Tax Articles

Tax Articles for Business Tax, Property Tax & General Tax Planning

 

Capital Gains Tax Guide
This guide explains how capital gains tax is calculated and introduces you to CGT planning.
Salary or Dividends
This article discusses why salaries are now more tax efficient than dividends in many cases.
Double Cab Pick-Ups: Big Tax Changes Ahead
Hidden in the October 2024 Budget smallprint was a major change to the tax treament of double cabs.
Autumn Budget: Breakdown of the Tax Changes
Our summary of all the tax changes from Rachel Reeves' Autumn Budget.
October Budget: What Changes Will be Made to Inheritance Tax?
The new Government is likely to increase the IHT tax take, but how?
October Budget: Employers National Insurance May Increase
Labour will break its manifesto pledge if employer's national insurance is raised in the Budget.
October 2024 Budget Capital Gains Tax Changes
Rumours are circulating that Rachel Reeves will increase CGT rates in her maiden Budget on October 30th 2024.
October 2024 Budget Pension Tax Changes
Rachel Reeves could clamp down on pensions in some way in the October 30th Budget.
SELF EMPLOYED BUSINESS OWNERS
Maximising your tax deductions is an important factor in reducing your tax bill. Find out how self employed business owners can pay less tax.
HOME OFFICE TAX DEDUCTION
Working from home means you can claim part of your household costs for tax purposes as a home office tax deduction.
INCREASE YOUR TAX DEDUCTIBLE INTEREST
Find out how to increase your mortgage interest tax deduction using these little known secrets.
THE NEW ENTREPRENEURS RELIEF
It's the biggest change to capital gains tax in a decade. Find out how entrepreneurs relief affects you and how to maximize it.
TOP 10 MISTAKES FOR NON-RESIDENTS
Non-resident and offshore tax planning can be complicated but our expert author explains it all in plain English.
TOP TEN TAX TIPS FOR FOREIGN PROPERTY OWNERS
If you own overseas property this article tells you all the tax dos and don'ts!
10 TOP TIPS FOR THE SMALL BUSINESS OWNER
Essential reading for all business owners who want to maximise profits and reduce taxes.
SELLING YOUR HOME AFTER YOU'VE LEFT THE UK
This article shows you how to avoid capital gains tax after you have left the UK.
WHEN YOU SHOULD NOT USE A COMPANY
Companies are excellent tax shelter. Find out when they are NOT a good idea.
HOW THE NEW CAPITAL GAINS TAX RULES WILL AFFECT YOU
The capital gains tax system was fundamentally changed in 2007. Find out how the new capital gains tax rules will affect you.
CAN YOU BE A TAX EXILE?
This is one of the most powerful tax planning strategies, if you can get it right! Find out how to become a tax exile.
WORKING ABROAD - MINIMISE UK INCOME TAX
Working abroad is exciting for most individuals. However, there are important tax implications you must be aware of.
TAX BENEFITS OF RENTAL LOSSES
Make the most of your rental losses with this informative mini guide.
BUSINESS PROPERTY RELIEF
Business property relief is an extremely important IHT relief. Our guide How to Avoid Inheritance Tax explains all the rules.
COMMERCIAL PROPERTY VS RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY
This article explains the tax differences between commercial and residential property investments.
LOOK BEFORE YOU LEAP (OVERSEAS TAX)
This article explains the tax traps to watch out for when you invest overseas.
WHY TRUSTS ARE STILL POWERFUL TAX SHELTERS
Trust are extremely useful inheritance tax shelters. Our guide How to Avoid Inheritance Tax explains exactly how they work and how you can use them to save thousands in inheritance tax.
TOP 10 TAX DEDUCTIONS FOR PROPERTY INVESTORS
Property investors should claim every income tax deduction they can. Our guide How to Save Property Tax will help you slash your tax by thousands every year.
TOP TEN TAX DEDUCTIONS FOR SMALL BUSINESSES
Many business owners don't know how many tax deductions they can claim - this article lists some of the best but little known deductions.
THE TAX BENEFITS OF JOINT OWNERSHIP
Owning property jointly has enormous income tax and capital gains tax benefits.
