Chancellor Rishi Sunak has just revealed the contents of his Budget in the House of Commons.Here are the key points: UK economy forecast to return to pre-Covid levels by middle of 2022 Annual growth set to rebound by 4% this year, followed by 7.3% growth in 2022 Unemployment expected to peak at 6.5% next year, lower than 11.9% previously predicted UK to borrow a peacetime record of £355bn this year. Borrowing to total £234bn in 2021-22 Debt as a share of GDP to fall … [Read more...]
VAT Deferral New Payment Scheme – online service opens
Over half a million businesses that deferred VAT payments last year can now join the new online VAT Deferral New Payment Scheme to pay it in smaller monthly instalments, HMRC announced 23 February 2021.In order to take advantage of the new payment scheme businesses will need to have deferred VAT payments between March and June 2020 under the VAT Payment Deferral Scheme. They will now be given the option to pay their deferred VAT in equal consecutive monthly instalments … [Read more...]
Summer school catch up for pupils across England
The Government have announced an extra £420m in funding along with £300m announced for catch-up projects in January.The Prime Minister has stated the money would help ensure no child is left behind due to the pandemic.Schools will have the option to run summer classes for pupils who need it most, potentially starting with those who will be moving up to Year 7 at secondary school this year.Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said the average primary school would receive around £6,000 … [Read more...]
Self Assessment Late Payment Penalties
Today HMRC has announced that Self Assessment customers will not be charged the initial 5% late payment penalty if they pay their tax or make a Time to Pay arrangement by 1 April.The payment deadline for Self Assessment is 31 January and interest will be charged from 1 February on any amounts outstanding. The deadline has not changed, but this year, because of the impact of COVID 19, HMRC is giving taxpayers more time to pay or set up a payment plan.Payment plans or payments in full … [Read more...]
Furlough – the good, the bad and the misleading
With many temporary and agency staff not being able to continue to work as usual during the Covid-19 pandemic, we have seen a significant number of changes within the sector from recruitment agencies not wanting to operate internal PAYE and choosing to outsource entire books of workers, to contractors choosing alternative career paths to remain in employment. It’s fair to say the pandemic has caused some questions around how payroll providers can continue to support those affected by these … [Read more...]
Seven steps to success
The transition from LTD to umbrellaSince the beginning of the New Year, we have seen an influx of enquiries and requests for support from contractors operating through their own limited companies due to the IR35 reform looming.Our seven steps to success have seen a smooth transition for many contractors whom are affected by the changes to the IR35 regulations.What are these steps?Communication – our expert team have the knowledge to answer any IR35 and payroll related … [Read more...]
PAYE OR UMBRELLA?
In the midst of a lockdown, we are sure IR35 is not a top priority for many contractors, agencies and end clients. With it rapidly looming on the horizon just 3 months away, there is no room for anyone to be burying their heads in the sand! Not to worry though, here at ePayMe, our knowledgeable and dedicated team are on hand to answer any of your questions. There have been many questions and some debates surrounding the best route for your workforce to go down, once the changes have been … [Read more...]
Feeling the rain without an umbrella?
Starting the New Year straight into another National Lockdown the last thing on anyone’s mind right now is IR35 and the legislation changes from April 2021.However, the changes are still going ahead despite the impact to business and their workforce caused by the coronavirus pandemic.Here at ePayMe we have been working closely with clients and contractors to ensure the transition from April is as streamlined as possible to prevent minimum disruption to agencies, clients and … [Read more...]
Education agencies, why are you not outsourcing your payroll?
Why use an Umbrella company or as we like to call ourselves, an Outsourced payroll Provider, compared to PAYE through your agency?We have seen a large increase in education agencies utilising umbrella services since the pandemic and below our National Account Director Paul Johnston explains why:Since the demise of expenses back in 2016, the thought of utilising a payroll provider for Umbrella services has seen a change in mind-set and not all for the right reasons. Many workers feel that … [Read more...]
Beware of potential dangers to businesses of mini umbrella company fraud
Mini umbrella company (MUC) fraud reduces tax payments to HMRC including PAYE, National Insurance and VAT. This has resulted in a fraudulent supply chain leading to financial and reputational damage to businesses and workers.What is Mini Umbrella Company Fraud?The fraud is usually based around the abuse of two Government incentives which are aimed at small businesses – the VAT Flat Rate Scheme and the Employment Allowance. However, this type of fraud can also result in the non-payment of … [Read more...]