HMRC
Scammers target students
HMRC is warning students about a fresh wave of cyber frauds, offering them bogus tax refunds. The department explained it would normally expect to see a small, regular flow of scam referrals from students, but it has recently seen a sudden spike in students reporting suspected scams sent to their official university and college email addresses. When new scams emerge
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HMRC payments to tax informants jumps by 63
The amount HMRC pays for information on tax evaders rose to £473,000 in 2019/20, up from £290,250 the previous year, according to research by law firm RPC. Adam Craggs, head of tax at RPC, said: “HMRC receives a large number of tip-offs to its hotline in relation to small-scale tax evasion, but it has come under pressure in recent years
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September update from Janet Jack
As the latest figures show that the unemployment rate has hit its highest level in two years, Chancellor Rishi Sunak has said his “number one priority” is looking for ways to protect jobs. For bookkeepers, the number one priority must be to provide guidance and advice to their clients about what support is available at this challenging time. Almost 10
Read moreHMRC reminding businesses of VAT obligations
HMRC is reminding firms that they need to reinstate cancelled direct debits for paying their VAT bills. At the start of the coronavirus pandemic HMRC gave businesses the option to defer VAT payments if they were unable to pay on time. They could do this without incurring late payment interest or penalties. Under the scheme, payment of VAT due between
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More details of the Job Retention Bonus announced
Further details of how jobs will be protected through the government’s new Job Retention Bonus (JRB) have been unveiled by HMRC. The bonus – announced in July as part of the Plan for Jobs initiative – will see businesses receive a one-off payment of £1,000 for every previously furloughed employee if they are still employed at the end of January
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HMRC webinars focus on Covid-19 help schemes
HMRC is running a series of live webinars for those wanting to find out more about the changes to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme. The webinar, ‘Extension to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and flexible furloughing’, will cover: an overview of changes to the scheme, including how businesses can now bring previously furloughed employees back to work. an introduction to
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Complaints to HMRC jump 19%
The number of complaints to HMRC jumped 19% to 6,437 in May, up from 5,410 in the previous month, according to research by UHY Hacker Young. It also found that wait times on HMRC’s customer helplines have also worsened. The average speed of answer was 14:59 minutes in May, increasing 22% from 12:17 minutes in April and 123% from 6:43
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Tax credits: 31 July deadline looms
People claiming tax credits must tell HMRC about any changes to their circumstances or income by 31 July. In a statement the revenue said: “Renewing tax credits online is quick and easy. Customers can log onto GOV.UK to check the progress of their renewal, be reassured that it’s being processed, and know when they will hear back from HMRC. “While
Read more Get ready for the end of the VAT deferral scheme
HMRC has written to agents to remind them that the VAT deferral scheme ends in its current form on 30 June. This means businesses need to set up cancelled direct debits in enough time for HMRC to take payment; submit VAT returns as normal and on time; and pay the VAT in full on payments due after 30 June. In
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