HOW EMPLOYEES CAN REDUCE NATIONAL INSURANCE
By getting your employer to contribute directly to your pension fund you could save a mountain of national insurance.
HOW TO USE STAMP DUTY TO SELL PROPERTY
Stamp duty planning techniques explained.
TAXATION OF SMALL COMPANY DIVIDENDS
Small company owners need to know how to structure their pay in the most tax efficient way possible.
THE TAX BENEFITS OF COMMERCIAL PROPERTY
More tax benefits of commercial property investing.
THE TAX CONSEQUENCES OF RE-MORTGAGING
Re-mortgaging property has some very important tax implications... ignore them at your peril.
BUSINESS TAX CREDITS
Tax credits are not just for poor families. Many business owners can also benefit from tax credits - IF they make a claim.
EMPLOYING CHILDREN
Paying salaries to your children is a good way to reduce your taxable profits but which children can you legally employ?
TAX ON BENEFITS IN KIND
If you cannot afford to give your employees a pay rise, one solution is to give them a variety of tax efficient benefits in kind.
TAX ON STAFF ENTERTAINMENT
It comes as a surprise to many people that staff entertaining is an allowable business expense.
Carl Bayley
Learn from Carl Bayley how to reduce your tax bill by thousands.
Buy to Let Books
Find a little help breaking into, or advancing in the "Buy to Let" market.
Self Invested Personal Pension
Information on exciting new investment opportunities.
Property SIPPs
Interesting resources on this desirable topic for property investors.
Directors Dividends
Get the best mix of salary, bonus and dividend to minimise payable tax.
Discretionary Trusts
Get your inheritance tax affairs in order with invaluable guide.
Tax Books
Definitive tax books, written by top experts to help you pay less tax.
Property Books
Essential reading for anyone considering investing in property.
Paying Dividends
A guide to tax efficient profit extraction from your limited company.
UK Stamp Duty
Find out how to pay less stamp duty in the United Kingdom.
Avoiding Tax
Find out how to legally minimise any tax bill, for almost all taxation areas.
Tax on a Second Home
Great information about paying less tax on your second home.
Property Investment Company
Investing using a property investment company could save you a fortune in tax.
Buy To Let Tax
Useful information about paying the least amount of tax possible on your 'buy-to-let' property investments.
Dividend Calculator
Get the latest valuable advice for your dividend calculations.
Minimising Tax
Use Taxcafe's excellent tax guides to help you minimising tax in all areas of your life.
Stamp Duty Exempt Areas
Locate and make use of stamp duty exempt areas with Taxcafe's guide.
Taper Relief
Learn how to use taper relief to pay less CGT on your investment profits.
Reduce Tax
With a little help from Taxcafe you could save thousands by learning to reduce tax.
Capital Gains Tax Allowance
Know your capital gains tax allowances, and how best to use them.
IHT
Pay less IHT with Taxcafe guide and protect your family assets from the taxman.
Self Assessment Tax Returns
An excellent guide to filling out your self assessment tax returns form.
Residential Property SIPPs
Learn more about the proposed SIPP changes in 2008.
Property ISA
Get up to speed with the most exciting form of property investment in years.
Property Rental Income
Find out how you could save thousands in property rental income tax.
UK Personal Tax Returns
Filling out your UK personal tax returns made easy with Taxcafe's guide.
Tax on Shares
Comprehensive advice on paying less capital gains tax on shares and stocks.
Dividends Tax
Learn to tax efficiently extract funds from a company with dividends tax.
Stamp Duty Land Tax
Use little known strategies to pay less stamp duty land tax.
Capital Gains Tax On Shares
Learn how to significantly reduce your shares CGT liability.
Capital Gains Tax Taper Relief
Make the most of taper relief to reduce CGT on property and shares.
Tax in Jersey
Find out how to take advantage of the huge tax benefits enjoyed by Jersey residents.
Tax on the Isle of Man
All the information you will need on the tax system in Isle of Man.
Commercial Property Tax
A great guide to dealing with commercial property tax.
Business Tax Planning
Find comprehensive information on business tax planning.
