Category: Directors

Special fraud squad hunts down Covid loan scams

A new government counter-fraud squad has launched investigations against those who defrauded the public during the Covid pandemic. New enforcement unit pursues billions lost to British taxpayers during pandemic Recovery efforts intensify as nearly 2,000 company directors banned and 86 criminals prosecuted Investigators will be able to search properties, seize assets, and recover money directly … Continue reading Special fraud squad hunts down Covid loan scams →

Shut down of Four companies linked to scheme aiding directors to walk away from debts

Wound-up in the public interest following Insolvency Service investigations Four companies have been shut down after investigations revealed they were connected to a scheme which helped directors sell struggling businesses for £1 while keeping assets and dropping debts The scheme’s operators failed to preserve accounting records or assess what had happened to the more than … Continue reading Shut down of Four companies linked to scheme aiding directors to walk away from debts →

Payroll services to register as Tax Advisers and have AML responsibilities

HMRC are introducing the requirements to register in stages. From 18th May 2026, HMRC will introduce an online registration system for agent services accounts to register as tax adviserz. If a payroll service already has an agent services account, they will not need to register again. However, HMRC will contact them through the agent services … Continue reading Payroll services to register as Tax Advisers and have AML responsibilities →

Employer Bulletin: October 2025

HMRC publishes the Employer Bulletin 6 times a year, giving employers and agents the latest information on topics and issues that may affect them.  Some of these topics have already been covered by PAYadvice.UK in articles and blogs and further articles and blogs may now additionally be published. The October edition of Employer Bulletin includes … Continue reading Employer Bulletin: October 2025 →

£4.2 million pay fix fines

Competition and Market Authority (CMA)’s investigation into sports broadcasting and production companies colluding on rates of pay for freelance workers. In March 2025, the CMA found that some of the largest sports broadcast and production companies in the UK shared sensitive information about fees for freelance workers such as camera operators, sound technicians and producers. This related … Continue reading £4.2 million pay fix fines →

Companies House identity verification rollout from 18th November 2025

…phasing in identity verification over 12 months to make things simpler for companies and business owners Companies House (CH) confirms that from Tuesday 18th November 2025, legal requirements for directors and people with significant control (PSCs) of companies to verify their identities will begin. From 18th November 2025: new directors will need to verify their … Continue reading Companies House identity verification rollout from 18th November 2025 →

Delivery riders working illegally!

Nationwide clampdown on delivery riders working illegally Ramp-up of arrests and visits set to take place across the UK targeting migrants working illegally in the gig economy The U.K. government Home Office Enforcement teams are gearing up to launch a nationwide blitz targeting illegal working hotspots, with a focus on the gig economy and migrants … Continue reading Delivery riders working illegally! →

Prepaid debit cards used for profit extraction and disguised income

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) have issued Spotlight 68 which provides information on a tax avoidance scheme being marketed to companies that aims to reduce Corporation Tax and VAT liabilities whilst also claiming to provide non-taxable income for directors, their associates or both. This avoidance scheme is claimed to operate by: a company buying ‘advertising’ from … Continue reading Prepaid debit cards used for profit extraction and disguised income →

More than 1,000 directors disqualified in 2024-2025

The latest statistics for Insolvency Service enforcement outcomes… outline Covid loan abuse and bankruptcy restriction orders. More than 1,000 directors disqualified following Insolvency Service investigations.   Of these, 736 were banned for Covid loan abuse.  The report also highlights the average length of a ban was eight years.   The Insolvency Service enforcement outcomes report for … Continue reading More than 1,000 directors disqualified in 2024-2025 →

Business leaders supported to bolster online defences

Directors and company boards are being urged to shore up their cyber defences using new guidance, in a bid to protect their organisations from the growing tide of online threats. Package of measures sets clear steps boards and directors can take to protect their businesses from cyber criminals Improved strategies and better risk management will … Continue reading Business leaders supported to bolster online defences →

7 year director ban for illegal workers

Qiqing He employed three people who were not allowed to work in the UK at his takeaway in Aberdeen  The illegal workers were discovered during a visit to the premises by Immigration Enforcement  He has now been banned as a company director for seven years following investigations by the Insolvency Service  The former manager of … Continue reading 7 year director ban for illegal workers →

