Newsletter 445: Autumn Statement brings more questions for small firms

by Newsletter Editor at 10:15 10/12/14 ( Shout99 Newsletter)

The Autumn Statement, outlining the Government's future economic plans, was what one might expect in the run up to a General Election, which looks like being one of the most closely contested in recent years. There were the usual sweeteners and a few even sugar-coated ones, such as the relaxation of stamp duty on houses.

For freelancers and small businesses, there were probably more questions than answers. Successive Governments for more than a decade have sought to protect vulnerable workers in a variety of ways, while freelancers and their representatives have often found themselves fighting to prevent being caught up with protection they neither wanted nor needed. There was a clear signal that there would be a crackdown on 'rogue' umbrella companies who exploit workers. There was also a question raised again about the home-to-work allowances. On the plus side there was a promise of easier lending for small firms and less administration via tax simplification measures. News and comments on the Autumn Statement is in Shout99's Political news section. ****************************************************** Advertisement - Protection against IR35 investigations (FO35) ****************************************************** Advertisement Protection against disputes with HMRC on tax matters, including IR35, is available for £116.00 a year. Freelancers Outside IR35 (FO35) is a complete operating system for small businesses with guidance on compliance; draft contracts; a helpline; status assessments; and representation by Qdos Consulting in the event of a dispute with the Revenue on tax; VAT; or IR35 issues. FO35 is available online for immediate cover for £116.00 a year. For more information or to order, see...... Freelancers Outside IR35 *************** Also in Shout99 *************** New proposals to tackle late payment Welcome for Government plans for new small business conciliation service 90,000 calls from the public to HMRC’s tax evasion hotline Companies can still be members of Limited Liability Partnerships Social worker contractors at risk of financial penalties ************ Also in Shout99 ************ Ask An Expert, our expert panel answers questions from freelancers. Letters from Freelancers opens up discussions on a number of subjects of interest to freelancers. The Clubhouse is an area for 'off-topic' discussions. ******** Twitter ******** For the twitters and tweeters among our readers, you can follow Shout99's headline news on Twitter. ************************ Shout99 - Newsletter ************************ Please forward this newsletter to any other freelancer or small businesses who may be interested in news and information related to running a small business. You can subscribe to receive your own free copy of this newsletter on the home page of Shout99. Susie Hughes, Editor Newsletter 445 Shout99 - the network for freelancers Tweet

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