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We've scoured the web to get you the most up-to-date advice which includes the most useful tools on offer from the officials themselves.

Effective tax planning is essential if you are to minimise your tax bills. Simple tax planning can significantly reduce your tax liabilities.

The self-assessment tax return is an unavoidable burden if you are liable for self-employed tax or have complicated income tax affairs.

Corporation tax is charged on a company's profits. If you trade as a limited company, ensure that paying this tax is as painless as possible.

National Insurance Contributions (NICs) are payable whether you are self-employed or employed by your own company, although different rates apply.

As well as your legal obligations, you’ll want to ensure that payroll is painless and that you use any opportunities to improve your tax-efficiency.

VAT

Effective VAT planning aims to ensure that VAT is relatively painless, and that you are reclaiming as much as possible of the VAT you pay.

Capital gains are made when you sell something for more money than you paid for it. As a result, you can be subject to tax. Take professional advice.

Business property taxes apply to businesses with commercial premises.There are two commercial property taxes: business rates and stamp duty land tax.

If you have tax problems or face a tax investigation, it pays to seek professional advice and you must act rather than just hoping for the best.

Don't rush the return to work warns RoSPA

19 May 2020

A leading health and safety body has warned that a badly thought-out return to work could spell financial disaster for businesses.

The government and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have developed detailed guidance on how different workplaces can be reopened safely, to allow those who cannot work from home to return to the workplace.

But the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) has warned businesses not to rush the process and it says that if the guidelines are not strictly adhered to, they could face legal proceedings.

Dr Karen McDonnell, RoSPA's occupational safety and health policy adviser, said: "It's so important that businesses follow [the government guidelines] and get their employees' return to work right, not just for the health and wellbeing of their staff and the wider community, but also for their financial future.

"Get it wrong, and there could be serious repercussions for the bottom line, either in the event of an outbreak happening or the organisation becoming known for having a lax attitude to safety. And let's not forget that health and safety is all about people - enabling workers and others to go home to their loved ones safe and healthy at the end of each day. This should be at the forefront of employers' minds."

Dr McDonnell has urged employers and other organisations not to rush the process. She said: "It's vital we all get this right … any organisations thinking of cutting corners should heed this warning. You may also be risking criminal and civil proceedings as a result of any poor practice."

RoSPA has developed an at-cost review service for organisations looking to reassure themselves about their preparations for returning to work. The COVID-19 Back-to-Work Review costs £184 and includes a site visit by a RoSPA expert. Participating businesses that follow the guidelines will be given a RoSPA-branded certificate of compliance for display.

Errol Taylor, RoSPA chief executive, said: "Our new COVID-19 Back-to-Work Review will give employers confidence to open their doors, and employees and members of the public peace of mind as they step through them."

Written by Rachel Miller.

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