Sole Trader Tax
How sole trader businesses could save a fortune in tax by using a company.
Buy To Let Taxation
Excellent tax information for buy to let property investors.
Taxation Books
Excellent tax books from Taxcafe written by experienced tax writers.
How to Calculate Capital Gains Tax
CASE STUDY: Before considering how to reduce your capital gains tax bill, it’s important to understand exactly how the tax is calculated.
Employer's National Insurance Contributions
A significant yet often overlooked cost of business is paying Employer's National Insurance Contributions.
The Principal Private Residence Exemption
When you sell your home the profit is tax free – PPR exemption can also be used by property investors, not just homeowners.
Inland Revenue UK
Excellent ways to reduce your outgoings on many forms of tax.
Employee Pensions
All businesses, no matter how small, will eventually have to start making pension contributions for their employees.
Trust Taxation
Manage your trust taxation with this fantastic jargon free plain-English guide.
Statutory Residence Test
Find out how the new statutory residence test will affect your tax planning.
Inheritance Tax Planning
Find out how to shelter your family and their inheritance from the taxman.
Capital Allowances: The Secret of Good Tax Planning is Timing
Timing your expenditure carefully during and after your transitional accounting period could lead to considerable tax savings.
A-Z Guide: Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS)
The Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS) may be the best thing since sliced bread for some investors.
IR35: New Tests for Personal Service Companies
Many of the tax planning opportunities available to other company owners may not apply to personal service companies.
Self-Employed Businesses: How to Cash in Overlap Relief
Many sole traders and business partners have a special tax relief they can use when the moment is right. It’s called ‘overlap relief’.
Employee Pensions: Auto-Enrolment Is Coming
Employers are soon to be required to pay a minimum percentage (eventually increasing to 3%) into their employees’ pension pots.
Inheritance Tax: Give More, Save More
After protecting your business and family from Income Tax, Capital Gains Tax and VAT, there is one final hurdle: Inheritance Tax.
Transferring Shares to Save Tax
It may be possible to save income tax by gifting shares in your company to a spouse or partner.
Cash Accounting Method for Small Businesses
The Government is proposing to introduce a new simplified voluntary cash accounting method for small businesses.
Profit Extraction: Should Your Company Pay You Rent?
Many company owners own their business premises personally and the company pays them rent - often more tax efficient than salary.
Company Owners: Avoiding Tax Thresholds
Being a company owner has several tax advantages over being a sole trader or partnership.
Child Benefit: Avoiding the Charge
Child benefit is extremely valuable - avoid having yours withdrawn completely once your income exceeds the threshold.
Corporation Tax: Using a Company More Attractive Than Ever
The main rate of corporation tax is to be reduced by 1% per year until April 2014, down to just 24%. Owners of smaller companies will
Directors Expenses: Tax Deductible Expenses for Directors
Company directors are subject to extra conditions when considering which tax deductible expenses they can claim.
Case Study: How to Avoid CGT when You Sell a Property
Here we will cover an interesting property capital gains tax scenario that covers lots of important tax planning issues for CGT.
Tax Deductions: Maximise Your Tax Relief with Hire Purchase
Lease or buy? An important choice when acquiring new equipment for your business. Here's how you can maximise your tax relief.
Business Premises: Personal Ownership vs Company Ownership
Many business owners choose to buy business premises personally rather than have their company buy the property. Why?
Property Tax Planning for Investors: Year-End Planning
Reduced capital gains have plagued property investors in recent years. Here are some effective year-end property tax planning tips.
Deathbed Tax Planning: Capital Gains Tax vs Inheritance Tax
When assets pass to another person on death, they may or may not be subject to Inheritance Tax but are generally exempt from CGT.
The Tax Gap: Our Government's Underpaid Tax Claim
HMRC make a lot of noise about the UK ‘tax gap’ – all underpaid taxes they claim amount to £35 billion a year. I take issue with this
The Definitive Guide to Furnished Holiday Lettings
For many years furnished holiday lettings have enjoyed the best of all worlds, but now it is more difficult for properties to qualify.
Tax Shelters: Venture Capital Trusts (VCTs)
What makes VCTs attractive is the double tax relief: when you put your money in AND when you take it out.
