Opus Insights
Insights
Tax, compliance and business commentary, updated as the rules change.
Showing 25–48 of 120 articles
Outsourced Payroll is not a TUPE Transfer: Lessons from a costly VAT ruling
A recent tribunal decision shows that calling an arrangement a "TUPE transfer" does not make it one. For accounting firms and their HR teams, the case reminds them that employment status turns on lega…
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New proposals could change self-employment rules
Businesses that engage freelancers, contractors and other self-employed workers may need to review their arrangements following a new Government consultation aimed at tackling bogus self-employment an…
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Could businesses get more choice over software?
Most businesses now depend on several software systems to manage everyday activities such as email, accounting, document preparation, customer records and internal communication, and as these systems…
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New tax return requirements for company directors
Company directors who complete a self-assessment tax return should be aware of new mandatory reporting requirements that came into effect from the 2025-26 tax year. The changes mainly affect directors…
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Paying the 2025-26 Child Benefit tax charge
Taxpayers who need to pay the High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC) for 2025-26 may be able to pay it through PAYE rather than completing a self-assessment tax return solely to report the charge.…
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Tax to pay when you get a pension
You may have to pay Income Tax on your pension if your total annual taxable income exceeds your Personal Allowance. This applies whether you receive the State Pension, a workplace pension or a persona…
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HMRC reveals £42.8 billion outstanding tax debt
HMRC has revealed that it had £42.8 billion in outstanding tax debt at the end of March 2025, equivalent to 5% of total tax receipts. The figures appear in its corporate report, The HMRC tax debt stra…
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Cryptoassets: common tax mistakes to avoid
Cryptoassets can create unexpected tax liabilities. HMRC’s guidance highlights several areas where mistake can be made.…
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VAT on education: could providers be entitled to refunds?
Alternative providers of higher and further education may be able to claim refunds of VAT following a recent Court of Appeal ruling, although the position remains subject to further legal proceedings.…
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Late payments: Is your business at risk?
Late payment of invoices remains one of the most persistent problems facing UK small businesses, and recent research suggests the situation is becoming increasingly difficult. 60% of UK small and medi…
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Business confidence rises but is it time to invest?
Business confidence across the UK is showing signs of improvement, although many smaller businesses remain reluctant to commit money to new investment.…
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New vaping tax now in force
A new excise duty on vaping products came into force on 1 October 2026. Vaping Products Duty (VPD) applies to vaping liquids manufactured in, or imported into, the UK, whether or not they contain nico…
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HMRC targets undeclared medical consultancy income
HMRC is writing to individuals it believes may have failed to declare consultancy income from private healthcare providers on their self-assessment tax returns. The letters follow information received…
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Capital allowances restricted for project development costs
The tax treatment of predevelopment costs has been the subject of a recent Supreme Court decision. This is likely to mean that capital allowances will be restricted for some predevelopment costs. The…
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Reporting property gains
Anyone selling a UK residential property usually needs to report the disposal to HMRC within 60 days of completion. The requirement applies even where the individual is not normally required to report…
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New customs system for Northern Ireland trade
Businesses using the Trader Support Service (TSS) to move goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland need to prepare for a new platform launching soon. From 20 October 2026, all goods movements…
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Corporation tax receipts pass £100 billion
HMRC’s latest Corporation Tax statistics show that receipts from corporate taxes passed £100 billion for the first time in 2025-26.…
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Tax Diary November/December 2026
November 2026:…
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Flat fees and part-time workers: why "sole cause" no longer protects employers
A part-time private hire driver challenged a flat weekly fee his company charged for access to its booking and dispatch system. Because the fee did not vary with hours worked, part-timers paid far mor…
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New digital rules for tracking waste
A new system for recording waste movements came into operation on 1 October 2026.…
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Are grid delays holding back investment?
A business may have the finance, premises and customers for an expansion project, yet still face another obstacle: obtaining enough electricity.…
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Company distribution rules and share buybacks
HMRC has been consulting on proposals to modernise the tax rules governing distributions and repayments of capital from companies. The consultation was published on 23 June 2026 and closed on 14 Septe…
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Share scheme returns - penalties are now being issued
Employers operating employee share schemes may now be receiving penalties from HMRC for failing to submit their employment related securities (ERS) end of year returns on time.…
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Need proof of UK tax residence?
HMRC has updated its guidance on how individuals and organisations can apply for a certificate of residence or letter of confirmation to prove UK tax residence.…
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