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Making Tax Digital for Income Tax may sound technical, but we break it down simply. In this episode, we share what MTD for ITSA is, who needs to comply, when it starts, and how to prepare effectively. If you're a sole trader, landlord, or small business owner, this episode is essential listening. What You'll Learn in This Episode What Making Tax Digital for Income Tax is and why it matters. Who must comply, who is exempt, and turnover thresholds. How to prepare with compatible software and proper bookkeeping. Practical steps to avoid fines, stress, and last-minute panic. Real examples of businesses affected by MTD. Making Tax Digital Explained MTD for Income Tax is HMRC's plan to move tax reporting into the digital world. Instead of submitting one annual return, you'll send four quarterly updates via approved software. It's like switching from a paper diary to an online calendar—more visibility, fewer surprises, and closer monitoring of compliance. Who Must Comply If you are a sole trader or a landlord and your turnover exceeds £50,000 in 2024/25, you must join MTD from 6 April 2026. Turnover here means income before expenses. HMRC looks at the full amount coming in, not what you keep after costs. Practical Examples from the Episode Here are some real-life examples mentioned in the episode to show how MTD rules apply in practice: Deepak, a self-employed builder, has a turnover of £55,000 in 24/25. He must join MTD from April 2026. Sarah, a landlord renting three flats with gross rental income of £48,000 in 25/26, must join MTD from April 2027. Paul, a market trader with turnover of £52,000 in 24/25, is seasonal but still exceeds the threshold, so he must join in April 2026. Exemptions and Exceptions Not everyone needs to join immediately. If your income is below £20,000, or you qualify based on age, disability, or location, you can apply for exemption. Exemption does not remove the requirement to file a self-assessment; it only exempts you from quarterly digital updates. For example, a freelance designer earning £14,000 per year is under the threshold and does not need to join MTD. Preparing for MTD Choose compatible software—Xero, QuickBooks, or FreeAgent are common options. (We recommend Xero as a Platinum partner.) Authorize the software to link with HMRC for quarterly updates. Decide who handles submissions—yourself or an accountant—and agree on fees upfront. Keep bookkeeping accurate and up to date; don't wait until year-end. Consider joining voluntarily early to test the system and gain confidence, like Sebastian, who signed up early in 24/25 and felt stress-free by April 26. Benefits of Preparing Early Early preparation reduces stress, avoids penalties, and gives better control of cash flow. You can see quarterly profits building, plan tax efficiently, and identify whether incorporating or other planning is beneficial. Avoid last-minute panic and get ahead of HMRC deadlines. Real Consequences of Delay Leopold set up his software a week before the first submission and struggled with data import, missed the submission, and faced unnecessary fines. Don't be like Leopold—preparing early is key. Key Takeaways Sole traders and landlords with turnover above the thresholds must prepare for MTD for Income Tax. Don't wait for HMRC letters—take control early, choose the right software, maintain accurate records, and seek advice if needed. Early action keeps you compliant, confident, and stress-free.
Can AI agents actually reduce your workload—or just add hype? Blake demos how he rebuilt bill-entry “Hubdoc-style” in about an hour with Zapier Agents, then maps out why most AI pilots fail without documented workflows and human approvals. Plus: PwC's plan to hire one-third fewer grads, juniors supervising AI, HMRC scanning social posts for tax gaps, and fresh salary and pricing benchmarks. Learn where AI truly fits—and how to price with confidence.SponsorsRelay - http://accountingpodcast.promo/relayTeamUp - http://accountingpodcast.promo/teamup Human at Scale - http://accountingpodcast.promo/humanDigits - http://accountingpodcast.promo/digitsChapters(05:36) - AI Agents: Hype vs. Reality (07:49) - AI's Impact on Corporate America (10:28) - Challenges in AI Integration (19:11) - PWC and AI: Training the Next Generation (21:43) - Building AI Agents with Zapier (41:00) - Human at Scale: Transforming Accounting Firms (42:34) - Live Stream Chat and AI Future (45:14) - Outsourcing vs. AI in Business (46:37) - AI in Accounting: Supervision and Customization (48:33) - Intuit's Q4 Earnings and QuickBooks Live (51:00) - AI's Impact on Accounting Jobs and Tools (59:48) - UK's AI Tax Fraud Detection (01:03:27) - Accounting Salary Survey Results (01:13:40) - Client Relationships and Free Speech Issues (01:18:18) - Conclusion and CPE Information Show NotesThe GenAI Divide: State of AI in Business 2025 (MIT NANDA Report)https://fortune.com/2025/08/18/mit-report-95-percent-generative-ai-pilots-at-companies-failing-cfo/Getting a job at PwC out of college will be a lot tougher. It plans to recruit a third fewer grads by 2028 https://www.aol.com/getting-job-pwc-college-lot-120316405.htmlHMRC uses AI to spot tax fraud on social media https://www.accountancyage.com/2025/08/12/hmrc-uses-ai-to-spot-tax-fraud-on-social-media/The 2025 Accounting Today Salary Survey: Sweetening the deal https://www.accountingtoday.com/news/the-2025-accounting-today-salary-survey-sweetening-the-deal2025 U.S. Accounting and Tax Pricing Benchmark (Ignition) https://www.ignitionapp.com/us/2025-accounting-tax-pricing-benchmarkTaxDome Releases First-of-Its-Kind 2025 Niche Business Accounting Report https://www.morningstar.com/news/pr-newswire/20250819ph53815/taxdome-releases-first-of-its-kind-2025-niche-business-accounting-report2025 Niche Business Accounting Report (TaxDome) https://taxdome.com/niche-report-2025Need CPE?Get CPE for listening to podcasts with Earmark: https://earmarkcpe.comSubscribe to the Earmark Podcast: https://podcast.earmarkcpe.comGet in TouchThanks for listening and the great reviews! We appreciate you! Follow and tweet @BlakeTOliver and @DavidLeary. Find us on Facebook and Instagram. If you like what you hear, please do us a favor and write a review on Apple Podcasts or Podchaser. Call us and leave a voicemail; maybe we'll play it on the show. DIAL (202) 695-1040.SponsorshipsAre you interested in sponsoring The Accounting Podcast? For details, read the prospectus.Need Accounting Conference Info? Check out our new website - accountingconferences.comLimited edition shirts, stickers, and other necessitiesTeePublic Store: http://cloudacctpod.link/merchSubscribeApple Podcasts: http://cloudacctpod.link/ApplePodcastsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheAccountingPodcastSpotify: http://cloudacctpod.link/SpotifyPodchaser: http://cloudacctpod.link/podchaserStitcher: http://cloudacctpod.link/StitcherOvercast: http://cloudacctpod.link/OvercastClassifiedsWant to get the word out about your newsletter, webinar, party, Facebook group, podcast, e-book, job posting, or that fancy Excel macro you just created? Let the listeners of The Accounting Podcast know by running a classified ad. Go here to create your classified ad: https://cloudacctpod.link/RunClassifiedAdTranscriptsThe full transcript for this episode is available by clicking on the Transcript tab at the top of this page
GOVERNMENT CUTS RESTORATION RED TAPEFollowing a long campaign from the Historic and Classic Vehicles Alliance and other similar associations, the Government has simplified the red tape around modifying and restoring vehicles. Notifications can be sent to DVLA for ‘significant structural modifications' and the vehicle can retain the original license plate number and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). This is a big step forward. Click this Hagerty article link here to find out more. ARIEL DOUBLING PRODUCTION CAPACITY WITH NEW FACTORYAriel, the Somerset based specialist performance vehicle manufacturer, have agreed a deal to buy more land that will allow them to double their production capability. If you want to read more, click this Autocar article link here. HMRC RAISES EV MILEAGE CLAIM RATEAfter lots of complaints were raised over the last announcement of the rate business mileage for electric cars could be claimed back at, HMRC has revised them. Now there are two tiers, home charging and public charging. However, the rates still aren't great and frankly totally inadequate if you charge via the public network. To find out more, click this Autocar article link here. PLUG-IN VAN AND LORRY GRANT EXTENDEDThe UK Government has extended the plug-in grant for van and lorries, until “at least 2027”. However, the money is coming out of the £650 million we were told was for the Electric Car Grant (ECG), which turns out to also be improving the charging infrastructure across the country. Click this Autocar article link here, to read more. DO NOT HOON YOUR EVE FOR MORE BATTERY LIFEA recent study has been misreported, according to Aviloo, battery experts. Many read the results to mean one must be very heavy with the right foot to extend the battery lift of one's EV. That is not the case. You can find out more by clicking this Carscoops article link here. TESLA DOES HAVE TO FACE CLASS-ACTION OVER SELF-DRIVING CLAIMSA recent hearing, in front of a judge, between those trying to pursue Tesla in a class-action over mis-selling their self-driving system that has yet to make it to market even though they have taken money from people for it, has resulted in permission being granted to pursue the company. If you want to read more, click this Reuters article link here. To read Ed Niedermeyer's coverage of the hearing, click this link to his Bluesky post. If you like what we do, on this show, and think it is worth a £1.00, please consider supporting us via Patreon. Here is the link to that CLICK HERE TO SUPPORT THE PODCAST NEW NEW CAR NEWS - BYD Atto 2BYD has revealed details of their Atto 2, a C segment electric SUV. Priced aggressively, at £30,850, it...
If there's one thing that scam hunter Julie-Anne Kearns wants everyone to know, it is that no one is immune from a scam. And she would know—she fell for one last year.For years now, Kearns has made a name for herself on TikTok as a scam awareness and education expert. Popular under the name @staysafewithmjules, Kearns makes videos about scam identification and defense. She has posted countless profile pictures that are used and repeated by online scammers across different accounts. She has flagged active scam accounts on Instagram and detailed their strategies. And, perhaps most importantly, she answers people's questions.In fielding everyday comments and concerns from her followers and from strangers online, Kearns serves as a sort of gut-check for the internet at large. And by doing it day in, day out, Kearns is able to hone her scam “radar,” which helps guide people to safety.But last year, Kearns fell for a scam, disguised initially as a letter from HM Revenue & Customs, or HMRC, the tax authority for the United Kingdom.Today, on the Lock and Code podcast with host David Ruiz, we speak with Kearns about the scam she fell for and what she's lost, the worldwide problem of victim blaming, and the biggest warning signs she sees for a variety of scams online.“A lot of the time you think that it's somebody who's silly—who's just messing about. It's not. You are dealing with criminals.”Tune in today.You can also find us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and whatever preferred podcast platform you use.For all our cybersecurity coverage, visit Malwarebytes Labs at malwarebytes.com/blog.Show notes and credits:Intro Music: “Spellbound” by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Outro Music: “Good God” by Wowa (unminus.com)Listen up—Malwarebytes doesn't just talk cybersecurity, we provide it.Protect yourself from online attacks that threaten your identity, your files, your system, and your financial well-being with our exclusive offer for Malwarebytes Premium for Lock and Code listeners.