Year End Tax Planning for Property Investors
With interest rates so low, most property investors are now making rental profits. Will you be sheltered from tax this year?
Capital Contributions on Company Cars
This article explains how businesses can make substantial tax savings by making capital contributions towards company cars.
Deed of Variation - Drawbacks
Here we take a close look at the deed of variation. Though a valuable tool, it does have a number of drawbacks to consider.
How to Save Tax on Investment Income
Some investments are more tax efficient than others. In this article, we will look at ways to shelter such investments from the taxman.
Higher-Rate Tax Relief on Pension Contributions
Higher-rate tax relief on pension contributions will not be withdrawn and those who earn over £150k will have full tax relief restored.
Non-Resident Tax Planning: The New Statutory Residence Test
Where do you stand when it comes to paying UK tax? We take a look at how the new Statutory Residence Test works in practise.
Annual Investment Allowance: Cashback on Capital Expenditure
Most businesses are entitled to 100% tax relief for qualifying capital expenditure of up to £50,000 per year.
Putting Off Pension Saving: Benefits & Drawbacks
In this article Nick Braun, author of 'Pension Magic' explains why you may benefit from delaying your pension contributions.
Director's Dividends
If your company is producing healthy profits, you may want to increase the amount of income you take as dividends.
How to Pay Tax at 10% on Interest Income
Company directors, even those with very high incomes, can end up paying just 10% tax on interest income. Here we show you how.
Stamp Duty on Property: Beware the Trap
Married couples often transfer properties and other assets to each other to save tax, but make sure you are aware of the traps.
Tax-Free Assets: Developing Your Home
Increase your tax-free profits by developing your greatest tax-free asset - your home.
Employers: Compulsory Pension Contributions
Complusory pension contributions will mean that employers must set up pension arrangements for all employees and make contributions of at least 3% of pay. Find out what this means for your business.
Pension Contributions: You or the Company?
Pension contribution are a bit like additional tax-free salary, only you can’t get your hands on the money immediately. We take a look at whether you or your company should make the payments.
Who Should Own Business Premises - You or the Company?
An important decision for company owners is whether to buy the property personally or through the company. Similar issues also face business partners. Here we look at the tax benefits and drawbacks.
How to Become a Tax Exile - Non-Resident Tax Planning
A non-resident may be able to avoid both UK income tax and capital gains tax. Find out what it takes to become a tax exile.
Capital Gains Tax: Basic Rate Planning
Article: The amount of capital gains tax you pay depends on income earned during the tax year as well as upon the size of the gain itself.
How to Save Tax with Directors Loans
Article: Take money out of the business tax efficiently by borrowing from your company instead of taking regular taxable income.
Retirement Planning: Good News For Your Pension Pot
Article: The Government has just announced new rules that will make pensions even more attractive from the start of the new tax year.
Should You Use a Company to Save Tax?
Article: This is one of the most important questions asked by business owners. We take a look at the tax benefits and drawbacks.
Employers: Spotlight on the RTI (Real Time Information) Scheme
Article: The method of reporting PAYE and National Insurance is set to change dramatically for all employers with the new RTI scheme.
Company Profit Extraction - Salary vs Dividends
Article: Find out the latest position on how to extract profits from your company tax efficiently - salary or dividends?
Property Tax - How to Claim a Bigger Interest Deduction
Article: The biggest expense faced by most property investors is interest. Here we cover how to claim the maximum tax deduction.
How Company Directors Can Claim Home Office Expenses
Article: Director's expenses generally have to be incurred wholly, exclusively and necessarily for the purposes of the employment.
Capital Allowances: Integral Features, Fixtures & Fittings
Article: Many fixtures and fittings qualify for an immediate 100% tax write off under the capital allowances rules.
Tax Planning for Non-Domiciled Individuals
Article: Non-domiciled individuals enjoy special tax treatment - they don’t have to pay UK tax on their overseas income and capital gains.
Property Investment via a Trading Company
In this article, we look at some of the advantages of property investing through a company, as well as pitfalls to watch out for.
UK Corporation Tax Rates 2014 (Taxcafe)
Our annual expert analysis of the new and current UK corporation tax rates, and how they will affect your business.
