OUR VISION

"To be the best provider of solutions for business in Coventry & Warwickshire"

Friday 8 December 2017

Newsletter 121

Headlines from our latest newsletter.  Please click on any of the links below for more information :

AUTUMN BUDGET 2017


The Chancellor Philip Hammond presented his first Autumn Budget on Wednesday 22 November 2017- see more at : http://www.walkerthompson.co.uk/newsletters/Newsletter-121#Autumn

EMPLOYEE GIFTS - TAX FREE?

At this time of year some employers may wish to make small gifts to their employees.

A tax exemption is available which should give employers certainty that the benefits provided are exempt and do not result in a reportable employee benefit in kind - see more at : http://www.walkerthompson.co.uk/newsletters/Newsletter-121#Employee


ADVISORY FUEL RATES FOR COMPANY CARS

New company car advisory fuel rates have been published which took effect from 1 December 2017 - see more at : http://www.walkerthompson.co.uk/newsletters/Newsletter-121#Advisory


PENSION CONTRIBUTION INCREASES AND TEMPORARY STAFF

The Pensions Regulator is reminding employers that they need to comply with their auto enrolment duties - see more at : http://www.walkerthompson.co.uk/newsletters/Newsletter-121#Pension


DELAY TO ROLL OUT OF TAX FREE CHILDCARE

The government have announced a delay to the roll out of tax free childcare which was expected to be fully implemented by the end of the year - see more at : http://www.walkerthompson.co.uk/newsletters/Newsletter-121#Childcare


TRUSTS REGISTRATION SERVICE

HMRC have launched a new Trusts Registration Service (TRS), so that trustees can register their trust online and provide information on the beneficial owners of the trust - see more at : http://www.walkerthompson.co.uk/newsletters/Newsletter-121#Trusts


DELAY IN THE ABOLITION OF CLASS 2 NIC

The government has announced that it will introduce legislation, to abolish Class 2 national insurance contributions (NIC) and to make further proposed NIC changes in 2018 - see more at : http://www.walkerthompson.co.uk/newsletters/Newsletter-121#NIC


CHRISTMAS CLOSURE

Our office will close for the Christmas break on Friday 22nd December 2017 at 5:15pm re-opening on Tuesday 2nd January 2018 at 9:00am




Friday 10 November 2017

Newsletter 120

Headlines from our latest newsletter.  Please click on any of the links below for more information :

AUTUMN BUDGET WISHLIST

With the Chancellor’s first Autumn Budget due to be presented on 22 November, professional bodies and business groups are setting out their Budget wishlists - see more at : http://www.walkerthompson.co.uk/newsletters/Newsletter-120#AUTUMN


SIMPLE ASSESSMENT

HMRC have changed the way in which they will assess some taxpayers removing the need for these individuals to complete a Self Assessment Tax Return - see more at : http://www.walkerthompson.co.uk/newsletters/Newsletter-120#SIMPLE


WELSH LAND TRANSACTION TAX

The Welsh Assembly has announced the proposed rates and bands for land transaction tax (LTT) which is to be introduced for land and property in Wales on 1 April 2018, replacing Stamp Duty Land Tax - see more at : http://www.walkerthompson.co.uk/newsletters/Newsletter-120#WELSH


SCOTTISH BUDGET PROPOSALS

On 14 December, the Scottish Budget will set out the Scottish Government’s financial and tax plans - see more at : http://www.walkerthompson.co.uk/newsletters/Newsletter-120#SCOTTISH


CRIMINAL FINANCES ACT

The Criminal Finances Act 2017 took effect on 30 September 2017- see more at : http://www.walkerthompson.co.uk/newsletters/Newsletter-120#CRIMINAL


HELP TO SAVE ACCOUNTS

The government have announced details of a new Help to Save saving scheme - see more at : http://www.walkerthompson.co.uk/newsletters/Newsletter-120#HELP


NEW GUIDANCE FOR EMPLOYERS

HMRC have issued the October 2017 Employer Bulletin which contains a number of articles relevant to employers on payroll related issues - see more at : http://www.walkerthompson.co.uk/newsletters/Newsletter-120#NEW

Monday 9 October 2017

Newsletter 119

Headlines from our latest newsletter.  Please click on any of the links below for more information :

MAKING TAX DIGITAL FOR VAT

The government have issued information on how Making Tax Digital for Business (MTDfB) is expected to work for VAT once the rules are introduced in April 2019 - see more at : http://www.walkerthompson.co.uk/newsletters/Newsletter-119#Digital