Illegal dividends sound complicated, but we break them down in simple terms. In this episode, we share what counts as an illegal dividend, why they happen, and the steps you can take to avoid expensive problems. If you're a company director or shareholder, this is essential listening.What You'll Learn in This Episode What an illegal dividend is and why it matters. The tax consequences for the company and directors. How HMRC identifies illegal dividends. Practical steps to stay compliant and stress-free.Illegal Dividends ExplainedUnder the Companies Act 2006, dividends can only be paid from accumulated, realised profits. If your company doesn't have enough retained profits, paying a dividend is unlawful—even if your bank account looks healthy. It's a common mistake, especially when cash and profit are confused.Why Illegal Dividends Cause ProblemsThis isn't just a technical breach—it can trigger serious tax consequences, increase insolvency risk, and create personal liability for directors. Think of it like driving without insurance. You may not get caught immediately, but if things go wrong, the impact can be huge.Tax Consequences for the CompanyIf an illegal dividend is treated as a director's loan and not repaid within nine months of the year-end, HMRC charges an additional tax of 33.75% on the amount. This applies even if the company is making a loss. While the charge is refundable if repaid later, the wait is long and the cost can hurt cash flow.Tax Consequences for DirectorsDirectors can face extra tax on loans over £10,000, including a benefit-in-kind charge and Class 1A NIC. If the loan is written off, it's treated as additional income and taxed accordingly. In liquidation, illegal dividends can make directors personally liable for repayment, creating serious financial risk.How HMRC Identifies Illegal DividendsHMRC uses digital filing and iXBRL-tagged accounts to check for inconsistencies between reserves and declared dividends. If your accounts show negative reserves but dividends paid out, expect questions. This is an easy red flag for HMRC systems.Steps to Stay Compliant Check retained profits before declaring dividends. Don't confuse cash with profitability. Keep management accounts up to date using software like Xero. Consult your accountant if unsure. Repay unlawful dividends quickly if you make a mistake.Key TakeawaysIllegal dividends aren't worth the risk. Review your dividend policy, maintain accurate records, and seek advice when in doubt. Avoid unnecessary tax charges and personal liability by staying compliant and proactive.Links Mentioned in This Episode
NB I will put out my thoughts on the Comstock Inc (LODE.NYSE) earnings call in my mid-week commentary. A reminder: Sundays are for thought pieces, currently around gold as my book on that subject is about to come out. Midweek is for market stuff.“I'm Henry the Eighth, I am!Henry the Eighth, I am, I am!”Fred Murray and R. P. WestonHistory has given Henry VIII mixed reviews. Never mind the wife-killing, he was the king who boldly stood up to papal supremacy, paving the way for freedom, Reformation and the buccaneering spirit which marked the Tudor age. That said, I doubt Henry knew at the time what the long-term consequences of his papal stand-off would be.His Great Debasement, however, must be one of the greatest inflationary thefts by a ruler on their people in British history. Even William Pitt pales in comparison. Never speak ill of the dead and all that, but extravagant (and not in a good way), power-mad, and hypocritical are all adjectives that spring to mind about Henry VIII. Historian Simon Sebag Montefiore goes further, declaring him egotistical, paranoid and tyrannical, and listing him as one of History's 101 Monsters, alongside Vlad the Impaler and Adolf Hitler.How prosperity ended serfdomWhen Henry VIII was crowned king in 1509, the national finances were in rare good shape. His predecessor Henry VII had broken the mould of mediaeval English monarchs. Rather than wage war, he avoided it. His reign saw just one overseas conflict. He pursued marriages and alliances overseas instead. He had a formidable business brain: rather than resist economic change and new technology, he encouraged it - and then taxed it. In doing so, he built up extraordinary wealth for the Crown. He became the first English king for centuries to run a surplus. Imagine! His taxation and legislation of the nobility ended the power of the barons and, effectively, feudalism itself, while establishing the freedom of the mercantile classes to trade. England got its first blast furnace, and so began its iron industry. The wool trade blossomed, and the farming of sheep accelerated the decline of serfdom (land no longer needed working in the same way), and the country was changing to a money- rather than land-based economy. Henry VII also had new coins issued to ensure a standard currency. Weights and measures were also standardised (though not for the first nor the last time).Things however changed with his son, Henry VIII - and rapidly. One of Henry VIII's first acts, two days after his coronation, was to arrest the two men responsible for collecting his father's taxes, Sir Richard Empson and Edmund Dudley. He charged them with high treason and they were duly executed. Today's HMRC officers don't know how lucky they are.War is an expensive business, when you lose.Not a man known for his humility, he was happy to usher in the idea that kings had Divine Right, an issue that, 100 years later, would cause a civil war and the death of 200,000 people. Never mind his Great Debasement, which we will come to in a moment, the idea that a king was appointed by God and had Divine Right must be another of the greatest frauds perpetrated on a nation by its rulers. Anyone who dissented was treasonous or heretical, often executed without formal trial - or simply banished.He got involved in numerous costly and largely unsuccessful wars both on the continent and up north in Scotland. War is an expensive business when you lose. These, coupled with a personal extravagance that people are still talking about, meant he was constantly on the verge of financial ruin.To pay for it all he introduced numerous new taxes, including a tax on beards, which, given his own facial hair, has to go down as one of the ruling classes' great do-as-I-say-not-as-I-do moments. In 1523 he demanded 20% of people's income. (20% seems like a pipe dream today). He sold crown land, dissolved monasteries, and seized the assets of over 800 religious houses—land, gold, silver, everything—under the guise of reforming the church and rooting out corruption. Any money paid to Rome and the Pope was “redirected” to the royal coffers. In doing so he robbed local communities of their support systems - almshouses and so on. But still he couldn't get enough money - and so he ordered what became known as the Great Debasement. The amount of gold and silver in coins was reduced and, in some cases, replaced entirely with copper.Subscribe! Upgrade! You know you want to.Bad money drives out good - Gresham's observation which became lawIt began in 1542 with a secret indenture. Production of current coins would continue, but new coins would also be secretly minted, including the previously unsuccessful testoon, with significantly less gold and silver. The coins would be stockpiled in Westminster Palace. But in 1544, a lack of bullion arriving at the mint prompted the government into phase two of the scam and the debased coins were allowed to enter general circulation. Merchants soon discovered the new silver groats had been debased, and they began fetching a lower price. Coins of a similar value but with a higher precious metal content were hoarded and so disappeared from circulation - a classic case of bad money driving out good, as Gresham's Law goes. Not only a classic case - the actual case which made Thomas Gresham articulate his law in the first place. The king's testoons were copper coins with a thin layer of silver on top, not unlike Diocletian's denarii. Over time the silver would wear off, especially around the nose on Henry's face on the coin, which protruded a little and so wore away quicker, exposing the copper underneath. So did Henry VIII get the nickname Old Coppernose.If you are interested in buying gold and silver coins which haven't been debased, as always I recommend The Pure Gold Company. Pricing is competitive, quality of service is high. They deliver to the UK, the US, Canada and Europe or you can store your gold with them. More here.The debasement continued after Henry VIII's death in 1547, and was eventually revoked by his successor Edward VI in 1551. Over the course of the seven year debasement, the purity of gold coins slipped from 23 carat (96%) to 20 carat (83%), while silver coins steadily fell from 92.5% (sterling silver) as low as 25%. That's a theft of 83% of the silver.When Elizabeth I came to power in 1558, the debasement had affected both trading relationships (foreign merchants often refused to accept English coins) and confidence in the monarchy. Elizabeth's advisors William Cecil and Thomas Gresham persuaded her that these problems could be solved with sound money. Following Gresham's advice, the government passed a law which ended the legal tender status of debased coins but also banned “good” coins from entering foreign markets. Then in 1560 Elizabeth I had all debased coinage removed from circulation, melted down and replaced with higher fineness, newly minted coins - soon to be harder-to-clip milled rather than hammer-struck coins. The crown made a tidy £50,000 from the recoinage. That's seignourage for you.if you enjoyed this article, please like, share etc - it helps a lot.Stories like this fill the pages of The Secret History of Gold (although this one didn't actually make the cut).The Secret History of Gold is available to pre-order at Amazon, Waterstones and all good bookshops. I hear the audiobook, read by me, is excellent. The book comes out on August 28.Hurry! Amazon is currently offering 20% off.Until next time,DominicBitcoin, Gold and Hidden TaxesI recorded this interview when I was in Prague earlier in the summer. I actually forgot I did it, but Archie has just released it now, so if you fancy a fireside chat, here it is: This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.theflyingfrisby.com/subscribe
NB I will put out my thoughts on the Comstock Inc (LODE.NYSE) earnings call in my mid-week commentary. A reminder: Sundays are for thought pieces, currently around gold as my book on that subject is about to come out. Midweek is for market stuff.“I'm Henry the Eighth, I am!Henry the Eighth, I am, I am!”Fred Murray and R. P. WestonHistory has given Henry VIII mixed reviews. Never mind the wife-killing, he was the king who boldly stood up to papal supremacy, paving the way for freedom, Reformation and the buccaneering spirit which marked the Tudor age. That said, I doubt Henry knew at the time what the long-term consequences of his papal stand-off would be.His Great Debasement, however, must be one of the greatest inflationary thefts by a ruler on their people in British history. Even William Pitt pales in comparison. Never speak ill of the dead and all that, but extravagant (and not in a good way), power-mad, and hypocritical are all adjectives that spring to mind about Henry VIII. Historian Simon Sebag Montefiore goes further, declaring him egotistical, paranoid and tyrannical, and listing him as one of History's 101 Monsters, alongside Vlad the Impaler and Adolf Hitler.How prosperity ended serfdomWhen Henry VIII was crowned king in 1509, the national finances were in rare good shape. His predecessor Henry VII had broken the mould of mediaeval English monarchs. Rather than wage war, he avoided it. His reign saw just one overseas conflict. He pursued marriages and alliances overseas instead. He had a formidable business brain: rather than resist economic change and new technology, he encouraged it - and then taxed it. In doing so, he built up extraordinary wealth for the Crown. He became the first English king for centuries to run a surplus. Imagine! His taxation and legislation of the nobility ended the power of the barons and, effectively, feudalism itself, while establishing the freedom of the mercantile classes to trade. England got its first blast furnace, and so began its iron industry. The wool trade blossomed, and the farming of sheep accelerated the decline of serfdom (land no longer needed working in the same way), and the country was changing to a money- rather than land-based economy. Henry VII also had new coins issued to ensure a standard currency. Weights and measures were also standardised (though not for the first nor the last time).Things however changed with his son, Henry VIII - and rapidly. One of Henry VIII's first acts, two days after his coronation, was to arrest the two men responsible for collecting his father's taxes, Sir Richard Empson and Edmund Dudley. He charged them with high treason and they were duly executed. Today's HMRC officers don't know how lucky they are.War is an expensive business, when you lose.Not a man known for his humility, he was happy to usher in the idea that kings had Divine Right, an