VAT Investigation Specialist Guide: What Happens During an HMRC VAT Investigation?
A VAT investigation is an examination of a business’s VAT returns, calculations and supporting records by HM Revenue and Customs. HMRC usually describes this process as a VAT compliance check.
The check may be conducted...
What Is HMRC SDDS? Bank Statement Reference Explained
HMRC SDDS is a bank statement description used when HM Revenue and Customs collects an automatic Direct Debit from a taxpayer or business. SDDS stands for Strategic Direct Debit Service.
An HMRC SDDS payment commonly...
HMRC R&D Tax Claim Transparency and AI: What UK Businesses Need to Know
Artificial intelligence can affect an R&D tax claim in two ways.
HMRC uses AI and machine-learning tools within its wider tax administration, while businesses and advisers may use generative AI to organise evidence, analyse records or draft claim...
How Long Does an HMRC Tax Rebate Take? Current UK Refund Processing Times
A straightforward P800 tax rebate claimed online should be sent within five working days. A taxpayer who asks HMRC to send a cheque may wait up to six weeks.
Where a P800 letter says HMRC...
Marginal Relief Corporation Tax: How to Calculate the Sliding Scale Rate
Marginal relief corporation tax rules create a gradual transition between the 19% small profits rate and the 25% main Corporation Tax rate.
For a standard 12-month accounting period with no associated companies, a qualifying company...
Is There VAT on Train Tickets? UK Passenger Transport Rules
Yes, there is VAT on train tickets in the UK, but most UK train tickets are zero-rated for VAT. This means VAT applies at a rate of 0%, rather than the standard 20% rate.
In...
How HMRC Name and Shame Full Disclosure Protects Taxpayers From Public Listing?
HMRC Name and Shame Full Disclosure refers to a taxpayer making a complete, accurate, and timely disclosure of unpaid tax while fully cooperating with HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC).
Under the Publishing Details of Deliberate...
Inheritance Tax When Second Parent Dies: How UK Allowances Work
Last Updated: 08.07.2026
Inheritance tax when second parent dies usually depends on the value of the surviving parent’s estate, whether the first parent used any inheritance tax allowance, and whether a family home is being...
Can a Director of a Liquidated Company Get a Mortgage? What You Need to...
Last updated: 7 July 2026
Yes, a director of a liquidated company can potentially get a mortgage in the UK. Company liquidation does not automatically stop a director from being approved for a residential mortgage.
However,...
Self-Employed Car Lease Tax Deduction: The 2026/27 UK Guide
Last updated: 4 July 2026
This guide is for general information only and should not be treated as personal tax advice. Self-employed people should check the latest HMRC guidance or speak to a qualified accountant...