BUDGET ON WEDNESDAY 22 NOVEMBER AND 14 DECEMBER

Chancellor Philip Hammond has announced that he will deliver the Autumn Budget on Wednesday 22 November - see more at : http://www.walkerthompson.co.uk/newsletters/Newsletter-119#Budget


DEADLINE FOR ‘PAPER’ SELF ASSESSMENT TAX RETURNS

For those individuals who have previously submitted ‘paper’ self assessment tax returns the deadline for the 2016/17 return is 31 October 2017 - see more at : http://www.walkerthompson.co.uk/newsletters/Newsletter-119#Deadline


HMRC OFFER TAX SUPPORT TO GROWING BUSINESSES

HMRC have announced the introduction of a new service to directly help mid-sized businesses as they expand and grow - see more at : http://www.walkerthompson.co.uk/newsletters/Newsletter-119#HMRC


TRUSTS REGISTRATION SERVICE

HMRC have launched a new Trusts Registration Service (TRS), so that trustees can register their trust online and provide information on the beneficial owners of the trust - see more at : http://www.walkerthompson.co.uk/newsletters/Newsletter-119#Trusts


HMRC PHISHING AND SCAM ADVICE

HMRC have updated their list of examples of websites, emails, letters, text messages and phone calls used by scammers and fraudsters to obtain individual’s personal information - see more at : http://www.walkerthompson.co.uk/newsletters/Newsletter-119#Phishing

Wednesday 6 September 2017

Newsletter 118

Headlines from our latest newsletter.  Please click on any of the links below for more information :

GET READY FOR THE NEW DATA PROTECTION RULES

The government is to introduce new data protection rules under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) which takes effect from 25 May 2018 - see more at : http://www.walkerthompson.co.uk/newsletters/Newsletter-118#Data

ADVISORY FUEL RATES FOR COMPANY CARS

New company car advisory fuel rates have been published which took effect from 1 September 2017 - see more at : http://www.walkerthompson.co.uk/newsletters/Newsletter-118#Fuel

HMRC ONLINE FORUM AND WEBCHAT

HMRC have announced the introduction of a new online tax forum and webchat service for small businesses - see more at : http://www.walkerthompson.co.uk/newsletters/Newsletter-118#HMRC

GUIDANCE FOR EMPLOYERS

HMRC have issued their latest guidance to employers in the August edition of the Employer Bulletin - see more at : http://www.walkerthompson.co.uk/newsletters/Newsletter-118#Guidance

PENSIONS AUTO ENROLMENT COMPLIANCE

The Pensions Regulator (TPR) has begun carrying out employer spot checks to make sure employers are complying with their automatic enrolment duties and that they are giving their staff the workplace pensions they’re entitled to - see more at : http://www.walkerthompson.co.uk/newsletters/Newsletter-118#Pensions

AUTO ENROLMENT FOR NEW EMPLOYERS

Under pensions auto enrolment employers have to enrol qualifying employees into a workplace pension - see more at : http://www.walkerthompson.co.uk/newsletters/Newsletter-118#Auto

CHILDCARE SERVICES COMPENSATION

The government are offering compensation to those who have been affected by problems with the implementation of Tax-Free Childcare - see more at : http://www.walkerthompson.co.uk/newsletters/Newsletter-118#Childcare

Friday 11 August 2017

Newsletter 117

Headlines from our latest newsletter.  Please click on any of the links below for more information :

NEW TIMETABLE FOR MAKING TAX DIGITAL

The government has announced a revised timetable for the introduction of Making Tax Digital for Business (MTDfB) - see more at : http://www.walkerthompson.co.uk/newsletters/Newsletter-117#New

TAYLOR REVIEW OF EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES

The long awaited Taylor Review of employment practices suggests that a national strategy is needed to help provide security in such areas as wages, quality of employment, education and training, working conditions, work life balance and the ability to progress at work - see more at : http://www.walkerthompson.co.uk/newsletters/Newsletter-117#Taylor

AUTOMATIC ENROLMENT REACHES 8 MILLION

The Pensions Regulator (TPR) has confirmed than eight million employees have signed up for a workplace pension since the launch of automatic enrolment - see more at : http://www.walkerthompson.co.uk/newsletters/Newsletter-117#Automatic

LATEST LABOUR MARKET STATISTICS

The latest labour market statistics for the period March to May 2017 showed a 175,000 rise in employment and 64,000 fall in unemployment - see more at : http://www.walkerthompson.co.uk/newsletters/Newsletter-117#Latest

