Posts by Kate
New Companies House Requirement: Identity Verification Coming Soon
As part of the evolving changes under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act (ECCT), identity verification will soon become a mandatory requirement for Companies House filings. These reforms aim to enhance the accuracy and security of the UK’s corporate register and prevent misuse of UK companies for fraudulent activity. Key Dates to Know Dates…
Read MoreApril 2025 Newsletter
As spring blossoms and Easter approaches, we welcome you to the April 2025 edition of the Mercian Accountants newsletter. As this season brings renewal, the new tax year offers fresh opportunities to get your finances in order. With key updates from the Spring Statement, now is the time to review your tax position – whether…
Read MoreMarch 2025 Newsletter
The sun is shining, which means it’s time for the March 2025 edition of the Mercian Accountants newsletter! As spring starts to peek around the corner, it’s a perfect time to get a jump on your tax planning. With deadlines looming and new rules on the horizon, now’s the moment to ensure you’re fully prepared…
Read MoreFebruary 2025 Newsletter
Welcome to the February 2025 edition of the Mercian Accountants newsletter. February might be the shortest month, but there’s still plenty to think about when it comes to tax planning. As the tax year-end creeps closer, now’s the time to ensure you’re not leaving money on the table – or worse, accidentally donating it to…
Read MoreFour Taxes on Pension Death Benefits
Do you know what will happen to your pension pot when you pass away? Understanding the tax rules as a pension holder is crucial for your beneficiaries (those who will inherit). There are four different types of taxes that can apply to pension death benefits: If you’re looking for help with your pension and later-life…
Read MoreClient and Supplier Entertainment – Is It Tax Deductible?
Entertaining clients and suppliers is an important part of many companies’ marketing budgets, in order to maintain and grow business relationships. However, the tax rules on business entertainment are frequently misunderstood. In most cases, these expenses, along with business gifts, are not tax deductible, so you must add them back to Corporation Tax computations –…
Read MoreStaff Entertainment – Tax Exempt or Benefit-in-Kind?
Do you provide occasional entertainment to your employees? There’s a common misconception that staff entertainment is automatically exempt from tax – and with a lack of clear guidance from HMRC, many businesses are under-reporting it for benefit-in-kind (BiK) purposes. In this article, we’ll help you understand when entertainment is and isn’t taxable, so you can…
Read MorePool Cars – Benefits and Tax Traps
Are you a business considering the use of pool cars for your employees? Pool cars can provide numerous benefits, such as cost savings, increased efficiency, and improved flexibility. However, it’s essential to understand the tax implications associated with pool cars to ensure compliance and make informed financial decisions. In this post, we’ll explore the key…
Read MoreNew Increase to Statutory Legacy on Intestacy
From July 26th (2023), the government has confirmed an increase to the Statutory Legacy on intestacy, from £270,000 to £322,000 (fixed net sum). When someone who has children passes away without a Will (otherwise known as “intestate”), this is the value of personal possessions that the surviving spouse or civil partner is entitled to first,…
Read MoreThe Renters (Reform) Bill – How Will it Affect Landlords?
Introduced to Parliament on 17th May 2023, the Renters (Reform) Bill proposes a new set of measures for the private rental property market – from abolishing Section 21 evictions to ending fixed-term tenancies. Though the bill hasn’t yet become law, it’s essential for landlords to identify what elements may be of concern so that they…
Read More