UK: Statistics on funds raised through the EIS and SEIS
The schemes known as the Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) and the Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS) are two of the tax advantaged venture capital schemes in the UK, the other being the tax relief for investment in venture capital trusts for
See MoreUK: Extension of interim securitization regime
Securitization companies are used by some businesses to raise funds by issuing debt to the market and holding assets as security. The transactions depend on the quality of the debt issued and this in turn depends on the rating given by the credit
See MoreUK: Statistics released on Venture Capital Trusts
On 20 October 2016 HMRC released statistics on Venture Capital Trusts. The tax regime for venture capital trusts (VCTs) provides that a VCT if correctly structured can obtain tax relief for the trust itself and for its investors. The VCT regime is
See MoreUK: Tax gap estimates published
On 20 October 2016 HMRC announced that the tax gap in the UK has fallen to GBP 36 billion or 6.5%, its lowest ever level. The latest figures released relate to the year 2014/15. The tax gap represents the difference between the amount of tax that
See MoreUK: Statistics on patent box tax relief
On 14 September 2016 HMRC released statistics on the uptake of the patent box legislation during the first year it was in force. The legislation went into effect in relation to profits earned after 1 April 2013 and is being phased in gradually with
See MoreUK: Date of Autumn Statement announced
The UK Chancellor of the Exchequer is to announce the Autumn Statement on 23 November 2016. The Autumn Statement is sometimes used to introduce new tax measures or to announce intended legislation for the following year's budget. Often draft
See MoreUK given powers to introduce public CbC reporting
The UK Government has accepted a cross-party backbench amendment to Finance Bill 2016 which gives HM Treasury powers to introduce public country-by-country reporting. The amendment allows, but does not compel, HM Treasury to bring forward
See MoreUK: HMRC survey of mid-sized businesses
n 25 August 2016 HMRC published the results of a survey of mid-sized businesses. This covers the types of business dealt with by HMRC’s Mid-Size Business Unit. These businesses are seen by HMRC as a distinct group owing to their contribution to
See MoreUK: Consultation on tackling the hidden economy
On 26 August HMRC launched three new consultations containing proposals to tackle the hidden economy. Comments are invited from interested parties by 21 October 2016. Hidden economy: extended power to collect data from money service
See MoreUK: Update on advance assurance for R&D tax relief
On 24 August 2016 HMRC held a webinar to provide an update on the advance assurance scheme for research and development (R&D) tax relief. The scheme which is aimed at small companies was launched in November 2015 and there have so far been more
See MoreUK: Large Business Survey 2015
On 25 August 2016 HMRC published the Large Business Survey 2015. The survey asked large businesses about various aspects of their relationship with HMRC. A telephone survey was conducted with 932 Heads of Tax and Directors of Finance of large
See MoreUK: Consultation on making tax digital for unincorporated businesses
On 15 August 2016 HMRC issued a consultation document on Making Tax Digital: Bringing business into the digital age. The UK government announced at Budget 2016 that businesses, the self employed and landlords will be required by 2020 to update a
See MoreUK: Consultation on Soft Drinks Industry Levy
As part of the Budget for 2016 the UK government announced a new levy on soft drinks companies from April 2018. The Soft Drinks Industry Levy is to be charged on producers and importers of soft drinks that contain added sugar where the total sugar
See MoreUK: Strengthening tax avoidance sanctions and deterrents
The UK government issued a discussion document on strengthening tax avoidance sanctions and deterrents on 17 August 2016. In recent years the UK government has taken steps to tackle tax avoidance by introducing tougher measures and structural
See MoreUK: Consultation on tax simplification for unincorporated businesses
On 15 August 2016 HMRC published a consultation document on simplifying tax for unincorporated business. The UK government announced at Budget 2016 that it would be looking at simplifying tax rules for businesses, with a focus on the self employed
See MoreUK: Consultation on tackling disguised remuneration
On 10 August 2016 HMRC issued a consultation document on tackling disguised remuneration. This consultation follows the issue earlier in the year of an overview of the proposed changes and a technical note setting out the background and intended
See MoreUK: Stamp duty land tax changes
On 10 August 2016 the UK launched a consultation on changes to the Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) filing and payment process. The government is inviting comments from interested parties by 7 October 2016. SDLT is charged on the freehold or leasehold
See MoreUK: Consultation on changes to Gift Aid scheme
Under the Gift Aid scheme the UK government effectively supplements a charitable donation by adding basic rate tax to the amount donated. The scheme is very valuable for UK charities as the government has added more than GBP 5 billion to charitable
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