HMRC GENUINE AND PHISHING/BOGUS EMAILS AND CALLS

HMRC have issued an update of their guidance on how to recognise genuine HMRC contact be it via email or text - see more at : http://www.walkerthompson.co.uk/newsletters/Newsletter-117#HMRC

CHARITIES BOUND BY NEW FUNDRAISING PREFERENCE SERVICE

A new service is now available for individuals who want to limit the contact they receive from charities. The Fundraising Preference Service (FPS) should give individuals greater control over how and when charities can contact them - see more at : http://www.walkerthompson.co.uk/newsletters/Newsletter-117#Charities

Tuesday 11 July 2017

Newsletter 116

Headlines from our latest newsletter.  Please click on any of the links below for more information:

SCAM AND PHISHING EMAILS AND TEXTS

We are aware of many instances of scam emails and texts being sent out by fraudsters who are purporting to be from official government agencies, such as HMRC or Companies House. The emails and texts may look genuine, containing official looking logo’s and addresses in order to dupe an innocent individual to open email links or attachments.

HMRC and Companies House never send out emails and texts asking recipients to follow website links and enter personal details into official looking websites or to open email attachments. You should always exercise extreme caution before clicking on any such attachment or link. If you do so you may be providing personal data such as private bank details to a thief.

QUEEN’S SPEECH AND PROPOSED LEGISLATION

The Queen delivered the 2017 Queen’s Speech on 21 June which set out the government’s agenda for the coming parliamentary session. The speech outlined the government’s proposed policies and legislation - See more at : http://www.walkerthompson.co.uk/newsletters/Newsletter-116#Queen

SIMPLIFYING CORPORATION TAX

The Office for Tax Simplification has published their recommendations on simplifying the corporation tax computation - See more at : http://www.walkerthompson.co.uk/newsletters/Newsletter-116#Simplifying

EMPLOYMENT RELATED SECURITIES RETURN DEADLINE

HMRC are advising that there have been technical issues with their Employment Related Securities (ERS) annual returns online service - See more at : http://www.walkerthompson.co.uk/newsletters/Newsletter-116#Employment

LAND TRANSACTION TAX

From April 2018, Land Transaction Tax (LTT) will replace Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) in Wales. Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT) already applies in Scotland - See more at : http://www.walkerthompson.co.uk/newsletters/Newsletter-116#Employmenthttp://www.walkerthompson.co.uk/newsletters/Newsletter-116#Land

HOLIDAY ENTITLEMENT

Now is the time of year when many of us turn our thoughts to holidays and it is important to get holiday entitlement and holiday pay right - See more at : http://www.walkerthompson.co.uk/newsletters/Newsletter-116#Holiday

LATEST GUIDANCE FOR EMPLOYERS

HMRC have issued the latest version of the Employer Bulletin. This edition has articles on a number of issues - See more at : http://www.walkerthompson.co.uk/newsletters/Newsletter-116#Latest


ICO WARNING AS BUSINESS FINED £60,000 FOLLOWING CYBER ATTACK

The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) is warning SMEs to take care or face a fine. The warning comes after a company which suffered a cyber attack was fined £60,000 - See more at : http://www.walkerthompson.co.uk/newsletters/Newsletter-116#ICO

Friday 9 June 2017

Newsletter 115

Headlines from our latest newsletter.  Please click on any of the links below for more information :

TAX-FREE CHILDCARE AND CHILDCARE OPTIONS

Tax-Free Childcare, the new government scheme to help working parents with the cost of childcare launched at the end of April and is being rolled out to parents, starting with those parents with the youngest children first - See more at: http://www.walkerthompson.co.uk/newsletters/Newsletter-115#Childcare

ADVISORY FUEL RATES FOR COMPANY CARS

New company car advisory fuel rates have been published which took effect from 1 June 2017
- See more at: http://www.walkerthompson.co.uk/newsletters/Newsletter-115#Fuel

GUIDANCE PROTECTS AGAINST ‘RANSOMWARE’ ATTACKS

The National Cyber Security Council (NCSC) has published guidance for small businesses about how they can prevent, detect and respond to ransomware attacks following the widespread 'WannaCry' ransomware attack in early May
- See more at: http://www.walkerthompson.co.uk/newsletters/Newsletter-115#Ransomeware

TPR NAME AND SHAME THOSE WHO FAIL TO COMPLY

The latest Compliance and Enforcement Bulletin from the Pensions Regulator (TPR) makes interesting reading as it sets out cases and the powers TPR have used relating to automatic enrolment and associated employer duties
- See more at: http://www.walkerthompson.co.uk/newsletters/Newsletter-115#TPR

