News
Angela Rayner’s £40,000 SDLT Error – and How You Can Avoid It
The recent headlines about Angela Rayner’s property purchase may have caught your attention. While the political story has dominated coverage, the more important takeaway for most people is that Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) is rarely straightforward. Where trusts or complex family arrangements are involved, the rules can be particularly difficult to navigate. What appears…
Read MoreSeptember 2025 Newsletter
As we settle into autumn, it’s a good time to review recent developments in tax and payroll that may affect your business or personal finances. In this September edition of the Mercian Accountants newsletter, we highlight HMRC’s renewed focus on private use adjustments for business expenses, upcoming changes to Statutory Sick Pay from April 2026,…
Read MoreAugust 2024 Newsletter
Hello and welcome to the latest edition of our Tax News! As we move through the summer, we’re here to keep you informed about the latest tax updates and planning opportunities. In this edition, we cover a range of topics including the 60% income tax trap, tax-free childcare accounts, and planning a staff summer barbecue.…
Read MoreProperty118, Cotswold Barristers, and HMRC
If you are or have been a client of Property118 or Cotswold Barristers, please seek urgent independent tax and legal advice. We’ve been watching with a growing sense of dread the saga unfolding over at Tax Policy Associates about these firms. Property118 and Cotswold Barristers operate together, offering a tax avoidance scheme for buy-to-let landlords.…
Read MoreHMRC letters to company directors on undeclared dividend income
HMRC is contacting Company directors suspected of receiving dividends without declaring the income on their Self-Assessment Tax Returns Business owners have been receiving letters from HMRC as part of a recent campaign. These letters notify them about the potential requirement to declare dividend income. HMRC has been conducting investigations on company reserves, specifically targeting those…
Read MoreA Guide for Companies Receiving ICO Letters: Data Protection Obligations
ICO Compliance letters for companies In recent times, UK businesses have received significant communication from the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), spotlighting the critical importance of compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). As a cornerstone of data privacy and security, GDPR compliance is not just a legal necessity but a fundamental aspect of business…
Read MoreDigital Marketplaces Reporting Side Hustles to HMRC
Update affects most Digital Marketplaces We are committed to providing exceptional financial guidance and services, so we are bringing to your attention the latest developments in tax regulations that could impact those earning additional income through online platforms. As specialists in navigating the complexities of tax compliance, we aim to keep our clients and the…
Read MoreChristmas Closure
🎄 Season’s Greetings from Mercian Accountants! Holiday Closure Announcement: As we embrace the festive spirit of the Christmas season, we would like to inform our valued clients and visitors that Mercian Accountants will be closed for the holidays from 5:30 PM Friday 22nd December to 8:00 AM Tuesday 2nd January. Our office will not be…
Read MoreNew HMRC Letter Campaign: Landlords Incorporation Relief 2017/18
Understanding the New Compliance Drive in Property Taxation Introduction: A Focused HMRC Initiative on Property Tax Compliance HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has embarked on a crucial campaign, turning its attention to a specific sector of the property market: buy-to-let landlords. This campaign specifically addresses those who strategically incorporated their property businesses into limited companies…
Read MoreChristmas 2023 Arrangements and Deadlines
May you be in good health and spirits, with your Christmas preparations progressing smoothly. We trust that the festive season is shaping up delightfully for you. Christmas Holidays and Busy Season Our final day of operation in 2023 will be Friday, 22nd December. We will resume our services in the new year on Tuesday, 2nd…
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