Business News

The delay to payrolling Benefits in Kind (BIK) to 2027 may seem like a cause of relief for many businesses who are concerned about the extra responsibility the changes will bring, but employers should still prepare for this landmark change.

Rather than filing an annual P11D form, the changes to payrolling BIK will force businesses to complete additional admin every month.

Though the 2027 deadline may seem far off, it is worth preparing now, as the deadline is unlikely to be extended again.

What are the changes to payrolling Benefits in Kind?

The main change is the transition from an annual filing to a monthly one.

As BIK will form part of the monthly payroll, it will be subject to the same monthly tax and National Insurance Contributions (NIC) as other employee expenses.

This could impact the cash flow of unprepared businesses.

The more regular payments could reduce working capital in the short term, as monthly expenses increase.

Over time, the smaller, more regular payments should allow for better cash flow management, as the expenses associated with BIK can be managed throughout the year.

Be aware that even with this change, there is still a need to produce an annual summary of BIK, and this must be ready for 1 June.

This dual reporting increases the administrative load for businesses, who will have to endure monthly filings, as well as the compilation of an annual report.

How to prepare for the changes to Benefits in Kind

Updating your benefits policy early is advisable, as you can figure out any issues before the deadline.

While payrolling BIK is still voluntary, it is worth becoming an early adopter so that you can adjust your business operations and ensure compliance before the 2027 deadline.

Getting used to that additional burden of having to incorporate BIK into your monthly payroll may take some time, so giving yourself that opportunity to perfect the system before there is a threat of penalties is wise.

At the very least, beginning to track benefits monthly can lay the groundwork for transitioning to payrolling BIK and will help you file your final P11D in 2026, making the annual report easier to compile.

If you already payroll BIK, do not forget to re-register before 5 April 2027, as failure to do so will cause you to become noncompliant.

Take the time to get ready for payrolling Benefits in Kind. Speak to us today.

Receiving a Kittel VAT notice is something that many businesses dread.

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) can demand the repayment of tax already reclaimed, and this can sometimes amount to a significant amount of money.

The notice comes when a trader “knew or should have known” their transaction was linked to fraudulent evasion of VAT.

This makes it ineligible for a deduction of input tax.

Kittel VAT can seem like an ever-present threat hanging over traders, but there are ways to reduce the risk.

How do Kittel VAT notices get issued?

To issue a Kittel VAT notice, HMRC must establish three key elements. They need to determine that:

• VAT was fraudulently evaded
• The trader’s transaction was connected with that fraud
• The trader knew, or ought to have known, of this connection

If any of these components is missing, a Kittel VAT notice will not be issued.

The European Court of Justice (ECJ) judgement in the case of Axel Kittel & Recolta Recycling SPRL is the originator of the term, and the ruling left the exact definition of “knew or should have known” undefined.

Defining the term could have opened loopholes that businesses may have attempted to exploit, which could have jeopardised HMRC investigations.

How to avoid Kittel VAT notices?

Due diligence is the best way to avoid Kittel VAT notices.

Conducting the necessary checks that should be part of your anti-money laundering processes should allow you to avoid engaging with conduct that will leave you vulnerable to Kittel VAT notices.

You should, therefore, always conduct robust supply-chain due diligence and ensure you understand the nature of all transactions made by your business.

If you ever have any doubts, it is best to raise concerns immediately, as it may not just result in a Kittel VAT notice, but more severe instances of fraud.

You may be treated as an accomplice to this fraud if you do not perform sufficient due diligence.

Reduce the threat of the Kittle VAT Notice, speak to our team today.

Public borrowing hit £20.5 billion in April, the highest level for that month since 1993 and nearly £3 billion above forecast.

Economists warn the Chancellor may have little choice but to plug the gap with tax rises, spending cuts or changes to fiscal rules if elevated levels of borrowing persist.

While nothing is confirmed, several areas are drawing speculation.

Income Tax

Extending the Income Tax threshold freeze beyond 2028 could push millions of people into higher tax brackets, because inflation-driven wage increases are not being matched by rises in tax thresholds.

More retirees are also being caught out with the full new State Pension edging closer to the £12,570 personal allowance.

Those with additional income from private pensions or savings could soon face basic rate tax, or higher, where none applied before.

Utilising allowances, such as the starting savings rate or Marriage Allowance, can help mitigate the impact.

Cash ISAs

There is widespread speculation that the £20,000 annual tax-free allowance will be reduced to encourage people to invest in the stock market.

A lower limit would reduce options for cash savers and expose more of your savings interest to tax.

Making full use of the allowance early in the tax year could offer some protection against mid-year rule changes.

Inheritance Tax

A revision to the seven-year gift rule is also reportedly under consideration.

Individuals planning to transfer wealth should consider acting while current rules remain in place.

On top of this, many families will also have to contend with the nil-rate freeze until 2030 and the inclusion of unspent pensions within the scope of IHT from 2027, which could already bring many more estates within the tax regime.

Stamp Duty Land Tax

Surcharges on second homes have already risen to five per cent in England and Wales.

A further rise to match Scotland’s eight per cent is not out of the question.

Buyers should factor in potential changes before committing to new property investments.

With so much uncertainty, now is the time to seek expert guidance and ensure your finances are as future-proof as possible.

Contact us for a thorough tax review and proactive advice tailored to your needs.