Category: Business Advice

The Supreme Court has ruled that drivers for the ride hailing App Uber are workers not self-employed individuals and hence are entitled to holiday pay, pension rights and the right to be paid the national minimum wage. This case will have implications for other workers in the “gig” economy and may also have a bearing on the tax status of such workers. HMRC will certainly be taking an interest in the Supreme Court ruling. Note that tax law doesn’t necessarily follow employment law, but the boundaries are becoming increasingly blurred making it difficult to determine an individual’s employment status with absolute certainty.

The court determined that the drivers were in a position of subordination to Uber. The only way the worker could increase their earnings would be to work longer hours as Uber set the fare charged to the customer. This indicates that the driver is under the control of Uber, a key factor in determining employment status. However, it could be argued that there is limited Mutuality of Obligation as the drivers are able to refuse certain rides, although that may result in sanctions by Uber.

Are you an Uber driver? We offer a wide range of services which are unique to your business. Our team of chartered accountants have a wealth of experience in your sector. Our team work hard to ensure they create smart and effective tax-efficient solutions for start-ups to optimise growth and help them succeed. If you want to learn more about how the team can help or simply want some start-up advice from a trusted accountant do hesitate to contact us. For more information please do hesitate to contact us on 0161 962 1855. Alternatively you can email us using the form below and we will contact you as soon as possible.

Our fantastic team at A&C Chartered Accountants are here to help.

The thresholds for employee and employer national insurance contributions (NICs) have been increased by £1 a week for the 2021/22 tax year. Employees will be liable to 12% NICs between £184 and £967 a week (£50,270 a year). Employer contributions will start at £170 a week.

The self-employed will pay 9% Class 4 NICs on profits between £9,570 and £50,270.

The higher rate tax threshold for 2021/22 will be aligned with the £50,270 NIC upper earnings limit and the personal allowance will be uprated by the same percentage to £12,570 for 2021/22. Note that there are rumours that the chancellor may freeze the personal allowance in the budget.

Do you need more guidance on the 2021/22 National Insurance Bands? We offer a wide range of services which are unique to your business.  Our team of chartered accountants have a wealth of experience in a broad range of sectors, from construction and property to the charity sector. Our team work hard to ensure they create smart and effective tax-efficient solutions for start-ups to optimise growth and help them succeed. If you want to learn more about how the team can help or simply want some start-up advice from a trusted accountant do hesitate to contact us. For more information please do hesitate to contact us on 0161 962 1855. Alternatively you can email us using the form below and we will contact you as soon as possible.

Our fantastic team at A&C Chartered Accountants are here to help.

Are you ready for the new off-payroll working rules?

This time last year businesses were preparing for important changes to the rules where workers supply their services via their own personal service companies. The start date was then deferred from 6 April 2020 to 6 April 2021.

The new rules are scheduled to apply to large and medium-sized businesses as defined by the Companies Act. Those businesses will be required to consider whether or not the worker would be regarded as an employee if directly engaged and so deduct tax and national insurance from payments as if they were an employee. This change does not apply where the end user is a small business under the Companies Act rules, where the current IR35 rules will continue to apply.

Thus, small organisations will not yet be required to consider the status of the worker or deduct tax.

Please contact us if you are affected by these changes as we may be able to help you with the determination of your workers’ employment status. If you are a worker supplying your services through your own company, we will also be able to advise you on the implications of these changes.

Do you need more help with the off-payroll working rules? We offer a wide range of services which are unique to your businesses who are just getting going! Our team of chartered accountants have a wealth of experience in a broad range of sectors, from construction and property to the charity sector. Our team work hard to ensure they create smart and effective tax-efficient solutions for start-ups to optimise growth and help them succeed. If you want to learn more about how the team can help or simply want some start-up advice from a trusted accountant do hesitate to contact us. For more information please do hesitate to contact us on 0161 962 1855. Alternatively you can email us using the form below and we will contact you as soon as possible.

Our fantastic team at A&C Chartered Accountants are here to help.

It can be challenging to get yourself motivated in the first couple of months of the year.

Here are some practical ideas which may help.

Give yourself time

It may sound counter-intuitive but waking up earlier can set you up for a more productive day.

Waking earlier and giving yourself time to have breakfast and to focus on the day ahead can allow you to prioritise key tasks.

Celebrate wins

Every day is a fresh start. Celebrate the little victories in your day. It could be as simple as sending an email today rather than delaying until tomorrow or making some progress on a project. If you make time to celebrate each little victory, you will feel more rewarded and happier with yourself, increasing your work mentality and boosting your motivation.

Set new goals for the year ahead

The start of a new year is an opportunity to take on challenges. Maybe this will be the year that you win your biggest client or launch a new product or service. Once you set your goals, review them regularly and try to focus on progressing at least one of them each day.

Prioritise

Always start with what is most important to you. Make time for your family – even if it’s just sitting down and having a meal together each day. When it comes to work, focus on progressing your key objectives rather than allowing your inbox to dictate your day. Multi-tasking is not an effective approach. Focus on doing one thing at a time and doing it properly.

Take control of your wellbeing.

One hour of exercise is only 4% of your day. View it as an investment in your wellbeing. The return on that investment is more energy, less stress, better sleep and more productive and focused work. As investments go, it’s worth committing 4% of your time to your wellbeing.

Our team are here to get you motivated for the year ahead. Which is why we offer a wide range of services which are unique to your business! Our team of chartered accountants have a wealth of experience in a broad range of sectors, from construction and property to the hospitality sector. Our team work hard to ensure they create smart and effective tax-efficient solutions for start-ups to optimise growth and help them succeed. If you want to learn more about how the team can help you get motivated or simply want some start-up advice from a trusted accountant do hesitate to contact us. For more information please do hesitate to contact us on 0161 962 1855. Alternatively you can email us using the form below and we will contact you as soon as possible.

Our fantastic team at A&C Chartered Accountants are here to help.