Spring Budget 2021: The headlines

Following the budget annoucement on Wednesday, here are some key takeouts from Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s economic plan to help the UK's recovery from the COVID pandemic, its impact on businesses and individual taxpayers.

Changes for Reporting R&D Claims

HMRC has introduced new CT600 supplementary pages to complete for Research and Development Expenditure Credit (RDEC) and R&D enhanced expenditure (SME scheme) claims. The supplementary pages (CT600L) will be required by HMRC for all CT600 returns filed on or after 6 April 2021. 

Charity Commission advice, MTD for VAT soft landing period extended and IR35 Delayed

The Charity Commission has advised that charities due to submit an Annual Return imminently, but are unable to do so, can email them to request a filing extension. Coronavirus guidance for the charity sector provides information in response to the most commonly asked questions about operating during this period.

Taxes - Time to Pay

There are a range of business support measures available for businesses and individuals, which include deferring payment of certain taxes.

Companies House Same day services suspended

Due to the closure of Companies House office, the ability to fast track company registrations and certain company information has been SUSPENDED until further notice. Companies House have advised customers that any incorporation or change of name filings with the same day indicator will fail validation.

Self-Employed Income Support Scheme: “one of the most significant economic interventions”

Last night the Government announced a scheme that assists the self-employed across the country during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Self-Employed Income Support Scheme will provide self-employed individuals a taxable grant worth 80% of trading profits, up to £2,500 a month for the next three months. It will also apply to members of partnerships.

Are tax-free EVs a no brainer for company car drivers?

The growing range of zero emissions vehicles presents a real opportunity to cut expenses, but there are drawbacks to consider.

With few models to choose from and a frustrating ownership experience, the first wave of electric vehicles (EVs) was a tough sell. But heading into 2020, things are changing.

Company car tax is not only based on CO2 emissions, but also electric driving range. Prior rules stipulated that cars with an electric driving range of 130 miles and above would fall into the 2% car tax band, but these rules were recently scrapped. Pure electric vehicles—those without a tailpipe—will now benefit from an even lower 0% tax rate between 2020-2021. The following two years will see rates rise to 1% and 2% in 2021-22 and 2022-2023 respectively.

TaxCalc News January

Leaving the EU

The UK is leaving the European Union on 31 January 2020.

Following the General Election on 12 December 2019, the UK Government is implementing the Prime Minister’s Withdrawal Agreement meaning the UK can leave the European Union on 31 January 2020.

Our ‘No Deal’ provisions, including changes to Companies House forms and EC Sales list filing will not be implemented on 31 January 2020; however, they may at a later stage, once government have finalised details. In the meantime, we will continue to monitor the Government's negotiations with the EU and consider potential impacts at the end of the implementation period.