Stamp Duty Land Tax: Averaging Relief
Article: A new averaging relief will soon be available to reduce the amount of Stamp Duty Land Tax on property purchases.
Corporation Tax: Are Two Companies Better Than One?
Article: Is it possible to pay less corporation tax by splitting your existing company up in to two separate companies?
Declaring New Sources of Untaxed Income
Article: How to pay less tax by carefully choosing when to declare new sources of business income.
Business Property: Is It Better to Rent or Buy Premises?
Article: Our property tax experts take a look at the tax benefits and drawbacks of both renting and buying business property.
How to Claim a Bigger Tax Deduction for Subsistence
Article: Most business owners incur subsistence expenditure, but it can be one of the most difficult areas of tax to deal with.
How to Make Tax-Free Loans to Company Directors
Article: Loans to company directors do have tax consequences, but it is possible to mitigate the damage if you understand the rules.
How to Claim a Bigger Tax Deduction for Staff Entertaining
Article: Christmas is coming, the goose is getting fat; now’s the time to plan a company party, and maybe even save a little tax.
Furnished Holiday Lets: Proposed Changes
Article: Furnished holiday lets enjoy a beneficial tax regime with many advantages - but big change is on the horizon.
Stamp Duty Land Tax: The Holiday is Over
Article: Stamp Duty Land Tax holiday is coming to an end, and urgent action is required to minimise SDLT.
Transfer of Business Shares: Enjoy Huge Tax Savings
Article: Many company owners are able to make huge tax savings by passing part of their business to their spouse or partner.
Capital Allowances: Prepare for Big Changes
Article: Find out how the proposed drastic reduction to capital allowances will affect your business.
Converting Income into Capital Gains
Article: Despite recent government changes, it is still possible to convert heavily taxed income into leniently taxed capital gains.
Pensions: Higher-Rate Tax Relief is Here to Stay
Article: Higher-rate tax relief on pension contributions are here to stay, and likely to be extended to more people.
Pensions vs ISAs
Article: Both pensions and ISAs allow your money to grow tax-free within the fund, but which is better?
Tax Relief on Trading Losses
Article: Under a temporary facility, businesses may carry back trading losses over a three year period rather than the usual twelve months.
Capital Gains Tax: Make Hay While Sun Shines
Article: With CGT at such a low rate and likely set to rise, make the most of it while you can before the increase.
An Often Overlooked Tax Concession for Property Investors
Article: Rental losses are carried forwarded until you start making profits. There is, however, an important exception to this rule
Transferring Income to a Spouse or Partner to Save Tax
Article: Most business owners have some scope to effectively transfer part of their own income to their spouse or partner to save tax.
Isle of Man Tax Haven: Cut Your Tax Bill by 50%
Article: The Isle of Man is a tax haven situated just 40 miles from the British mainland, and it welcomes entrepreneurs with open arms.
How to Claim a Bigger Property Repairs Deduction
Article: Repairs expenditure is generally eligible for full tax relief. New purchases, however, attract tax relief at a variety of different rates.
How Your Children Can Help You Save Tax
Article: Most parents know what a strain children put on your finances, but they can also generate substancial tax savings for you.
The Autumn Statement: Good News on the Tax Front
Article: There are a number of things that business owners can cheer about on the tax front from this year's Autumn Statement.
Tax-free Employee Benefits: Sports & Fitness
Article: Small business owners may be surprised to learn that they can claim fitness & sporting activities for employees against tax.
Capital Allowances: Business Vehicles & Company Cars
Article: The new capital allowances regime for cars and other vehicles used in business could alter your tax bill by thousands of pounds.
Tax Deductions: Qualifying Loan Interest
Article: Small business owners often borrow money personally and loan it to their business - claim tax relief on the interest.
Top Ten Forgotten or Missed Tax Deductions
Article: Dont miss out on claiming all your tax deductions. Our top ten most missed deductions could save you thousands.
Dividend Basics: Salary or Dividend
Many company directors pay themselves a small tax-free salary and take the rest of their income as dividends.
