Why client testimonials and referrals are so great and how to get more
Client testimonials and referrals We are all consumers, and at some point in our lives we’ve been wowed by super slick websites, seduced by a product’s ability to answer our needs, or simply impressed by the marketing efforts that have gone into promoting something. Yet in today’s marketplace, people still rely heavily on reviews – […]
Changes to the Flat Rate VAT Scheme
As a Limited Company contractor you will no doubt be keen to understand the changes to the Flat Rate VAT Scheme coming on 1 April 2017. Maybe you’ve heard conflicting opinions about whether you’d be better off staying in the scheme or going, and whether there’s any way to retain your existing category if you […]
Good news for contractors with children: tax-free childcare has (almost) arrived
Back in 2013 the Government announced a new tax break for working parents, providing help with paying for much needed childcare. In this blog we take a look at what the scheme entails, how you can take advantage of the scheme, and when it becomes available. What is the Tax-Free Childcare Scheme? Effectively, […]
Be your own boss this New Year, with our steps on taking the leap from humdrum permanent to self-employed success
Be your own boss in 2017 As we all settle back into our usual working routines, the Christmas break seems nothing more than a distant pleasant memory. How many of you started the year by deciding that 2017 would be the year you’d become your own boss? It’s not uncommon to be full of […]
Increase your productivity and make the most from 2017 with our top eight tips – part two
Make the most from 2017 In our last blog we reviewed the first four of eight top tips for increasing your productivity this New Year. From making the use of early morning peace and quiet to brain superfoods, we covered some fantastic ways in which you can make small changes that will have a positive […]
Increase your productivity this New Year with our top eight tips – part one
Increase your productivity in 2017 Ever find yourself wishing there were more hours in the day? Would you like more time to work on a personal project, pursue your latest hobby, or even just spend time with loved ones? Whatever it may be, we all wish there was more time for it. So if […]
The rules surrounding tax and Christmas gifts
Tax and Christmas “It’s the most wonderful time of the year” or so the song goes, when people are busy thinking about what gifts to get each other and possibly what they’ll receive in return. But what are the rules surrounding gifts to employees or clients? Can you claim back the VAT and tax? In […]
Are Christmas party expenses claimable through your Limited Company?
Christmas party expenses The festive season is well and truly upon us and with less than two weeks until the big day, this weekend is traditionally the most popular weekend for the office Christmas party. So if you’re currently contracting in the midst of the office excitement on site, it’s only natural to feel a […]
VAT Flat Rate Scheme and limited cost traders – what’s new
New draft legislation for FRS: Limited cost traders Yesterday HMRC released their draft legislation on the proposed changes to the VAT Flat Rate Scheme (FRS), including the addition of a new ‘limited cost trader’ category. These changes are designed to stop abusive use of the scheme and appear very successful in doing so. The draft […]
How to invest in another company tax efficiently
How to invest in another company tax efficiently Picture the scene; you have a friend that has offered you shares in their own company. You want to invest, but is it more tax efficient to purchase them through your Limited Company, or personally? Duncan Strike, Director of Intouch Accounting, explores below what it […]