Latest News

Increasing Tax Burden for Landlords

As many landlords will be aware, the government have over a number of years increased the tax burden of property ownership, particularly residential property, and from 6 April 2020 the government will now further reduce the deemed occupation period allowable under Principal Private Residence relief and remove Lettings Relief - which could considerably increase the amount of Capital Gains Tax a landlord will pay.

How to prepare your portfolio for inflation

Very low or very high inflation is damaging to the economy. The aim is usually to try and keep the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) at 2% in order to maintain a ‘Goldilocks Economy’ – not too hot, not too cold.

Entrepreneurs’ relief may be abolished after the general election

There have been quite a few tax surprises in the leading parties’ manifestos ahead of the general election on 12^th December. Not least amongst these is the possible abolition of Entrepreneurs’ relief (ER) by both the Conservative and Labour parties.

Cyber Savvy Christmas Shopping

Follow our cyber security tips to protect yourself from online scammers using fake websites and phoney branding.

Beware of these Inheritance Tax pitfalls

There are many cases where HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) have argued that part of a farming business is chargeable to Inheritance Tax (IHT). It is dangerous to assume that 100% Agricultural Property Relief (APR) or Business Property Relief (BPR) will apply to every asset in a modern farming business.

The key here is to look at the differences between APR and BPR:

An Inspector Calls - a visit from ‘The VATman’

Back in the dim and distant past I remember leaving school and joining H M Customs and Excise as a trainee VAT officer.  I was appointed to the wilds of South West Scotland and given a plastic brief case with ‘ER’ emblazoned across it to visit VAT registered businesses and check their returns.  Back in those early days there was a deep suspicion and fear around VAT that often translated into a hostile atmosphere during inspections.

New SRA Accounts Rules come into force from 25th November 2019

At first glance, most law firms may have thought that continuing to apply the existing principles will be acceptable to comply, however, there are certain specific changes that require further consideration.  There has been some further guidance issued by the SRA, but the lack of detail in the rules means that complacency regarding the changes may result in breaches by your practice 

All references are to the new rules unless stated otherwise.

Yes, you can retire from being a teacher

Can a teacher retire before retirment age in 2020?

Pension scammers: spot the warning signs

Don't lose your life savings or be persuaded to invest in high-risk schemes

Don’t let scammers enjoy your hard-earned pension proceeds. Anyone can be the victim of a pension scam, no matter how savvy they think they are. It’s important that everyone can spot the warning signs.

Latest figures show that nearly one in ten over-55s fear they have been targeted by suspected scammers since the launch of pension freedoms, new research [1] shows. Cold-calling has been used by fraudsters trying to steal life savings or persuade people to invest in high-risk schemes.

Chartered Status and proud of it!

Armstrong Watson Financial Planning & Wealth Management has held the Chartered status for nearly a decade.