Business Structures: LLPs
Limited Liability Partnerships provide some very good tax planning opportunities for those whose business is classed as a ‘profession’.
How to Pay Less Tax with a Property Company
“Should I use a property company?” Answering this question is far from simple as it involves many factors, not all of which relate to tax.
Business Tax: Research & Development Deduction
Article: You can claim an extra tax deduction for any costs incurred by your business for R&D - as long as you fit the qualifying conditions.
How Part-time Businesses Are Taxed
Article: Part-time and full-time businesses are taxed in much the same way, but there are a few important differences to be aware of.
Motoring Expenses: How to Increase Your Tax Deduction
Article: How to get your company car tax planning right and enjoy thousands of pounds of additional tax relief every year.
Business Year-End Tax Planning: Changing Accounting Date
Article: Most businesses can change their accounting date every six years - find out how this can save you thousands in tax.
Unmarried Couples: Transferring Property to Save Tax (CGT)
Article: Unmarried couples and civil partners can also pay less capital gains tax by transferring property to a partner.
Landlord Tax Planning & Advice
Article: Landlords can save thousands in income tax and capital gains tax with judicious tax planning.
Landlord Tax Guide & Books
Taxcafe publishes several highly respected tax guides for landlords and buy to let investors.
Landlord Tax Deductions & Allowances
Landlords can claim a huge number of deductions and allowances to reduce their income tax bills.
Property Tax Planning: Buying Property for Children
Article: Tax savings are possible when parents buy property for their minor children, though it can get complicated.
Using a Trust to Save Tax & Protect Your Wealth
Article: Many parents prefer to keep any capital growth in their child’s student home, or at least defer the day that the child gains control.
Transfer Part of Your Business and Enjoy Huge Tax Savings
Article: Many company owners are able to make huge tax savings by passing part of their business to their spouse or partner.
Business Property Relief: Don't Give Away 40% of Your Business
Article: Make sure you don’t make one of the common errors that could lead to the loss of your business property relief (BPR).
Property Investors: Convert Income to Capital Gains
Article: Property investors can convert heavily taxed rental income into lightly taxed capital gains by borrowing for further investment.
Tax Planning: Companies vs Sole Traders & Partnerships
Article: Using a company could save you thousands of pounds in tax every year, especially if you are reinvesting your profits.
Good News for Furnished Holiday Lets
Article: The recent Budget brought some good news for furnished holiday lets with improved capital allowances and tax relief.
Business Motoring: Scrappage Scheme & Company Cars
Article: The Government's car scrappage scheme - is it of any real value to businesses and what are the tax consequences?
Tax Planning: Accelerating Expenses & Deferring Income
Article: We take a detailed look at a variety of year-end tax planning strategies, like accelerating expenses & deferring income.
Employee Tax Planning: Benefits in Kind
Article: If a benefit-in-kind can provide an overall tax saving then both the employee and the employer may benefit.
Capital Allowances in HMOs
Article: Landlords owning HMOs (house in multiple occupancy) may be due a large refund from HMRC for capital allowances.
Buy to Let Tax Advice Guide
Article: Read How to Save Property Tax if you're a buy to let investor and want to pay less tax on your buy to let income and capital gains.
Pensions are Still Powerful Tax Shelters
Article: Despite the Government’s clampdown on contributions made by high earners, pensions are still great tax shelters.
Reduce Your Business Rates: Commercial Property
Article: Business tax rates on commercial property are higher than council tax would be for an identical property - what can be done?
New Disclosure Opportunity (NDO) for Offshore Income
Article: We look at the New Disclosure Opportunity (NDO) for those with undeclared income or gains from overseas sources.
How Your Children Can Save You Capital Gains Tax
Article: When your children reach 18, they're each entitled to their own principal private residence for Capital Gains Tax purposes.
Companies: New Filing Deadlines & Penalties
Article: Don't let the new Companies House filing deadlines and increased penalties catch you out.
Below Market Value (BMV) Property
Article: There are many ways to pick up below market value (bmv) properties, including property auctions and even estate agents.
Property Owners: Beat the CGT Increase
Article: Property owners may be considering selling off properties or transferring them to family members, trusts or companies.