New laws to fight corruption, money laundering and fraud may impact how Directors interact with Companies House

The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act received Royal Assent in October 2023. It substantially amends the Companies Act 2006 and introduces new requirements for how companies registered in England and Wales interact with, and submit information to, Companies House.

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2023 Autumn Statement: HB Accountants’ Summary

On 22 November 2023, Jeremy Hunt delivered the ‘Autumn Statement for Growth’. The Chancellor is keen to stimulate economic growth and highlighted 110 measures for businesses. In addition, there were significant statements relating to National Insurance changes and also the reform of work-related state benefits.

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Are you a trustee for a charity? This is what you need to know about overseeing charity accounts

Charity trustees, also known as board or committee members, are the people who lead the charity and decide how it is run. Being a trustee means making decisions that will impact people’s lives. You can read more about the work of a trustee here. With over 400,000 charities registered in the UK needing trustees to oversee their work and finances, it really is a great way to ‘give back’ to our communities. 

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Driven to start up a new charity? This is what you need to know about your legal and tax obligations!

There are over 400,000 charities in the UK working hard to benefit different segments of society.  You may be aware of a gap in provision and have the passion and drive to start up a new charity. This is what you need to do to establish your charity and the laws that govern charities in the UK.

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ACTION STATIONS: Super Deductions end on 31st March 2023

With the enhanced ‘super deduction’ capital allowance coming to an end, it may be worth making a capital purchase or entering into a contract for such a purchase, over the next few weeks. This needs to be weighed up against commercial need and consideration of the impending corporation tax rises. Here’s what you need to consider

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ACTION STATIONS: What you need to know about Corporation Tax Rises

The UK’s main rate of corporation tax will increase from 19% to 25% with effect from 1 April 2023. Not every company will pay at this rate. A small profits rate of 19% will be introduced for companies with annual chargeable profits of £50,000 or less, with a tapered tax band for those with profits between £50,000 and £250,000.

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Need to know: Proposals for the next Finance Bill

Draft legislation for the Autumn Finance Bill 2022-23 is now available and it includes consultation on changes to capital gains tax, R&D tax relief, pensions and more. Some of the proposals are welcome, however, others may impact your business considerably. Here’s our overview of the main points

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John Neighbour is retiring after 45 years with HB Accountants

A letter from our former Tax Director, now Tax Consultant,
Mr John Neighbour

I joined HB in September 1976 from Thomson McLintock (now part of KPMG) in order to set up a tax department.  At that time, we were based in London at Coventry House near Liverpool Street Station.  45 years & 4 office moves later, we are now based at Plumpton House in Hoddesdon. Over the past few years, I have been winding down my time commitments & at present I am typically working about two days per week. At the same time my tax manager, Amy Thompson, has been taking on more responsibility. 

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Meet Karen – Director, Analytical Auditor and Charity Fundraiser

Karen Chase officially joined HB Accountants back in 1998. It was the year when Buffy the Vampire Slayer was all the rage, Titanic won 11 Oscars and a furby was the toy of choice! Karen had already gained an Accountancy and Finance degree but was unsure where she wanted to work – many accountancy firms seemed grey and impersonal. She was attracted to HB because many of our 10-strong audit team were of a similar age and Karen could see that there was both the opportunity to learn more about auditing as well as enjoy a social life.

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12 things your Charity needs to know about Gift Aid

Registered charities and Community Amateur Sports Clubs (CASCs) can claim an additional 25p for every £1 donated by an individual. This whopping 25% boost on donations is known as Gift Aid and it can soon add up. As accountants working with a number of charities, we are well aware of the difference this extra money can make to that fantastic work you are all doing.

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