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Tax

The Tax area has information and guidance on technical and practical tax matters. There are links to events, the latest tax news and the Tax Faculty’s publications, including helpsheets, webinars and Tax representations.

In this section

Economy explainers: what is public debt?

The 'national debt' is something that is discuss in the media but what is it and how does it affect people and businesses? ICAEW experts offer this simple guide on public debt, why it matters and the challenges in controlling it.

Key tax-related changes in the Australian Federal Budget 2024–25

The discontinuation of a proposed measure to deny deductions for certain payments relating to intangibles is among several taxation updates in Australia's federal budget, as summarised by senior tax practitioners from DLA Piper Australia.

Why special tax sites really are special

Enhanced capital allowances may be claimed where qualifying expenditure is incurred in freeports and investment zones. Bryan Crawford looks at the conditions for making a claim and explains how businesses can benefit from the reliefs.

Practical guidance, commentary and support on the taxation of business, including: capital allowances, entrepreneurs relief and corporation tax, as well as the taxation of partnerships, the self-employed and charities. 

Starting a business in Italy: the lowdown on the tax implications

Whether sole trader, partnership or company, a key step in starting a business in Italy is choosing the best structure. In his third ‘lowdown’ article, Andrea Matera provides a summary of the main issues, including the benefits of the flat-rate scheme for smaller businesses.

Basis period reform update

This webinar from the Tax Faculty will get you equipped to report results from the transitional year 2023/24.

DAC 6: EU tax disclosure

Support and guidance on taxation under the devolved governments of the UK; Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales

Tax news in brief 17 July 2024

Highlights from the broader tax news for the week ending 17 July 2024, including: details of the Treasury’s new ministerial team; a change to the rules for land transaction tax; and a new VAT tool from HMRC.

Land Transaction Tax

<p>Our range of guidance and services for Land Transaction Tax and Landfill Disposal Tax.</p>

Land and Buildings Transaction Tax

<p>LBTT is a tax applied to residential and commercial land and buildings transactions (including commercial properties and commercial leases) where a chargeable interest is acquired.</p>

Practical guidance, commentary and support on employment taxation, including: benefits and expenses, company car tax, national insurance, PAYE and real-time information, and the taxation of intermediaries.

Payroll benefits and expenses

This webinar from the Tax Faculty will relay the practical implications of the payrolling of benefits in kind.

Employment status: a tax guide, 5th ed.

This book guides the reader through the extensive and apparently contradictory case law on employment status. The special cases section includes information on the entertainment, sport and media sector, the farming sector, the legal sector, and healthcare professionals.

Expert commentary and practical guidance from ICAEW related to international taxation regimes.

Tax news in brief 24 July 2024

Highlights from the broader tax news for the week ending 24 July 2024, including: a warning from HMRC to employers to remember pension obligations when employing summer staff; a survey from HMRC on communications around the new service for alcohol duty; and an international tax round-up.

Making tax digital

Faculty news: June 2024

Frank Haskew looks at the latest Tax Faculty activity, including the effects of purdah, professional standards and problems in the R&D sector.

Technical round-up: May 2024

This month’s top stories include a HMRC warning about VAT bank details fraud; an NAO report showing taxpayers have been let down by poor HMRC service; and HMRC rejecting the ‘brightline’ test for furnished holiday lets.

Expert commentary and practical guidance from ICAEW related to personal taxation, covering areas including: capital gains tax, income tax, inheritance tax, pensions, residence and domicile, savings and investments and trusts

Need to know: CGT on residential properties

Reductions in the tax-free amount mean more taxpayers will find themselves caught in the capital gains tax net. We look at the issues to be aware of, including 60-day reporting and recent developments relating to principal private residence relief.

Butler & Others v HMRC [2023]

The result of a recent First Tier Tribunal case on a failed claim for 100% Business Property Relief (BPR) on an interest in a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) which ran a wedding business will be of interest to members and rural businesses alike.

Professional standards

Trust Registration Service extension narrowed

28 July: Fewer trusts will be within the scope of the expansion of the Trust Registration Service (TRS) than originally proposed, but the 30-day deadline for new trust registrations and rules granting third-party access to data remain unchanged.

CCAB anti-money laundering guidance

Guidance for those providing tax services in the United Kingdom, on the prevention of money laundering and the countering of terrorist financing.

Engagement letters helpsheet

Technical helpsheet providing sample wordings to help you draft engagement letters for a variety of typical engagements for both corporate and non-corporate clients. Includes full text and supplementary schedules.

Expert commentary and practical guidance from ICAEW related to the taxation of property in the UK regime, covering areas such as: ATED (annual tax on enveloped dwellings), business rates and stamp duty land tax. 

Need to know: CGT on residential properties

Reductions in the tax-free amount mean more taxpayers will find themselves caught in the capital gains tax net. We look at the issues to be aware of, including 60-day reporting and recent developments relating to principal private residence relief.

Butler & Others v HMRC [2023]

The result of a recent First Tier Tribunal case on a failed claim for 100% Business Property Relief (BPR) on an interest in a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) which ran a wedding business will be of interest to members and rural businesses alike.

Tax news in brief 17 July 2024

Highlights from the broader tax news for the week ending 17 July 2024, including: details of the Treasury’s new ministerial team; a change to the rules for land transaction tax; and a new VAT tool from HMRC.

Expert commentary and practical guidance from ICAEW related to stamp duty land tax in the UK regime. 

Tax news in brief 17 July 2024

Highlights from the broader tax news for the week ending 17 July 2024, including: details of the Treasury’s new ministerial team; a change to the rules for land transaction tax; and a new VAT tool from HMRC.

Support for agents on the day-to-day practicalities of tax administration with support on HMRC contacts, filing tax returns and making complaints.
Expert commentary and practical guidance from ICAEW related to tax compliance, as defined by HMRC. Support on appeals and investigations, avoidance, evasion and penalties.

Butler & Others v HMRC [2023]

The result of a recent First Tier Tribunal case on a failed claim for 100% Business Property Relief (BPR) on an interest in a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) which ran a wedding business will be of interest to members and rural businesses alike.

Mind the gap

The 'tax gap' gained significant attention during the General Election, with both major parties promising to reduce it to enhance state finances. However, reducing the tax gap is a complex issue due to several factors.

ICAEW works to support tax reform

Taxing corporate profits: hard choices

Currently there is widespread concern that many businesses, particularly large multinational corporations, are not paying enough tax on their profits. This is a serious issue at a time when public finances are under strain. This ICAEW report highlights the tough choices faced by businesses and politicians in relation to corporate tax.

Expert commentary and practical guidance from ICAEW related to VAT under the UK tax regime. 

Starting a business in Italy: the lowdown on the tax implications

Whether sole trader, partnership or company, a key step in starting a business in Italy is choosing the best structure. In his third ‘lowdown’ article, Andrea Matera provides a summary of the main issues, including the benefits of the flat-rate scheme for smaller businesses.

VAT status of pickup vehicle

FAQ on whether a client can claim 90% VAT on a pickup truck used as a commercial vehicle to transport staff and materials, even when there is some incidental private use of the truck, for non-commercial purposes.