Marshmallows, maths and the long arm of VAT
From the Jaffa Cakes decision, which confirmed that chocolate‑covered sponge is legally cake rather than a biscuit, to the Tunnock’s Snowballs case, where marshmallow‑filled chocolate spheres were held to qualify as cakes, courts have repeatedly been required to draw fine distinctions between everyday foodstuffs. The latest entry in this line of authority is Innovative Bites […]
Gulf states and the Iran war – Should I stay or should I go?
In response, Iran launched a series of counter-strikes against its Gulf neighbours and others. What has followed has been labelled the Iran War. For those ex-pats living in the Gulf states, it is no doubt a worrying time and it is reported that some may be trying to return to the UK to avoid the […]
Year-End remuneration planning
Careful planning before 5 April can improve tax efficiency, optimise allowances and avoid unexpected liabilities. Salary v Dividend For owner managed businesses, striking the right balance between salary and dividends remains essential. Salary can preserve entitlement to state benefits and utilise personal allowances. Income tax thresholds are set to remain unchanged for 2026/27. The Personal […]
Director of a UK company looking to leave the UK?
A fundamental principle of directors’ duties, such as the attendance at board meetings, cannot be treated as ‘incidental’, meaning that the income attributed to UK duties is taxable in the UK regardless of the director’s residence status. In this scenario the UK must operate PAYE on payments made to the director, creating withholding obligations and […]
Employee Ownerships Trusts (EOT)
The Government announced in the 2025 Budget that capital gains tax (CGT) relief on a qualifying disposal to an EOT would be restricted to 50% on qualifying disposals made on or after 26 November 2025. Previously, qualifying transfers of shares would be eligible for 100% relief from CGT. It was also announced in the Budget […]
Would a Family Trust work for you?
They were originally used by those leaving to fight the Crusades, and the intended purpose was to transfer land to trusted friends to manage on their behalf while the individual was away. Today, trusts have evolved into vehicles not just for the protection of personal assets and wealth, but into tax efficient tools for individuals […]
Kilsby Williams starts new year with series of promotions
Three dedicated professionals have been promoted to Director, further strengthening the firm’s senior team. Ashley Wareham, who has expertise in both compliance and advisory work to guide clients through complex tax matters, has been promoted to Tax Director. Michelle Jenkins and Thomas Furnell-Regan, who joined the firm as a trainee in 2017, have both been promoted to Director in the […]
From payroll assistant to HR manager: Astrid’s story
Since joining Kilsby Williams in December 2020, I have had the opportunity to take on new challenges and develop professionally. Reaching my five-year milestone with the firm has been a great opportunity to reflect on how my role and the company have grown during that time. My starting point Before joining the firm, I worked […]
Promotion announced as firm celebrates growth
The firm reported positive year end figures at the end of its accounting year, achieving 15% growth. This favourable position saw the business successfully launch a highly experienced forensic accounting and expert witness service, secure work with new clients including CCR Energy, Glamorgan Cricket and others, and increase its headcount to 76. To support its […]
Kilsby Williams announces charity of the year
Based in Sully, Vale of Glamorgan, Tŷ Hafan supports families faced with the unimaginable reality that their child’s life will be short, providing compassion and specialist care so that children with life-shortening conditions can live fulfilling lives. Tŷ Hafan provides vital services to manage children’s care and support families, helping close to 1200 families since […]