Communication

There are two broad types of pension schemes from which an individual may eventually be in receipt of a pension: workplace pension schemes and personal pension schemes. A workplace pension scheme may either be a defined benefit scheme or a money purchase scheme.

Retaining and motivating staff are key issues for many employers. Research in the UK and USA has shown a clear link between employee share ownership and increases in productivity. The government has therefore introduced a variety of ways in which an employer can provide mechanisms for employees to obtain shares in the employer company without necessarily suffering a large tax bill.

The flat rate scheme for small businesses was introduced to reduce the administrative burden imposed when operating VAT. Under the scheme a set percentage is applied to the turnover of the business as a one-off calculation instead of having to identify and record the VAT on each sale and purchase you make.

Some employees will often prefer to use their own personal mobile devices to access company networks/systems. However, this is potentially a security loophole which places the organisation at risk from reputational damage and legal proceedings. Firms need to have a formal policy with regard to the use of personal devices at work.

The Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) sets out special rules for tax and national insurance (NI) for those working in the construction industry. Businesses in the construction industry are known as ‘contractors’ and ‘subcontractors’. They may be companies, partnerships or self employed individuals. The CIS applies to construction work and also jobs such as alterations, repairs, decorating and demolition.

The purpose of the Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) is to help certain types of small higher-risk unquoted trading companies to raise capital by providing income tax and CGT reliefs for investors in qualifying shares in these companies. There are really two separate schemes within the EIS: a scheme giving income tax relief on the investment and a CGT exemption on gains made when the shares are disposed of; and/or a scheme aimed at providing a CGT deferral.