Latest News - December 2009
Pre-Budget Report 2009
Alistair Darling will make his Pre-Budget statement to the House of Commons on Wednesday 9 December 2009 at 12:30. We will let you have details of the important announcements shortly.
Intrastat Thresholds
HMRC have announced significant changes to the Intrastat thresholds. Intrastat is used to report the movement of goods within the EU over certain thresholds. Those traders with an annual intra-EU trade in goods exceeding the exemption thresholds are required to provide monthly statistical returns (Intrastat Supplementary declarations).
VAT and New Year's Eve Traders
If you are going to be out celebrating on New Year's Eve or indeed if your business will be operating over midnight, you will be glad to hear that the government has announced a relaxation of the VAT rules.
Parties for Employees
Are you planning a party for your employees? The good news is that, unlike entertaining customers, the costs of entertaining employees are generally allowable against the profits of the business.
Swine Flu and SSP
Under existing rules for Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) employees can self-certify for the first seven days of their illness and employers cannot ask for medical evidence during this period. There has been no change to this requirement.
Online Filing of VAT Returns
HMRC are reminding businesses that new rules on how VAT returns are submitted and payments are made will come into force next year. Paper VAT returns will be phased out from 1 April 2010.
First Aid at Work
The Health and Safety Executive are reminding businesses that the guidance for first aid at work changed from 1 October 2009.
Business Rates Bills
The government has confirmed that 60% of business rates will fall next year as a result of revaluation and that it will not collect a penny more of extra revenue as a result of the 2010 revaluation, which is carried out every five years. However, rates bills for some businesses will rise significantly.