RISING EMPLOYMENT STATISTICS

The Office for National Statistics has published the latest employment statistics
- See more at: http://www.walkerthompson.co.uk/newsletters/Newsletter-115#Employment

TAX-FREE CHILDCARE AND CHILDCARE OPTIONS

Tax-Free Childcare, the new government scheme to help working parents with the cost of childcare launched at the end of April and is being rolled out to parents, starting with those parents with the youngest children first - See more at: http://www.walkerthompson.co.uk/newsletters/Newsletter-115#Childcare

Friday 12 May 2017

Newsletter 114

Headlines from our latest newsletter.  Please click on any of the links below for more information :

STAFF NEWS

We are pleased to welcome Amanda Thacker to the company this month. Amanda is a graduate of UCE Birmingham with a strong background in finance and administration. With a sound working knowledge of Sage accounts and payroll as well as other software products, Amanda brings with her a good deal of experience and expertise. She will be working primarily in the Bookkeeping, VAT & Payroll sector of the business.

Amanda can be contacted on Amanda.thacker@walkerthompson.co.uk

Also this month, we are saying farewell to Tamar Smith who is relocating to be with family. Tamar joined Walker Thompson in 2005 and gained her ACCA qualification whilst with us. We wish Tamar well for the future.


GENERAL ELECTION AND TAX LAW

With the announcement of a snap General Election on 8 June the time available for scrutinising proposed legislation was short so the Finance Act was rushed through Parliament - See more at: http://www.walkerthompson.co.uk/newsletters/Newsletter-114#General


BUSINESS RESPONSE TO GENERAL ELECTION ON 8 JUNE

In response to the announcement of a General Election on 8 June Carolyn Fairbairn, CBI Director-General, said:

‘With a snap General Election now called, businesses will be looking to each political party to set out their plans to support economic stability and prosperity over the next Parliament in a way that is fair and sustainable for communities across the UK. ‘Distraction from the urgent priorities of seeking the best EU deal and improving UK productivity must be kept to a minimum.’ - See more at: http://www.walkerthompson.co.uk/newsletters/Newsletter-114#Business


OFF PAYROLL WORKING IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR RULES AMENDED

From 6 April 2017, new tax rules were introduced which potentially affect individuals who provide their personal services via their own companies (PSCs) to an organisation which has been classified as a 'public authority' - See more at: http://www.walkerthompson.co.uk/newsletters/Newsletter-114#Payroll


P11D DEADLINE APPROACHING

The forms P11D which report details of benefits and some expenses provided to employees and directors for the year ended 5 April 2017, are due for submission to HMRC by 6 July 2017 - See more at: http://www.walkerthompson.co.uk/newsletters/Newsletter-114#P11D


VAT FUEL SCALE CHARGES

HMRC have issued details of the updated VAT fuel scale charges which apply from the beginning of the next prescribed VAT accounting period starting on or after 1 May 2017 - See more at: http://www.walkerthompson.co.uk/newsletters/Newsletter-114#VAT


INVESTMENT BOND LAUNCHED

National Savings and Investments (NS&I) has recently launched a government-backed Investment Bond - See more at: http://www.walkerthompson.co.uk/newsletters/Newsletter-114#Investment


CHANGES TO THE PAYE TAX SYSTEM USING REAL TIME INFORMATION

HMRC have announced that from the end of May 2017 they will be using Real Time Information (RTI) to make adjustments to employee tax codes in-year as and when the need arises
- See more at: http://www.walkerthompson.co.uk/newsletters/Newsletter-114#PAYE

Friday 21 April 2017

Career Opportunity

We currently have a vacancy for a full time bookkeeping and accounts person in our successful Coventry accountancy practice.

The role will involve the organisation of a portfolio of bookkeeping and payrolls for various clients in a wide variety of sectors. The role will involve, but is not limited to:

• Processing invoices and credit notes
• Processing expenses
• Processing receipts and payments
• Petty cash and bank reconciliations
• Maintaining spreadsheets
• Calculating month end / year end prepayments and accruals
• Month end reconciliations and management accounts
  preparation
• VAT return preparation
• Payroll processing
• General administration duties, such as answering incoming
  calls as necessary

To be considered for this position you must:

• Have an excellent working knowledge and experience of Sage
   Line 50
• Have excellent general computer skills (particularly Excel)
• Have the ability to work in a team as well as an individual
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Be able to follow instructions as well as learn and work using
  own initiative
• Have the ability to prioritise own time to ensure that deadlines
  are monitored and consistently met
• Have proven organisational abilities and consistent attention
  to 
detail
• Be discreet and able to maintain client confidentiality at all
  time

Experience of payroll processing is not essential as training can be provided to a successful candidate if necessary

The successful candidate will receive:

• 30 days paid holiday (including bank holidays)
• A salary dependent upon experience

If you are interested in the position and meet the above requirements or perhaps know someone who may be please email a CV and covering letter to chris.irvine@walkerthompson.co.uk 
 We currently have a vacancy for a full time bookkeeping and accounts person in our successful Coventry accountancy practice.

