.54	£57.81	£77.08	£96.35
6	£16.06	£32.12	£48.18	£64.24	£80.30	£96.35
7	£13.77	£27.53	£41.30	£55.06	£68.83	£82.59	£96.35

Dividend Allowance

You also get a dividend allowance each year. You only pay tax on any dividend income above the dividend allowance.

Dividend Allowance

£2,000

Mileage Allowance

The allowed deductible rate per mile for business use.

Type of vehicle	Rate
Car	45p (for the first 10,000 business miles, then 25p for each subsequent mile)

Income - Expense	1630	1,600	-30

These tips will keep you motivated and more importantly give you an idea of where your finances lay, helping you to quickly identify if there are rainy days ahead.

If you need expert tailored advice, please do get in touch as we are always happy to help.

Apr 202305

Rates and Threshold for 2023-24

Nicola

There is always new rates and thresholds that come in to place in the new financial year.

The National Minimum Wage rate has gone up, however, the personal threshold has stayed the same.

Personal Allowance

The personal allowance is the amount you can earn without having to pay any tax.

This financial year 2023-24 is £12,570

PAYE Tax Rate	Rate of Tax	Annual Earnings
Personal Allowance	0%	£0 - £12,570
Basic Rate	20%	£12,571 - £37,700
Higher Tax Rate	40%	£37,701 - £125,140
Additional Tax Rate	45%	£125,140+

National Insurance Rates

As an employee, you will pay Class 1 NI rates. If you earn above the primary threshold, then you will play Class 1 NI. The primary threshold for 2023-24 are £242 a week, or, £1,048 a month, or, £12,570 a year.

You will pay an additional 2% if you are in the upper earning limit. The uent:36.0pt">Net - £1,000

VAT - £0

Gross - £1,000

(Reverse charge applies)

Example 2

If Alpha Ltd are selling a standard or reduced rated service for building and construction to Joe Bloggs, and Joe Bloggs is not VAT registered, then the reverse charge must not be used, and VAT must be charged as normal.

Alpha Ltd bills Joe Bloggs;

Net - £1,000

VAT - £200

Gross - £1,200

The services you may provide that are subject to reverse charge are;

· constructing, altering, repairing, extending, demolishing or dismantling buildings or structures (whether permanent or not), including offshore installation services

· installing heating, lighting, air-conditioning, ventilation, power supply, drainage, sanitation, water supply or fire protection systems in any building or structure

Please click here for the full list of services.

What you will need to do

If you are needing to use reverse charge VAT then you will need to verify some of your customers information. You will need to verify;

· If your customer has a valid VAT number – (Click here to verify)

· If your customer is reporting under CIS. (This can be verified using the construction industry scheme online service)

Sole trader:

o Name

o Unique taxpayer reference

o National Insurance number

Company:

o Name of Company

o Company’s unique taxpayer reference

o National Insurance number

· Ask your customer to confirm whether they are an end user or intermediary supplier (you will need written confirmation)

These rules will be enforced by HMRC, so you will have to take care to do this correctly. If you are facing problems with your own subcontractors with IR35, or if you are not sure whether this reverse charge VAT applies to you, please get in touch with us. This can be complicated to get your head around.

Nov 202018

Capital Gains Tax

Nicola tax planning

If you have sold an asset that has increased in value, then Capital Gains Tax will be due. It is the gains that you will pay tax on and not the amount of money received. When Capital Gains Tax is due, it is more than often, when a house has been sold. Although Capital Gains Tax will be due when you have sold a painting, stocks and shares, sale of a business etc…

So, for example, if you have bought a house for £120,000 and sold it for £190,000 then Capital Gains Tax will be due on £70,000. You do not pay any Capital Gains Tax if you have sold a house that is your main home and residence. You also do not have to pay Capital Gains Tax if all your gains in a year are under your tax-free allowance.

Your tax-free allowance also known as the Annual Exempt Amount for Capital Gains for this current tax year (2020/2021) is £12,300.

You do not pay Capital Gains Tax on assets you give or sell to your husband, wife, or civil partner, unless,

You separated and did not live together at all in that tax year
You gave them goods for their business to sell on

If they decide to sell later, they may have to pay tax on any gain. Their gain will be calculated on the difference in value between when you first owned the asset and when they sold it. They should keep a record of what you paid for the asset.

The rules have changed from April 2020.

If you sell a house, you must report and pay any tax due within 30 days of selling. Before you had until your next self-assessment to report and pay. If you have not reported and paid any gains within 30 days of selling, HMRC can charge penalties and even interest on any late payments.

You will have to register and you’ll need a Government Gateway user ID and password to set your account up or sign in. If you do not have a user ID, you can create one the first time you sign in.

You will need the following information at the ready,

Property address and postcode
Date you got the property
Date you exchanged contracts when you were selling or disposing of the property
Date you stopped being the property’s owner (completion date)
Value of the property when you got it
Value of the property when you sold or disposed of it
Costs of buying, selling or making improvements to the property

Once you have an account you can sign in at any time to report Capital Gains Tax on UK property or see any returns you have already sent.

Once you have sent your return to HMRC, you will be notified on how much you owe in Capital Gains Tax, how to pay and when to pay by.

How much do I pay?

Rates on Capital Gains varies. If you are a higher rate taxpayer you will pay,

28% on your gains from residential property
20% on your gains from other chargeable assets

If you are a basic rate taxpayer, the rate depends on the size of the gain and your taxable income.

Work out your taxable income
Work out your taxable gains
Deduct your annual exempt amount from your taxable gains
Add this to your taxable income
Work out which tax rate you pay

If the amount falls within the basic income tax band (£12,501 to £50,000 for 2020/2021) you will pay,

18% on your gains from residential property
10% on your gains from other chargeable assets

You will pay the higher taxpayer rate for any amount above the basic tax rate.

Example

Your taxable income (your income minus your personal allowance and any income tax reliefs) is £15,000

You sell a house for £200,000 which you bought for £170,000 for a gain of £30,000

Deduct your Annual Exempt Amount which is £12,300 (for tax year 2020/2021) leaving you with a chargeable gain of £17,700

Your basic rate band remaining after your taxable income above is £22,500 (£37,500 - £15,000)

As the £17,700 is fully within the basic rate band, this is taxed at 18% which means you will have to pay £3,186 in Capital Gains Tax.

You need to collect records to work out your gains and fill in your tax return. You must keep them for at least a year after the Self-Assessment deadline. You will need to keep records for longer if you sent your tax return late or HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) have started a check into your return. Businesses must keep records for 5 years after the deadline.

The new 30-day rule can make things stressful but being organised and keeping records will help a lot. If you are struggling with Capital Gains Tax, give us a call on 02920 653 995 to see how we can assist you.