One of your employees has asked if he can give up some of his salary for extra holiday. You’re aware that there are special tax and NI rules for sacrificing pay for benefits. How do they apply in this situation? Brona MacDougall advises. Since April 2017 where you offer an employee the choice of less...

New Year is of course the time for making resolutions, some of which can be much more successful than others! However, it is also the time of year when business owners can make lasting changes that will improve profitability. What New Year’s resolutions should you consider making for your business? Tighten up your credit control...

A team from local chartered accountancy firm JRW took part in the Sleep in the Park event last weekend, raising more than £2,500 for this homeless charity. The Social Bite charity and their Sleep in the Park events are playing a vital role in trying to eradicate homelessness in Scotland. The JRW team of five,...

Christmas might be the season of goodwill but you still need to be aware on the tax implications for gifts, parties and even decorations this festive season. Q.  Can you claim tax relief on Christmas decorations? A.  The good news is that unless you work from home, you are able to claim tax relief on...

Following our article in the summer entitled Childcare Vouchers are Changing, problems with HMRC’s new Tax-Free Childcare continue to crop up. You’re thinking of using the scheme, but you’re not sure whether it will leave you better off. How should you decide? Joanne Gibson provides you some answers in her latest update. Is Tax-Free Childcare...

After deferring your state pension for a few years you have decided that it’s now time to take it. You have the option of a higher pension or a lump sum. The latter offers the chance of some tax planning but what’s involved? Kevin Ferguson advises. Deferred state pension As you may know, the government...

As a retailer, it is very likely that you will on occasion run special offers and promotions to boost sales, but what do you need to consider in order to avoid unexpected VAT consequences? JRW’s Bob Johnstone provides you with some good advice. Correct amount Normally VAT is due on the price charged if that...

As a global association for practitioners who specialise in family inheritance and succession planning, JRW Tax Manager Brona MacDougall is now a Trust and Estate Practitioner or ‘TEP’ in the Borders, the designation given to full members of STEP. STEP members help families plan for their futures and as specialists in inheritance and succession planning,...

Making Tax Digital is without doubt the most significant change to the UK tax system in a generation and businesses really do need to take action now. We look at the implications and provide a valuable checklist for the transition across to the new system. The new digital method of tax collection and administration known...

The new five rate Scottish tax system has thrown up some problems since it was introduced, this time it’s a twist in the way that Marriage Allowance works. Some people will lose, whilst others will gain, but how can you work out which group you’re in? Brona MacDougall takes a closer look. As you will...