Loan Charge Review

The government has commissioned a new independent review of the Loan Charge. At Autumn Budget 2024, the government committed to an independent review of the Loan Charge to help bring the matter to a close for those affected whilst ensuring fairness for all taxpayers. On 23rd January 2025, the Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury made … Continue reading Loan Charge Review →

Tax Avoidance promoters – the list keeps growing – now over 120+

The image of the umbrella is significant as many of the named tax avoidance and those issued with official stop notices are umbrella organisations. Some even operate across the public sector. The workers are not all high paid, and the resulting tax bill for tax not paid on what is earnings, wages, employment income, can … Continue reading Tax Avoidance promoters – the list keeps growing – now over 120+ →

Help protect workers from getting caught out by tax avoidance 

As part of the October 2024 Employer Bulletin, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) are asking employers to to assist with protecting workers from getting caught using tax avoidance schemes which do not work. The HMRC tax avoidance ‘don’t get caught out’ campaign helps workers such as contractors spot the signs of bad tax advice and understand their … Continue reading Help protect workers from getting caught out by tax avoidance  →

Crack down on late payments to support small businesses – Fair Payment Code

New package of measures aimed at tackling scourge of late payments New Fair Payment Code and fresh rules on company reporting and major consultation unveiled as part of package to tackle late payments Scourge of late payments costs SMEs £22,000 a year with 56 million hours of lost productivity across the economy – acting as … Continue reading Crack down on late payments to support small businesses – Fair Payment Code →

More names added to the tax avoidance list!

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) have increased the number of named tax avoidance schemes, promoters, enablers and suppliers, update 18th July 2024. New additions: B2BTradecard Ltd New Mill Resourcing Ltd Umbrella Zone Limited If you are involved in any of the tax avoidance scheme contact HMRC as soon as possible. There is more information about how to do … Continue reading More names added to the tax avoidance list! →

RTI and off-payroll working (IR35) reminder

HMRC have reminded employers as part of the July 2024 employer bulletin, the Real Time Information (RTI) setting required and some of the practical operation requirements as they relate to off-payroll workers. PAYadvice resources on IR35 can be found at: PAYadvice resources - Off-Payroll workers – IR35 – Deemed Employees Operating payroll: Real Time Information … Continue reading RTI and off-payroll working (IR35) reminder →

IT consultant given directorship ban over concealing Covid loan

IT consultant applied for two Bounce Back Loans and failed to disclose existence of first loan to liquidators Syzmon Jastrzebski applied for two Bounce Back Loans worth a combined £100,000 when businesses were only entitled to a single loan Jastrzebski failed to declare his first loan when his company entered liquidation He has been banned … Continue reading IT consultant given directorship ban over concealing Covid loan →

Over 800 directors banned for abusing Covid support 

Tough action taken against directors to tackle Covid loan misconduct 831 company directors banned in 2023-2024 for Covid support scheme abuse, up more than 80% on the previous year The average length of director disqualification for Covid misconduct in 2023-2024 was almost 10 years During 2023-2024, a total of 831 directors were banned for Covid … Continue reading Over 800 directors banned for abusing Covid support  →

What’s going on with Directors National Insurance

So here we are again, the end of another UK tax year! At PAYadvice.UK we are seeing a high number of directors National Insurance Contributions questions and challenges! So what is going on in March 2024? Directors annual period Directors are classed as employees and pay National Insurance on annual income from salary and bonuses … Continue reading What’s going on with Directors National Insurance →

Six-year ban for boss who employed illegal workers

The owner of a Cumbria pizzeria and takeaway has been banned as a company director for six years after hiring two illegal workers. Dondu Ozmicco hired two illegal workers without conducting right-to-work checks at the pizzeria in Cumbria The workers were found during a visit from Immigration Enforcement, who handed the business a £20,000 fine … Continue reading Six-year ban for boss who employed illegal workers →