issue that, 100 years later, would cause a civil war and the death of 200,000 people. Never mind his Great Debasement, which we will come to in a moment, the idea that a king was appointed by God and had Divine Right must be another of the greatest frauds perpetrated on a nation by its rulers. Anyone who dissented was treasonous or heretical, often executed without formal trial - or simply banished.He got involved in numerous costly and largely unsuccessful wars both on the continent and up north in Scotland. War is an expensive business when you lose. These, coupled with a personal extravagance that people are still talking about, meant he was constantly on the verge of financial ruin.To pay for it all he introduced numerous new taxes, including a tax on beards, which, given his own facial hair, has to go down as one of the ruling classes' great do-as-I-say-not-as-I-do moments. In 1523 he demanded 20% of people's income. (20% seems like a pipe dream today). He sold crown land, dissolved monasteries, and seized the assets of over 800 religious houses—land, gold, silver, everything—under the guise of reforming the church and rooting out corruption. Any money paid to Rome and the Pope was “redirected” to the royal coffers. In doing so he robbed local communities of their support systems - almshouses and so on. But still he couldn't get enough money - and so he ordered what became known as the Great Debasement. The amount of gold and silver in coins was reduced and, in some cases, replaced entirely with copper.Subscribe! Upgrade! You know you want to.Bad money drives out good - Gresham's observation which became lawIt began in 1542 with a secret indenture. Production of current coins would continue, but new coins would also be secretly minted, including the previously unsuccessful testoon, with significantly less gold and silver. The coins would be stockpiled in Westminster Palace. But in 1544, a lack of bullion arriving at the mint prompted the government into phase two of the scam and the debased coins were allowed to enter general circulation. Merchants soon discovered the new silver groats had been debased, and they began fetching a lower price. Coins of a similar value but with a higher precious metal content were hoarded and so disappeared from circulation - a classic case of bad money driving out good, as Gresham's Law goes. Not only a classic case - the actual case which made Thomas Gresham articulate his law in the first place. The king's testoons were copper coins with a thin layer of silver on top, not unlike Diocletian's denarii. Over time the silver would wear off, especially around the nose on Henry's face on the coin, which protruded a little and so wore away quicker, exposing the copper underneath. So did Henry VIII get the nickname Old Coppernose.If you are interested in buying gold and silver coins which haven't been debased, as always I recommend The Pure Gold Company. Pricing is competitive, quality of service is high. They deliver to the UK, the US, Canada and Europe or you can store your gold with them. More here.The debasement continued after Henry VIII's death in 1547, and was eventually revoked by his successor Edward VI in 1551. Over the course of the seven year debasement, the purity of gold coins slipped from 23 carat (96%) to 20 carat (83%), while silver coins steadily fell from 92.5% (sterling silver) as low as 25%. That's a theft of 83% of the silver.When Elizabeth I came to power in 1558, the debasement had affected both trading relationships (foreign merchants often refused to accept English coins) and confidence in the monarchy. Elizabeth's advisors William Cecil and Thomas Gresham persuaded her that these problems could be solved with sound money. Following Gresham's advice, the government passed a law which ended the legal tender status of debased coins but also banned “good” coins from entering foreign markets. Then in 1560 Elizabeth I had all debased coinage removed from circulation, melted down and replaced with higher fineness, newly minted coins - soon to be harder-to-clip milled rather than hammer-struck coins. The crown made a tidy £50,000 from the recoinage. That's seignourage for you.if you enjoyed this article, please like, share etc - it helps a lot.Stories like this fill the pages of The Secret History of Gold (although this one didn't actually make the cut).The Secret History of Gold is available to pre-order at Amazon, Waterstones and all good bookshops. I hear the audiobook, read by me, is excellent. The book comes out on August 28.Hurry! Amazon is currently offering 20% off.Until next time,DominicBitcoin, Gold and Hidden TaxesI recorded this interview when I was in Prague earlier in the summer. I actually forgot I did it, but Archie has just released it now, so if you fancy a fireside chat, here it is: This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.theflyingfrisby.com/subscribe
In today's episode, Brian sits down to chat with Freddie New, the co-founder of Bitcoin Policy UK. The topic of Bitcoin in the UK is a taboo, which is why it is important we have more open discussions like this and help educate as many people as possible.Freddie is a corporate lawyer by training, however he has industry expertise in submissions to HM Treasury, the FCA, HMRC and to Parliamentary committees, so as far as I am concerned- he has some things worth saying.To find out more about Freddie, and Bitcoin Policy UK, follow the links below:X - https://x.com/freddienewWebsite - https://bitcoinpolicy.uk/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week's book guest is Human Rites by Juno Dawson.Sara and Cariad are joined by best selling author, Juno Dawson.In this episode they discuss Dawson's Creek, Sex and the City, Buffy, Doctor Who and Howard's dreadlocks.Thank you for reading with us. We like reading with you!Human Rites and the other books in the HMRC trilogy are available to buy here.Tickets for Sara's tour show I Am A Strange Gloop are available to buy from sarapascoe.co.ukCariad's children's book Where Did She Go? is available to buy now.Follow Sara & Cariad's Weirdos Book Club on Instagram @saraandcariadsweirdosbookclub and Twitter @weirdosbookclub Recorded and edited by Aniya Das for Plosive.Artwork by Welcome Studio. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Hello, and welcome to episode 179 of the Financial Crime Weekly Podcast, I am Chris Kirkbride. In this episode, we delve into developments across the globe, starting with US sanctions targeting Iranian networks for financial evasion and domestic repression, entities involved in violence and illegal mining in Eastern Congo, and the ongoing saga of a seized Russian superyacht. We also cover legislative efforts in the US to combat money laundering in the art market through the proposed Art Market Integrity Act, and explore how the European Banking Authority is leveraging SupTech to strengthen anti-money laundering supervision. Additionally, we examine Germany's shortcomings in implementing anti-corruption measures, a landmark corporate prosecution by HMRC under tax evasion laws, and critical updates on cybersecurity challenges, including enhanced measures by the US Judiciary and concerns over the UK's outdated training system.A transcript of this podcast, with links to the stories, will be available at www.crimes.financial.
Daily life depends US-based cloud computing. What happens if Trump decides to use it as a weapon against his enemies, as he does with tariffs? Just three American firms – Google, Amazon, and Microsoft – control around two-thirds of Europe's cloud infrastructure including the UK's Home Office, HMRC, Department for Work and Pensions, and MoD. Could Trump order his cowed techbro allies to simply cut us off? And is anyone preparing for moment when America could hold us to digital ransom? Kieron O'Hara – computer scientist, philosopher and co-author with Wendy Hall of Four Internets – talks to Andrew Harrison. • Buy Four Internets through our affiliate bookshop and you'll help fund The Bunker by earning us a small commission for every sale. Bookshop.org's fees help support independent bookshops too. • Support us on Patreon for early episodes and more. • We are sponsored by Indeed. Go to indeed.com/bunker to get your £100 sponsored credit. • Advertisers! Want to reach smart, engaged, influential people with money to spend? (Yes, they do exist). Some 3.5 MILLION people download and watch our podcasts every month – and they love our shows. Why not get YOUR brand in front of our influential listeners with podcast advertising? Contact ads@podmasters.co.uk to find out more. Written and presented by Andrew Harrison. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Art by Jim Parrett. Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production www.podmasters.co.uk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
They say the only things certain in life are death and taxes… Well, today we want to talk about taxes! With HMRC ‘making Tax Digital' they claim it will make life easier by splitting and spreading the admin across the year rather than one final rush to submit a tax return. It's the biggest change since HMRC launched Self Assessment more than 30 years ago - but will it actually make life easier or will it mean more struggles for hardworking tradespeople? We were joined by Craig Ogilvie - Director of Making Tax Digital at HMRC and Jon Graham from JG Decorator to discuss the issues! Plus there's also the pub lunch quiz for your chance to grab yourself 6 points, and you'll hear the very best messages we received - Enjoy. Catch Clive On Fix Radio Monday - Thursday 12 PM - 3 PM Across The UK On DAB Radio And Online At https://www.fixradio.co.uk/
Mark Morton explores recent draft legislation and HMRC's evolving role in public service. He reflects on the frustrations of digital tax systems, delays in repayments, and the long-delayed rollout of Making Tax Digital, raising concerns about the effectiveness of transformation efforts and their impact on taxpayers.For more information on this topic and more, please visit www.mercia-group.com for further details.
July was a busy month for HMRC as it published its annual accounts and report for 2024/25, along with its transformation roadmap and draft legislation for Finance Bill 2025/26. In this episode of The Tax Track we look at the challenges HMRC faces, from improving its services to taxpayers and agents to closing the tax gap; its plans for new and improved digital services; and the possible implications of the proposed changes for agents in particular as MTD and agent registration begin to take effect.LinksHMRC continues to miss performance targets https://www.icaew.com/insights/tax-news/2025/jul-2025/hmrc-continues-to-miss-performance-targetsTax gap falls slightly as a percentage of tax liabilities https://www.icaew.com/insights/tax-news/2025/jun-2025/tax-gap-falls-slightly-as-a-percentage-of-tax-liabilities HMRC promises new digital solutions for taxpayers and agents https://www.icaew.com/insights/tax-news/2025/jul-2025/hmrc-promises-new-digital-solutions-for-taxpayers-and-agents Have your say on draft Finance Bill legislation https://www.icaew.com/insights/tax-news/2025/jul-2025/have-your-say-on-draft-finance-bill-legislationICAEW reiterates concerns about MTD threshold reductionhttps://www.icaew.com/insights/tax-news/2025/jul-2025/icaew-reiterates-concerns-about-mtd-threshold-reductionPanellistsStephen Relf, Technical Manager, Tax, ICAEWFrank Haskew, Head of Taxation Strategy, ICAEWLindsey Wicks, Senior Technical Manager, Tax Policy, ICAEWProducer: Ed AdamsEpisode recorded 24 July 2025Episode published 1 August 2025
Kristina Novak (Principal in PwC's US National Tax Services Transfer Pricing Practice) is joined by James Andrews (PwC UK Tax Partner and UK Transfer Pricing Leader), Sonia Watson (Transfer Pricing Partner at PwC UK), and Sara Harris (Director at PwC UK and former HMRC TP Policy Team Leader). Kristina and her guests discuss the UK government's proposed reforms to transfer pricing, permanent establishments, and the Diverted Profits Tax. They outline HMRC's expanding audit activity, the new UK transfer pricing (TP) documentation rules effective from April 2023, and the critical implications for penalty exposure and statute of limitations. The conversation covers two current consultations: one aimed at reforming the rules governing transfer pricing, permanent establishment, and Diverted Profits Tax, including the removal of UK-UK TP requirements and changes to financial transactions; and a second introducing the International Controlled Transactions Schedule reporting requirement and narrowing SME exemptions. The episode closes with advice on documentation best practices, evidence expectations, and why governance, not just documentation, defines TP risk posture today.Support the show
HMRC are warning people to be vigilant against scammers at this time of year, as bogus messages are being sent to thousands of people across the UK about winter fuel payments. Hywel Davies has been finding out how you can stay safe online. Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB' written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio' is written in black in a smaller font.
