Latest News

Expert support for business with two new partners at Armstrong Watson

Armstrong Watson is delighted to announce that as of the beginning of April, two partners have joined the growing partnership, which now has 33 partners. 

Paul Dickson, Managing Partner comments:

‘I am extremely proud to announce that two of our Directors have been admitted in to Partnership at Armstrong Watson.

Register of People with Significant Control (PSC)

With the introduction of the Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Act 2015, companies, limited liability partnerships and Societas Europaea must compile and keep up to date a register of people with significant control.

This register must be established by entities from 6 April 2016 and the information will need to be filed at Companies House from 30 June 2016.

Local Firm makes the shortlist for ‘Best Tax Investigations Team’ in National Awards

Armstrong Watson is delighted to announce that their tax team has been shortlisted for ‘Best Tax Investigations Team’ at the National Taxation Awards.

These national awards recognise the best in the taxation industry, celebrating excellence and promoting the highest standards possible.
After winning the award for ‘Best Tax Practice in a Regional Firm’ last year, the business is hoping to scoop another accolade this year.

Louise Palmer, Taxation Awards commented:

Make your accountant your best friend

How to get the most out of your accountant

If your view of your external accountant has been simply to drop your books off with them once a year, wait for the number crunching to be done, pay your tax and then go your separate ways for another year, then think again. You may be missing out on a potentially good friendship.

Self Assessment Deadline

So you’ve missed the Self Assessment deadline, what happens next?

31^st January has passed, and with that another Self Assessment season has come to an end, but for those who didn’t get their Tax Return to HMRC in time, what happens to them?

Pensions, Tax and Payroll – Businesses benefit from expert insight

There has been lots of press recently around the need for businesses to ensure their automatic enrolment duties are fulfilled correctly, and the danger of not getting it right which could have a big impact upon employees.

How Xero can help increase the UK GDP

I was lucky enough to be at the 4th official UK Xerocon at the Battersea Evolution last month, my how things have moved on since my first Xerocon at the ICAEW Chartered Accountants Hall. Back in 2012 there were just over 200 attendees. This year had a massive 1,300 delegates, unquestionably the biggest accounting gathering in the UK.

Challenges for hospitality and tourism businesses across Cumbria - Flooding, funding and the National Living Wage

The government has pledged £3m to support Cumbria and Lancashire following the devastating effects of recent flooding to these areas. Of this funding £1m will be spent on a PR campaign to encourage families to holiday in the North of England over the Easter holidays. However, the British Hospitality Association and Cumbria County Council say this is insufficient given the cost of the damage amounts to £500m in these areas alone.

Will any of these changes affect you financially?

As if last year wasn’t hectic enough, there is another raft of changes that come into effect from 6 April this year that could affect a number of our readers. Given that these can have potential taxation implications it’s worthwhile being aware of so that action can be taken in good time.

Personal Savings Allowance

This is brand new and will affect all taxpayers with cash savings not held in an Individual Savings Account (ISA).

Significant changes to the taxation of dividends come into effect from 6 April 2016

Significant changes to the taxation of dividends come into effect from 6 April 2016, which can be summarised as follows: