Business

Another tax return filing deadline passes and JONATHAN HANKINSON takes some time to collect his thoughts.

Is the construction industry scheme, old or new, past its sell-by date, asks SIMON SWEETMAN.

RICHARD CURTIS considers a recent decision on loan interest for private and business premises.

I have a relatively new limited company client, which operates as a building subcontractor. Although the previous accountant advised that the business should trade via the format of a limited company, the directors did not open a company bank account and income payments and expenses were made into and from the director's personal bank account.

DAVID SMITH considers HMRC's employment status indicator tool and asks whether it is up to the job.

Will the new National Insurance legislation ensure that employers and employees pay their fair share, ask CHARLES ELPHICKE and ANNETTE BERESFORD.

Have HMRC changed the way that they tax payments in lieu of notice? JOHN CHAPLIN investigates.

THE TAXATION OF severance payments has been the topic of much technical debate over the years, but an element of calm seemed to have been brought to the issue as case law clarified many of the points of contention between advisers and HMRC. That was until Tax Bulletin 63!

RICHARD CURTIS reviews the decision in B E Studios Ltd v Smith & Williamson Ltd.

B E STUDIOS LTD (BES) was incorporated in June 1999 to specialise in the design, production and sale of software for computer games and other commercial uses. After starting on a relatively small scale it started to recruit staff and this process was complete by June 2000. In October 2000, the company retained chartered accountants, Smith & Williamson Ltd, (S & W) to provide tax, financial planning and accountancy advice.

REBECCA BENNEYWORTH summarises the main changes for contractors and subcontractors under the new construction industry scheme rules that are due to commence in 2006.

DEREK JENKINS considers the proposals for leasing and other corporation tax reforms contained in the 2004 Pre-Budget Report

Reviewing the proposals for the BPRA

'If you want to escape the NIC charge, make sure the background facts reflect your contention'