The role will involve the organisation of a portfolio of bookkeeping and payrolls for various clients in a wide variety of sectors. The role will involve, but is not limited to:

• Processing invoices and credit notes
• Processing expenses
• Processing receipts and payments
• Petty cash and bank reconciliations
• Maintaining spreadsheets
• Calculating month end / year end prepayments and accruals
• Month end reconciliations and management accounts preparation
• VAT return preparation
• Payroll processing
• General administration duties, such as answering incoming calls as necessary

To be considered for this position you must:

• Have an excellent working knowledge and experience of Sage Line 50
• Have excellent general computer skills (particularly Excel)
• Have the ability to work in a team as well as an individual
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Be able to follow instructions as well as learn and work using own initiative
• Have the ability to prioritise own time to ensure that deadlines are monitored and consistently met
• Have proven organisational abilities and consistent attention to detail
• Be discreet and able to maintain client confidentiality at all time

Experience of payroll processing is not essential as training can be provided to a successful candidate if necessary

The successful candidate will receive:

• 30 days paid holiday (including bank holidays)
• A salary dependent upon experience

If you are interested in the position and meet the above requirements or perhaps know someone who may be please email a CV and covering letter to chris.irvine@walkerthompson.co.uk  - See more at: http://www.walkerthompson.co.uk/career-opportunities?platform=hootsuite#sthash.5YEGyoJn.dpufWe currently have a vacancy for a full time bookkeeping and accounts person in our successful Coventry accountancy practice.

The role will involve the organisation of a portfolio of bookkeeping and payrolls for various clients in a wide variety of sectors. The role will involve, but is not limited to:

• Processing invoices and credit notes
• Processing expenses
• Processing receipts and payments
• Petty cash and bank reconciliations
• Maintaining spreadsheets
• Calculating month end / year end prepayments and accruals
• Month end reconciliations and management accounts preparation
• VAT return preparation
• Payroll processing
• General administration duties, such as answering incoming calls as necessary

To be considered for this position you must:

• Have an excellent working knowledge and experience of Sage Line 50
• Have excellent general computer skills (particularly Excel)
• Have the ability to work in a team as well as an individual
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Be able to follow instructions as well as learn and work using own initiative
• Have the ability to prioritise own time to ensure that deadlines are monitored and consistently met
• Have proven organisational abilities and consistent attention to detail
• Be discreet and able to maintain client confidentiality at all time

Experience of payroll processing is not essential as training can be provided to a successful candidate if necessary

The successful candidate will receive:

• 30 days paid holiday (including bank holidays)
• A salary dependent upon experience
If you are interested in the position and meet the above requirements or perhaps know someone who may be please email a CV and covering letter to chris.irvine@walkerthompson.co.uk  - See more at: http://www.walkerthompson.co.uk/career-opportunities?platform=hootsuite#sthash.5YEGyoJn.dpufWe currently have a vacancy for a full time bookkeeping and accounts person in our successful Coventry accountancy practice.

The role will involve the organisation of a portfolio of bookkeeping and payrolls for various clients in a wide variety of sectors. The role will involve, but is not limited to:

• Processing invoices and credit notes
• Processing expenses
• Processing receipts and payments
• Petty cash and bank reconciliations
• Maintaining spreadsheets
• Calculating month end / year end prepayments and accruals
• Month end reconciliations and management accounts preparation
• VAT return preparation
• Payroll processing
• General administration duties, such as answering incoming calls as necessary

To be considered for this position you must:

• Have an excellent working knowledge and experience of Sage Line 50
• Have excellent general computer skills (particularly Excel)
• Have the ability to work in a team as well as an individual
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Be able to follow instructions as well as learn and work using own initiative
• Have the ability to prioritise own time to ensure that deadlines are monitored and consistently met
• Have proven organisational abilities and consistent attention to detail
• Be discreet and able to maintain client confidentiality at all time

Experience of payroll processing is not essential as training can be provided to a successful candidate if necessary

The successful candidate will receive:

• 30 days paid holiday (including bank holidays)
• A salary dependent upon experience

If you are interested in the position and meet the above requirements or perhaps know someone who may be please email a CV and covering letter to chris.irvine@walkerthompson.co.uk  - See more at: http://www.walkerthompson.co.uk/career-opportunities?platform=hootsuite#sthash.5YEGyoJn.dpufWe currently have a vacancy for a full time bookkeeping and accounts person in our successful Coventry accountancy practice.