Drilling for oil in the North Sea raised legal questions about corporation tax deductions. https://uklawweekly.substack.com/subscribe Music from bensound.com
Comedians Nathan Parish & Kd Comedian are back for another episode of Squishy Logic...everybody say happy birthday to Mr Nath1!Today we talk about the Heene family's "balloon Boy" incident & try to decide if it was real or a hoax, we have videos, pictures, all the receipts baby, let us know in the comments what you think. Plus we also talk about the death of Hulk Hogan, more Epstein file revelations, the death of Ozzy Osbourne, HMRC totally screwing Nathan, Dexter Resurrection, Fantasic Four, Superman plus much more. All the while we have a smoke & try to celebrate Nath1s birthday. So stop being butt munchers, come get Squishy with us!Basic Timecodes:00:00 Intro chatter12:00 Fantastic Four, Marvel & Superman26:02 Nathans manic car issues33:10 Dexter Resurrection41:20 Main Topic: The Balloon Boy Hoax?01:19:20 Death of Hulk Hogan01:34:00 Comedians on the world of comedy (Brendan Schaub, Joe Rogan, local comedy scene & more)plus much more in between and afterdrop us a like a follow or subscribe to Kd Comedian on YouTube, Rumble or wherever you get your podcasts from
The UK has moved to a residency-based tax system, and the rules aren't just complex, they're strict. Whether you're planning to return home full-time or just thinking about splitting your time between the US and the UK, this episode is essential listening.Richard Taylor is joined by listener favourite and raconteur Aidan Grant – a partner in the tax and trust estate team at Collyer Bristow. Aidan and Richard explore:· How the UK's Statutory Residency Test (SRT) works (and how easy it is to trip over it)· The four key ties HMRC uses to determine how many days you can spend in the UK· Why pre-arrival tax planning is still critical, even under the new system· What happens if you inadvertently trigger UK tax residency· When and how to claim split year treatment or treaty relief· The four-year ‘foreign income and gains' regime, and how to use it strategically· Why staying under the threshold in early years can protect you from UK inheritance tax down the lineIf you're a Brit in America considering a return home, or even just thinking of spending part of the year working in the UK, this episode could save you a lot of money, time, and stress.To get more insights like this direct to your inbox, sign up at www.planfirstwealth.comWe're the Brits in America is affiliated with Plan First Wealth LLC, an SEC registered investment advisor. The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Plan First Wealth. Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed. Be sure to first consult with a qualified financial adviser and/or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed herein. Plan First Wealth does not provide any tax and/or legal advice and strongly recommends that listeners seek their own advice in these areas.
Simon answers the tricky "Do we have to complete five tax returns?" question that's hanging over the Making Tax Digital changes coming next year. This podcast is produced in association with PaTMa (https://www.patma.co.uk/), the leading application for self managing landlords who want to save time and stay compliant. Easily track properties, tenancies, tenants, repairs, rent, mortgage payments and safety certificates. Get your FREE account today (https://www.patma.co.uk/). Episode links: * Who Moved My Cheese? (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Who_Moved_My_Cheese%3F). * HMRC software list for Making Tax Digital for Income Tax (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/find-software-thats-compatible-with-making-tax-digital-for-income-tax). * Making Tax Digital at PaTMa (https://www.patma.co.uk/property-manager/solutions/mtd-making-tax-digital/). * Get your free weekly property market stats from PaTMa (https://www.patma.co.uk/property-market-updates/). * Find us on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRfrbvIJfodFK8tikisCjVw) or LinkedIn: Simon (https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonpither/). Subscribe to The Business of Property podcast on Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/73chI0Nqi9eRFUM7tkHc6r), Apple (https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-business-of-property/id1495635728), and all podcast platforms (https://www.thebusinessofproperty.com/subscribe). Please leave a rating and review if you're enjoying the show.
Online Darts Double Trouble with Chris Mason | Episode 2 | The Highs and Lows of Ranking Money "You earn all this money, but obviously you don't get all that money you see them, you know, that they're earning even with the greatest accountant in the world you get flogged by the HMRC and then you get mortgages and you buy a nice house and you get a bigger car and then all of a sudden, ooh, how am I gonna pay for all of this"
Collect unlimited free verifiable CPD for UK Dentists here >>> https://www.dentistswhoinvest.com/video/1———————————————————————Navigating the seismic shift in UK tax reporting that is about to impact dental professionals across the country. Making Tax Digital (MTD) represents one of the most significant changes to self-assessment in decades, yet many dentists remain unaware of what is coming or how it will affect their practice finances.From April 2026, self-employed dental professionals with income exceeding £50,000 will need to abandon paper records and begin making quarterly digital submissions to HMRC through compatible software platforms. But the devil truly is in the details. While some practitioners will be immediately captured by these new requirements, those operating through limited companies may find themselves temporarily shielded, provided they do not have significant additional income streams.We break down exactly who will be affected and when, explaining how the threshold will progressively decrease from £50,000 in 2026 to £30,000 in 2027 and eventually £20,000 in 2028. The distinction between different income sources proves critical, with dividends notably excluded from threshold calculations while property income must be counted alongside self-employed earnings. For those with multiple income streams, the administrative burden increases substantially, potentially requiring eight separate quarterly submissions annually rather than the current single return.Practical preparation steps are essential, from establishing dedicated business bank accounts to exploring MTD compatible software solutions. Despite the challenges, there are potential benefits too, including more regular visibility of your financial position and tax liabilities throughout the year. Whether this affects you immediately or in subsequent years as thresholds decrease, understanding these changes now will prevent unnecessary stress as implementation deadlines approach.Click the link in our description to access the free verifiable CPD associated with this episode. Complete the questionnaire, add your reflections, and we will email your certificate to contribute to your CPD hours for this learning cycle.———————————————————————Disclaimer: All content on this channel is for education purposes only and does not constitute an investment recommendation or individual financial advice. For that, you should speak to a regulated, independent professional. The value of investments and the income from them can go down as well as up, so you may get back less than you invest. The views expressed on this channel may no longer be current. The information provided is not a personal recommendation for any particular investment. Tax treatment depends on individual circumstances and all tax rules may change in the future. If you are unsure about the suitability of an investment, you should speak to a regulated, independent professional. Investment figures quoted refer to simulated past performance and that past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results/performance.Send us a text
In this week's AJ Bell Money and Markets podcast, Charlene Young and Danni Hewson dive into the latest financial news, from Trump's latest tariff manoeuvres [02:00] to Elon Musk's surprise announcement of a new US political party and what that could mean for Tesla [08:47]. They explore how markets are responding to these unpredictable headlines, including the impact on copper prices [06:00] and the so-called "TACO trade." Back in the UK, there have been some big developments affecting housebuilders [12:57], an underwhelming preview from Shell [14:58], and pressure mounting on the government's finances [17:39] — particularly the ballooning cost of the State Pension triple lock. The episode also sheds light on a worrying HMRC issue: over 600,000 people have been fined for not filing tax returns despite owing no tax [21:31]. Later in the show, Shares magazine's Tom Sieber spotlights his investment trust dividend heroes [24:51], and James Flintoft joins Danni to analyse AJ Bell fund performance in Q2 and what may shape markets in the second half of 2025 [29:13].
HMRC are making sure that young people have all the things they need to be ‘summer-job ready'. Hywel Davies has been hearing about the new features in the accessible HMRC app.
