Taxman Should Improve Bereavement Behaviour

The Low Incomes Tax Reform Group has called on the taxman to improve its treatment of the bereaved.

A paper from the charity recommends HM Revenue & Revenue takes part in a Tell US once pilot which allows the bereaved to report a death to s single government agency which would then notify all the other relevant bodies.

In addition the group wants HMRC to begin house calls and take steps to eradicate the overpayment of tax among the elderly.

John Andrews, Chairman of LITRG, said: “LITRG tries to join up the activity of HMRC with other departments, such as the DWP and we are continually frustrated at the silo mentality of ostensibly customer-facing organisations.

“People need the maximum support from all government departments at the time of bereavement.”

Accountancy Age

Sage Warns of VAT Change Complications

Two thirds of businesses could be leaving preparations for VAT changes too late warns financial software giants.

Sage has warned businesses to prepare for the VAT changes or face the consequences.

The financial software provider has found that just a third of businesses will be prepared for the VAT changes before they close their offices for the Christmas period.

The VAT rate will return to 17.5% on 1 January 2010 causing disruption to accountancy firms and businesses in the New Year.

“This is cause for serious concern - managing the change for something as integral as VAT is not as easy as simply flicking a switch. In fact, it can be hugely complex for businesses both small and large,” said Kevin Hart, head of government relationships at Sage UK & Ireland.

“Those that fail to plan the changes now will pay the price later,” he added.

When the VAT rate was reduced this year, businesses were given just four days to prepare for the amendments. Sage has said that its VAT development team and support staff had to work around the clock to prevent widespread disruption.

There are special arrangements being drafted for certain businesses operating beyond midnight on 31 December.

Sage is advising its clients to get in touch with their accountants as soon as possible to discuss how the changes will impact them.

Accountancy Age

Pre-Budget Report 2009

Alistair Darling will make his Pre-Budget statement to the House of Commons on Wednesday 9 December 2009 at 12:30.

PBR Could See NI Hike for Rich

The pre-Budget report could see higher earners face a hike in their national insurance contributions on top of a rise in income tax, according to BDO.

Those paying income tax at 40% already face the prospect of a higher 50% band being introduced in April next year, but they may also be hit with a higher NI rate as the government tries to boost tax take.

Stephen Herring, senior tax partner at BDO said that chancellor Alistair Darling is unlikely to introduce a jump in the basic rate of income tax or another rise in the higher rate, but would be “less surprised if he were to introduce further increases in national insurance, where he could increase the upper earnings limit or contribution rates”, reported Citywire.

Herring also predicted more restrictions on personal tax reliefs, anti-forestalling measures to stop companies bringing forward dividend and bonus payments before the 50% rate is introduced, and yet more anti-avoidance legislation on bonus structures.

Paul Grant - Accountancy Age 18-11-2009

Tax Doesn’t Have to be Taxing

Missed the 31 October deadline for tax self-assessments? Use Davenports, we file everything electronically giving you until 31 January 2010.

Find out more about our taxation and accountancy services.

Keep in Control of your Cash Flow

At Davenports, we are totally committed to providing the best quality debt collection services by utilising the skills of our highly experienced debt collectors & by using the latest debt recovery computer technology.

Here’s an example of a recent satisfied credit control customer:

JDS Human Resources Consultancy Limited
Janet Shearer - Director - West Drayton, Middlesex
“I wanted to write and say a huge thank you to Davenports in successfuly undertaking and resolving credit control issues for JDS HR Ltd. You have recovered almost £10,000 which was owed to us, in under a week of taking on the case. This was a great result for the company and I would like to thank you and the team in handling this matter for us in such an efficient and very swift manner.”

For full details of this service, please visit our credit control page.