The role will involve the organisation of a portfolio of bookkeeping and payrolls for various clients in a wide variety of sectors. The role will involve, but is not limited to:

• Processing invoices and credit notes
• Processing expenses
• Processing receipts and payments
• Petty cash and bank reconciliations
• Maintaining spreadsheets
• Calculating month end / year end prepayments and accruals
• Month end reconciliations and management accounts preparation
• VAT return preparation
• Payroll processing
• General administration duties, such as answering incoming calls as necessary

To be considered for this position you must:

• Have an excellent working knowledge and experience of Sage Line 50
• Have excellent general computer skills (particularly Excel)
• Have the ability to work in a team as well as an individual
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Be able to follow instructions as well as learn and work using own initiative
• Have the ability to prioritise own time to ensure that deadlines are monitored and consistently met
• Have proven organisational abilities and consistent attention to detail
• Be discreet and able to maintain client confidentiality at all time

Experience of payroll processing is not essential as training can be provided to a successful candidate if necessary

The successful candidate will receive:

• 30 days paid holiday (including bank holidays)
• A salary dependent upon experience
If you are interested in the position and meet the above requirements or perhaps know someone who may be please email a CV and covering letter to chris.irvine@walkerthompson.co.uk  - See more at: http://www.walkerthompson.co.uk/career-opportunities?platform=hootsuite#sthash.5YEGyoJn.dpufWe currently have a vacancy for a full time bookkeeping and accounts person in our successful Coventry accountancy practice.

The role will involve the organisation of a portfolio of bookkeeping and payrolls for various clients in a wide variety of sectors. The role will involve, but is not limited to:

• Processing invoices and credit notes
• Processing expenses
• Processing receipts and payments
• Petty cash and bank reconciliations
• Maintaining spreadsheets
• Calculating month end / year end prepayments and accruals
• Month end reconciliations and management accounts preparation
• VAT return preparation
• Payroll processing
• General administration duties, such as answering incoming calls as necessary

To be considered for this position you must:

• Have an excellent working knowledge and experience of Sage Line 50
• Have excellent general computer skills (particularly Excel)
• Have the ability to work in a team as well as an individual
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Be able to follow instructions as well as learn and work using own initiative
• Have the ability to prioritise own time to ensure that deadlines are monitored and consistently met
• Have proven organisational abilities and consistent attention to detail
• Be discreet and able to maintain client confidentiality at all time

Experience of payroll processing is not essential as training can be provided to a successful candidate if necessary

The successful candidate will receive:

• 30 days paid holiday (including bank holidays)
• A salary dependent upon experience

If you are interested in the position and meet the above requirements or perhaps know someone who may be please email a CV and covering letter to chris.irvine@walkerthompson.co.uk  - See more at: http://www.walkerthompson.co.uk/career-opportunities?platform=hootsuite#sthash.5YEGyoJn.dpuf

Tuesday 11 April 2017

Newsletter 113



Headlines from our latest newsletter.  Please click on any of the links below for more information :

VAT FLAT RATE SCHEME - LIMITED COST TRADER

Changes are being made to the Flat Rate Scheme (FRS) which take effect from 1 April 2017
- See more at: http://www.walkerthompson.co.uk/newsletters/Newsletter-113#VAT

EQUALITY - GENDER PAY GAP REPORTING

The government has introduced new requirements for all private and voluntary sector employers of over 250 people relating to equal pay reporting from April 2017
- See more at: http://www.walkerthompson.co.uk/newsletters/Newsletter-113#Equality

MINIMUM WAGE RISES AGAIN

Employers need to ensure they are paying their employees at least the appropriate National Minimum Wage (NMW) or National Living Wage (NLW) rate. The rates increase from 1 April 2017 - See more at: http://www.walkerthompson.co.uk/newsletters/Newsletter-113#Minimum

TAX-FREE CHILDCARE TO BE ROLLED OUT FROM 28 APRIL 2017

Tax-Free Childcare, the new government scheme to help working parents with the cost of childcare, will be launched from 28 April 2017 - See more at: http://www.walkerthompson.co.uk/newsletters/Newsletter-113#Childcare