Director of failed Apprenticeships training provider banned

London-based director of apprenticeships training provider failed to explain spending that included more than £2.5 million of public funding Shakar Habib, 28 (born May 1995) from Newham, London, was the sole director of Vista Training Solutions Limited (company number 07891810 - based in Newham, which provided training to students through enterprise schemes. Habib had been … Continue reading Director of failed Apprenticeships training provider banned →

6th Jan 2024 NI cuts – are you ready

At the Autumn Statement 2023 held on 22nd November, a 2% cut in the standard rate of National Insurance was announced with the rate dropping from 12% to 10% effective for payment due from 6th January 2024. If National Insurance is considered a tax, this means a £450 annual tax cut for the average worker … Continue reading 6th Jan 2024 NI cuts – are you ready →

National Insurance change for directors – are you ready

As a result of the Autumn Statement reduction in NIC standard rates by 2% from 12% to 10%, employees will benefit from a cut in National Insurance for payments from 6th January 2023. Directors NI is different to those of employees. To avoid various NIC avoidance measures being applied by directors and their remuneration from … Continue reading National Insurance change for directors – are you ready →

Funding education by dividend diversion? It doesn’t work!

As part of the August 2023 employer bulletin and also spotlight 62, HMRC are communicating information on another failed tax avoidance scheme. They state that: HMRC is aware of a tax avoidance scheme currently being marketed to owner managed companies, designed to divert dividend income from themselves to their minor children. The scheme is promoted … Continue reading Funding education by dividend diversion? It doesn’t work! →

New information hub for company directors launched to help make the right decisions at the right time

The Insolvency Service has launched a new online information hub to support company directors on Monday 10th July 2023. The hub hosts guidance and information on a range of business themes commonly faced by companies and aims to help company directors to push their business forward by being more aware of potential pitfalls. It is specifically … Continue reading New information hub for company directors launched to help make the right decisions at the right time →

Action taken against directors for COVID-19 financial abuse

459 directors disqualified in 2022-23 for abuse of the pandemic financial support schemes, with average disqualification length of seven years four months. Over 450 directors have been disqualified by the Insolvency Service in 2022-23 for abusing the COVID-19 financial support scheme, as the agency continues to clamp down on pandemic fraudsters. Figures published by the … Continue reading Action taken against directors for COVID-19 financial abuse →

Payroll 2023-24: Allowances, Rates and Thresholds from 6 April 2023

Dear PAYadvice.UK, Following the Autumn Statement of 17 November 2022 we can confirm the following information for payroll 2023-24. Where details are not currently known these are marked as TBA and we will provide further information as soon as we receive it. 2023-2024 Personal Allowance: £12,570PAYE Thresholds: Weekly: £242Monthly: £1,048Standard / Emergency tax code: 1257LTax Code uplifts: … Continue reading Payroll 2023-24: Allowances, Rates and Thresholds from 6 April 2023 →

Chancellor brings forward further Medium-Term Fiscal Plan measures

The Chancellor of The Exchequer Jeremy Hunt has, Monday 17th October 2022, brought forward a number of measures from 31st October 2022 Medium-Term Fiscal Plan. Changes designed to ensure the UK’s economic stability and provide confidence in the government’s commitment to fiscal discipline Basic rate of income tax to remain at 20% until economic conditions … Continue reading Chancellor brings forward further Medium-Term Fiscal Plan measures →

Payroll 2022-23: November changes to NICs

The following has been provided by the HMRC Software Developer Support Team (SDST):- Dear Developer, On 22 September the Government announced changes to National Insurance contributions (NICs) rates and the Health and Social Care Levy (HSCL). Please note that this update is subject to Parliamentary approval. Key measures the Government announcement impacting payroll software developers … Continue reading Payroll 2022-23: November changes to NICs →

Directors of a tax avoidance promoters named for the first time

HMRC uses new powers to publicly name the directors of tax avoidance promoting companies. Tax avoidance bosses have been named for the first time in the latest move to help protect the public. HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has used new powers to publicly name directors of tax avoidance promoting companies, with customers being warned … Continue reading Directors of a tax avoidance promoters named for the first time →

Preparing for the 3rd National Insurance payroll change!

