Employment Tax Advisory

Tax and the related legislation governing payments and benefits to employees is vast. It can be difficult for any employer to be up-to-date and familiar with the many rules and obligations that may apply to their business and staff arrangements.

Our Employment Tax team has a wealth of experience on a broad range of tax issues and employer obligations to provide clarity, support businesses in making decisions and reduce risk at the same time.

The ways in which we can support you as an employer client are as varied as the subject matters we advise on in this area -  whether this is a one-off question, a bespoke project, or an ongoing dispute with HMRC - and we can provide as much or as little support as you require.

Examples of areas which fall under the banner of general Employment Tax Advisory that we advise on include:

Staff benefits

Many different rules apply depending on the benefit being provided to the employee. Particular complexities exist in relation to living accommodation, company vehicles, relocation and director loans to name a few.

Staff expenses

The complex rules in relation to permanent and temporary workplaces are at the heart of the tax treatment of most travel and subsistence expense payments. However, added complexities exist with homeworking, international travel, and staff entertainment to make this a difficult area.

Salary sacrifice

There are many tax, legal, HR and payroll obstacles to overcome in implementing a valid and effective salary sacrifice arrangement. Our team can advise on all aspects. 

Termination payments

The £30,000 tax and NIC exemption for qualifying terminations is not automatic and often does not apply. Our team can advise on the correct and most favourable treatment in such situations.

Share-based awards

Whether the arrangement is “approved” or “unapproved”, and the precise nature of the arrangement, can impact the tax impact and the timing of liabilities. We can advise on any payroll implications of such arrangements.

Transaction support

Employment tax compliance is often at the forefront of any corporate transaction or re-financing arrangement as such issues regularly feature in due diligence reports. Our Employment Tax team, often in conjunction with the wider Tax Consultancy team, can provide due diligence support whether you are selling or acquiring a business to help achieve a successful outcome.

Proactive reviews

Our team can undertake a full employment tax review, or review a specific area within the business, to establish the extent of gaps in processes or risks that may exist within the business, and to work with you in removing or reducing these gaps or risks going forward.