As the current series of The Tax Factor draws to a close, Nimesh Shah and Heather Self serve up a final episode looking back over the last 12 months. From the arrival of a new Labour government to the twists and turns of the Chancellor’s fiscal manoeuvrings, it’s been a year of tax drama, policy pivots, and HMRC under the microscope. There’s a sense of déjà vu as we head into the summer break - more questions than answers, and a tax landscape still in flux. Plus, in honour of Wimbledon week, we can’t resist a final rally with the VAT query of the season: the M&S strawberries and cream sandwich.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week on The Tax Factor Neil Insull and Suzanne Briggs look at Reform’s controversial proposal for a 'Britannia Card' that would let wealthy foreigners pay a £250k fee to move to the UK and live exempt from all tax, and a significant rise in HMRC investigations into high earners, signalling a more aggressive compliance strategy. Elsewhere, the tax gap among SMEs is growing - what’s causing it, and how might it be closed? Plus, in estate planning news, Glastonbury founder Michael Eavis may have struck the right chord with tax planning that could legally bypass £80 million in inheritance tax. And finally, as Wimbledon serves up bigger prize pots, Neil and Suzanne reveal how it’s also serving HMRC a bigger slice of the winnings.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We've managed to cobble together another themed Q&A episode, this week dealing with questions around Inheritance Tax, Trusts and Care planning. Lots for Roger and Pete to get stuck into! Shownotes: https://meaningfulmoney.tv/QA18 00:48 Question 1 Hi Pete, Hi Rog, Thanks for your ongoing work on the Podcast, I've been listening for many years and have learned a great deal from you both. Keep up the good work! My question is in relation to trusts. My parents, both aged 70, have recently got round to updating their wills, putting POA in place for finance and health and have been in discussion with a solicitor about putting a trust in place, primarily to safeguard their assets from being used up in the event of them having to go into care in later life. At present I believe their estate to be approximately £600,000 including their house which I would imagine is worth approximately £250,000. The rest is made up of savings. I don't believe their estate would be subject to inheritance tax so I don't believe this is the reason for setting up a trust. I have listened back to your previous episodes on trusts but I was wondering, firstly whether much has changed since these podcasts in relation to the general setting up and management of a trust? Secondly I wondered if you could explain the negatives to my parents putting the majority of their assets into trust, namely are there any ongoing fees, can my parents take assets out of the trust should they need to and what are the tax implications for the beneficiaries when my parents pass away? Would any of these things change in the period where only one of them has passed away? I appreciate this is a huge topic and you may not be able to address all of these queries but it appears they have been advised of the positive parts of this process but I would like to ensure we are aware of the potential pitfalls. Thanks once again! Jon 11:10 Question 2 Hi Pete and Roger, Still loving the show and I'm enjoying the current variation in format - keep up the fantastic work! My question relates to estate planning: My wife and I own our home (mortgage free) 50/50 as tenants in common. We have up-to-date wills, LPAs, expressions of wishes and "Dead Files" set up. Each half of the house will be left to our daughter as and when, with the appropriate "right to reside" wording in place for the remaining partner. We are both in our late fifties, so hopefully not needed for many years yet. The IHT side is fine as it's just numbers - allowances and values etc. What I can't quite get my head around is any potential CGT liability for our daughter following the second death. Not so much for the financial impact, as she is already comfortable in her own right (with my and - via the podcast - your encouragement over the years) and will inherit further monies when we pass, but more from a planning perspective. I have looked online and disappeared down several rabbit holes, but from what I can gather although she inherits half the house on the first death, essentially because the surviving partner continues to live in it and therefore any actual money can't be realised, CGT is only calculated from the date of the second death (assuming she sells the house at that point). Is this correct, or will her CGT liability on half of the value start on the first death and be based on (half of) the house valuation at that time, as obtained for that probate? Maybe I'm taking the planning a little too far, but I like to be prepared. These circumstances will be more and more relevant to families over time, I'm sure. Your usual wisdom and common-sense views would be very much appreciated (even if the answer is "...it depends!"). Thank you again for the information and humour the two of you provide each week - long may you continue! Best wishes, Glen 16:11 Question 3 Hi guys Thank you both for a great podcast, big shout-out to Rog because he gets missed off sometimes in these testimonials – genuinely wish I had found this podcast years ago. Have made so many past mistakes but now correcting them one by one! I have a question about care costs which I hope you could answer. My mum is suffering from late stage dementia and my dad who is her 24/7 carer is struggling to cope (they are both 80yo). I have PoA for my mum and am trying to involve myself more in her care plan going forwards. Care (in the home initially) is going to be required and I was wondering how this is paid for. My parents worked hard and have reasonably large savings and investments in both their individual names and in joint names and the extent of these means they would have to pay for care. What we are not clear on is whether money or investments in my mum's name would ONLY be used to pay for her care or whether jointly held money or investments would be used or whether anything in my father's name would also be used to pay for care? I've tried to find the answer to this online but cannot find a clear answer so remain confused! Also are there things that we should be doing to manage this better – end of life planning, trusts etc etc? My dad worked incredibly hard to provide something to his grandchildren and he is actively putting off getting help and harming himself for fear that he won't be able to pass something down to his grandchildren – this is incredibly sad and feels cruel. Any advice that you could give would be much appreciated. Keep up the great work David R 23:30 Question 4 Hello Pete & Roger, Firstly I want to say thank you so much for all the work you do to teach all us mere mortals how to navigate the world of personal finance. I have a question: Everyone talks about merging finances with a partner and then having children. I am in my mid 40s and my children are early 20s. I have a partner and I hope to move in with him one day (he has no children) I might move in with one of mine. How do I protect what I currently have and ensure that goes to my boys? He has considerably more than I do and I don't expect him to support or pass anything on to my boys. I understand I don't want to do a mirror will but would I do a “prenup”? We aren't getting married. Is there a cut off point “moving in day” where everything after that is split 50/50 with the new partners? Or am I over thinking this? I have been through one divorce and don't want to again but I do want to protect what is mine for the sake of my boys. Any advice would be very welcome. Thank you and keep up the AMAZING work. Kind regards, Carla. 28:56 Question 5 Hi Pete, Roger, Nick, Ruth and everyone else in your fantastic team. I have a few questions around a niche scenario that I can't find answers to online. I'm hoping you can point me in the right direction. My parents-in-law were convinced to transfer their home into an asset protection trust in the past before I met them (more than 10 years ago, as I think that's relevant). They were told it would help avoid having to pay care costs. They now know this was never going to be suitable for them, and are looking to mitigate the damage. I suspect the names McLures Solicitors, Jones Whyte, Andrey Robertson and Cynthia Duff might be depressingly familiar to you. The ownership of the house was changed to tenants in common, and each of them transferred their half of the house to a separate trust. So there was the Mr M trust and the Mrs M trust. The trusts were set up such that Mr M and 2 financial advisers were the trustees of the Mr M trust; Mrs M and the 2 financial advisers were the trustees of the Mrs M trust. The trust deed gave the settlors the right to add or remove trustees during their lives. When I started to look at this, I felt there were 3 stages to resolve this: 1. Change the trustees to a more sensible arrangement. 2. Update the land registry with the correct trustees. 3. Decide whether to end the trusts. I knew the first 2 steps were going to need a solicitor, who my parents-in-law found. However, the first 2 stages have now been resolved. So, they're now looking at the final stage - deciding whether to end the trusts. It's clear their current solicitor isn't going to be right for them for this part. I think the disadvantages to leaving the trusts in place are: - If either of them need care in the future, I don't think the trusts will make any difference in the local authority's means assessment. - The property is likely unmortgageable if they should need any kind of equity release in the future, for example to pay for care. - Neither trust has been registered with HMRC due to the original solicitors ceasing trading. There might therefore be a tax charge/penalty charge, and an obligation to file periodic tax returns for the trusts. Their preference is to wind up the trusts, but are there any pros to leaving them in place? And are there any cons I haven't thought of already? Knowing that "should" is a dirty word in financial advice, I'm trying to find out whether ending the trusts might have any drawbacks or tax liability. My understanding is that they each transferred their share of the property to the trust when the house was valued at £X. If the trusts are ended, they'll receive the property back at a value of £Y. My questions are: - Is there any tax liability, based on the difference in property value between £X and £Y? - Could they be entitled to any tax reliefs based on their circumstances? - Are there any other drawbacks you can think of that we might not have considered? I know you can only give general information and guidance, but I couldn't work out an answer to this myself. I couldn't even work out which type of professional they should speak to - a solicitor, accountant or financial adviser. I'd be really grateful if you could point us in the direction to get some personalised help. Many thanks, Mathew 33:55 Question 6 Hi Pete, Roger, As a long-time listener and viewer of your channel, I appreciate your insights on keeping costs low, investing in global funds, ensuring tax efficiency, and the benefits of long-term investing. My wife and I have recently become a grand-aunt and grand-uncle. Rather than giving the usual presents, we'd like to do something more practical by investing regularly (£100/month) for our grandniece—after all, there's no better time to start long-term investing than from birth. Likewise, we're comfortable investing 100% in equities, given the long time horizon. On the surface, I suspect you'd recommend a Junior SIPP or a Junior ISA. However, the challenge is that she (and her parents) are French citizens, living in France and paying taxes there. While I appreciate that you focus on UK matters, are you able to provide any pointers on how we could invest in a low-cost global fund for her under these circumstances? Many thanks for your time and any guidance you can offer. John
Bullied almost every day as a shy, small-built expat kid in London, Ash quickly realized that survival wasn't about being the loudest in the room, it was about finding your people. The lack of connection in those early years made one thing painfully clear: community isn't a luxury, it's oxygen. Ash powered through adversity, earning degrees from MIT and Oxford, not just collecting certificates, but building a mind sharpened by code and a heart tuned to human behavior. He went on to lead major tech projects for the BBC, HMRC, and the UK Government, impacting millions of lives — but something was missing. That "something" became Odd Circles, his bold answer to a quiet crisis: coaches, mentors, and solo experts stuck in isolation, overbooked and underpaid, struggling to grow in a world demanding scale. With Odd Circles, Ash built more than a SaaS platform — he built a movement, helping coaches turn one-way content into two-way conversations, followers into paying members, and burnout into belonging. Today, thousands of creators and experts use Odd Circles to build communities that 3x their income, but more importantly, they build circles where no one feels like the odd one out. Key Moments [03:52] "School Fest Drama Breakthrough" [08:29] Corporate Travel Burnout Reflection [13:11] Entrepreneurs: Unique Journeys and Wins [14:15] Founder with User-Centric Approach Find Ash Online https://www.linkedin.com/in/ash-l-odd-circles/https://www.oddcircles.com/ If you're enjoying Entrepreneur's Enigma, please give me a review on the podcast directory of your choice. The show is on all of them and these reviews really help others find the show. iTunes: https://gmwd.us/itunes Podchaser: https://gmwd.us/podchaser TrueFans: https://gmwd.us/truefans Also, if you're getting value from the show and want to buy me a coffee, go to the show notes to get the link to get me a coffee to keep me awake, while I work on bringing you more great episodes to your ears. → https://gmwd.us/buy-me-a-coffee or support me on TrueFans.fm → https://gmwd.us/truefans. Follow Seth Online: Seth | Digital Marketer (@s3th.me) Seth Goldstein | LinkedIn: LinkedIn.com/in/sethmgoldstein Seth On Mastodon: https://indieweb.social/@phillycodehound Seth's Marketing Junto Newsletter: https://MarketingJunto.com Leave The Show A Voicemail: https://voiceline.app/ee Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, Jim Lee (Global Head of Capacity Building, Chainalysis) sits down with Richard Las (Chief Investigation Officer, Director Fraud Investigation Service, HM Revenue & Customs) to discuss cutting-edge developments in tax fraud investigations. Richard shares his experience in managing a multi-faceted team and emphasizes the importance of international collaborations in combating financial crime, while sharing HMRC's approach to tax compliance, the impact of technological advancements in investigation and the role of public-private partnerships in reinforcing global financial security. The episode highlights the use of intelligence-led investigations, showcasing how data and private sector partnerships augment HMRC's efforts and how strategic data analysis aids in the fight against tax evasion, particularly with regard to burgeoning areas like crypto assets. Minute-by-minute episode breakdown 2 | Richard Las' background and his role at HMRC 4 | HMRC's fraud investigation service and capabilities 7 | Tax obligations for crypto holders in the UK 10 | Civil vs criminal tax offenses in undisclosed crypto gains 12 | International cooperation against tax evasion 15 | Public Private Partnerships and leveraging crypto service providers Related resources Check out more resources provided by Chainalysis that perfectly complement this episode of the Public Key. Website: HMRC: UK's tax, payments and customs authority Report: HMRC Internal Manual: Cryptoassets Manual Guidance: 01Jan2026: New data collection and reporting requirements for UK Cryptoasset Services Forum: HMRC Community Forums - Crypto Tax (BETA) Blog: Huione Carries On: Chinese-Language Platform's Persistence Reveals the Complexity of On-chain Financial Crime Disruption Announcement: Chainalysis and Aptos Foundation Partner to Increase Trust and Security YouTube: Chainalysis YouTube page Twitter: Chainalysis Twitter: Building trust in blockchain Speakers on today's episode Jim Lee *host* (Global Head of Capacity Building, Chainalysis) Richard Las (Chief Investigation Officer, Director Fraud Investigation Service, HM Revenue & Customs) This website may contain links to third-party sites that are not under the control of Chainalysis, Inc. or its affiliates (collectively “Chainalysis”). Access to such information does not imply association with, endorsement of, approval of, or recommendation by Chainalysis of the site or its operators, and Chainalysis is not responsible for the products, services, or other content hosted therein. Our podcasts are for informational purposes only, and are not intended to provide legal, tax, financial, or investment advice. Listeners should consult their own advisors before making these types of decisions. Chainalysis has no responsibility or liability for any decision made or any other acts or omissions in connection with your use of this material. Chainalysis does not guarantee or warrant the accuracy, completeness, timeliness, suitability or validity of the information in any particular podcast and will not be responsible for any claim attributable to errors, omissions, or other inaccuracies of any part of such material. Unless stated otherwise, reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Chainalysis. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by Chainalysis employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the views of the company.
This week on The Tax Factor Rehana Earle and Ele Theochari look at possible U-turns on the non-dom regime, with Rachel Reeves reportedly reconsidering inheritance tax on global assets amid City concerns. They also discuss the High Court ruling that allows VAT on private school fees, rising tax receipts including a 14% hike in IHT, and a delayed Tax Freedom Day as fiscal drag bites. Plus, we revisit Making Tax Digital, with new guidance ahead of the rollout is HMRC going to be helpful to tax payers and agents around the new tax reporting framework?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The show starts unpacking the latest results from equipment hire company Ashtead (AHT). Mark Robinson analyses the outlook for US construction spending, the company's sensitivity to tariffs and its valuation. It's then on to Ashtead's smaller rival Speedy Hire (SDY), which is closing some of its depots due to rising staff costs. Listen to find out everything investors need to know. Next up is one of the IC's Ideas of the Year, which are putting in a strong performance again in 2025. Pensions consultancy XPS Pensions (XPS) reported full-year figures earlier this week – Julian Hofmann asks if its booming business can continue.Lastly, our Big Read on the medical technology sector. Mark Robinson covers the issues facing the industry, the options for investors and a potential tariff winner.Timestamps 1:50 Ashtead9:20 Speedy Hire18:29 XPS Pensions27:36 MedtechRead more on these topics:Ashtead stymied by falling used equipment salesSpeedy Hire attempts to boost efficiencies as HMRC loads costsThe cutting-edge medtech stocks worth owningListen to more podcasts from Investors' Chronicle on Apple, Spotify and YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The fight against what is called push payment fraud - when victims are groomed and manipulated into transferring money to criminals - took a huge step forward in October when new regulations for banks and other finance companies were introduced to make the banks involved liable for the losses. It was the result of years of campaigning which Money Box has reported on from the very beginning. Now the first set of figures since then shows it is working better, but still not perfect. We'll hear from David Geale the Chief Executive of the Payment Systems Regulator.This week, some of Britain's biggest pension funds have pledged to invest more of the money they look after into UK assets. Seventeen major workplace pension providers have signed the Mansion House Accord, a voluntary initiative which commits them to invest at least 10% of the pension funds into what it calls 'private markets' with half of that invested in the UK. The Treasury says this commitment will drive more investment into infrastructure and businesses, while driving higher returns for savers and reducing risk through diversified asset holdings. We'll speak to the Chief Executive of The People's Pension which is the UK's largest workplace pension fund.If you get child benefit for a child aged 16 or over it will stop on 31 August unless you tell HMRC to continue paying it. What do you need to know?And are we becoming too reliant on digital banking when we should all have some cash for emergencies?Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporters: Dan Whitworth, Eimear Devlin and Catherine Lund Researcher: Jo Krasner Editor: Jess Quayle(First broadcast 12pm Saturday 17th May 2025)
In this insightful and highly practical conversation, Jeannette Linfoot welcomes back Chris Wilkins, an esteemed accountant and tax expert from Wilkins Southworth. Chris delves into his fascinating journey into the world of tax, from childhood inspiration to navigating complex international finance deals. The episode explores the significant "brain drain" of high-net-worth individuals from the UK due to recent tax policy changes, discussing the economic repercussions and the critical need for up-to-date tax advice. Chris provides invaluable guidance for various financial situations: from tax-efficient strategies for startup entrepreneurs (including VAT and partnership structures) to optimizing tax for multiple business owners. He unpacks the evolving landscape of property investing in the UK, detailing the impact of Section 24 and changes affecting furnished holiday lets. A crucial segment addresses the tax implications for unmarried couples versus married couples, particularly concerning capital gains and inheritance tax, and the often-overlooked necessity of updating wills upon marriage. Finally, Chris offers vital advice for those nearing retirement, highlighting recent pension and business inheritance tax changes that could dramatically affect legacy planning. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to understand and optimize their financial position in a constantly shifting tax environment. Top Takeaways Accountancy is a dynamic field, not just "men in grey suits." Staying current with tax legislation is crucial for effective advice. The UK is experiencing a "brain drain" of high-net-worth individuals. Changes to domicile rules are driving an exodus of taxpayers. Losing high earners impacts social services and the average person. The Laffer Curve illustrates optimal tax rates for revenue. Startup entrepreneurs can use VAT thresholds for competitive pricing. Partnerships can optimize income tax by splitting profits. Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs) offer protection and tax benefits. Tax planning must align with legal entity structure. HMRC scrutinizes property incorporation schemes. Section 24 (Tenant Tax) significantly impacts buy-to-let landlords. Furnished Holiday Lettings tax rules have become less generous. Unmarried couples face distinct capital gains and inheritance tax challenges. Marriage invalidates previous wills in the UK. Pension inheritance tax rules have changed, impacting legacy planning. Proactive tax planning is essential to avoid detrimental surprises. "To know and not to do is to not know." "People who fail to plan, plan to fail." Sound Bites "Life started from a tax point of view when my mum... went to see her accountant." "The image of accountancy is that it's like men in grey suits and... it's quite boring but it's not at all." "You gotta keep on reading about tax and learning about it." "There seems to be a bit of an exodus from the UK right now." "If the 1% the top 1% go, who's gonna pay the tax?" "You just gotta kind of block out the noise and just keep your eyes focused on whatever it is that you want." "I'm going in there to collect as much as I possibly can." "It's a very YouTube idea, I love it." "Recovery is very important in our sport." "Come as you are, leave as more." "Your struggles are not your limitations." "Bravery is speaking truth to power." "Don't just climb the ladder, create an elevator." "Embracing failure is a powerful gift." "Your will wouldn't have said I leave X to my spouse, 'cause you weren't married before. But now you are." "To know and not to do is to not know." "People who fail to plan, plan to fail." Chapters 00:00 – Welcome Back Chris Wilkins! 00:37 – Chris's Journey into Accountancy 02:30 – The Dynamic Reality of Accountancy 04:40 – The UK "Brain Drain" 07:49 – Economic Repercussions 14:33 – Tax Strategies for Startup Entrepreneurs 19:40 – Evolving Business Structures 23:26 – Optimizing for Multiple Businesses 25:58 – Property Ownership & Capital Gains Tax Changes 28:42 – The "Guest House" Case Study 32:40 – The Value of Comprehensive Tax Advice 35:00 – Property Investing Today 43:18 – Tax Implications for Unmarried Couples 46:36 – The Critical Importance of Wills 48:48 – Tax Planning for Retirement 51:51 – Final Thoughts: Plan to Succeed About the Host Jeannette Linfoot is a highly regarded senior executive, property investor, board advisor, and business mentor with over 30 years of global experience across travel, leisure, hospitality, and property sectors. Known for her down-to-earth leadership style, Jeannette champions diversity and inclusion and is passionate about nurturing talent to help others reach their full potential. She hosts Brave Bold Brilliant to inspire and equip leaders to drive impactful change. [Follow Jeannette Linfoot] Website: https://brave-bold-brilliant.com/ LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/jeannettelinfoot YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@braveboldbrilliant Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeannette.linfoot/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeannette.linfooti/ Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/brave-bold-brilliant-podcast/id1524278970 About the Guest – Chris Wilkins Chris Wilkins is an experienced accountant and tax expert, serving as a key figure at Wilkins Southworth. With a career spanning decades, Chris has navigated complex financial landscapes, from his early days inspired by a traditional accountant to advising on international deals and helping clients optimize their tax positions. He is known for his ability to simplify complex tax legislation, provide strategic advice tailored to individual circumstances, and help businesses and individuals protect and grow their wealth. Chris is a strong advocate for proactive tax planning and staying current with ever-evolving financial regulations.
