PAYE direct debits - interest application
The option to pay PAYE liabilities by a recurring direct debit has been available for just over a month, but there have been concerns that the arrangement will attract late payment interest. HMRC has now clarified what will happen. What do you need to know?
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Accounting for VAT if there is no cash payment
Your business has submitted repayment returns for the last two quarters and you are concerned that you might have underpaid output tax on some supplies where no money has changed hands. Are your concerns justified?
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Treatment of distributions under review
The government has launched a consultation on modernising the tax treatment of distributions and repayments of capital by companies. The proposals could affect the distinction between dividends taxed as income and capital payments subject to CGT. What changes are being considered?
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Tax relief on equipment you haven’t paid for (yet)
The timing of tax relief for purchases of equipment isn’t straightforward when payments are delayed or goods are purchased through hire purchase (HP) agreements. How can you use these rules to your advantage and get tax relief before you’ve paid the final invoice?
The new system is intended to reduce administration for employers, who would previously have to set up a new direct debit each month. However, there have been some concerns that the date the payment is taken - the 23rd of the month (or next working day if this falls on a weekend) - is later than the payment deadline for electronic payments (the 22nd).
We're aware that employers using the new system have seen a confusing message on their account showing interest accruing, and a message implying this will be collected by direct debit. HMRC clarified the mechanics of the new system at a recent Agent’s Forum. Interest will initially show, but will be reversed once the direct debit is successfully processed. If the payment fails, the interest charge will stand and accrue until payment is made. The “direct debit will collect” message is merely to show that HMRC’s system is aware that there is a scheduled payment in process and is nothing to worry about.





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