From April 2025, updated ATED rates apply to residential properties held by companies and other Non-Natural Persons (NNPs). Make sure returns and payments are submitted by 30 April to avoid penalties. Reliefs may apply for commercial use.

The Annual Tax on Enveloped Dwellings (ATED) applies to NNPs who own interests in residential properties valued over £500,000. These provisions specifically affect entities such as companies, partnerships with company members, and managers of collective investment schemes, which are all classified as NNPs under the legislation.

Individuals who own property directly (rather than through a company) are not subject to ATED or ATED-related Capital Gains Tax (CGT). Furthermore, certain reliefs may be available if the property is used for commercial purposes.

Since 1 April 2025, ATED is charged based on the following property value bands:

For properties that were subject to ATED on 1 April 2025, both the return and payment must be submitted by 30 April 2025, covering the ATED period from 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026. If a property is acquired after 1 April and falls within the scope of ATED, payment is due within 30 days of acquisition.

Penalties may be imposed for late filing, late payments, or inaccurate returns. Taxpayers have 30 days to appeal HMRC decisions, including penalties or determinations, by providing the grounds for the appeal.

Small gifts can mean big tax savings! Use the trivial benefits exemption in 2025–26 to reward employees with non-cash perks under £50 – no PAYE, no P11D, and no NIC. A smart, simple way to say thanks.

The rules providing trivial benefit payments provide a great opportunity to give small rewards and incentives to employees in the new 2025-26 tax year. The benefit-in-kind (BiK) trivial exemption applies to small non-cash benefits like a bottle of wine, or a bouquet of flowers given occasionally to employees or any other BiK classed as 'trivial' that falls within the exemption.

By taking advantage of the exemption employers can simplify the treatment of BiKs whilst at the same time offering a tax efficient way to give small gifts to employees. The employer also benefits as the trivial benefit payments do not have to be included on PAYE settlement agreements or disclosed on P11D forms. There is also a matching exemption from Class 1A National Insurance contributions.

The tax exemption applies to trivial BiKs where the BiK:

• is not cash or a cash-voucher; and
• costs £50 or less; and
• is not provided as part of a salary sacrifice or other contractual arrangement; and
• is not provided in recognition of services performed by the employee as part of their employment, or in anticipation of such services.

The rules also allow directors or other office-holders of close companies and their families to benefit from an annual cap of £300. The £50 limit remains for each gift but could allow for up to £300 of non-cash benefits to be withdrawn per director or shareholder per year. The £300 cap doesn’t apply to employees. If the £50 limit is exceeded for any gift, the full value of the benefit will be taxable.

Kau Media Group (KMG) Ltd. sought to enforce two post-termination employment restriction (PTRs) contained in a contract of employment to restrict Mr. Hart, a former employee, from working for his proposed new employer, MiSmile Media Ltd. (MML).

Mr. Hart had worked for KMG from November 2020 to late 2024 as an Account Director. From 2021, the defendant became Account Director for MML, a longstanding client of KMG. On the 19th of September 2024, Mr. Hart informed Mr. Khokhar of KMG that he had since taken a job at MML despite being offered more favourable terms, having been approached by the CEO of MML. Mr. Khokhar however made it clear that taking such a job was against the terms of Mr. Hart’s contract.

On the 25th of September 2024, Mr. Hart inaccurately told the claimant he had already signed a contract with MML, before proceedings were started on the 13th of December 2024. The High Court however concluded that KMG did not establish that the PTRs were enforceable with respect to confidentiality and refused the application for injunctive relief on the grounds of ‘restraint of trade’.

The onus was on KMG to demonstrate that the PTRs were reasonable, protected its legitimate business interests, and that any restrictions were commensurate with the benefits secured under the contract. Even though the services provided by MML and KMG were overtly identical, making them potential competitors, the work involved did not comprise a core part of KMG’s dental sector business and thus MML was not effectively in direct competition with KMG. Settled case law has established that legitimate interest does not cover “the skill, experience, know-how, and general knowledge" acquired by an employee, in order to rely on this interest, KMG should have demonstrated ‘objective’ knowledge.

Thus, before incorporating or seeking to enforce any PTRs, ensure that any PTR relied upon is reasonable between the parties, protects the company’s legitimate business interests, and does not venture beyond these demarcations, or else the PTR may be rendered void and unenforceable.

1 May 2025 – Due date for corporation tax due for the year ended 30 July 2024.

19 May 2025 – PAYE and NIC deductions due for month ended 5 May 2025. (If you pay your tax electronically the due date is 22 May 2025).

19 May 2025 – Filing deadline for the CIS300 monthly return for the month ended 5 May 2025.

19 May 2025 – CIS tax deducted for the month ended 5 May 2025 is payable by today.

31 May 2025 – Ensure all employees have been given their P60s for the 2024/25 tax year.

1 June 2025 – Due date for corporation tax due for the year ended 31 August 2024.

19 June 2025 – PAYE and NIC deductions due for month ended 5 June 2025. (If you pay your tax electronically the due date is 22 June 2025).

19 June 2025 – Filing deadline for the CIS300 monthly return for the month ended 5 June 2025.

19 June 2025 – CIS tax deducted for the month ended 5 June 2025 is payable by today.

Supply line interruptions can be a nightmare for any business. Whether it’s a delay in deliveries, a shortage of materials, or problems with international shipping, things can grind to a halt fast. But with a bit of planning and a calm approach, you can keep things ticking over and reduce the impact.

1. Know your supply chain inside out

The first step is understanding exactly where your goods are coming from and how they get to you. Who are the suppliers? Are they reliant on overseas shipping? Do they have a history of delays? Map it all out so you can spot weak points before they become full-blown problems.

2. Build strong relationships with suppliers

Good relationships matter. If you’ve got a solid connection with your supplier, they’re far more likely to keep you in the loop if issues arise. It also makes it easier to negotiate alternatives or push your order to the top of the queue when things go wrong.

3. Keep a buffer stock if you can

Holding a bit of extra stock can be a lifesaver, especially for critical items. It might tie up a bit of cash, but it gives you breathing space if something doesn’t arrive on time. It’s all about balance – enough to cover a delay, but not so much that it eats into your profits.

4. Have a Plan B (and maybe a Plan C)

Diversify your supply sources where possible. If one supplier can’t deliver, having an alternative ready can mean the difference between a minor hiccup and a major crisis. Even just knowing who else you could call on helps you react quicker.

5. Stay informed and flexible

Keep an eye on news that might affect supply chains – like strikes, border issues, or economic changes. The sooner you know something’s up, the quicker you can respond. And stay flexible. Can you switch to a different product? Delay a launch? Being adaptable is key.

Final thoughts

Supply line interruptions aren’t always avoidable, but they don’t have to derail your business. With a bit of foresight and some strong backup plans, you can weather the storm and keep moving forward – even if the lorries aren’t.