Don't wait for pensions/IHT consultation to conclude before starting IHT planning
A delay in the publication of details on how pensions may fall into inheritance tax is no reason to put off IHT planning.
DIY VAT claim
There is a special mechanism to recover VAT incurred on building, or converting a non-residential property into, a new home for you or a family member to live in. This is often referred to as a DIY VAT claim and is well worth exploring to recover some of the VAT costs that could otherwise be forgotten about.
Diversifying income – an increasing priority for charities
In a world in which the fundraising environment has changed drastically, charities need to think seriously about diversifying their income.
Family farms encouraged to adopt 'family charters' to safeguard their future
Farming families need to future-proof their businesses by creating a Family Charter – that was the call to action from Natural England’s head of agriculture and Nuffield scholar Peter Craven at the latest Lovewell Blake/NFU Farmers’ Evening.
Care Homes: Looking beyond the VAT rules
Most VAT registered businesses have at some point queried whether they can reclaim the VAT on an expense. If the expense is a personal or non-business expense, the answer is usually ‘no’. If the expense is directly linked to goods or services that are subject to VAT at 0% 5% or 20%, then the answer is usually ‘yes’.
Mental health awareness week 2025
Mental Health Awareness Week takes place from Monday 12 – Sunday 18 May 2025. The theme, as set by the Mental Health Foundation, is “Community”.
Beware of unqualified 'journalists' giving investment advice on your social media feed
In the current volatile investment climate, don’t believe everything you read online
When there’s no benefit to child benefit
Child benefit payments give new and growing families a boost in their household income, however higher earners may be caught out with a clawback charge offsetting the benefit received.