This week on The Tax Factor, Ola Adigun and Robert Salter ask where the money might come from to fund the major Government spending pledges we've been hearing about. With little room for manoeuvre, Robert suggests the Chancellor may revisit measures such as fuel duty, car benefits, and road tax and could there be a U-turn on previous manifesto commitments? Meanwhile, HMRC continues to battle poor public perception. Will the new outsourcing plans improve customer service, or just add to the frustration? And in a less-than-rhythmic move, HMRC wins a tribunal ruling to impose VAT on personal dance tuition - a decision that could have broader implications for education providers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Morse code transcription: vvv vvv Winter fuel payment U turn in place this year, says chancellor A ha star Morten Harket diagnosed with Parkinsons disease 200 year old condom displayed in Amsterdam museum Are the surprise airfield attacks a turning point for Ukraine Musk turns on Republicans and gives Trumps bill a harder path Scammers stole 47m from HMRC in phishing attack Madeleine McCann Diggers brought in to help with search in Portugal Trump speaks with Putin about Ukraine and Iran Body found in search for stag party Scot missing in Portugal Free school meal rule change to make 500,000 more pupils eligible
Morse code transcription: vvv vvv Musk turns on Republicans and gives Trumps bill a harder path Free school meal rule change to make 500,000 more pupils eligible 200 year old condom displayed in Amsterdam museum Are the surprise airfield attacks a turning point for Ukraine Body found in search for stag party Scot missing in Portugal A ha star Morten Harket diagnosed with Parkinsons disease Trump speaks with Putin about Ukraine and Iran Winter fuel payment U turn in place this year, says chancellor Scammers stole 47m from HMRC in phishing attack Madeleine McCann Diggers brought in to help with search in Portugal
Morse code transcription: vvv vvv A ha star Morten Harket diagnosed with Parkinsons disease Body found in search for stag party Scot missing in Portugal Free school meal rule change to make 500,000 more pupils eligible Are the surprise airfield attacks a turning point for Ukraine Trump speaks with Putin about Ukraine and Iran Musk turns on Republicans and gives Trumps bill a harder path Scammers stole 47m from HMRC in phishing attack 200 year old condom displayed in Amsterdam museum Madeleine McCann Diggers brought in to help with search in Portugal Winter fuel payment U turn in place this year, says chancellor
Send us a textThe technological revolution isn't coming—it's already here, dismantling traditional business models and reshaping our economic landscape before our eyes. McKinsey's recent firing of 10% of its workforce, openly blaming AI disruption, signals a profound shift that extends far beyond consultancies.This episode dives deep into how artificial intelligence is fundamentally altering employment prospects across all sectors. Bill Gates predicts 80% of job losses within a decade, making it essential to understand how these changes will affect your career trajectory—regardless of your industry or position. We explore practical ways to position yourself ahead of this technological wave rather than being swept away by it.The racial dimension of technological change cannot be ignored, as evidenced by Google's $50 million settlement for bias claims and a shocking LinkedIn experiment where a Black woman changed her profile picture to that of a white woman named "Emily"—immediately receiving interview opportunities previously denied to her. These revelations expose the systemic biases being encoded into the very algorithms meant to streamline hiring processes.For working parents, particularly mothers, the post-pandemic push to return to office-based work adds yet another layer of complexity in an already challenging economic environment. The dismantling of flexible working arrangements disproportionately impacts women who often serve as primary caregivers, forcing many skilled professionals out of the workforce entirely.From HMRC's plans to tax interest on savings accounts to the European pharmacy advantages discovered during a Paris trip, this episode offers practical insights for navigating financial challenges in what increasingly feels like a financial police state. The conversation wraps with a comprehensive update on the Diddy trial, examining the testimony and implications of this high-profile case.Understand the forces reshaping our economic reality and equip yourself with the knowledge to thrive rather than merely survive in this rapidly evolving landscape.Sponsorships - Email me: hello@toyatalks.com Cc: toyawashington10@gmail.comTikTok: toya_washington Twitter: @toya_w (#ToyaTalksPodcast) Snapchat: @toyawashington Instagram: @toya_washington & @toya_talks www.toyatalks.comhttps://toyatalks.com/Music (Intro and Outro) Written and created by Nomadic Star
Simon delves into the world of property deal sourcing, offering valuable insights for both aspiring deal sourcers and seasoned investors. He covers the importance of finding great property deals, the criteria for identifying reliable deal sourcers, and the essential compliance measures they should adhere to. You will learn how to assess the quality of deals, the significance of having clear buying criteria, and the benefits of networking within the property investment community. KEY TAKEAWAYS Deal sourcing involves finding investment properties for those who may have the funds but lack the time or expertise to locate good deals themselves. It can be a lucrative opportunity for both investors and aspiring deal sourcers. When looking for a deal sourcer, investors should assess their recent deals, training background, whether they keep some deals for themselves, and their compliance with industry regulations, such as membership in the Property Redress Scheme and registration with the ICO and HMRC. Investors should be cautious of deal sourcers who request upfront payments to find deals. Instead, it's advisable to pay a reservation fee for specific properties once they are identified, ensuring that the investment is based on tangible opportunities. Both investors and deal sourcers need to conduct thorough due diligence. Investors should clarify their buying criteria to act quickly on good deals, while deal sourcers should vet potential investors to ensure they are financially capable and serious about purchasing properties. Currently, there are more sellers than buyers in the market, creating opportunities for both investors and deal sourcers. Engaging in deal sourcing can be a profitable venture, especially for those willing to put in the effort to find and pass on quality deals. BEST MOMENTS "If you're finding great deals that you don't want, instead of wasting those, why not pass them on to other investors and either get paid a fee for that." "A good deal sourcer will have a one-page summary of each deal they found saying why it is a good deal." "If you are selling property to someone, unfortunately, a lot of people use property as a way of laundering money." "My very strong recommendation is do not pay anyone any money up front to find you deals." "Finding deals that you don't want and passing them on to other people is a great way to make extra money." VALUABLE RESOURCES If you want to learn more about how to find the best deals in your area, join Simon for an Indepth 90 minute online Master Class. Register here https://property.isrefer.com/go/DSW/Podcast/ To find your local pin meeting visit: www.PinMeeting.co.uk and use voucher code PODCAST to attend you first meeting as Simon's guest (instead of paying the normal £20). Contact and follow Simon here: Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/OfficialSimonZutshi LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonzutshi/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/SimonZutshiOfficial Twitter: https://twitter.com/simonzutshi Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simonzutshi/ Simon Zutshi, experienced investor, successful entrepreneur and best-selling author, is widely recognised as one of the top wealth creation strategists in the UK. Having started to invest in property in 1995 and went on to become financially independent by the age of 32. Passionate about sharing his experience, Simon founded the property investor’s network (pin) in 2003 www.pinmeeting.co.uk pin has since grown to become the largest property networking organisation in the UK, with monthly meetings in 50 cities, designed specifically to provide a supportive, educational and inspirational environment for people like you to network with and learn from other successful investors. Since 2003, Simon has taught thousands of entrepreneurs and business owners how to successfully invest in a tax-efficient way. How to create additional streams of income, give them more time to do the things they want to do and build their long-term wealth. Simon’s book “Property Magic” which is now in its sixth edition, became an instant hit when first released in 2008 and remains an Amazon No 1 best-selling property book. Simon launched his latest business, www.CrowdProperty.com, in 2014, which is an FCA Regulated peer to peer lending platform to facilitate loans between private individuals and property professionals. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/
It’s a week of big questions and Nimesh Shah and Tomm Adams are on hand to dig into them. Why does HMRC think clawing back Winter Fuel Allowance from wealthier pensioners via self-assessment is even remotely workable? Has anyone noticed fuel duty has remained frozen for nearly 15 years? Why did Walkers take their Popadom VAT case to the Upper Tribunal? As politicians across the spectrum line up to make expensive promises, Nimesh and Tomm ask: who’s actually going to pay for it all as the tax burden soars?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
HMRC have a problem with poppadoms, Robb started a sticker shop, they talk about PS2 emulation, and finally Apple might like gaming again? This episode is sponsored by Inoreader – Boost Productivity and Gain Insights with AI-Powered Intelligence Tools Walkers' Sensations Poppadoms vs HMRC: the Chip of Theseus Fix ERR_SSL_BAD_RECORD_MAC_ALERT on MacOS Don't @ Me Stickers Robb Knight Shop Stripe Payment Links | Simple Links to Accept Payments PCSX2 Emulator Tony Hawk's™ Pro Skater™ 3 + 4 Nintendo Switch 2 - Wikipedia Apple buys game studio behind Sneaky Sasquatch – Six Colors Apple to Debut Dedicated Gaming App Within Days of Switch 2's Arrival - Bloomberg Send us feedback
This week on The Tax Factor, Heather Self and Roger Holman ask whether Angela Rayner should stop auditioning for Chancellor after her tax policy ideas were leaked and heavily critiqued. Meanwhile, HMRC is getting heat from all directions: the National Audit Office questions its handling of wealthy taxpayers, and the Public Accounts Committee says the tax system is spiralling into complexity, public trust is fading, and confidence in HMRC’s IT overhaul is shaky at best. Scottish Power had a fine reduced to £1 but paid £28 million in compensation. The big question: can that be claimed as tax deductible? HMRC and Scottish Power don’t see eye to eye.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode of The Digital Executive podcast, host Brian Thomas speaks with Vivek Kumar, CEO and co-founder of Social Trait, the world's first audience behavior simulation engine. Vivek shares his journey from public service at HMRC and investment banking to launching a breakthrough AI platform in Australia. He reveals how a social media backlash moment sparked the idea for Social Trait, leading to the development of AI-powered virtual audiences that allow brands to preview real reactions before a campaign goes live.Vivek also dives into the technology behind Social Trait, including the platform's ability to simulate millions of AI agents that behave like real consumers. He explains how this drastically shortens research timelines, eliminates the need for traditional focus groups, and helps marketers test everything from message resonance to virality. If you're interested in the future of AI in market research and want to hear how Social Trait is changing the game, don't miss this conversation.
