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Negotiating with HMRC

If you can pay your taxes then you should do so – but if you’re struggling, HMRC can work with you to agree a plan based on your financial position, here we explain how...

Survey highlights businesses’ struggles following third lockdown and impact of Brexit

Recent research by the Association of Practising Accountants (APA) found that many businesses are still struggling with the impact of Covid-19 and the uncertain economic outlook

Caravan and Lodge Sales VAT reimbursement agreed by HMRC

In a significant victory for one Caravan Park Group, BHHPA member, Armstrong Watson, has been given HMRC’s agreement to a new form of valuation and VAT treatment for removable contents sold as parts of caravans and lodges, which could lead to substantial reimbursements for other holiday park businesses.

Armstrong Watson acquires North East accountancy firm

Armstrong Watson has strengthened its aim to be the 'go to' accountancy firm for family and owner-managed businesses across the north now that it has acquired another successful, long-standing North East practice. 

Hexham-based accountancy firm Patricia J Arnold & Co has found the perfect match in Armstrong Watson as a business that will continue to provide a personalised service for its clients.

Proud to announce our new office in Newcastle’s City Quadrant

We're delighted with our continued growth in Newcastle resulting in the expansion from our original Quayside base to a larger office in Newcastle’s City Quadrant.

Latest survey shows worrying results for UK Hospitality Businesses

Over 350 business owners in the UK hospitality sector participated in our latest survey, with worrying results showing that 37% of business owners are considering closure or selling their business.

An Inspector Calls - a visit from ‘The VATman’

Back in the dim and distant past I remember leaving school and joining H M Customs and Excise as a trainee VAT officer.  I was appointed to the wilds of South West Scotland and given a plastic brief case with ‘ER’ emblazoned across it to visit VAT registered businesses and check their returns.  Back in those early days there was a deep suspicion and fear around VAT that often translated into a hostile atmosphere during inspections.

Increasing HMRC Tax Investigations and spiralling costs

In recent years HMRC has become much more aggressive towards the collection of tax, using their connect system that holds information from many government departments as well as external bodies and offshore institutions, and this has led to a greater focus on tax enquiries to collect any tax HMRC perceive as unpaid.  As a result, we have seen an increase in the number of individuals and businesses being faced with enquiries into their tax affairs and these HMRC enquiries can amount to significant costs to defend the case and seek a fair and pragmatic outcome.

Tax investigations in the Property Sector

A summary of HMRC investigations case studies into UK Architecture firms and Property rental businesses.

Tax Investigations in the Hospitality Sector

The hospitality industry is a lucrative target for HMRC enqiries for their Tax, VAT and PAYE liabilities as the industry employs lots of people.