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Business News - November 2007
Inheritance Tax Change Welcomed
Chancellor Alistair Darling announced in his Pre-Budget speech a change to the way in which the inheritance tax (IHT) nil rate band of £300,000 can be used for married couples and civil partners.
Capital Gains Tax Taper Relief to be Abolished
The Pre-Budget speech also included the shock announcement that taper relief for capital gains tax (CGT) will be abolished from 6 April 2008. This announcement took everyone by surprise and it is still unclear in some circumstances how these rules will be applied. There is also much speculation that the proposed changes may not be implemented or may be deferred.
Additional Maternity and Paternity Pay and Leave
The government had previously announced their intention to extend Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP), Maternity Allowance and Statutory Adoption Pay from the current 39 weeks entitlement to 52 weeks.
National Minimum Wage Prosecutions
HMRC have issued a warning to employers about their programme of targeted enforcement of national minimum wage (NMW) procedures. The programme, which is now in its third year, was introduced to work with employers and workers to address issues and concerns around the NMW.
Company Car Drivers and Fuel
The Pre-Budget report also contained an announcement which will affect some company car drivers.
Income 'Shifting'
We have previously reported the case of Mr and Mrs Jones who finally won their case in the House of Lords in July this year. You may remember that the profits of Arctic Systems (their company) were paid equally to them by means of dividends. HMRC had tried to have the income assessed solely on Mr Jones rather than between them but failed in their attempt.
Postal Disputes
The postal workers union, the Communication Workers Union (CWU), may be planning more postal disputes. To keep abreast of planned disruptions use the link below.
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