With Christmas now only a month away, it’s a good time to remind ourselves of what employers can provide to staff and directors, tax free.

This year we may see a mix of virtual and in person events, with in person events possibly being in small groups to help prevent an outbreak affecting large parts or the whole company.

Today's Budget recognises the help needed by your local area such as retail and hospitality, with alcohol duty reduction and reform, 50% rates reduction for 1 year, property improvements not affecting your rates for 1 year, plus money directed to areas such regional theatres, community football pitches, cycling infrastructure, local minor roads and to local councils.

Keeping it local tends to favour small businesses who can now try to build on the support and appreciation received during lockdowns. Remember to increase your prices so your business keeps pace with inflation and remains viable. So, what else should you and your business know from today?

This week we heard about a new 1.25% tax to fund health and social care, but as only £5.4bn of the £36bn raised over the next 3 years will be spent on social care, this seems to be another tax 'pot' such as national insurance and income tax from which to fund the NHS.

Unfortunately, tax simplicity and clarity is something we never see from governments making it harder for everyone, including HMRC, to understand the tax system. So how might you respond?

Easter Monday is not only the end of a long bank holiday, it’s also the end of the tax year. Make sure you plan accordingly, so you can improve your nest egg before Easter 🐤 Please see our top tips below:

1. Income Tax Thresholds - £50k and £100k

These are crucially important to understand, to ensure you don’t pay more tax than you need to. Even if you benefit from a 0% tax rate on certain allowances, say the £2k dividend allowance, the £2k still counts towards these £50k and £100k thresholds.