Leadership race means more tax uncertainty for owner managers
How is the scramble to replace the Prime Minister causing uncertainty for small company owners?
The main rate of corporation tax is currently due to increase to 25% from April 2023. This, coupled with the increase in the NI and dividend tax rates, has eroded the tax benefits of small business incorporation considerably. As a result, many small company owners have been considering their options, including bringing in a spouse or civil partner as a second shareholder, or disincorporating to transfer the business to a sole trade or partnership.
However, the position is now unclear. Several of the leadership candidates have made tax-related pledges, including scrapping the forthcoming rise, reversing the NI rate hike, and even cutting corporation tax. As a result, our advice is to delay making any decision on whether to disincorporate etc. until the leadership contest is over. The position should then become clearer relatively quickly. This is especially true if disincorporating would trigger tax charges.
Related Topics
-
New HMRC guidance on winter fuel payments
HMRC has released new guidance on the recovery of winter fuel payments. What do you need to know?
-
Festive tax breaks for remote workers
You’re familiar with the tax break for Christmas parties but you now have a few remote workers, and the company will need to reimburse their travel and accommodation costs if they attend an event. Which costs count towards the tax-free limit and how can you manage any overspend?
-
New process for some exports starting in Northern Ireland
Starting next month, businesses that import goods via Northern Ireland will need to change their processes. What do you need to know?