With the resignation of Boris Johnson and the ongoing election of a new Prime Minister with announcements to be made Monday 5th September 2022, will payroll see it’s third change to National Insurance in one year? With candidates vying for election, promises of changes are frequent and sometimes a little reactionary. With the cost of … Continue reading Preparing for the 3rd National Insurance payroll change! →

Directors banned for abusing dissolution process

Directors disqualified under new powers to tackle directors from dissolving companies and walking away without paying their debts. The four directors were disqualified after they all secured bounce back loans before dissolving their companies to avoid paying their liabilities back. In the most recent case, Sirfraz Ahmad, from Leeds, was disqualified for 10 years after … Continue reading Directors banned for abusing dissolution process →

Improving the data HMRC collects – consultation

The government have launched a consultation to improve data in relation to employment and self employment. The consultation Proposes a number of options for improving the range of data HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) collects, uses and responsibly and safely shares across government. They want to ensure that the data held gives an accurate and … Continue reading Improving the data HMRC collects – consultation →

Umbrella company director banned

Best Employment Services provided umbrella payroll services and outsourced its operations to a network of Isle of Man companies, and shifted assets to Anguilla. Adrian Benedict Sacco 55, has been disqualified after running an umbrella payroll services company with links to the Isle of Man, potentially costing the public millions in unpaid income tax, National … Continue reading Umbrella company director banned →

Crackdown on directors who dissolve companies to evade debts

Rogue directors who dissolve companies and avoid paying liabilities to staff, creditors and the taxpayer can now be disqualified from being a director. The Insolvency Service has new powers to tackle unfit directors who dissolve companies to avoid paying liabilities. The Rating (Coronavirus) and Directors Disqualification (Dissolved Companies) Act helps tackle directors dissolving companies to … Continue reading Crackdown on directors who dissolve companies to evade debts →

Dividend tax increase April 2022

Since April 2016, the rates of Income Tax applicable to dividend income have been 7.5%, 32.5% and 38.1% for basic, higher and additional rate taxpayers respectively. Any individual who has dividend income can benefit from the dividend allowance which has been set at £2,000 since April 2018. Dividends within the allowance are not charged to … Continue reading Dividend tax increase April 2022 →

Finance for small businesses

Running a small business and needing to find finance assistance, the latest blog by the Governments Actuarial Department (GAD) looks at the issues of raising finance to enable UK businesses to run efficiently. They look at how raising finance is important in allowing businesses to function. Working capital, which enables the daily operations of business, … Continue reading Finance for small businesses →

Improperly obtained bounce-back loan

The traffic commissioner for the West Midlands, Nick Denton, recently held a public inquiry into Mafuwer Logistics Ltd. The company was granted a standard international licence for three vehicles in December 2020. The traffic commissioner found that almost all of the company’s financial resources had been provided by a £50,000 bounceback loan (BBL) in May … Continue reading Improperly obtained bounce-back loan →

Health and Social Care Levy – Dividends

From next April the government will create a new, UK-wide, 1.25 per cent Health and Social Care Levy with dividends tax rates increasing by 1.25% points.. By increasing dividends tax rate the government is asking better-off business owners and investors to make a fair contribution. Dividend tax is charged on taxable dividend income an individual … Continue reading Health and Social Care Levy – Dividends →

Off-payroll (IR35) contracted out services

Off-payroll working rules (commonly known as IR35) changed on 6th April 2021. In efforts to overcome IR35 responsibilities some arrangements are being promoted that indicate some client organisations would no longer be responsible for considering the off payroll working rules. These may be labelled as ‘contracted out services’ or ‘statement of works’. It is important to fully consider any arrangements in response to changes to … Continue reading Off-payroll (IR35) contracted out services →

Using unfunded pension arrangements

In the agent update 87, the HMRC remind agents about an arrangement where a company creates an unfunded pension obligation to pay a director of the company a pension. The company may then transfer their obligation to pay the director a pension to a relative or another individual closely associated with the director. The arrangements … Continue reading Using unfunded pension arrangements →

