Unauthorised issue of a VAT invoice

Issuing a VAT invoice without registration or authorisation can lead to HMRC penalties, even if it is done by mistake. A penalty may be charged by HMRC when an individual or business issues an unauthorised VAT invoice showing or including VAT without being allowed to...

Beware scams pretending to be HMRC

Fraudsters are continuing to target taxpayers with scam emails as the deadline for submission of self-assessment returns for the 2024-25 tax year gets ever closer. In the 12 months to 31 July 2025, HMRC received more than 170,000 reports of suspicious contact from the...

War Widows Recognition Payments Scheme

Bereaved spouses who lost service pensions before 2015 have until 15 October 2025 to claim a one-off £87,500 recognition payment. This scheme was launched in October 2023 to help war widows and widowers who lost their service-attributable pensions due to...

Dividend taxes will they increase?

Speculation is growing that rates or allowances applied to dividend income may change in the next Budget. The current tax rates for dividends received (in excess of the £500 dividend tax allowance) are as follows: 8.75% for basic rate taxpayers will pay tax...