In this week’s miscellaneous updates, the latest Agent Update is available as is the current schedule of HMRC Talking Points live and recorded webinars for tax agents which are available for booking. Spaces are limited, so take a look now and save your place. HMRC has published a new tax agent handbook and legislation impacting the abolition of the pension’s lifetime allowance has been laid. To assist alcohol producers in their preparations for the new digital service which is expected to launch in March 2025, HMRC has sent an email with more information and details of upcoming webinars. With less than 100 days to the 2023/24 self-assessment filing deadline, HMRC has sent a general email reminder and a more tailored email to agents. The rate of interest on late payments of tax has been reduced to 7.25 percent from today and claims for relief from certain employment expenses can now be made online. And finally, check HMRC’s online services availability page for details of planned downtime and the online services affected.
Latest Agent Update
Agent Update: issue 124 is available now. Get the latest guidance and information including:
- changes to the Agent Dedicated Line,
- updates to the Trust Registration Service guidance,
- less than 6 months left to fill in national insurance gaps to 2006,
- evidence required to claim PAYE (P87) employment expenses, and
- help protect workers from getting caught out by tax avoidance.
New tax agent handbook
HMRC has launched a new Tax Agent handbook which aims to provide information to help tax agents and advisers find guidance, use HMRC's services and contact HMRC. This is an outcome from a redesign of existing tax agent guidance. HMRC will continue to develop this further. Feedback on the new handbook and suggestions for it can be made using the short survey at the top of the main landing page.
Pension’s lifetime allowance abolition
Legislation was included in Finance (No.2) Act 2023 and Finance Act 2024 to abolish the pension’s lifetime allowance. Regulations have now been laid to implement “technical and consequential changes necessary to ensure the correct operation of the pensions tax regime following the abolition of the lifetime allowance”.
Employment expenses tax relief process for uniforms, work clothing and tools
Last month HMRC announced that claims for tax relief for employment expenses had to be made by post using form P87 and should be accompanied by supporting evidence. HMRC has now confirmed that claims can now be made online for flat rate expenses for uniforms, work clothing and tools.