Mini Umbrella Company (MUC) fraud

HMRC have issued information on fraud being committed by a number of Mini Umbrella Companies. HMRC claim that every business which either places or uses temporary labour should be aware of the potential dangers posed to by mini umbrella company fraud. Not only can a fraudulent supply chain lead to reputational and financial damage to … Continue reading Mini Umbrella Company (MUC) fraud →

CA38/CA40/CA41/CA42/CA44 National Insurance contributions tables issued (at last)

For the second year running the HMRC have issued the National Insurance contributions tables very late on 6th April. Traditionally issued in late February, the 2021/2022 tables have been issued on Tuesday 6th April 2021. The fact that pay calculations have been required in preparation for payments in the new tax year seems to no … Continue reading CA38/CA40/CA41/CA42/CA44 National Insurance contributions tables issued (at last) →

Off-Payroll working (IR35) – Questions about compliance

Ahead of changes to the off-payroll working rules #IR35 on 6th April 2021, the HMRC answer some top questions about compliance that they’ve heard in their webinars and other support they have provided Are changes to the off-payroll working rules happening on 6 April 2021?Does the light touch approach to penalties mean customers don’t need … Continue reading Off-Payroll working (IR35) – Questions about compliance →

Parliamentary question – Directors Income Support Scheme response

HM Treasury responded to a question on COVID-19 assistance for Directors on 22nd February 2021 The question: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps he is taking to progress a directors’ income support scheme package for directors of limited companies? The response was made by Treasury minister Jesse Norman: The Government always welcomes … Continue reading Parliamentary question – Directors Income Support Scheme response →

Changes to late filing penalty for 2019-20 Self Assessment returns

Dear @PAYadvice, Today HMRC has announced that Self Assessment customers will not receive a penalty for filing their 2019-20 tax return late, as long as they file online by 28‌‌th February. We are still encouraging customers who have not yet filed to do so by 31‌‌st January, if possible. Customers still need to pay their … Continue reading Changes to late filing penalty for 2019-20 Self Assessment returns →

Northern Ireland – Limited Company Directors Support Scheme

The NI Minister for the Economy has announced details of the Limited Company Director’s Support Scheme, to provide financial support to company directors who have personally been adversely impacted by COVID-19. The scheme, administered by Invest Northern Ireland on behalf of the Department for the Economy, will open to online applications at 6pm on Thursday … Continue reading Northern Ireland – Limited Company Directors Support Scheme →

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme guidance updated

HMRC have updated the following relating to the extended Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (Furlough) on Wednesday 13th January 2021. Page titleChangeCheck if you can claim for your employee's wages through the Coronavirus Job Retention SchemeTo include the objection process to excuse employer claims information being publishedCalculate how much you can claim using the Coronavirus Job Retention … Continue reading Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme guidance updated →

Disguised remuneration: settling your tax affairs #loancharge

HMRC have updated their guidance 19th November 2020 about paying what is owed to HMRC and added new information about providing settlement information. The #loancharge deadline passed on 30th September 2020. Guidance is now available for those who want to settle all their tax liabilities related to disguised remuneration and loans subject to the loan … Continue reading Disguised remuneration: settling your tax affairs #loancharge →

Off-Payroll working rules (IR35) – are you prepared?

Off-Payroll Working Rules (IR35): education and support to help prepare for April 2021 changes Medium or large-sized non-public sector organisations and contractors need to start to prepare for the changes to the off-payroll working rules. These changes were legislated for in the recent Finance Act and will come into effect on 6th April 2021. Changes … Continue reading Off-Payroll working rules (IR35) – are you prepared? →

Fraud awareness – Mini Umbrella Company (MUC)

Please see message sent on behalf of the HMRC’s Fraud Investigation Service, Threat Response Unit. This article has been written to provide you with material to share with your membership / readership in relation to the Mini Umbrella Company Fraud risk. Every business which either places or uses temporary labour should be aware of the … Continue reading Fraud awareness – Mini Umbrella Company (MUC) →

Job Support Scheme – Guidance Published (30th October 2020)

*Update* On Thursday 5th November 2030, the UK government confirmed a further extension of CJRS until the end of March 2021 the JSS introduction is delayed. HMRC have published more details and guidance to assist employers in operating and claiming support through the new Job Support Scheme which commences from Sunday 1st November 2020. Check … Continue reading Job Support Scheme – Guidance Published (30th October 2020) →

Off-payroll workers – have you prepared?