CLASS 4 NATIONAL INSURANCE U-TURN

One of the significant announcements Chancellor Philip Hammond made on Budget Day was the proposed increases to the main rate of Class 4 National Insurance Contributions (NICs) paid by self-employed individuals from 9% to 10% from April 2018 with a further increase planned from 10% to 11% from April 2019 - See more at: http://www.walkerthompson.co.uk/newsletters/Newsletter-113#Class

MAKING TAX DIGITAL FOR BUSINESS UPDATE

Extensive changes to how taxpayers record and report income to HMRC are being introduced under a project entitled Making Tax Digital for Business (MTDfB) - See more at: http://www.walkerthompson.co.uk/newsletters/Newsletter-113#Digital

REDUCTION IN THE DIVIDEND ALLOWANCE

It was announced in the Budget that the Dividend Allowance will be reduced from £5,000 to £2,000 from April 2018 - See more at: http://www.walkerthompson.co.uk/newsletters/Newsletter-113#Reduction

Tuesday 7 March 2017

Newsletter 112

Headlines from our latest newsletter.  Please click on any of the links below for more information :

ADVISORY FUEL RATES FOR COMPANY CARS

New company car advisory fuel rates have been published which took effect from 1 March 2017 - See more at: http://www.walkerthompson.co.uk/newsletters/Newsletter-112#Fuel

YEAR END TAX PLANNING

With the end of the tax year looming there is still time to save tax for 2016/17. We have set out some points you may want to consider - See more at: http://www.walkerthompson.co.uk/newsletters/Newsletter-112#Tax

WHAT WILL THE SPRING BUDGET BRING FOR BUSINESS?

With two Budgets in 2017, and the Spring Budget scheduled for Wednesday 8 March 2017, the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) have written to the Chancellor Philip Hammond outlining what they would like to see in the Budget proposals - See more at: http://www.walkerthompson.co.uk/newsletters/Newsletter-112#Budget

SELF ASSESSMENT EXPENSE CLAIMS

HMRC have released a list of the most outlandish items which have been claimed as expenses - See more at: http://www.walkerthompson.co.uk/newsletters/Newsletter-112#Expense

OVER £9.2 BILLION RELEASED BY PENSION FREEDOMS

Hundreds of thousands of savers have cashed in £9.2 billion from their pension pots since pension freedoms were introduced in April 2015 - See more at: http://www.walkerthompson.co.uk/newsletters/Newsletter-112#Pension

NEW LIFETIME ISA

The Lifetime Individual Savings Account (ISA) is a longer term tax-free account that receives a government bonus. The accounts will be available from 6 April 2017 - See more at: http://www.walkerthompson.co.uk/newsletters/Newsletter-112#ISA

CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY - SUBCONTRACTOR VERIFICATIONS

HMRC have confirmed in the latest Employer Bulletin that changes will be made to the verification of subcontractors in the construction Industry Scheme (CIS) from 6 April 2017 - See more at: http://www.walkerthompson.co.uk/newsletters/Newsletter-112#Construction

PROVIDING SERVICES TO A PUBLIC SECTOR - OFF PAYROLL WORKING

In the latest Employer Bulletin HMRC advise those providing services to a public sector client through their own limited company to ensure they are ready for the new rules which take effect from 6 April 2017 - See more at: http://www.walkerthompson.co.uk/newsletters/Newsletter-112#Payroll

ADVISORY FUEL RATES FOR COMPANY CARS

New company car advisory fuel rates have been published which took effect from 1 March 2017 - See more at: http://www.walkerthompson.co.uk/newsletters/Newsletter-112#Fuel

Monday 13 February 2017

Newsletter 111

Headlines from our latest newsletter.  Please click on any of the links below for more information :

2016 SELF ASSESSMENT RETURNS

We are pleased to announce that despite a hectic month, for the tenth year running we managed to achieve a 100% submission of Self Assessment Tax Returns by the deadline on 31 January
- See more at: http://www.walkerthompson.co.uk/newsletters/Newsletter-111#2016

MAKING TAX DIGITAL

The government published their responses to the six consultations on making tax digital (MTD) - See more at: http://www.walkerthompson.co.uk/newsletters/Newsletter-111#Digital

PAY THE NMW - NO EXCUSES

The government has revealed ten of the most bizarre excuses used by unscrupulous business owners who have been found to have underpaid workers the NMW - See more at: http://www.walkerthompson.co.uk/newsletters/Newsletter-111#NMW

LANDLORDS TO RECEIVE LESS TAX RELIEF ON INTEREST

In a change that will impact residential landlords, the amount of income tax relief available on residential property finance costs will be restricted to the basic rate of income tax - See more at: http://www.walkerthompson.co.uk/newsletters/Newsletter-111#Landlords