This week on The Tax Factor, Rehana Earle and Neil Insull discuss the closure of the historic Beales department store after 144 years, blamed on rising taxes and a worsening business climate. With the CIPD warning of a prolonged drop in employer confidence, what does the future hold for the UK labour market? Next, they examine a surprising tribunal victory, where a taxpayer successfully argued that their luxury property, complete with marble swimming pool and expansive wine cellar was their main home, defeating HMRC. Finally, could President Trump’s proposed 100% tariffs on TV and film production deal a major blow to Britain’s thriving creative industries?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As the new financial year begins, John and Ele explore the real impact of April’s tax changes from rising employer NICs and the scrapping of EV tax breaks to the end of holiday let perks. They discuss the Government’s sweeping new tax reform package, including 39 proposals to simplify the system, reduce compliance costs, and even shrink HMRC’s London footprint. Also, this week, milkshakes may soon face sugar tax, Liverpool sidesteps legislation to bring in a tourist levy, and Wetherspoons fails to convince a tribunal that cider isn’t booze and a £400k R&D clawback case puts HMRC’s stricter claims regime in the spotlight.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week on The Tax Factor, Heather and Sarah (celebrate!?) 20 years of HMRC with a look at its latest performance woes, from phone line chaos and missing repayments to the absurdity of pursuing a taxpayer for £600.Also, this week, Holly Willoughby’s agency gets a stern reminder that HMRC doesn’t do celebrity favours, a fake Greggs manager pockets pandemic cash, and a warning about getting caught in VAT carousel fraud. Plus: £150m in tax relief for Jurassic World and Ofgem’s bright idea that richer people should pay more for electricity. What next - tea bags? Loo roll? Audio to download: https://assethub.azets.com/transfer/9866882ddd7ebbd54cb5641bd3a6de08a00caaf357af0b13135469cc883aac68See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week we answer questions on the loose theme of capital gains tax and investing via General Investment Accounts (GIAs). Spoiler alert - nothing's as simple as it might seem! Shownotes: https://meaningfulmoney.tv/QA11 01:06 Question 1 Whenever a question comes up in our Facebook group about Capital Gains and GIAs (General Investment Accounts) I get a sinking feeling as I do not know much about that type of account, and I don't have one myself. I am not alone. I have gathered questions from our listeners about capital gains, so in this episode Pete & Roger can tell us all about Capital Gains, Dividends, and anything else we need to know about using a GIA, and other situations which involve capital gains tax. 19:03 Question 2 Hi both, I've recently discovered your podcast and have thoroughly enjoyed my commutes listening to you. Personable and informative. I have a question about selling my buy-to-let property that is in my personal name. My mortgage term is ending in June 2026 and I'd like to sell it for one of better quality that has less issues. I'm currently a higher-rate taxpayer but we're planning to start a family in the next year, meaning I'll be on maternity leave for 12 months which will push my salary down to basic-rate. Impossible to plan when I'll get pregnant but it would be useful to know how HMRC calculates my salary (and over what time period) so that I pay basic-rate CGT when selling my buy-to-let? Apologies for a very wordy question! Thanks a lot and best wishes, Winnie 22:17 Question 3 Hi Pete, I hope you're doing well! I've been really enjoying the Meaningful Money podcast and had a question I'd love to hear your thoughts on the show: In a general investment account (GIA), is it's better to use an income fund to avoid triggering CGT if income is needed (assuming the dividends covers the needs in the short term)? Thanks so much for your wisdom! And keep up the great work on the podcast! :) Best regards, Chloe 26:53 Question 4 Hi Pete, Roger (and Nick who I assume is reading this :-)) I have a question I'd be grateful if you could answer which is around capital gains tax on any shares or funds held outside an ISA/pension. To use an example with higher numbers so that the allowance is used for simplicity: - You have £100k in a GIA - it increases by £10k a year for the first two years; - it's then down £2k in the third - the total value is now £118k - You then want to draw out £10k - How do you work out what capital gains the tax is to be paid on i.e. is the full £10k considered a gain? - Is the withdrawal from the original £100k or from the increase in value i.e. gain? - Would you be better to withdraw up the annual allowance every year and then put it back in to reduce the gain, considering there's no allowance for the impact of inflation? Love the show, keep up the good work in whatever format you decide going forwards - you've made real differences to the way I've managed my investments over the years, especially at scary times like Covid and your book and courses have given my kids the education they need for their long investing lives. Thanks, Dino 36:39 Question 5 Hi Pete & Rodger, I started a deep dive into our overall finances over the Christmas period, to set the picture I am 47, my wife's 42 and we have two children a boy 5 & a girl 3. I received a diagnosis last year which will have a long term impact on my ability to sustain my current level of income & type of work I do. We have a 154k mortgage with 19 years left on the term, with the uncertainty around my health I have decided to target maximum overpayments on the mortgage, this year we can pay 18k extra. My questions are: 1. I plan to save circa 1k per month salary to put into the overpayment pot, I am hopeful that the HL shares will meet past highs and I can use some of that money to top up the salary savings and hit our target. Do I pay tax on the profit I make from selling shares? If it's no more than 3k? I was hopeful I could sell shares annually and withdraw the gains annually, then reinvest in same stock when they dip. I realise that past performance isn't always guaranteed but monitoring since covid the stocks I am invested in are fluctuating from a £15 low to £20 high annually. So looking to sell at £19.5. Is this the best way to use the extra cash at present given the plan to access quickly at times. I have maxed out isa allowance for current FY (2024/25) but will probably pay the 1k per month into an isa in new FY. 2. I am planning to do lump sum overpayment rather than setup monthly, just to give easy access to funds should they be required. I plan to cash in some company SIPPS annually when they aren't taxable (after 5 years) that sum will be on average 1k per year. Will the SIPPS cashed in and gains from HL sales leave me vulnerable to paying capital gains tax? If all goes to plan we could be mortgage free by 2033 approximately and there would be less of a dependency on my salary. Deep down I just want us to be setup financially as best we can with the uncertainty around my health. I would really appreciate your views, love the podcast and it's been a real source of knowledge to me. Best Regards Lee 43:52 Question 6 Hi Pete & Roger, I found your YouTube channel last year and through that the Podcast – both are absolutely fantastic and have helped me and my family so much with many aspects of managing our money and planning our finances. My question relates to if and to what extent capital gains tax can be offset by making SIPP contributions. My wife and I jointly own a buy to let property that we are selling in the new financial year (25/26). When the sale completes, we expect to each have a taxable capital gain of around £30,000. My wife earns around £10k a year from a part time job, therefore most of her gain will be taxable at the lower rate of 18%. For the last couple of years, she has made annual gross SIPP contributions 100% of her earnings (£10,000) which is the maximum gross contribution she can receive basic rate tax relief on. This year, as well as contributing the usual £10,000 gross, (100% of earned income), can she also contribute up to a further £30,000 gross and receive basic rate tax relief on this additional contribution, thus offsetting the CGT paid on the gain from the property sale? If so, with CGT payable at 18% and basic rate tax relief of 20%, contributing the full £30,000 would actually more than offset the CGT (which I fear is too good to be true). If this is the case, is there any other strategy we should be considering to achieve the same or similar outcome? I have really struggled to find definitive guidance around this, so any clarity you can provide will be much appreciated. Many thanks and keep up the great work. Steve
This week on The Tax Factor, Heather Self and Rehana Earle look at HMRC scaling back phonelines and webchat services to tackle fraud.They discuss a recent SDLT case where timing could cost a taxpayer their refund, the tribunal sided with the taxpayer, but the battle may not be over yet. Making Tax Digital is expanding to the self-employed and landlords, but a new survey reveals worrying gaps in public awareness, is HMRC doing enough to get the message out? And arise Sir Jeremy Hunt!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this week's episode of The Tax Factor, Roger Holman and Neil Insull look at the quiet storm that is April's new tax landscape - changes may have been light in the Spring Statement, but the devil, as ever, is in the (Autumn Budget) detail. In Guernsey, the government has done the unthinkable: opened a tax drop-in centre where people can actually talk to someone. A bold move that feels very different from HMRC’s current approach. There is the curious case of Timothy Bunting v HMRC, where an initially successful taxpayer ended up losing not only the argument, but also his cash and his relief and finally a timely nudge: It’s a good time to review your ISA’s.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As usual, we cover lots of ground in this week's Q&A, including tax-free cash recycling, private medical insurance and Lifetime ISAs. Shownotes: https://meaningfulmoney.tv/QA10 00:57 Question 1 Dear Pete & Roger. I'm a long-time listener and love the podcast, especially more so since Roger joined back in season 21. I'm an additional rate taxpayer with income below the threshold for the tapered annual allowance. I have been contributing £45k to my workplace defined contribution pension via salary sacrifice for the last couple of years, and my effective tax relief rate on contributions is 47%. This coming April (2025) I will turn 55 and will be able to access my pension. I am considering increasing my salary sacrifice contributions by £14,000 per year and funding this by taking just under £7,500 PCLS (i.e. tax-free cash) from my pension. Having watched the MeaningfulMoney video on Tax-Free Cash Recycling and checked the HMRC web site, I know this is not considered tax-free cash recycling because the PCLS withdrawals will be below £7,500 per year. However, I don't know if sacrificing £7,500 of tax-free cash in return for £14,000 of new contributions will have any unintended consequences. In retirement I plan to withdraw money via UFPLS and use tax-free cash to minimise my effective tax rate and have no plans to use it to fund large purchases. Have I missed anything? Simon. 04:01 Question 2 Hi Pete, I hope you're doing well! I've been really enjoying the Meaningful Money podcast and had a question I'd love to hear your thoughts on the show: With the long waiting times on the NHS, is having private health insurance a new 'must have' protection or still a 'nice to have'? Thanks so much for your wisdom! And keep up the great work on the podcast! :) Best regards, Chloe 07:05 Question 3 Hi guys - thanks for all you do with this podcast. I've been incredibly fortunate to find you in my 20's and absorb so much useful knowledge. My question is surrounding LISA's. My fiancé and I currently live separately but we're looking to move in together ahead of our wedding this summer. She owns her own home and I currently rent so we'll be moving into her house. Our plan is to live for a couple of years in her (or soon to be our) house as she managed to secure a favourable rate that will help us to save together for our next home. The majority of my current house deposit (around £35k) is in a LISA, however in the last year or so I've quickly realised that our next home together will probably sit above the £450k limit that LISA's allow. Given that we live in a pretty expensive area and want to stay here, is there anything you would suggest? We've thought about me 'buying in' to her current house but we don't want to remortgage and lose the favourable fixed term. Any ideas? Cheers, Joe 11:38 Question 4 Hi Butch & Sundance, my question is about SIPPs & ISAs and tax implications when used with State Pension and a Defined Benefit Pension. I'm planning to retire 7 years before state retirement age (67) and plan to use a DB pension and SIPP in those 7 years. The annual income from the DB pension will exceed the current basic rate income tax annual allowance (£12,570) and withdrawals from the SIPP outside of the tax-free lump-sum, would all incur basic rate income tax. I would like to keep investments that continue to grow, but with the removal of some IHT benefits within a SIPP, is it now worth withdrawing more than I need each year and moving the SIPP investments to a Stocks & Shares ISA over the next 7 years and therefore reduce tax paid over the following 20-30 years from the age of 67? Or am I making more of minor issue than is needed? Keep up the excellent work, Jack 16:36 Question 5 Hi both, Love the podcast! I have a question regarding pensions. I have an employer (defined contribution) pension that had been with one provider (chosen by my employer) for the last 11 years. My Company has recently terminated the agreement and mine and my employers contributions are now all going to the new provider and fund. I chose not to transfer my original pension from the original provider to the new provider, as the existing fund had been performing so well. Following a review of both pensions over the last 6 months, I discovered that my existing pension had continued to be perform very well - over double the return compared to the new pension provider and fund). Whilst I understand I could switch funds with the new provider, my preference would be to do an annual transfer from my new pension fund & provider to the original provider and fund. I cannot seem to find any information on how to do this (all the information online is focused around transferring and shutting the new account - I don't want to do as my employer and personal contributions will continue to be directed to the new provider and fund. Thanks for your help, Matt 21:25 Question 6 Hi Pete and Roger I have a question about pensions for low earners. I have been listening to your show for the past year and loved the simplify and OS series, with your helpful explanations I have managed to get my self employed husband to increase his pension contributions, built up 6 months of emergency funds and have opened our first stocks and shares isa for long term savings. My question is about my pension contributions. I have about 13 years in an NHS pension from before I had children. For the past 8 years ( since the children were born) I have worked very part time or not at all so have not really made much in the way of pension contributions. I am currently 45 and I work seasonally for 4 months of the year. We live comfortably on my husband's income and as mine is irregular income it is not allocated to specific spending. My plan this year was to try and save all my income (about £7000) and contribute to a personal pension (a SIPP?) to catch up on my own pension contributions (I do have an employer one but it's very basic). My question is: if I pay into a personal pension will I still get tax relief added? As my earnings are below the personal allowance I don't pay income tax. I can only find information on the £2880 for none earners or employee pensions. Also how much of my income can I put in a pension? I.e. if I do get tax relief can I only put in 80% of my earnings? Do I also need to subtract my work pension contributions? Thank you for all your amazing work. Best wishes, Lindsey