With less than 6 months until new law comes into effect, has your business put in place plans to implement changes to the process of: Engagement of contractorsStatus classificationNotification of status to contractors and their intermediariesDispute processsRecord keepingPayroll and finance readinessOrganising appropriate PAYE schemeIdentifying amounts subject to tax and National InsuranceBudgeting for the employers National … Continue reading Off-payroll workers – have you prepared? →

Important information about the Job Retention Bonus

Dear PAYadvice.UK We’re writing to let you know that we have published additional information on the Job Retention Bonus, including details on how to check if you’re eligible and what you need to do now to get ready to claim. You can find this by going to GOV‌.UK and searching ‘Job Retention Bonus – Policy … Continue reading Important information about the Job Retention Bonus →

£20 million to improve small business leadership and problem-solving skills #coronavirus

Two new leadership programmes to help small business leaders grow in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic have been launched Government investment in small business training, management and productivity£20 million commitment at critical time for small businesses dealing with the impact of coronavirusinterested small business leaders are encouraged to sign up The Small Business Leadership … Continue reading £20 million to improve small business leadership and problem-solving skills #coronavirus →

Off-Payroll Working – government response

In a response to the House of Lords sub committee, the U.K. government are continuing with plans to progress the introduction of off-payroll working rules in the private sector which, as a result of #COVID19, was delayed from April 2020 until April 2021. They claim that the “off-payroll working rules are designed to ensure that … Continue reading Off-Payroll Working – government response →

#coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and Self Employed Income Support Scheme update – 21st June 2020

The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme Part 1 is soon coming to an end on 30th June 2020. Announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer on Friday 20th March 2020, the Scheme covered from 1st March through 30th June for those who were furloughed for a minimum period of 21 consecutive days. The last new furlough … Continue reading #coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and Self Employed Income Support Scheme update – 21st June 2020 →

UK Government figures confirm support for incomes across all nations during #coronavirus #COVID19

new figures highlight Government support in protecting jobs and helping individuals across all four nationsstatistics for Coronavirus Jobs Retention Scheme and Self-Employment Income Support Scheme show uptake of schemesnew figures also reveal size and sector of businesses furloughing staff Under the CJRS, up until the 31 May more than 6.4 million jobs were furloughed in … Continue reading UK Government figures confirm support for incomes across all nations during #coronavirus #COVID19 →

Disguised remuneration Loan Charge – 20th September 2020 deadline

PAYadvice (as an AML HMRC regulated agent) can assist with the filing of the Loan Charge form on your behalf. If you need our assistance please make contact stating ‘Loan Charge’ within your contact message. HMRC have confirmed that any outstanding disguised remuneration loans that are subject to the Loan Charge must report the details … Continue reading Disguised remuneration Loan Charge – 20th September 2020 deadline →

Self Assessment – Affected by #COVID19 – Defer your July payment – #coronavirus

New HMRC guidance explains how Self Assessment customers who have been affected by #coronavirus can defer their payment on account that would normally be due in July. For those who need to defer, remember to cancel any direct debits set up to make this payment. HMRC will automatically treat it as a deferral if they … Continue reading Self Assessment – Affected by #COVID19 – Defer your July payment – #coronavirus →

Version 7, 8 and 9 of ‘Check if your employer can use the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme’ #COVID19 #coronavirus

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/check-if-you-could-be-covered-by-the-coronavirus-job-retention-scheme HM Government have added further clarifications 30th April and two on 1st May. New information has been added 30/4/2030 Union and non-union representativesCompany directors with annual pay periodsEmployees who start family related statutory pay on or after 25th April 2020Clarification on what is included as wages And 2 updates on 1/5/2020 A link to … Continue reading Version 7, 8 and 9 of ‘Check if your employer can use the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme’ #COVID19 #coronavirus →