MORE SILLY TAXPAYER EXCUSES FROM HMRC

HMRC have released more unusual excuses from taxpayers who failed to complete their self assessment tax return on time - See more at: http://www.walkerthompson.co.uk/newsletters/Newsletter-111#Excuses

TAX CHEATS – HMRC’S CRIMINAL CASE HIGHLIGHTS OF 2016

HMRC have revealed their top ten most significant fraud and organised crime cases of the last year - See more at: http://www.walkerthompson.co.uk/newsletters/Newsletter-111#Cheats

TAX HELPLINE FOR PEOPLE AFFECTED BY SEVERE WEATHER AND FLOODING

HMRC have made available a telephone helpline (0800 904 7900) for anyone affected by severe weather or floods - See more at: http://www.walkerthompson.co.uk/newsletters/Newsletter-111#Helpline

PENSIONS AUTO ENROLMENT

The Department for Work and Pensions has confirmed the thresholds for pensions automatic enrolment for 2017/18 - See more at: http://www.walkerthompson.co.uk/newsletters/Newsletter-111#Pensions

2016 SELF ASSESSMENT RETURNS

We are pleased to announce that despite a hectic month, for the tenth year running we managed to achieve a 100% submission of Self Assessment Tax Returns by the deadline on 31 January.
We were shocked that more clients than ever before seemed to delay bringing in information to complete their tax returns but it came as a greater surprise to both us and to the relevant clients that from those returns made in January, 30% resulted in repayment claims and the total claims exceeded £45,000.
In essence this means that HM Revenue & Customs were holding that client money for at least 6 months and in some cases longer, simply because the submission of the tax return is the only evidence based document which can release the money.
We would encourage taxpayers within the Self Assessment regime to submit details at the earliest opportunity after April each year because if there is tax payable then it can be planned for in advance, if appropriate we can make claims to reduce tax payments due to be made in July and finally it will release any repayments much earlier.
- See more at: http://www.walkerthompson.co.uk/newsletters/Newsletter-111#2016

Wednesday 11 January 2017

Newsletter 110

Headlines from our latest newsletter.  Please click on any of the links below for more information :

SCOTTISH BUDGET

On 15 December, Finance Secretary Derek Mackay delivered the 2017/18 Scottish Draft Budget setting out the Scottish Government’s financial and tax plans - See more at: http://www.walkerthompson.co.uk/newsletters/Newsletter-110#SCOTTISH

APPRENTICESHIP LEVY

The Apprenticeship Levy is being introduced from 6 April 2017 and will be payable by large employers - See more at: http://www.walkerthompson.co.uk/newsletters/Newsletter-110#APPRENTICESHIPS

PERSONAL TAX ACCOUNTS ‘FIRST BIRTHDAY’

The government are celebrating the ‘first birthday’ of their award winning Personal Tax Account which recently won Digital Project of the Year at the annual UK IT Industry Awards - See more at: http://www.walkerthompson.co.uk/newsletters/Newsletter-110#PERSONAL

NATIONAL INSURANCE CHANGES - WINNERS AND LOSERS

Tax campaigners have warned that the abolition of Class 2 National Insurance contributions from April 2018 could result in the lowest earners among the self employed being hardest hit - See more at: http://www.walkerthompson.co.uk/newsletters/Newsletter-110#NATIONAL

CHARITY FINES

An investigation by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has revealed that two national charities, the RSPCA and the British Heart Foundation, secretly screened millions of their donors so they could target them for more money - See more at: http://www.walkerthompson.co.uk/newsletters/Newsletter-110#CHARITY

SDLT ONLINE REFUND PROCEDURES

HMRC have introduced an online service to apply for a repayment of the higher rates of Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) for additional properties if the property sold was previously a main home - See more at: http://www.walkerthompson.co.uk/newsletters/Newsletter-110#SDLT

LATEST STATISTICS SHOW UNEMPLOYMENT AT 4.8%

The government has announced:

‘labour market has finished a record breaking year with unemployment down by over 100,000 people and the rate running at 4.8%’ - See more at: http://www.walkerthompson.co.uk/newsletters/Newsletter-110#LATEST

SCOTTISH BUDGET

On 15 December, Finance Secretary Derek Mackay delivered the 2017/18 Scottish Draft Budget setting out the Scottish Government’s financial and tax plans - See more at: http://www.walkerthompson.co.uk/newsletters/Newsletter-110#SCOTTISH